Madeira’s Best Sunrise Locations: 7 Stunning Viewpoints to Start Your DaY
Madeira, known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and scenic beauty, is the perfect destination for those who want to experience nature at its finest. While the island is stunning at any time of day, watching the sunrise from some of Madeira’s most picturesque viewpoints is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking to capture the perfect photo or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning, the island offers numerous spots for breathtaking sunrises.
In this blog, I will outline the seven best sunrise locations in Madeira. The majority of them are very accessible and can be reached in under 15 minutes, meaning that you dont need to get up at the crack of dawn catch the first light of the day.
At a Glance
Pico do Arieiro
Pico Ruivo
Ponta de São Lourenço
Bica da Cana
Miradouro do Guindaste
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode
Pico do Arieiro - Miradouro do Juncal
Popularity: 5/5
Time needed to reach the viewpoint: 5-30 minutes
Pico do Arieiro is one of the highest peaks in Madeira, standing at 1,810 meters, and is a top destination for sunrise seekers. The drive up is relatively easy, making it accessible for all visitors, and once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a panoramic view of the island’s peaks and valleys. The sunrise here is often above a sea of clouds, creating a dramatic scene as the sun’s golden rays spread across the mountains.
Although a beautiful spot for sunrise, it is incredibly busy, there must have been several hundred people up here when I visited. which took away from the experience. Whats more the sun rises in the opposite direction to the PR1 trails which contains the stairway to heaven. so your photos wont be as impressive as if you visited at Sunset.
AS it is so busy, I would recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before the sunrises. We arrived at 7:20 for an 8am sunrise, the upper car park was full and the police were there to direct people into the lower car park. From the lower car park it was a fast 20 minute walk up to Miradouro do Juncal, which is the best spot for sunrise.
Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, towering at 1,862 meters. The view from its summit is unrivalled, offering a 360-degree panorama of the island. On clear days, you can see from one end of Madeira to the other, with rugged cliffs, valleys, and the ocean stretching out below. Although it is more difficult to reach than Pico do Arieiro, as you have to hike to its summit, it will be significantly quieter and arguably will have a better sunrise view. The shortest route to the summit its from Achada do Teixeira which is a 2.7km one way hike which involves 270m of elevation gain. The fitter individuals will be able to get up to the summit in under an hour, but its better to give yourself a bit of extra time to enjoy the pre-sunrise glow.
Bica da Cana
Bica da Cana is one of the island’s most tranquil, easy to access, and most impressive viewpoints. From the platform you can see the Paul da Serra plateau, the island’s central peaks, and the distant coastline. On a clear morning, the panoramic views are astounding, with layers of mountains fading into the horizon. As the sun rises, the golden light spills over the peaks and forests, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
Bica Da Cana’s ease of access means it is no longer a hidden gem and has become quite a popular sunrise location. When I went there was between 20-30 people here. As the platform area is quite small it did feel very busy, which did take away from the incredible sunrise. There is is also limited roadside parking so I would advise getting here early to secure a space.
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Pico Ruivo do Paul is a lesser-known but equally stunning location for sunrise. Nestled in Madeira’s western region near Paul da Serra, this viewpoint offers a small dirt platform which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and northern coast. As the sun rises, the soft light highlights the island’s rugged beauty, creating a tranquil and unforgettable scene. With fewer tourists compared to Bica Da Cana, Pico Ruivo do Paul is perfect for those who want to enjoy a more secluded sunrise experience.
When I visited I had the place to myself. he trail was easy to follow but a little overgrown when I went, so its worth bringing some layers to protect your skin from the spiky bushes. Google maps says the trail is closed but it definitely isn’t, there are no signs or barriers up on the trail or at the car park the path and viewpoints are fine.
Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode
located near Machico, on the eastern coast of Madeira, Ponta do Bode is a hidden gem of a sunrise spot which offers stunning views over Ponta de São Lourenço. Accessible in 5-10 minutes the lesser known vantage point is ideal for those who prefer a quiet and serene location to start the day, away from the more popular tourist spots. Parking is available next to the cemetery and from there its a short walk across the mars like landscape to the cliff edge. There is a lower viewpoint but you can continue to work you way up along the cliffs to a higher and better viewpoint.
Unfortunely for me I didn’t get a sunrise when i went, but from the photo below you can see how impressive it is.
*Beware, the cliff edges are extremely brittle and are prone to breaking/collapse, so take care and dont stray to close to the edge*
Miradouro do Guindaste
Popularity: 2/5
Duration to viewpoint: 1 minute
Miradouro do Guindaste is a fantastic sunrise spot along Madeira’s northern coastline. Located near the village of Faial, this viewpoint offers spectacular views of the ocean and towering cliffs that define the island’s northern coast. The coastal views combined with its ease of access make this a great spot. The location is quite popular with photographers so dont expect to have the viewpoint to yourself.
As i was staying on the other side of the island I didn’t manage to head here for sunrise, but below is a shot of the viewpoint
Miradouro do Caniçal
Popularity: 3/5
Duration to viewpoint: <5 minutes
Located at the easternmost point of Madeira, the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula offers an incredible sunrise experience as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape here is rugged, with dramatic cliffs and volcanic rock formations, creating a stunning contrast against the rising sun. The combination of the deep blues of the ocean and the warm tones of the morning light makes this spot a favourite among photographers. Parking is available right next to the viewpoint meaning it can get busy, however there is plenty of room along the clifftop to get your own vantage point.
I never managed to head to this viewpoint for sunrise, instead I chose to go to nearby less popular Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode (listed below), but here’s a photo of what it could look like….
Photo by David Becker
Final Thoughts
From towering peaks to rugged coastlines, Madeira offers a variety of incredible sunrise locations that showcase the island’s natural beauty. The islands unique location means that as long as you can find a good vantage point then the entire north coast has an endless number of spots for sunrise. Two other great options would be Sexial or Ribeira da Janela rock.
Whether you’re hiking to the summit of Pico Ruivo, driving to Pico do Arieiro, or exploring the remote eastern tip at Ponta de São Lourenço, each of these eight spots offers a unique and unforgettable sunrise experience. Just make sure to set your alarm early and add these sunrise locations to your Madeira itinerary for a magical start to your day in paradise!
If I was to pick a top three it would be Pico Ruivo for the views, Bica Da Cana for ease of access, and then Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode as a coastal option.
Ribeira da Janela by David Becker
What is the best way to get around Madeira?
The most effective way to get around Madeira is by car as it allows you freedom to visit the locations you want, whenever you want, in the shortest time possible. Meaning you can take advantage of the many incredible locations on the island to watch the sunrise and sunset.
If you do rent a car I would advise the following:
I would avoid renting a big car as many of the mountain roads and residential streets in Madeira are very narrow.
I would avoiding renting a car with a low powered engine, otherwise you will be spending most of your uphill journey changing between 1st and 2nd gear.
If you struggle with clutch control then I would definitely opt for an automatic car as some of the junctions are savagely steep.
I booked my car rental through discovercars.com, I have used them all over Europe and they search both international and local operators for the best deal.
Let me know what you think about the article in the comments below, have I missed any locations out, and which is your favourite?
For more Madeira travel inspiration check out the following blog posts:
20 must visit viewpoints in Madeira
25 must visit photography locations in Madeira
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