The Best Sunset Viewpoints in Madeira – Our Top 15

With incredible viewpoints all over the island, Madeira offers fantastic spots to watch a magical sunrise or sunset. Most of the viewpoints are located close to the road so you don’t have to walk for too long. From being above the clouds in the mountains to the rugged ocean cliffs. There are plenty of different sunset spots on Madeira Island. After living on the island for 7 months, I have put together this complete guide with the 15 best sunset viewpoints on Madeira. Here you’ll find all the information you need from how to get there and pictures from our experiences of the best sunsets in Madeira! 

15 BEST SUNSET VIEWPOINTS IN MADEIRA

Ponta do Tristão sunset viewpoint Madeira

Ponta do Tristão is the northernmost point of Madeira Island, located in the Porto Moniz parish. The viewpoint of Ponta do Tristão offers another incredible ocean view with the rugged cliffs of Madeira’s north coast on the left side. Although this is not the most well-known viewpoint of Madeira, it offers an incredible off-the-beaten sunset experience in Madeira. Keep in mind that there are no facilities at all here. So bring your own drinks, towel and snacks and enjoy this quiet place with some of the most beautiful views in Madeira. It is a short 5-minute walk down a dirt path to get to the best view. 

Ponta do Pargo lighthouse sunset viewpoint Madeira

Located on the far western point of Madeira Island you will find Ponta do Pargo and the lighthouse. Situated on a 300-meter-high cliff above sea level, this viewpoint is a fantastic sunset spot. It is a pretty well-known spot and very easy to access. With unobstructed ocean views you can see the sun setting in the horizon on a clear day. Ponta do Pargo viewpoint is situated along the rugged coastline approximately two kilometers outside the town of Ponta do Pargo. There are no seats around so bring a towel if you want to sit down to enjoy the sunset.

After watching the sunset at Ponta do Pargo, I highly recommend having dinner at O’Forno in Ponta do Pargo which is one of our favorite restaurants in Madeira. 

Ponta da Ladeira sunset Madeira

Ponta da Ladeira is another wonderful viewpoint on the north western coast of Madeira island. Just like Ponta do Tristão there are also no facilities here and it’s also not a very well known spot. So if you’re looking for an off the beaten path sunset spot in Madeira, then you can choose from either Ponta da Ladeira and Ponta do Tristão. My personal favourite would be Ponta do Tristão as I think the view on the cliffs that touch the ocean is such a breathtaking view. From Ponta da Ladeira you will see Fajã da Quebrada Nova which is a tiny coastal village, isolated from the rest of the island by tall mountain cliffs and the Atlantic ocean.

Read everything about Ponta da Ladeira sunset viewpoint here

Cristo Rei viewpoint Madeira

The Cristo Rei monument is a sacred statue of Jesus Christ on Ponta do Garajau, a headland between Caniço and Funchal on the south coast of Madeira Island. This viewpoint offers panoramic views on the Atlantic Ocean, Funchal Bay and Desertas Islands. You can watch a beautiful sunset here when the sun sets all the way to the right lighting up Funchal city. There are plenty of facilities around such as benches and a cafe. If you want to have a short walk, you can descend down the 220 stairs to the end of the promontory.

Read everything about Cristo Rei viewpoint Madeira in this complete guide

Pico do Arieiro trail sunset

Pico do Arieiro is not only a great sunrise viewpoint in Madeira, but along the trail towards Ninho da Manta viewpoint and Rija viewpoint are also great sunset spots. Photographers flock to these spots along the trail to catch the phenomenal colours and impressive mountains in their shot. But also if you finished the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike and you return to Pico do Arieiro around sunset time, it is highly recommended to have a break and admire the sunset along the trail. 

Cabo Girão sunset viewpoint

Cabo Girão is the highest cliff in Europe standing at 580 meters above sea level. At Cabo Girão is a skywalk with amazing 180 degree panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. That’s why this is a great sunset spot year round. Cabo Girão is also very easy to access and even wheelchair friendly. The skywalk platform itself is with a transparent floor. So for some people it might be nerve wrecking to stand on it. But the views are totally worth it! You can even see Fajã de Cabo Girão which is the small land sticking out underneath the platform. 

