45 Best Photo Spots in Madeira: A Complete Photography Guide

Madeira is a photographer’s dream - with dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and colorful villages scattered across the island. Whether you are hiking high above the clouds or strolling through charming seaside towns, you will quickly see why this Portuguese gem is becoming increasingly popular. In this guide, we will share the best photo spots in Madeira so you can capture its beauty from every angle.

From sweeping viewpoints to hidden waterfalls, Madeira offers endless opportunities for incredible shots. The island’s diverse landscapes mean you can go from volcanic black sand beaches to serene natural pools in just a short drive, drive right under a waterfall, or find yourself standing above the clouds minutes apart. No matter what your photography style is, you will find plenty of places to fill your camera roll in the best way.

We will take you through the most picturesque hikes, stunning coastal views, and unique cultural landmarks that make Madeira so special. Get ready to explore, wander off the beaten path, and discover photo spots that will make your trip unforgettable.

Madeira Photography Guide: A Brief Intro & Things to Know

Are you ready to learn all about taking the perfect pictures in Madeira? Before diving into the top photo spots of the island, let’s go over some of the basics so you can plan your trip just right.

What is Madeira Island Famous For?

Madeira is known for its dramatic mountain peaks, lush forests, cliffside villages, and the unique network of “levadas” (irrigation channels) that double as scenic hiking trails.

It’s also famous for year-round spring-like weather, delicious Madeira wine, colorful festivals, and some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Atlantic.

 Is Madeira Worth Going to for Photography?

If you're a photographer, Madeira is an absolute dream. Full of lush greenery, charming towns, scenic hikes, and beautiful waterfalls around the island, it's impossible to leave Madeira without have incredible photos.

 Weather in Madeira

When capturing the best photo spots in Madeira, understanding the unique weather of the island is key! Madeira experiences sub-tropical spring-like weather year round. However, it's a lot trickier than simply saying "it's tropical".

The island is known for its clouds, which often are great for taking photos. One moment you can find yourself with blue skies, and a 5 minute drive up the road can lead you into a thick layer of fog. Other moments you'll find yourself over a full blanket of clouds, and that's the true beauty of Madeira.

From intense winds and unpredictable weather, capturing the most scenic locations in Madeira can require a bit of patience, and sometimes multiple trips to really get the shot you're looking for. It's challenging, but makes the outcome that much more rewarding.

 When is the Best Time to Visit Madeira for Photography?

The best time to visit Madeira if you're a photographer can vary so much! May is when we visited, and the island was full of flowers, making it super vibrant. It also was much cooler and rainier at this time though, so the summer is more ideal for capturing sunny skies and clear views.

Winters offer warm sunsets and some incredible cloud inversions, while fall can still have a mix of cloudy and clear days but with fewer clouds.

We visited in May and it was full of flowers in Madeira!

Can I Use a Drone in Madeira?

Drones are allowed in Madeira! Just make sure you are not flying next to the airport, and that you are mindful of the air space. Madeira can also face harsh weather conditions, so it's important to be extra careful, and to use drones that are more professional to withstand the winds in certain areas.

Where is the Best Place to Take Pictures in Madeira?

There are so many incredible photo spots in Madeira, and you seriously can't go more than a few minutes driving without finding a beautiful place to photograph. If you love waterfalls and traditional huts, then the best area of the island is the north east, and if you love gorgeous cliffs the best area is all the way on the eastern peninsula.

Those that love sunshine and beautiful views will love the west coast, and if you're seeking gorgeous hiking and cloud inversions, then you'll favor the inland area of the island.

Whatever you're into though, Madeira is there to deliver with the most gorgeous viewpoints, pretty cascades, cute towns, and so much more.

There are a wide variety of places to photograph across the entire island of Madeira.

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira

Now that you know a bit about what the island is known for and what to look out for, let's jump right into the best photo spots on Madeira island!

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Epic Hikes

Madeira has truly epic hikes, and many of the best waterfalls and viewpoints will include getting there on foot.

The island has plenty of opportunities for hikers, and also has an easy system for the top hiking routes. Here are some that you definitely won't want to miss out on if you love photography.

