EPIC Ponta Da Ladeira Viewpoint for Sunset In Madeira
Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint is one of the beautiful sunset spots on Madeira island. As this viewpoint on the north western coast of Madeira island has clear views over the ocean and is looking down along the coastline, it is definitely one of the best sunset viewpoints in Madeira. Also known as Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira, this coastal spot near Porto Moniz is a great way to end the day on Madeira island. We went to Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint without any expectations, but were blown away by the beauty created by nature. Thanks to the crazy colours that appeared in the sky, this sunset was one of the best in Madeira we’ve seen! In this complete guide you will find all the information you need about Ponta da Ladeira sunset viewpoint, how to get there, what to expect, and our favourite photo spots.
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How to get to Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint
Located on the north western coast of Madeira island, Ponta da Ladeira is a perfect combination after a day of relaxing at the Porto Moniz Natural Pools. Or when you’ve done one of the hikes on the west coast such as Ponta do Pargo hike or Levada do Brasiliero.
You can drive all the way to the entrance of the viewpoint which is only a few steps down a dirt path. Put into Google Maps ‘Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira’ and you will get there. From the parking lot, it’s only a few minutes walk down the path until you get to the cliff sides. From this spot you’ll have an amazing view down the coastline with the sun setting on your right side. I would recommend to wear proper shoes when walking down as the dirt path can be slippery due to loose stones and gravel.
What to expect at Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint
When we made our way down along the dirt path we saw only a ramshackle fence at the first section. But as soon as you make your way down on the cliff, there is no safety fence anymore. So be careful and don’t go too close to the cliff sides. Especially on a windy day!
The beauty of Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint is that you can look down along the coastline. This gives some beautiful settings for a nice sunset photoshoot. Which was the reason I brought my fancy pink dress in case there would be a stunning sunset. And oh boy what a sunset we got that evening!
The view on Fajã da Quebrada Nova
In the far distance you can 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. You can only get to this village via the Achadas Da Cruz cable car or when you hike towards it. A few years ago it was only possible to get here by boat! No one really lives in this village, but the huts belong to farmers who have their plots of crops here or go fishing. If you have some time left, definitely head down with the cable car of Achadas Da Cruz to Fajã da Quebrada Nova.
A bomb of sunset colours
After a bit of exploring around and figuring out what the best angles were to shoot, we waited for some nice light to come through. In the first place it was a bit cloudy when we got to Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint. But after the sun had set, the sky went on fire! The clouds, which we initially thought would ruin the sunset, started to lit up. In a very short time after the sunset, the entire sky turned into a vibrant red, pink and orange colour bomb. We all got so excited and couldn’t stop shooting this insane sunset! This is the reason why we have so many photos of Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint, because it was just too beautiful to stop photographing! We hope you will have the same luck as we had this evening so you can witness some of the best sunsets on Madeira.
Best photo spots Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint
Some of the best photo spots at Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint are directly accessible once you’ve made your way down. We choose to use the coastal line on the left side in our frame as it is one of the reasons to walk down to this spot. The sun sets on your right hand into the ocean and might differ some of the exact location depending the season. But wherever the sun sets, you will have some beautiful side light on the cliffs which makes them look orange. With some luck the sky might turn into an epic colour bomb of sunset colours which we had this evening.
You can also face straight towards the ocean, especially when the colours lit up the sky and reflect on the water. But this won’t show the beauty of this viewpoint with the epic coastline which is why it’s worth it to go here!
If you have a drone you can capture the viewpoint from further away which is a nice angle as well. Position yourself or a friend in the frame so you can show the perspective of the impressive cliffs in comparison to the human size.
If you’re already flying the drone it’s definitely worth it to check out the cliffs from further away. Make a panorama shot or topdown of the cliffs touching the ocean. Be creative and of course take your time to enjoy this beautiful spot as well!
