One of my main reasons for travelling to Madeira was to discover new places and activities, in total communion with nature, but off the beaten track. It wasn't summer yet, but we were in Easter, a peak season in Madeira. In a destination known for its imposing landscapes - mountains rising from the Atlantic, verdant slopes ending in vertiginous cliffs - there's a must: watching the sunset in Madeira.
Madeira offers some of the best sunsets in the world. However, most visitors end up choosing the same spots to enjoy this sensory spectacle. I wanted to discover more peaceful and authentic experiences, always safely. These are my favourite places to experience an incredible sunset in Madeira.
Pico do Areeiro: nightfall magic
There's a reason why Pico do Areeiro is one of Madeira's most iconic places: The steep cliffs, the paths that seem to come out of nowhere and the clouds that cover the island as far as you can see create breathtaking views.
All of this makes climbing Pico do Areeiro in the early hours of the morning a very popular activity, and sometimes it's even challenging to get there. As I prefer quieter experiences, in silence and fully enveloped in nature, I decided to go to Pico do Areeiro in the late afternoon... And off we went from Funchal, hoping to witness one of the best sunsets in Madeira.
The mountain is extensive, with small elevations and little-visited nooks, perfect for contemplating the horizon. We walked for a few minutes in the opposite direction to most people, until we found a space of our own. When the sun began to dive behind the clouds, we were alone - it felt hard to believe! It was just us, the mountain and the silence.
The peaceful feeling, disrupted only by the light wind, made the moment unforgettable. The photos speak for themselves, but it was truly striking: moments like this are all the more beautiful the more peacefully they can be experienced and contemplated. It was an intimate moment, and the mountain offered us the typical scenery that everyone comes here looking for: the clouds dancing around the sharp cliffs, lit by the late evening light. Undoubtedly one of the best sunsets in Madeira.
Boat trip from Funchal to Ribeira Brava: sunset at sea
Another unforgettable way of experiencing the sunset in Madeira is from the sea. We boarded an elegant sailing boat and set sail from the port of Funchal, travelling along part of the south and west coast of Madeira on that calm April afternoon... and we immediately felt it was going to be special.
Sailing on the Atlantic with the breeze on your face, the silence of the sails cutting across the sea and the view of the cliffs illuminated by the orange hues of the sunset is simply unique. To make it even more magical, we were surprised by dolphins jumping alongside the bow of the boat.
Of course I couldn't resist diving in! Being in the Atlantic, with its water gilded by the light at the end of the day, was one of those moments that one will always remember. And to make it even better, there were no other boats around. It was just us and the ocean - the perfect definition of an exclusive sunset in Madeira.
Ponta da Ladeira: Madeira in its purest form
We also wanted to watch a sunset on the north coast of Madeira. Ponta da Ladeira, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, was an incredible discovery to do just that. From the top of the cliff, the view is breathtaking: on one side, the endless ocean; on the other, the verdant cliff that slopes down to Fajã das Achadas da Cruz.
Everything that defines Madeira is present there: huge cliffs, intense greenery, deep sea, hidden fajãs and, of course, an unforgettable sunset. Next to it, a giant waterfall completes the scene, creating a natural setting worthy of a postcard. Watching the sun disappear behind the Atlantic, in such an imposing and serene location, was one of those moments that can make you come back again and again.
Porto Santo: the secret, golden island
They say Porto Santo is the golden island because of its famous long beach of fine, gold-looking sand. I would call it the secret island, because I feel that everything other than the beach is still a secret for most people.
One of my most incredible discoveries was the Flores Viewpoint! What an remarkable place, especially at sunset, with a view of Ilhéu da Cal and the island of Madeira in the background. When we arrived, the sun was almost gone and the sky was coloured in pink and gold. The contrast between the rocky islet, the sea line and the warm colours of the sunset composed a scene of absolute serenity.
It was another of those moments when we felt that it was possible to experience Madeira's best sunsets peacefully, in places where nature and calm are the protagonists.
Final tips to experience the best sunsets in Madeira
Madeira is a dream destination for those looking for unforgettable sunsets. But the real magic lies in exploring alternative spots where contemplation and peace reign supreme. Whether at Pico do Areeiro, on board a sailing boat among the lively dolphins and the beautiful scenery of the Madeiran coast, in the vastness of Ponta da Ladeira or in the serenity of Porto Santo, each sunset in Madeira was unique and memorable.
The island allows you to enjoy authentic experiences in direct contact with nature, and turns the simple act of watching the sun disappear into one of the greatest treasures of any trip.