Read everything about Cabo Girão skywalk in our complete guide

Pico Ruivo sunset

This is the first sunset viewpoint in this list for which you have to put in a little bit more effort to get there to watch the sunset. Pico Ruivo is with 1862 meters above sea level the highest peak on Madeira Island. It offers a panoramic view on the mountain range and Atlantic Ocean. So, if you’d rather spend some time in the mountains watching the sunset instead along the coast, then head up to Pico Ruivo! The easiest way to get to Pico Ruivo is from Achada do Teixeira. This is only a 30 – 40 minute hike to the highest peak of Madeira. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp so you have some light for on your way back. 

Raposeira sunset viewpoint

Raposeira viewpoint is located along the south coast of Madeira Island. Because it is orientated towards the south west, you can see a great sunset from this spot. It’s a short 10 minute walk down from the parking spot along a dirt trail to the viewpoint. It’s a kind of platform where you can relax and take in the views. Also here are no facilities around so bring your own drinks and enjoy the wonderful sunset view. 

Ponta do Sol 

Ponta do Sol is together with Calheta some of the towns in Madeira that benefit the most from sun exposure on the island. From Ponta do Sol beach you can enjoy a wonderful sunset view, as well from the restaurant Estalagem de Ponta do Sol which is also mentioned in our blog post best restaurants in Madeira. But if you want to sit closer to the shore, you can either choose to have dinner at Maré Alte which is a beach restaurant in Ponta do Sol. Or find a nice spot on the beach.

Paul da Serra 

The Paul da Serra plateau is 1640 meters high which gives great opportunities to be above the clouds on the right day. If you’re lucky to be on Paul da Serra during a day with low-hanging clouds, then there is no reason to leave to plateau for sunset. Because the more you go back to sea level, the lesser sunset view you’ll have with the low-hanging clouds. So although I don’t have a dedicated spot to tell you where to watch sunset on Paul da Serra, I can tell you that anywhere between 25 Fontes hike towards the ER210 road have some great viewpoints along the road to watch the sunset from. 

Anjos waterfall in Ponta do Sol 

Some of the most unique waterfalls in Madeira is the Anjos waterfall in Ponta do Sol. This waterfall is located in Ponta do Sol along the old coastal road and you can drive underneath it! With wonderful ocean views facing west, you’ll have a fantastic sunset view from this spot. The Anjos waterfall also turns golden when the afternoon light hits the water. A great relaxing spot in Madeira to enjoy a waterfall and sunset view at the same time. 

Miradouro de Boa Morte

This viewpoint located in Ponta do Pargo is another hidden sunset viewpoint in Madeira. Not known to many people, so you’ll most likely have this viewpoint all for yourself. You will pass a small church on your way to the viewpoint. From here you’ll have incredible 180 degree panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs of the western part of Madeira Island. 

Calheta beach and Calheta marina 

From Calheta beach and its marina you will have almost year round a great sunset view. Only during the winter months, the sun disappears a bit behind the cliffs. But if you’re located in Calheta and want to enjoy the sunset after a day of exploring, then you can just sit down at one of the restaurants along the marina and take in the sunset view over the marina. Also along Calheta beach are some cafes located which serve drinks and food. Great combination to watch the sunset with a beer or glass of wine! 

Jardim do Mar 

Jardim do Mar is another spot on Madeira Island that has year round sunset views. The town is mainly known for its great surf with big waves. But Jardim do Mar is also in general a very laid back village to stay for a few days. The beach of Jardim do Mar offers beautiful sunset views towards the west and has a very nice boulevard to walk along the ocean. And with some great seafood restaurants in Jardim do Mar, you can have the perfect evening with sunset drinks and delicious food. 

Achadas das Cruz

The small parish of Achadas was Cruz is a so called Fajã. A Fajã basically translates to a piece of flat, fertile land which is created by flowing lava and is located at the bottom of the cliff in between a cliff and water. The village is called Fajã da Quebrada Nova. But if you want to get down you have to take the Achadas was Cruz cable car. From this piece of land close to the ocean you’ll have a fantastic sunset view accompanied by the tall cliffs of Madeira’s west coast. But keep in mind that the cable car doesn’t go back up after sunset, so you have to hike back up the cliff to the car park. 

Rooftop terrace in Funchal 

Funchal is the beautiful charming capital of Madeira Island with plenty of rooftop terraces. Some of the hotels and Airbnbs in Funchal even have their own rooftop terrace. This will give you a wonderful opportunity to see the sunset over the city.

