Madeira rises steeply from the Atlantic, so almost every road ends in a view. These are the ten viewpoints (miradouros) worth the detour, with honest notes on timing, effort and what you actually see.
1. Cabo Girão Skywalk: how high is it?
The Cabo Girão skywalk sits about 580 metres above the sea, on one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. A glass floor lets you look straight down to the fields and the water below, and the car park is a few steps away. Go early or late to avoid tour buses.
2. Pico do Arieiro: is it worth getting up for sunrise?
Yes, Pico do Arieiro (1,818 metres) is the classic Madeira sunrise, with the sun rising over a sea of cloud. You can drive to the top, but dress warmly because it is much colder than Funchal, and check the forecast, since cloud can hide everything.
3. Pico Ruivo: what do you see from the highest peak?
Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 metres the island's highest point, gives a view across both coasts when the sky is clear. The usual route is a walk from Achada do Teixeira, which is shorter than the ridge hike from Arieiro. Bring a jacket and good shoes.
4. Eira do Serrado: where is the view of Curral das Freiras?
Eira do Serrado, at roughly 1,000 metres, looks straight down into the Nun's Valley and the village of Curral das Freiras. It is a short drive from Funchal, with a brief walk to the platform. It is a good option when the higher peaks are in cloud.
5. Balcões: which easy viewpoint is good for families?
Balcões is a short, gentle walk from Ribeiro Frio, ending at a viewing platform over the Ribeira da Metade valley. It is known for its views and for the small birds that come looking for crumbs, so keep food to yourself and enjoy the quiet.
6. Ponta de São Lourenço: where is the best east coast view?
The Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula offers the island's most arid, colourful scenery, with red and ochre cliffs falling into blue water on both sides. The walk is exposed, so bring water and a hat. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
7. Pico dos Barcelos: what is the best view of Funchal?
Pico dos Barcelos is the easiest way to see Funchal's whole amphitheatre of houses, gardens and harbour, and it is only minutes above the city by taxi or car. Late afternoon is best, when the bay catches the sun.
8. Miradouro do Guindaste: what is the best north coast viewpoint?
On the north coast road near Porto Moniz, Miradouro do Guindaste looks over the cliffs and sea stacks of Seixal. This is the green, wild side of Madeira, so expect changeable weather. It pairs well with the natural pools at Porto Moniz.
9. Portela: which viewpoint shows the east?
The Portela viewpoint, on the road between Machico and Santana, frames the eastern coast with its distinctive Eagle Rock (Penha d'Águia). It sits in a lush area where the weather often changes within minutes, so look at the sky before you drive.
10. The coast from the sea: which viewpoint is not on any road?
The best view of the south coast has no car park, because you only get it from the water. A private boat trip with Chifbay from Marina do Funchal passes Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Ribeira Brava, with the whole boat to yourselves for up to 5 guests. The Day Trip leaves at 10:00 or 14:00 (2h30 for €500, or 3h for €600 continuing to Ponta do Sol). The Sunset Trip leaves 1 h 15 before sunset, so the cliffs glow gold (2h from €400). An Insta360 360° video, drone footage and photos taken with a real camera are included on every trip.
How do I plan a viewpoint day safely?
Check the forecast and live webcams first, since cloud and wind change fast on the mountains. Carry a layer and water, and tackle the high peaks early. If the mountains are closed in, the coast is often clear, which is why the sea and the summits make a good pair.
On Madeira the best view is often the one you did not plan, so leave room in the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best viewpoint in Madeira?
Pico do Arieiro at sunrise is the most dramatic, and the Cabo Girão skywalk is the easiest to reach. For a different angle, seeing Cabo Girão from the water shows its full 580 metre height.
Which Madeira viewpoints can I reach without hiking?
Cabo Girão, Eira do Serrado, Pico dos Barcelos and Portela all have parking at or very near the viewing point. Pico do Arieiro has a car park at the summit, and the Balcões walk is short and gentle.
When is the best time of day for viewpoints in Madeira?
Early morning is usually clearest, before cloud builds on the mountains. Coastal viewpoints such as Cabo Girão and Pico dos Barcelos are also beautiful in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden.
Can you see Cabo Girão from a boat?
Yes. Chifbay's Day Trip and Sunset Trip from Marina do Funchal both pass Cabo Girão, where you see the cliff from below. Drone footage from above is included on every trip when weather allows.