01
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is one of the most iconic experiences on Madeira — and for good reason. As the sun slowly lights up the landscape in warm tones, you’re standing above a sea of clouds, surrounded by an incredible mountain backdrop, and it almost doesn’t feel real.
In the early morning hours, a phenomenon called a temperature inversion often occurs on Madeira: cooler, heavier air settles in the valleys, while warmer air sits above it. This causes the clouds to remain trapped below, forming that dense cloud layer which only rises later in the day. Watching this at sunrise is truly impressive and something you definitely shouldn’t miss.
That being said, you won’t be alone up there. Many other visitors come to see this exact moment, so the parking area fills up quickly. Most cars end up parked along the roadside, meaning you’ll have to walk a bit uphill. Make sure to plan extra time for this so you don’t arrive after sunrise.
At the viewpoint, you basically have two options. Most people head to the right from the parking area, where you get a direct view of the rising sun. We chose to go left instead, onto the hiking trail toward Pico Ruivo. This is where the famous Pico-to-Pico hike begins. Even if the trail is partially closed, you can usually still walk a short section. From there, you’ll get an equally — if not even more — spectacular view, with far fewer people around. It makes the whole experience feel much more special.
Sunset at Pico do Arieiro is also absolutely worth it. It’s a bit quieter than in the morning, but just as beautiful. If you can, try to do both — sunrise and sunset. The best part: it’s super easy to reach. From the parking lot, it’s only a short walk.
Before heading up in the evening, make sure to check the webcam at Pico do Arieiro. That way you can see the current cloud conditions and decide if it’s worth the drive.
02
Magical atmosphere in the Fanal Forest
The Fanal Forest is one of the most magical places on Madeira and it honestly feels like stepping into another world. The ancient laurel trees, with their twisted branches and almost whimsical shapes, give the landscape a truly unique, almost mystical atmosphere. There’s even a tree here known as the “Witch Tree.”
What makes this place so special is the constantly changing weather. Because of its elevation, clouds drift through the forest again and again. Within minutes, the entire scenery can shift — one moment it’s covered in dense fog, the next it’s bright sunshine. This contrast creates a unique, almost surreal mood that makes the Fanal Forest so unforgettable.
It’s an absolute dream for photography. The fog settles over the landscape like a soft veil, making the trees look even more dramatic. But even without a camera, it’s simply beautiful to walk across the wide, open fields and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Getting there is also super easy. There are several small parking areas nearby, and from there it’s just a short walk until you’re right among the trees.
Scattered across the fields, you’ll often find cows calmly grazing or just resting in the grass. They’re used to people and somehow add to the quiet, almost peaceful feeling of this already special place.
03
The most impressive hikes
Madeira is an absolute dream destination for anyone who loves hiking. The island offers countless trails — from easy levada walks to dramatic coastal and mountain hikes. Due to limited time, we only managed to do three hikes, but I already know this won’t be my last trip to Madeira. I loved the island so much, and there’s still so much left to explore!
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço in the east of the island was our favorite. We started at sunrise, which meant the trail was almost empty at first — a huge plus! The landscape here feels completely different from the rest of the island: more rugged and barren, but with breathtaking views of the cliffs and the open ocean. On the way back, once the sun lights everything up in warm tones, you really understand why this is considered one of the most beautiful hikes on Madeira.
The levada hike to the 25 Fontes Waterfall is also one of the most popular on the island and you can definitely tell. Still, it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you continue on to Lagoa do Vento. It’s much quieter there, making it perfect for a relaxed break or even a little picnic. At the start and end of the trail, you’ll also find a cozy hut where you can grab snacks like Pastéis de Nata.
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde was also on our list. However, we didn’t realize how long the hike actually is. Since we started too late, we had to turn back because we didn’t have any gear for hiking back in the dark. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful hikes on the island, so it’s definitely on the list for next time.
There are already a few more hikes on that list. Since we only had five days on Madeira, we didn’t have time for the Levada do Rei, which is also supposed to be stunning. And the famous Pico-to-Pico hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo was unfortunately closed during our visit.
Either way, whether it’s coastal trails, waterfalls, or mountain views, Madeira truly has the perfect hike for everyone. And that’s exactly why it’s a place you’ll want to come back to again and again.
By the way: The so-called levadas are traditional irrigation channels that run across the entire island like a network. They were originally built to transport water from the rainy mountain regions to drier areas. Today, many of Madeira’s most beautiful hiking trails run alongside these channels.
04
The best viewpoints
Madeira is made for spontaneous photo stops. It feels like there’s a new view waiting around every corner; whether it’s dramatic cliffs, lush green mountains, or the open ocean. Along the roads, you’ll find plenty of so-called “miradouros” (viewpoints) where you can easily pull over. So make sure to leave some extra time in your schedule for these little stops.
One of the most beautiful spots — especially for sunset — is at Cristo Rei. The atmosphere here feels really special. If you walk a bit away from the main platform and find a spot slightly off to the side, you can still enjoy some peace and quiet despite the number of visitors. It’s the perfect place for a sunset picnic with a view of the ocean.
Another great spot for a sunset picnic is the viewpoint at Farol da Ponta do Pargo. Located on the western edge of the island, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set directly over the Atlantic.
Also worth mentioning is the Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, known for its striking rock formations rising out of the sea — a true photo spot and especially popular for Instagram.
But honestly, there are countless beautiful stops all over the island. We especially loved Ponta do Rosto and the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. Still, these are just a few examples. Some of the best moments happen when you simply pull over spontaneously, step out of the car, and take it all in.