PR6 Fontes + Levado do Risco

If you're looking for some of the best waterfalls in Madeira, then this hike is one for your Madeira bucket list!

This lush route takes you deep into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping into another world. The levada paths wind through mossy greenery and have intertwining routes to different falls.

The trails are easy and rewarding, making them ideal for photographers looking to optimize their time! We do recommend going early though, as these spots can get really crowded.

Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo

One of the most famous trails in Madeira, this challenging hike connects two of the island’s highest peaks and offers views that are nothing short of spectacular. The rugged mountain scenery changes constantly as you make your way along steep ridges, through tunnels carved into the rock, and past dramatic cliffs that drop into deep valleys.

The light here is especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the clouds roll in below you and the peaks seem to float above them. The entire hike right now is under construction (summer 2025), but you can hike a small portion which is easy, scenic, and full of incredible photo opportunities.

PR11 Levada dos Balcoes

This short, easy trail delivers one of Madeira’s most famous viewpoints without much effort. Following a flat levada path through the forest, you soon reach the Balcões viewpoint, which opens onto a sweeping panorama of the Ribeira da Metade Valley, surrounded by jagged green peaks.

On clear days, you can see all the way to the ocean and even spot the island’s central mountain range in the distance. We didn't get that lucky, but we certainly hope you do!

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

This was certainly one of our favorite areas to hike along the island, and one we highly recommend for photographers! We were originally looking for a specific viewpoint we found on Instagram, but then were greeted with gorgeous views the entire way.

The trail goes along the Sao Lourenco peninsula, which can only be accessed by foot and has dramatic and vibrant cliffs. We hiked just a bit of it, but you could certainly spend half a day here! 

Because it is not as busy as the island’s more famous hikes, you will often have the views to yourself, giving you more freedom to set up the perfect shot without crowds in the background.

Vereda do Larano

This coastal trail is a dream for photographers, offering rugged cliffside views and an endless stretch of the Atlantic. Starting near Machico and heading toward Porto da Cruz, the path hugs the mountainside with waves crashing down below, creating dramatic scenery from start to finish.

The trail can be exposed and windy, but that only adds to its wild beauty. It is especially stunning when the sun lights up the turquoise water against the dark volcanic rock, meaning it's one of the places you can enjoy photographing during the daytime.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

 The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Breathtaking Views

Other than the amazing hikes that the island has to offer, there are plenty of other opportunities for fantastic vistas! From coastal cliffs to pretty panoramas from the side of the road, here are some breathtaking views in Madeira you won't want to miss.

• Ribeira da Janela
• Miradouro da Eira da Achada
• Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
• Rocha do Navio
• Cabo Girão Skywalk
• Miradouro do Guindaste
• Miradouro da Vigia
• Miradouro Pisco da Murta
• Miradouro do Ponta do Rosto
• Achadas da Cruz
• Cristo Rei
• Levada dos Balcões
• Miradouro Fortim do Pico
• Pico do Arieiro

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Incredible Beaches

Madeira is an island, and yet one of the thing people hardly talk about are its beaches! There are some stunning beaches in Madeira to photograph though, and here are a few of our favorites.

Praia do Garajau

Coming back up from Cristo Rei we peaked down to see one of the most stunning beaches in Madeira. Hidden below Funchal next to a striking cliff, Praia do Garajua can be reached by a long walk down a paved road, or by taking a cable car.

We didn't actually get to photograph here due to a limit on time, but we're sure you'll be able to capture some real magic here.

Seixal Black Sand Beach

There's nothing better than a black sand beach, and we've been lucky enough to experience them in Iceland, El Salvador, and the Canary Islands. This one may just be our favorite though, with it's gorgeous cliffs surrounding it! We highly recommend spending the early morning here for optimal lighting, and the avoid the crowds.

Ribeira da Janela

Ribeira da Janela is often known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira! Although it's a rocky beach and not one for hanging out, it offers really gorgeous photo opportunities with its striking rock formations.

It's so beautiful that we arrived for sunrise to find a couple getting married! We recommend also going for sunrise - make sure to capture shots both on the beach itself, and the small viewpoint just steps away that overlook it.

