Best places to watch the sunset and sunrise in Madeira
Madeira is a place like no other. Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, this volcanic island attracts travelers from all around the world.
Many come here to enjoy hiking in the mountains and lounging in Madeira’s coastal towns. While those activities should definitely be included in your visit, it is at sunrise and sunset that the island’s magic truly comes to life.
High above the mountains or right by the ocean, there are countless spots scattered around the island where you can get some pretty spectacular views.
Whether you’re a photography geek or just like to see beautiful places at a beautiful time of the day, these five best sunset and sunrise spots are a must on your road trip through Madeira.
Standing above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro
In a nutshell
Distance from Funchal: 20 km (40 minutes)
Come here to: experience what it feels like to stand above clouds
There’s no visiting Madeira without making it to its third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro — an especially popular sunrise spot.
When you’re standing atop the mountain peak, you see the entire southeastern side of the island stretch in front of you. From the winding roads leading up from Funchal to the dragon-tail-like rocks forming Ponta de São Lourenço to the east, it feels like you’re a giant looking at a tiny world underneath you.
At some points during the day, depending on the weather, there is a blanket of white clouds as far as the eye can see, covering the world beneath. Sit down and wait if the clouds will lift, revealing the surrounding landscape.
You do need a bit of luck, so come back on multiple occasions if you can’t experience the atmosphere you were hoping for the first time around.
There are a few neat photos spots around
Mountains around Pico do Arieiro
Ponta do São Lourenço
In a nutshell
Distance from Funchal: 30 km (40 minutes)
Come here for: mindblowing landscape textures, epic photos
Ponta de São Lourenço features some of the most iconic landscapes in Madeira. When you look at it from above, it’s as if you were seeing a dragon’s tail coming out of the ocean. When you’re standing on its bright red rocks, it feels like you just landed on Mars.
Ponta de São Lourenço is one of those places that make you feel incredibly small. Most visitors come here for a seven-kilometre out-and-back trail, which is something I would highly recommend.
The trick is to start the hike at the right time, i.e. in the afternoon.
Imagine spending the night on one of these boats
Golden rain above the ocean
The rugged terrain of Ponta de São Lourenço is a perfect place to watch the sunset. As the day starts coming to an end, many visitors will have already left the trail, which gives you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of these landscapes without crowds.
The rocks turn from red to golden at sunset
Notice all the details in the landscape
Ponta do Sol
In a nutshell
Distance from Funchal: 25 km (30 minutes)
Come here for: charming beach town vibes, dinner with a sunset
Ponta do Sol is one of those places that just scream “vacation.” Pretty white houses with orange roofs perched between the surrounding mountains and cliffs, deep blue waters of the ocean stretching in front of you.
This place may not be one where you’ll capture the most epic shots. But it is one where you can allow yourself to just be and let the time flow.
Listen to the sound of the waves and watch the sun set beneath the ocean as you savour a delicious dinner.
Colourful blossoms in local gardens
Ponta do Sol is truly picturesque
Porto Moniz
In a nutshell
Distance from Funchal: 50 km (one hour)
Come here for: natural pools, waves breaking on rock formations
Located on the northwestern edge of Madeira, Porto Moniz is a town nested between the ocean’s shore and Madeira’s grand mountains.
As you drive down via the ER101, views of the winding roads below and the tiny houses scattered across the hills down to the water slowly open up, changing with every turn you take.
But it’s the two natural swimming pools that Porto Moniz is most known for. That is also where you want to be for sunrise or sunset.
Enjoy golden light reflecting off the water and the surrounding rocks, or, on a more cloudy day, watch as the shades of pink brighten up the gloom in the sky.
A moody evening
You might even spot a double rainbow! 😍
Praia de São Tiago & Praia do Almirante Reis
In a nutshell
Distance from Funchal: 0 km
Come here to: people watch; see how locals interact with each other and their surroundings
Praia de São Tiago and Praia do Almirante Reis may not have the wow factor of the other spots on this list. However, they’re located right outside the old town area of Funchal, making them the perfect sunset spot for the night before your departure.
Their convenient location means you can easily get here not just on foot but also by public transport.
When you see Madeira’s capital from one of its beaches, it gives you a unique perspective of its size, vibe, as well as geography.
Watch the houses slowly light up as the light of the day disappears or turn around and observe the sky above the ocean turn from blue to pink to black.
Pink clouds above Funchal
From rugged cliffs and high mountains to coastal towns and cities, every place in Madeira offers a different — and unique — sunrise and sunset experience. Savour what each of them brings and embrace whatever weather you get as you make your way around the island.
Have you visited Madeira? What were your favourite spots to watch the sunrise and sunset? Let me know in the comments!