Discovering the Best Sunset Spots in Madeira

Table of Contents

1. Pico do Arieiro
2. Achadas da Cruz
3. Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
4. Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira

1. Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak in Madeira, standing at 1,818 meters above sea level. While most people come here to watch the sunrise, I prefer sunsets. At sunset, the peak is less crowded, and it’s easier to find parking.Watching the sunset from this mountain is a unique experience because you are often above the clouds, giving you a stunning view. Arrive an hour before sunset to find a good spot. It gets cold at the top, so bring warm clothes.

2. Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak of Madeira, rising at an altitude of 1862 meters. You don’t have to take a ‘Pico to Pico’ hike to visit this place, you can just come to a place called Achada do Teixeira and walk 2.7 km to the Peak (5.4 km round trip). Nevertheless, I would not call even such a short hike easy, rather it is an average level, because from the parking lot to the peak you will have to climb to a height of about 350 meters, but this walk is worth it. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, Pico Ruivo is a great place watch the sunset above the sea of clouds.

3. Achadas da Cruz

Achadas da Cruz is located on Madeira’s northwest coast. It’s a quiet village known for its dramatic cliffs and traditional farming terraces. Take a cable car down to the Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a small plain by the sea, for a close view of the ocean. The ride down to the plain adds to the experience and offers great views. But you can catch the sunset here only during the winter months, when the sun sets early, as the cable car operates until 18:00, with the last ride down at 16:30.

4. Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

Located at the westernmost point of Madeira, Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse is a remarkable feat of engineering. Standing 45 feet tall, it boasts one of the highest focal planes in the world at 1,040 feet above sea level. Since its construction in 1922, the lighthouse has protected ships from striking the sheer cliffs and subsea perils of the region. For these reasons, visitors can see the lighthouse from an astonishing 26 a nautical miles away. Watching the sun set here, with the lighthouse silhouetted against the colorful sky, is a serene and memorable experience.

5. Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira

One of the most picturesque viewpoints on Madeira island is Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira. Located in the north-western coast of the island, this viewpoint boasts incredible views over the coast line, and with its dirt path make it an adventurous experience. When the sun sets over the ocean, the sky lights up in unique colors, creating a mesmerizing scene that will stay in your memory forever. To get there, you can simply put ‘Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira’ in Google Maps, from the parking lot it’s only a few minutes down the path. Perfect for a sunset photoshoot with some lovely side light to give the cliffs a beautiful orange shade.

6. Miradouro da Garganta Funda

The Miradouro da Garganta Funda waterfall is a stunning sight to behold. Standing at 140 meters tall, the waterfall cascades down into a very picturesque kettle-shaped rock formation, surrounded by lush green vines and mossy rocks. Located on the west coast of Madeira Island, in Ponta do Pargo, it is definitely worth visiting, especially during the winter season when the waterfall is at its full potential. From the viewpoint, you can also enjoy spectacular views of majestic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal place to catch a sunset.

Sunsets in Madeira are truly beautiful, offering breathtaking views that are worth experiencing. Sunsets from the highest points, like Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, can be enjoyed year-round. In winter, you can also see the sunset from southern points, while in summer, northern points offer the best views. If you want to discover hidden gems for watching sunsets, check out my guide for more stunning locations. You can also use it for additional destinations, interactive guide + map with all the tips and insights to explore the island. It includes top destinations and hikes, various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty, and you’ll see why Madeira is a sunset paradise. For additional destinations check out my

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