But if your accommodation doesn’t have a rooftop terrace, then there are enough restaurants in Funchal that do have a rooftop terrace with sunset view! Some hotels also have the option to dine in as day guests. This will allow you to experience their wonderful rooftop terraces without having to stay there. A few recommendations are;

• Three House hotel and restaurant
• Galaxy Skybar at Savoy Palace
• The Vine Hotel, Uva restaurant
• Allegro hotel and restaurant

Best sunset tours in Madeira

If you want to have the best sunset experience in Madeira then you can choose from these amazing sunset tours. All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

• Catamaran sunset tour dolphin and whale watching. Search for whales and dolphins and snorkel at Cabo Girão. Afterwards you can enjoy a drink while admiring the sunset.
• Sunset tour in a 4×4 through Madeira’s countryside with a barbecue during sunset. See the impressive mountains and hidden valleys of Madeira by an open 4×4 and travel along old forestry and quaint village roads. After watching the sunset you will enjoy a typical Madeirean BBQ.
• 4×4 private jeep tour to sunset swing with wine and fruits. For a romantic experience this private trip to a secret swing with sunset views is the best option in Madeira!
• Southwest coast Madeira sunset tour in 4×4 jeep. Discover the wonders of the south coast of Madeira and enjoy a 180 degree view while the sun sets on the most western point of Madeira.

General travel must haves for Madeira

Before we dive into the best sunset spots in Madeira, let’s check a few things to make your travels in Madeira easy and safe.

Have you thought about how to get around in Madeira? A car is the easiest way to drive around the island.

• Book your rental car here and compare the providers to get the best deal.
• Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Madeira. Most of the scooters you can drive with driving license (A1/A2/A) from 18 years old, or from 25 years old with a car (B) license. The motorbikes have a minimum age of 20 or 21 with A (moto) license.

Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?

• Book your full day customisable private tour here

Did you already book your accommodation? 

• Check out this great tool to compare prices of hotels on different platforms from around the world and book your favorite hotel

Are you insured during your travels?

• Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.

Where to stay in Madeira

Funchal

There are several towns in Madeira that are great to stay while exploring the island. Funchal is the capital town of the island with the most restaurants around. It has a charming old town and all sorts of facilities you might look for such as a boulevard, shopping centre, cafe’s and nightlife. It is a great place to base yourself with plenty of culture and beautiful old buildings and charming streets to explore. There are also a few beaches in Funchal to enjoy the ocean. However these beaches are from pebble stones.

→ Check out this great tool to compare prices on hotels around the world and book your favorite hotel!

We have stayed in The Vine hotel and Okulus villa which are both beautiful locations. The Vine has the comforts of a hotel including breakfast and is located right in the city centre. Okulus villa is located in the Old Town with the most amazing ocean and city view.

→ Book your stay at Okulus villa here

→ Book your stay at The Vine hotel here

Calheta

If you want to be based near a sandy beach in Madeira, then Calheta is a great place. While Funchal is more to the east of the island located, Calheta is more to the west of the island located. So eventually you can also stay a few days in both towns depending the total length of your stay in Madeira. Calheta has an atmospheric marine with restaurants offering great spots to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal.

We have stayed a few weeks at Calheta Boutique Houses during our 7 months living in Madeira. Highly recommend these private villa’s as you have all the amenities you have at home as well. The modern design and amazing ocean views makes it a perfect vacation home.

→ Book your stay at Calheta Boutique Houses here

Small villages in nature

If you want to experience really small towns to stay in Madeira, then check out the accommodations in Seixal, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente or Ribeiro Frio. Take into account that there will be less restaurants around but you will be completely immersed in the local life and nature.

→ Check here the available accommodations in Seixal, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente or Ribeiro Frio

More Madeira travel inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the 15 best sunset viewpoints in Madeira.

For more information about Madeira, read our other travel blogs from this incredible island.

50 best things to do in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

40 best photo spots in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

30 best viewpoints in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

30 best hikes in Madeira – The Complete Guide

25 best things to do in Funchal – The Ultimate Guide

25 best waterfalls in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide

20 best levada walks in Madeira – The Complete Guide

20 best restaurants in Madeira – The Complete Guide

15 best sunrise viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide

12 best beaches in Madeira – The Complete Guide

12 best Funchal restaurants – The Complete Guide

All about Poncha – The Ultimate Guide about Madeira’s traditional drink

All about Madeira wine – The Ultimate Guide