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Beautiful Waterfalls

There are so many stunning waterfalls in Madeira! In this section, we won't go into great details, as we have a dedicated guide to the best waterfalls in Madeira. Here is a list of our favorites, and if you want the info for getting there, prices, and other tips, then make sure to head to our other article.

• Risco Waterfall: one of the most popular waterfalls on the island, reached by hiking
• 25 Fontes: another great waterfall that can be reached from the Risco Waterfall trailead
• Veu da Noiva: a unique viewpoint of a waterfall falling from a ciffside
• Rocha do Navio: a viewpoint of waterfalls along with other cascades that can be seen from a cable car ride
• Agua d'Alto: a true hidden gem near Santiago
• Aguage Waterfall: a stunning waterfall tucked away behind a village
• Levado do Caldeirao Verde: a tall waterfall reached by a 2-hour hike
• Cascata da Ribeira da Pedra Branca: hidden gem off the side of a road
• Cascata dos Anjos: waterfall cascading over the side of a coastal road
• Lombinhos Waterfall: another cascade over a curved road
• Cascatas Gemeas: twin waterfalls cascading over a hidden beach

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Relaxing Pools

Looking to capture some beautiful photo spots in Madeira and enjoy some relaxation at the same time? Here are some truly amazing natural pools that you won't want to miss out on.

Piscinas Naturais do Seixal

Seixal is mostly known for its black sand beach, but just around the corner you can find 2 different sets of natural pools! The easiest to access is the one right next to the beach, but head down the coast and you'll find a set of two other natural pools.

You'll have to pay a small entrance fee and walk down a steep hill to get there, but the two pools here are large and surrounded by gorgeous volcanic rock formations, making it absolutely a gem worth visiting.

Porto Moniz

Located in the northwest of the island, Porto Moniz offers some of the most iconic pools on the island. Unlike many of the natural pools you'll find, Porto Moniz has more infrastructure, with several pools to relax in, a restaurant, and some really cool photo opportunities.

Piscinas Naturais do Aquario

Porto Moniz has more pools than just the more commercialized one, so if you're looking for a more low-key spot to capture pools without crowds, then head slightly up the coast to this gem.

Doca do Cavacas

This is another set of pools in Madeira that are more commercialized and set up for tourism. Jutting out from the coast, it's easy to capture beautiful shots here from a variety of angles.

We recommend flying your drone, but only if you're one of the first ones there!

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Other Stunning Places in Nature

As you can see, Madeira is full of fantastic panoramas, stunning waterfalls, breathtaking hikes, and amazing natural pools. But that's not all the island has to offer when it comes to natural beauty! Here are a few other unique places we love in Madeira's outdoors.

Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest is one of the most spooky but stunning places we have ever been. One minute down the road you can have clear blue skies, and all of the sudden you'll get greeted by with a think layer of fog. It's oftentimes in this state, which honestly adds to the vibe of these peculiarly shaped trees.

Make sure to bring protection for your camera from the mist, as well as a lens cleaner, and a cover for your backpack so it doesn't get muddy, and of course - get ready for some truly magical photos! Don't miss out on the witch tree, which is the most iconic of all of them.

Jardim Monte Palace

Located just outside the capital city of Funchal is the most impressive set of gardens you'll find. Complete with waterfalls, ornate fountains, scenic pathways, and an endless amounts of flowers, you can easily spend half a day enjoying the gardens, especially with a camera in hand.

Our favorite part of the gardens were the Japanese gardens, along with the central area that does a show in the middle of the day. For a bonus take the scenic cable car to get up there!

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Cities & Towns

Madeira is certainly known for its nature, but it also does have a few cities and towns worth exploring with your camera! Here are the top ones to add to your photography journey on the island.

Funchal (streets, market, gardens)

Funchal is the capital of the island, and where you'll find the most buildings. The architecture of Funchal is unique, and the city has plenty of fun finds for photographers such as the vibrant fruits of the local market, cobblestone streets, and flowery gardens scattered around it.

Ponta do Sol (streets)

Located in the south of Madeira, this charming little town is full of cozy cafes, colorful buildings, and quaint natural settings around it. While there aren't any strikingly unique things to capture, there is overall beauty here, making it perfect for walking around with your camera and getting out your creative side.

