The Best Viewpoints in Madeira
Everybody comes to Madeira seeking green, lush, untouched landscapes. Honestly, the best way to see those is hiking the levadas that go deep inside the laurissilva forest. But there are also several viewpoints in Madeira accessible by car, offering great views of the ocean, the mountains, and sometimes both. If you’re planning your itinerary, make sure to stop at some of the best viewpoints in Madeira.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
Let’s start with the obvious choice, Cabo Girão. Standing at 580 high, it’s Europe’s highest promontory. Looking down, there’s nothing but a cliff. And to make the experience even more breath-taking (especially for those who’re afraid of heights), there’s a glass floor – the so called “skywalk” – allowing you to see everything beneath. Spoiler alert: there’s rocks, the ocean, and the oddest piece of farmed land that you can’t quite compute.
Cabo Girão is now paid (3€ per entrance). You don’t need to book ahead, since there are machines and staff at the site. If you’re stopping there on your away to other little villages on the west side, I’d reserve between 15 to 30 minutes to stay there. In my one week in Madeira itinerary, I suggest getting off the Via Rápida for Cabo Girão in the morning, and then head west again to Ribeira Brava, from where you can then go North.
via VisitMadeira
Miradouro do Guindaste
Miradouro do Guindaste is not on everyone’s itineraries. Although it’s certainly getting more and more popular now, it still feels like little hidden gem. For me, it’s an immersive experience. The glass floor here allows you to see the impossibly cerulean, clear waters. If you close your eyes, you can hear the waves rocking the peblles. And when you open then, there are stunning views over the North coast: you can see the tip of Ponta de São Lourenço, the towering Penha D'Águia in Porto da Cruz, the cliffs topped by evergreen bushes.
So, for me, this is easily one of the best viewpoints in Madeira. In fact, I hesitated to put it on this list. If tourists start pouring in, it will be harder to have that calm, immersive experience I so enjoy. I suggesting fitting it in during your visit to the North of the island, especially if you’re visiting Porto da Cruz, heading to Santana to see the famous houses and the Queimadas Park.
Eira do Serrado
Eira do Serrado is a viewpoint overlooking the Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras, which actually means the Nun’s Stables). It stands at 1095 m high, and on a clear day you can clearly see every layer of rock that comprises Madeira’s central mountains. On less clear days, the fog seems to come from between the mountains, partially covering the village, and giving it a misty, I’d even say eerie, cinematographic mood.
The road there isn’t for the faint of heart. Expect a narrow road with just enough space for two cars (careful there!), with turns at every corner going up, and up, and then a little further up. You must feel comfortable driving your rental – if you don’t, maybe it’s better to skip this one. But if you do, go to Eira do Serrado and then make the trip down to the village to try chestnut soup, chestnut cakes, and sour cherry licquor. Alternatively, you can book a half a day Curral das Freiras tour that will pick you up from your hotel.
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
I feel like I’ve already written extensively about Ponta de S. Lourenço on this blog. It’s one of hikes I recommend in January and all though the winter season. One of the daytrips from Funchal, along with Curral das Freiras. I save a whole day for it on my perfect one week itinerary to Madeira. I simply feel like anybody coming to Madeira should see it, because it’s just so different from everywhere else. And it’s beautiful on its own.
Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost tip of the island, which allows you to see the North and South coasts at the same time. To the South the ocean always looks bluer, and to the North it always seems greener – like the North itself. And seeing the island like this, I can’t help but feel there’s so much to explore. Still. Plus, on a clear day, and looking North, you can see Porto Santo as well. Hello neighbours!
Miradouro do Pico do Areeiro
Standing 1818 meters above sea level, Pico do Areeiro takes you above the clouds. The path leading from it to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak, is known as “stairway to heaven”. Even if you don’t take that path – I don’t, because I don’t feel comfortable looking down – you can easily access the viewpoint at Pico do Areeiro and enjoy the mountain view. It sounds silly on an island, but even the ocean feels far away. I’d recommend visiting either at sunrise or at sunset.
Miradouro da Bica da Cana
If you’re looking for a mountain sunrise (or sunset) slightly away from the crowds at Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, then head to Bica da Cana. It’s the highest point in Ponta do Sol (1580 meters), and you can see the sun rise above the mountains and the clouds undisturbed by crowds, cars, and buses coming in. Some people would even say it’s the most underrated viewpoint in Madeira.
Miradouro da Eira da Achada
Miradouro da Eira da Achada in Ribeira da Janela is another underrated spot, but one of the best viewpoints in Madeira. Again, I included it on my itinerary on your own way down from Fanal to Porto Moniz. It’s just so easy to miss this place, but you’ll be glad you didn’t. With a wide angle view over the North coast, it’s a peaceful and scenic place to stop and just grasp at the sheer beauty. Plus, the bathroom is usually clean and there’s room to sit down and eat looking at the view.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Achadas da Cruz are only accessible by boat or cable car. Of course, on windy days, it’s not a good idea to get on the cable car, which makes an almost vertical five-minute journey down the cliff. But if you’re visiting on a nice, sunny day, the cable car as you make your way down to ocean level is a viewpoint itself – standing between the green mountain and the ocean blue. Once down there, you can just walk by the seaside, relax, pet the stray cats, and enjoy the view.
While going to Achadas da Cruz fits better on a longer visit (say, over a week) or a second visit, you an also fit it into a wider tour to Fanal, Seixal, and Porto Moniz.
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