Martin & Tina
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13. 10. 2025 Nestled in the vast Atlantic, the Portuguese island of Madeira emerges as a true natural wonderland, a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and, perhaps most notably, photographers. Known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic” or the “Garden Island,” Madeira boasts an astonishing diversity of landscapes packed into its relatively small size.
From dramatic volcanic peaks that pierce the clouds to ancient, misty laurel forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastlines pounded by turquoise waves, every corner of this island offers a captivating scene waiting to be captured. This article will guide you through Madeira’s most Instagrammable natural spots, helping you uncover the perfect angles and moments to fill your feed with breathtaking images and inspire your next adventure.
In general, the most viewpoints in Madeira are the prettiest during sunset and sunrise, or so-called golden hour.
And for those planning a trip, be sure to check out our Madeira itinerary for a seamless and unforgettable adventure!
Week in Madeira – hikes, levadas and breathtaking views
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Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is Madeira’s third highest peak with its 1,818 meters and is one of its most breathtaking and accessible mountain viewpoints, located in the mountainous interior of the island, roughly halfway between the northern and southern coasts. It’s famous for its often-spectacular “above the clouds” views, especially at sunrise.
For photographers, the absolute best time to visit is sunrise, when the sky often explodes with color and the surrounding peaks emerge like islands from a soft, ethereal sea of clouds. The Miradouro do Juncal viewpoint, located just a short walk from the car park, is a popular spot to capture these iconic vistas, offering sweeping views over the mountains and valleys. For more dramatic and diverse compositions, venture a bit further along the start of the PR1 hiking trail towards Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak). This path features narrow ridges, carved steps, and breathtaking drops, providing endless opportunities to photograph the rugged terrain, the distant ocean, and the incredible cloud inversions that frequently occur.
Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a truly enchanting part of Madeira’s ancient Laurisilva forest, located in the northwestern mountainous region of the island, part of the Paul da Serra plateau. This unique forest is renowned for its centuries-old, gnarled Til (Ocotea foetens) trees, often shrouded in a mystical fog, creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.
The best pictures in Fanal are typically captured when the forest is enveloped in its characteristic dense fog, which lends an incredible sense of mystery and isolation to the twisted, moss-covered trees. Wander along the various paths and clearings near the Fanal Forestry Station, looking for individual trees with striking silhouettes or interesting branches that can be framed against the hazy background. The open grassy areas, often grazed by local cattle, also provide excellent foreground interest. Embrace the moody conditions, as the fog simplifies the scene and allows the unique shapes of the trees to truly stand out, making it feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Miradouro dos Balcões
Miradouro dos Balcões, meaning “Balconies Viewpoint,” is a truly rewarding and easily accessible viewpoint in Madeira, located at the end of a pleasant 1.5 km (round trip) levada walk (PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões) starting from Ribeiro Frio in the island’s central north. From this magnificent balcony, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Ribeira da Metade valley, with towering peaks like Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro often visible in the distance.
For photographers, the viewpoint itself offers sweeping vistas perfect for wide-angle landscape shots, capturing the dramatic mountainous terrain and the lush green valleys below. Consider focusing on the birdlife, as chaffinches and other local birds are often accustomed to visitors and can be excellent subjects for close-up shots against the stunning backdrop. The levada trail leading to the viewpoint also provides excellent opportunities, with the tranquil water channel and the surrounding dense forest offering lovely compositional elements, especially for intimate nature shots or capturing the interplay of light and shadow filtering through the trees. Do not forget to bring your own bird feed, to have a lovely picture with a bird in your hand!
Ponta do Rosto
Ponta do Rosto is a spectacular viewpoint located at the very eastern tip of Madeira, on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. This dramatic, windswept landscape is characterized by its volcanic rock formations, arid cliffs, and breathtaking views of both the north and south coasts of the island, often revealing the powerful clash of the Atlantic waves. It’s located just a few steps away from the parking lot.
For photographers, Ponta do Rosto is an excellent spot for sunrise photography, as the sun rises over the ocean and illuminates the rugged coastline in golden hues. The various viewing platforms offer wide-angle opportunities to capture the vastness of the ocean, the unique geology of the peninsula, and the distant views of the island. Look for compositions that emphasize the stark contrast between the red and black volcanic rock and the vibrant blue of the sea, or use the winding pathways as leading lines into the scene for dynamic shots.
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