If you’re looking for the best viewpoints in Madeira then look no further. I’ve broken down my 8 favourite viewpoints. Here’s all the info.
1. Juncal Viewpoint at Pico Do Arieiro
Situated on Madeira’s third highest peak, Juncal viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro is famous for being the best sunrise viewpoint in Madeira.
Part of the dramatic mountain scenery of the interior of Madeira it is just a 19km drive from the city of Funchal.
You will find free parking at the main Pico Do Arieiro viewpoint. The Juncal viewpoint is only a 2 minute walk from here.
On a clear day, from Juncal viewpoint you will have stunning panoramic views across the island’s Central Mountain Range. With jagged peaks and lush green valleys, as well as views of the ocean to both sides.
Also, this viewpoint is famous as being the best sunrise spot in Madeira. Consequently many tourists flock here to stand above the blanket of clouds to watch the first rays of sunlight on the horizon.
Juncal viewpoint at Pico Do Arieiro is definitely one of the best viewpoints in Madeira.
2. Capelhina De Nossa Senhora De Fatima
Located on the north west coast of Madeira, Capelhina De Nossa Senhora De Fatima is a pretty little white chapel.
Just 34km from Funchal, its worth a drive out to enjoy this historic little building with its amazing outlook.
Built in 1948 to celebrate the end of World War II, this small chapel stands on its own on a hill. Sitting proudly on this high point, it is visible from the entire valley.
Atop the chapel is a beautiful clock tower with clock faces set into all four sides of the tower.
Once you reach the chapel you have stunning panoramic views. They stretch out across the valleys of terraced fields and little white houses and as far as the ocean.
This special little chapel with its amazing views is certainly worth the climb!
3. Levada Dos Balcoes Viewpoint
The trail to get to the Levada Dos Balcoes Viewpoint starts from the village of Ribeiro Frio. It’s a 17km drive inland from the city of Funchal.
After following an easy, flat 1.5km trail you will reach the platform of Balcoes viewpoint. From here you have breathtaking views across the lush green Ribeira da Metade valley.
As well as the beautiful valley, you are also able to see the island’s Central Mountain Range, including the two highest peaks, Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.
Furthermore, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean and the famous Penha d’Aguia cliff. Consequently, there are some great photo opportunities to be had from this viewpoint.
It’s definitely worth taking the short walk to get to the Balcoes viewpoint as the vistas are amazing!
4. Levada Do Caldeirao Verde
One of the highlights of the island of Madeira are its vast amount of Levada walks. In fact there are over 200 of these trails, originally built as irrigation channels many date back to the 1600s.
With so many to choose from, we decided to spend 4 hours exploring the source of Levada do Caldeirao Verde. Also know as the Green Cauldron, it is located in the north of the island.
This name is certainly appropriate with the mix of lush green vegetation, sheer rock faces, rushing waterfalls and tunnels it certainly is a cauldron of green.
This is a beautiful walk where you will encounter stunning scenery around every corner.
I can highly recommend using Adventure Kingdom, who run tours and Levada walks throughout the island.
We took the Madeira Island: Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk and were not disappointed!
5. Cabo Girao Skywalk Viewpoint
Located 20 minutes from Funchal, along Madeira’s south coast, at an elevation of 580m, Cabo Girao Skywalk is famous for its suspended glass platform and stunning views.
Jutting out from the edge of the towering Cabo Girao cliffs, this glass bottomed walkway is not for the faint hearted.
With 580m views down through the glass floor to the ocean below it certainly takes your breath away and gives the feeling of walking in the sky!
In addition, looking out from the skywalk, you can witness amazing views of Funchal, the town of Camara de Lobos, as well as the beautiful south coast of Madeira
If you would like to visit Cabo Girao Skywalk as part of a tour I would recommend the Madeira: Best of the West Tour from Funchal.
This unique skywalk, for me, has to be top of the list of best viewpoints in Madeira!
6. Seixal Beach
Located next to Seixal Natural Pools on the stunning north coast of Madeira, Seixal Beach is 42km from the capital city of Funchal, just off the main VE2 road.
This beautiful, black sand beach, backed by rugged green cliffs, has views across the rugged coast line that includes naturally formed lava pools as well as imposing mountains.
Unique to this part of the island, the lush green cliffs that drop away into the ocean are certainly impressive and could be why Madeira has sometimes been called ‘Europe’s Hawaii’.
This is a stunningly scenic spot and you should get some great photos here especially at sunset. Hence Seixal Beach made it on to my list of best viewpoints in Madeira.
Whilst there don’t forget to check out one of the best Natural Pools in Madeira too!
7. Faja Dos Padres
An organic farm and resort on the south coast, Faja Dos Padres is a hidden gem. Just a 20 minute drive from Funchal it is only accessible by cable car or boat.
I took the ‘state of the art’ cable car down into Faja dos Padres, which takes approximately 4 minutes to reach the bottom of the cliff.
As you descend slowly down the cliff side towards the farm you have the most amazing views over the south coast of Madeira and the small bay below.
Faja dos Padres is an organic working farm that produces fabulous fruit and vegetables as well as wine.
They also offer a restaurant serving their fresh produce, swimming and fishing facilities, tourist cottages and the most amazing sea and mountain views.
So, from breath taking views from the cable car to amazing views from the farm, Faja dos Padres is well worth being on your list of best viewpoints in Madeira.
If you like everything arranged for you, the Private Guided Cabo Girão Tour offers the option of visiting Faja dos Padres.
8. Funchal Cable Car
The Funchal Cable Car experience is the perfect way to see this beautiful city from above and gives you one of the best viewpoints in Madeira.
Starting at the old part of Funchal it ascends up into the small suburb of Monte offering magnificent panoramic views.
The landscape is just breathtaking as you travel silently and smoothly up into the mountains on this 20 minute, relaxing ride.
You will get to enjoy spectacular views of Funchal harbour and far out into the Atlantic Ocean. As well the quaint, rustic red roofed houses with backdrops of lush green valleys and cloud topped mountains.
At the top is a town called Monte, with beautiful scenery and romantic cafes, as well as the one and only Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
In addition, after the Funchal cable car experience, coming back down via the Madeira toboggan ride is something that has to be on your list of things to do in Madeira!
Where To Stay In Madeira
Luxury
Recently awarded as Europe’s Leading Design Hotel, the luxurious Vine Hotel is located in Funchal.
It offers a fusion restaurant with stunning views, a Wine Therapy Spa, access to the fitness centre and a rooftop infinity pool.
Each room features an LCD TV with in-room movies, free WiFi and a laptop-size safe.
The roof terrace sports a heated infinity pool, massage facilities as well as a 20 yard hot tub, with views of Fort São João and the mountains.
Mid-Budget
The newly renovated 4-star Hotel Baía Azul is ideally situated a 4-minute walk from Funchal’s beachfront.
It offers 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, a Spa and a sun deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the gardens.
The hotel has a total of 215 bedrooms with sea-inspired decor. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom, bath amenities and a hairdryer.
Not only that, but a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar, a kettle and a safe deposit box too.
Free WiFi access is provided in all rooms and common areas.
Budget
Funchal Apartments – City View
Funchal Apartments – City View is venue is set in Se district, around a 10 minute walk from Funchal center, and features a terrace with the cathedral view.
The property includes free WiFi, plus express check-in and check-out.
There is also a shared kitchen, ATM and currency exchange for guests.
All rooms include a wardrobe, a desk and a shared bathroom.
For more places to stay in Madeira, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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