Why you should go to Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira instead of Miradouro dos Pombais
Very close to Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint is another viewpoint called ‘Miradouro dos Pombais’. You can watch the sunset from here as well, but this viewpoint is just a parking lot which makes it less interesting for photography and less adventurous to experience. At Miradouro dos Pombais you also can’t look down the impressive coastline. That is a huge plus from Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint which is why we choose to go there in the first place. So I would definitely recommend to go to Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint and walk down to the grass area instead of going to Miradouro dos Pombais. But if you prefer to not walk, or you’re a bit afraid of heights, the Miradouro dos Pombais might be a better option. If you have the time you can check them out before sunset so you can make the decision which one suits you better.
Best Madeira island tours
If you want to explore the best of Madeira with a guide then here some great tours I recommend. During these tours you will pass by some of the best viewpoints which I share in this complete guide. All of these tours include transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes the entrance fees if applicable. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Madeira Tours
- Customized 6 hour Madeira tour. On this six-hour tour you can choose the different areas you want to visit on Madeira island. Pick the landmarks and iconic places to make your own itinerary with the help of your local guide/driver.
- West Madeira private tour. Starting in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos you will drive via Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe, to the beautiful view of Serra d’Agua valley. From there you will head to São Vicente to explore the Laurisilva forest. Continuing north, you will visit Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools where you can swim. As last stop you will visit the famous rocks at Ribeira da Janela.
- East Madeira tour. Visit Pico do Arieiro viewpoint, make pictures at the Santana houses and the beautiful viewpoints at Porto da Cruz to finish the day at the impressive volcanic landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Canyoning adventure with transfer from Funchal. Get the thrill of canyoneering and explore Madeira’s untouched nature. follow a river as you walk, rappel, slide and jump through hidden waterfalls with streams that cross endemic forests. A super fun and adventurous day!
- Ponta de São Lourenço hike with pick up in Funchal. Explore the most eastern tail of Madeira island with its unique volcanic rock formations to understand how the island was created.
Funchal Tours
- Funchal 48-hour hop-on hop off bus tour. Explore the lush landscape of Madeira and the sights of Funchal at your own pace with a 2 or 5 day ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Tuk-Tuk tour to Monte Tropical Garden with Toboggan ride from Funchal. Explore Funchal Old Town with a Tuk Tuk before making your way to the mountains to the stunning Monte Tropical Garden. There you will explore over 70,000 square meters of exotic plants. At the end of the tour you will enjoy the thrilling ride down the hill with a Toboggan ride.
- Funchal Old Town walking tour. Learn about the history of Funchal and Madeira on a guided walk through the city’s medieval center. Visit the farmer’s market, the Campo Almirante Reis. The Fortress of St. James, and a number of other sites as your guide provides commentary.
Boat Tours
- Dolphin & Whale watching Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Funchal. Enjoy the views of Funchal from a luxury catamaran. Look out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat as your relax on board and explore the underwater world with a snorkel.
- Scuba diving Madeira. Explore the underwater world of Madeira island. A theory lesson and practice in swimming pool is included. This before you will dive about 12 meters for 45 meters in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sunset tour from Funchal by Catamaran. Watch the sunset off the coast of Madeira on a 3-hour evening catamaran cruise from Funchal and spot dolphins (guaranteed, or you get a 2nd trip for free).
General travel must haves for Madeira
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?
Did you already book your accommodation?
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.
More Madeira travel inspiration
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Ponta da Ladeira sunset viewpoint on Madeira island.
For more inspiration about the best things to do in Madeira, head over to our other blog posts.
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
15 best sunset viewpoints in Madeira – The Complete Guide
12 best beaches in Madeira – The Ultimate Guide
12 best Funchal restaurants – The Complete Guide
All about Poncha – The Ultimate Guide
Hello Ilse, the viewpoint at Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint looks beautiful. Your pictures are breathtaking. Thanks for all your info about this beautiful spot, especially to watch sunset.