If you’re coming to Madeira, chances are you already have levada hikes, epic viewpoints, and wild swims on your bucket list. The best way to tie your itinerary together is watching the sunrise and sunset in Madeira.
After spending weeks exploring the island, I can honestly say that some of my favourite moments weren’t even on the trails, they were those quiet early mornings and golden evenings when the whole island seemed to glow..
What makes Madeira so special is that every part of the island feels different depending on the time of day. The north coast feels raw and moody in the afternoon, the east lights up with soft pastels for sunrise, and the west absolutely delivers when it comes to dramatic ocean sunsets. There are so many different locations to choose from; clifftop viewpoints, beaches, boats, even restaurant terraces, and each one gives you a totally different experience of the island.
So if you’re searching for the best places to watch the sunset in Madeira or where to watch sunrise in Madeira, this guide is for you. These are my favourite sunrise and sunset spots - a mix of hidden gems, easy-access viewpoints, and a few unforgettable experiences that deserve a place on your Madeira bucket list.
Best Places to Watch Sunrise in Madeira
1. Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint
This is without a doubt one of the most dramatic sunrise spots in Madeira. The jagged sea stacks rise straight out of the ocean like ancient sculptures, and as the sun comes up it appears directly behind them, lighting the rocks in deep shades of orange and red. It feels wild, cinematic, and completely different to anywhere else on the island. If you only choose one place to watch sunrise in Madeira, make it this one!
The best part is how easy it is to access, you can park right next to the viewpoint. Below you’ll see the pebble beach with waves crashing in, which adds even more drama to the whole scene. If you decide to walk a little closer to the shoreline, just take extra care, especially on the lower rocks, as they can be very slippery.
Rocha do Navio is beautiful at any time of day, but sunrise here has something extra special. Depending on the time of year, the sun either rises directly out of the ocean or slowly peeks out from behind the cliffs, flooding the sky with soft pastel colours. The waterfall catches the very first light, the valley starts to glow, and the whole place feels calm, fresh, and quietly magical. It’s easily one of the most photogenic sunrise spots in Madeira.
What makes it even better is that it’s a no-hike viewpoint, you can literally park right next to it and the view is immediately there in front of you. I also recommend coming here for sunset, even though you won’t actually see the sun drop into the ocean. Instead, you’ll get beautiful soft colours behind the cliffs as the light fades, which is just as dreamy in a different way.
This is one of those places that feels incredibly raw and untouched, a real hidden gem in Madeira. You’re looking straight out over the Atlantic from high above, with rugged cliffs falling away beneath you.
The Miradouro do Curtado faces east and the sunrise here is calm, quiet, and beautifully soft, without another soul around. It’s one of my favourite peaceful ways to start the day in Madeira, especially as it’s also a no-hike viewpoint.
Located at the very edge of the São Lourenço peninsula, on the far east of Madeira, this viewpoint is all about open skies, wild cliffs, and raw volcanic landscape. The coastline here is so jagged and dramatic - layers of rugged rock formations stretching out into the Atlantic, shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years.
It’s also one of the most epic sunrise spots in Madeira. From the cliff top you can watch the sun rise straight out of the ocean, casting warm golden light across the peninsula and turning the volcanic cliffs into shades of orange, red and bronze.
Best Places to Watch Sunset in Madeira
Madeira has a lot of epic viewpoints to watch the sunset, however watching the sunset from the water is a completely different experience and honestly, this was my favourite way to watch the sunset in Madeira.
Heading out on a boat from Calheta as the sun drops behind the island is unreal. You’re right there on the open ocean, with the cliffs towering above you, glowing from the seaside as the light starts to fade and if you’re lucky you might even see dolphins!
What made it even more special is that the boat actually cruises up and down the cliffside, giving you constantly changing angles and scenery, it was absolutely incredible for photos! I went with my friend Marina, and we were sitting there with a glass of champagne in hand, enjoying golden hour, then watching the sky melt into the sea. If you’re looking for an unforgettable sunset experience this needs to be on your Madeira bucket list!
If you want a more relaxed, beachy sunset in Madeira, Praia Formosa is perfect. Think long stretches of pebble beach, crashing waves, and the sun slowly melting into the Atlantic right in front of you. It has such an easy, local feel to it - families walking their dogs and couples sitting on the wall with a drink.
It’s also one of the easiest sunset spots in Madeira if you’re staying in Funchal. You can walk along the promenade, grab a drink from one of the nearby beach bars, or even stay for a casual dinner near Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools once the sun has gone down.
7. Rancho Viewpoint
Overlooking a dramatic stretch of cliffs on the south coast, not far from Funchal, Miradouro do Rancho has such a cinematic feel at sunset. You’re REALLY high above the coastline, with layers of rugged cliffs falling away beneath you and the ocean stretching out beyond.
When I visited in June, the sunset actually dropped behind the cliffs rather than into the ocean, so I didn’t get that classic “sun into the sea” moment. But the warm golden light hitting the cliff faces was still insanely beautiful, and I have a feeling that at different times of the year, you can catch the sun setting more toward the ocean. Even without the direct sunset view, the cliffs here are epic, and the warm glow on the rock makes the whole place feel really dramatic and cinematic. It’s also located right next to a café, so you could stop for a drink or dinner at the same time.
Miradouro da Boa Morte sits on the west side of the island and is one of those true hidden gem sunset spots in Madeira. From here, you can watch the sun drop straight into the ocean, with dramatic cliffs falling away below you and the Atlantic stretching endlessly in front. It feels wild, quiet, and incredibly special. I especially loved it at golden hour!
There’s also a cute little church right by the parking area, which adds so much character to the whole scene. From there, it’s just a short walk down to the viewpoint, and suddenly the views open up in front of you. If you’re chasing a peaceful, dramatic sunset without the crowds, this one is an absolute must.
9. Ponta da Ladeira
This is hands-down one of the most underrated sunset spots in Madeira. Located on the west coast, not far from Miradouro da Boa Morte, the sun drops straight into the ocean in front of you. The cliffs turn golden, the sky explodes into colour, and the atmosphere feels completely untouched. I was totally alone here!
It’s remote, windswept, and absolutely breathtaking. Plus, it’s a no-hike viewpoint!
Conclusion: best sunrise and sunset spots in Madeira
Some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken in Madeira were shot during golden hour, watching the sunrise and sunset from these exact spots. There’s just something about the light here - it makes every coastline, cliff and valley look even more unreal.
The best part is how easy it is to fit these moments into your trip. There are so many viewpoints scattered all around the island that you can easily plan your Madeira itinerary around one without even trying. Sunrise before a hike, sunset after the beach, or a spontaneous stop on a road trip. Whether you’re chasing photos, peaceful moments, or just that “wow” feeling, these golden-hour stops are the ones you’ll remember long after you leave.
Most of these sunrise and sunset spots are no-hike viewpoints, or at most require a short walk of a few hundred metres, which makes them perfect if you want the drama of Madeira’s golden hours without the effort.