05
Natural Pools: swimming in the Atlantic
Madeira is known for its natural lava pools (the so-called Piscinas Naturales). Formed by cooled lava, they offer a unique way to swim in the Atlantic while still being somewhat protected from the open ocean.
We visited three of these pools in total. Our favorite was the Piscinas Naturais do Seixal. The pools here feel especially raw and natural, with dark volcanic rock and direct views of the ocean. There’s a small bar, but everything is very laid-back — more like a casual beach stand with a bit of music in the background. If you walk a little further away, you’ll find quieter spots where you can fully enjoy the scenery.
A bit more developed, but still very nice, is Doca do Cavacas. It offers a good balance between natural and slightly built-up, making it a great place to spend a relaxed day.
The most famous pools on Madeira are in Porto Moniz. The setting is stunning, but due to the size and infrastructure, it feels a bit more like a public swimming pool. That said, there are safety measures like lifeguards — which are important here. Depending on the waves, conditions can become rough, and there’s always a chance that a wave could pull you out.
In general, keep in mind: even though the pools are protected, they’re still part of the Atlantic. Especially when the waves are strong, it’s important to stay cautious and pay attention to local conditions.
There are plenty more natural pools around the island. I’ve saved a few additional ones for you in my Google Maps list.
06
The most beautiful beaches
Even though Madeira isn’t your typical beach destination, the island still has some really beautiful spots by the ocean — perfect for a relaxing break in between all the adventures.
We didn’t spend that much time at the beach ourselves, mainly because the natural pools were just too tempting. Still, there are a few beaches that are definitely worth visiting.
One you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Praia da Ponta do Sol. It’s not so much the beach itself, but the overall setting that makes this place so special. Right by the water, you’ll find a charming, colorful village with small streets, little shops, and cozy restaurants and beach bars. From the rocks, you get a beautiful view of both the beach and the town.
Another great spot is Praia de Caniçal. It’s quieter, sometimes almost empty, and located in the eastern part of the island — perfect if you’re just looking to relax.
One of the most well-known beaches near Funchal, easy to reach and ideal for a spontaneous stop, is Praia Formosa. If you prefer something a bit wilder with a more natural setting, Calhau de São Jorge is a great option. And at Praia do Seixal, you’ll find one of the few sandy beaches on the island (with dark sand), set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
In general, Madeira’s beaches are often rocky or pebbly rather than classic sandy beaches. But that’s exactly what gives them their unique charm — they blend perfectly into the island’s wild and natural landscape.
07
Walking under waterfalls
Madeira has countless waterfalls from well-known Instagram spots to small, hidden places you’ll almost have all to yourself.
The Cascata dos Anjos is probably the most famous waterfall on the island. It’s especially well known because it flows directly over a road. In the past, you could actually drive through it. But nowadays the road is (at least temporarily) closed, partly due to the high number of visitors. Today, you can only reach it on foot and take that iconic photo standing under the waterfall.
While driving around the island, we also stopped spontaneously at a waterfall — Ribeiro Frio. There’s a viewpoint right along the road where you can admire it, but if you’re up for it, a hiking trail will take you even closer.
I already mentioned the 25 Fontes waterfall hike, but I can only recommend continuing on to Lagoa do Vento. It’s much quieter there and just incredibly beautiful.
A smaller but especially peaceful waterfall is the Cascata da Água d'Alto. After a short walk, you’ll reach it — and usually with hardly anyone else around. It’s the perfect place to pause for a moment and take in nature.
08
Madeira’s capital: Funchal
A visit to Funchal is definitely a must when traveling to Madeira. Overall, the city offers the perfect mix of relaxed strolling, small highlights, and great food spots.
Even a simple walk through the city is worth it — from the Parque de Santa Catarina with views over the harbor, along the promenade, and into the small streets and squares. And of course, the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo is a must-see.
High above the city, you’ll find the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a beautiful botanical garden. To get there, you can take the famous cable car (Teleférico) up to Monte and, after your visit, ride back down with the Carros de Cesto do Monte. A truly unique experience!
These traditional basket sledges (“Carros de Cesto”) have a long history. They were once used as a quick means of transportation from Monte down to Funchal — long before cars existed. Today, they’re mostly a tourist attraction, but still a special part of Madeira’s heritage.
A slightly unusual sight just outside of Funchal is the Airport Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s considered one of the most spectacular airports in Europe. Part of the runway is built on stilts extending over the ocean, which is pretty impressive. Surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic, both landing and takeoff are a real experience — even for those who are usually relaxed flyers.
Beyond all the sights, it’s especially the cafés that make Funchal stand out. While you’ll find great restaurants all over the island, this is where you’ll discover the highest concentration of stylish, modern cafés — perfect for a little break in between.
09
Casas Típicas de Santana
The Casas Típicas de Santana are among the most iconic photo spots on Madeira and are definitely worth a quick stop. These small, triangular houses with their thatched roofs and colorful facades don’t just look unique—they also have a long history.
Originally, they were used by farmers as simple homes and storage spaces. Thanks to their special design (with roofs that extend almost all the way to the ground), they’re well protected against wind and weather — something that was especially important in Madeira’s mountainous and often humid regions.
In Santana itself, there’s a small, landscaped area where several of these houses are grouped together. It’s a bit touristy, but still very nicely done — with a charming flower shop and plenty of photo opportunities. Perfect for a short visit and a few pictures.
You don’t need to plan much time here, though. It’s more of a quick stop on the way to other places. While driving around, make sure to keep your eyes open. You’ll often spot individual houses along the road that aren’t staged for tourists. These tend to feel even more authentic and give a better sense of the original architecture.
So: pull over, keep your eyes open, and just take in whatever you come across along the way…