Camara de Lobos

This small town was one of the quirkiest places in Madeira that we visited, and is great to visit for some fun artsy photos. The streets have installations along them made out of recycled goods, and the marina is lovely to stroll down, also including a cool sea lion mural! (also made from recycled materials).

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Churches, Houses, & Bridges

The island of Madeira is often given considerable recognition for its nature, but we also think they deserve a mention for their architecture! Here are a few spots that the locals have built that will up your Instagram feed.

Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fatima

Tucked away in a small town in the north of central Madeira lies a picturesque white cathedral that is definitely one of the best photo spots on the islands!

Not only is the cathedral adorable, but it offers 360 degree views from the top featuring ocean views and endless layers of greenery surrounding. It's up a long staircase, but definitely worth the effort. Bring your drone for even more unique shots of it!

The Traditional Houses of Santana

Located in the north of the island, the charming town of Santana is characterized by some of the most adorable buildings. The traditional A-frames have red doors, blue details, and straw roofs, and make for some pretty cute photos.

Ponte da Ribeira d'Ametade

This stone bridge covered with moss has a perfect arch sitting high in the mountains and is surrounded by lush greenery. The shots are fantastic with a drone, and if you don't have one you can simply photograph the gorgeous views around it.

Capturing the Best Photo Spots in Madeira

Now that you know all of the most Instagrammable spots in Madeira, let's help you capture the moments with the best gear and fun photoshoots you can sign up for.

Capturing the Best Photo Spots in Cappadocia: Gear (& What We Use)

Want to capture photos similar to ours? Here is the gear we used in the different locations around Madeira.

• Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha 7riii
• Wide Lens: Ideal for big waterfalls or capturing wide landscapes (We use the Sony GM 14")
• Wide-Range Lens: Good for capturing most shots (We use the Sony GM 24-70).
• Telephoto Lens: Good for bringing the mountains in the back closer (We use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Drone: We use the Mavic Mini Pro 4 because it's super light, shoots vertically, and has amazing quality, although we'd also recommend the Mavic 4 Pro for areas with high winds.
• Action Camera: We use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & can be used with an extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots where you can't use one.
• Tripod: We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod
• Presets: We use our own Scratch Your Mapa Presets (these ones are mostly with the Into the Wild Preset Collection)

Photo Shoots in Madeira

Want to get the most stunning photos in Madeira? Hiring a professional who has experience with the unique weather patterns of the island makes capturing the beauty of it so much easier.

Whether it's capturing the magical light of sunrise with a pro or doing this wild pole dance photo shoot, you're sure to get some gorgeous shots.

The Best Photo Spots in Madeira: Final Tips & What's Next

Now you know everything you need to capture the magic of Madeira! Before you head out with your camera, here are a few extra tips to make the most of your photography adventure:

• Plan your shoots around the weather, as skies can change quickly and dramatically affect your photos.
• Visit the most popular viewpoints early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid crowds and get the best light.
• Love Valley and Red Valley are ideal for golden hour, while spots like Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle can be photographed beautifully throughout the day.
  
• Make sure to wake up early to get photos with the hot air balloons! They only fly in the morning and usually start flying before the sun rises.
  
• Hire a professional photographer for at least one photoshoot.
• Hot air balloons can be cancelled easily by the weather. We recommend planning shoots earlier in your trip in case they get canceled so you can reschedule.

• Bring a tripod or drone to capture wide landscapes and sunrise scenes, especially if you're out exploring alone.

• There are endless photo opportunities beyond the famous locations. Check Google Maps for viewpoints marked with a camera icon, and don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path.

What's Next?

Now you know all of the best photo spots in Madeira, you'll probably want to know all of the other great things to see and do around the island! Right now we also have a guides about the best waterfalls in Madeira as well as the top viewpoints on the island, and have new articles coming up about the island each week!

So are you ready to enjoy the best photo spots in Madeira? The island is full of scenic hikes, beautiful cascades, charming towns, and other scenic spots you'll love.

Want to learn more about visiting Madeira and Portuguese islands? We have a lot of other Portugal travel guides coming up, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter- you'll receive all of our weekly guide updates, as well as exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Madeira? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, creating you specially-curated itineraries for your trip. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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