Editor's Choice: Madeira Island

Madeira Island's landscape is defined by its dramatic volcanic topography and UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forests. This selection highlights the island's most significant natural landmarks, from the 580-meter-high sea cliffs of Cabo Girão to the central mountain peaks of Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. It includes unique hydrological features like the 25 Fontes waterfalls, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and various cliffside viewpoints that offer panoramas of deep valleys and the Atlantic coastline.

Editor's Choice: Madeira Island — Map

Unukorno / CC BY 3.0

A

Cabo Girão

Highest promontory in Europe featuring a suspended glass platform with panoramic views over the south coast and local agricultural landscapes.

Ondřej Žváček / CC BY 2.5

B

Arieiro Peak

Mountain peak with an altitude of 1,818 meters, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding mountain massif and the Atlantic Ocean.

Stephen Colebourne / CC BY 2.0

C

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Natural seawater pools formed by volcanic rocks, featuring extensive swimming areas and panoramic coastal views. The pools include supporting infrastructure and are accessible year-round.

D

Ruivo Peak

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on Madeira Island. It can be reached only by foot, usually either from Pico do Areeiro after a strenuous hike…

Luismiguelrodrigues / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Laurel Forest

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Endemic Laurel forest with an abundance of biodiversity and rare species. A must see.

Stephen Colebourne / CC BY 2.0

F

Funchal Cable Car

This cable car connects the lower areas of Funchal with Monte. Operating since 2000, it is popular with both locals and tourists since it…

Maximovich Nikolay / CC BY 3.0

G

Sao Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre

The São Vicente Caves are caves located in the parish and county of São Vicente, Madeira.

Unukorno / CC BY 3.0

H

Véu da Noiva

A 30-meter waterfall that cascades from a steep cliff directly into the Atlantic Ocean. It is visible from a dedicated viewpoint on the old coastal road between Seixal and São Vicente.

muffinn / CC BY 2.0

I

Machico Beach

One of the two sandy beaches on the island with sand imported from Western Sahara.

Unukorno / CC BY 3.0

J

25 Fontes Falls

The 25 Fontes is a group of waterfalls located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra on Madeira Island.

Fátima Rocha / CC0

K

Paul da Serra

Paul da Serra in the municipal county of Ponta do Sol, Madeira, is the largest and most extensive plateau of Madeira, at about 24 km2, with…

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Miradouro da Santa

Another lookout point that enables you to overlook the town and volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and adjacent Mole islands.

José Lemos Silva / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Miradouro do Ninho da Manta

Situated near Pico do Areeiro, this viewpoint overlooks the Fajã da Nogueira valley. It is a known nesting site for Zino's petrel, one of Europe's rarest seabirds.

Jacqueline / CC-BY-SA

N

Miradouro Rocha do Navio

Located in Santana, this viewpoint overlooks a nature reserve. A steep cable car connects the cliff top to the coastal agricultural plains and pebble beaches below.

Helena Fonseca / CC-BY-SA

O

Waterfall

A natural waterfall that drops directly onto the old ER101 regional road near Ponta do Sol, creating a natural car wash for passing vehicles.

Allie_Caulfield / CC BY 2.0

P

Ponta do Garajau

A headland featuring the Cristo Rei monument. It provides views over Funchal Bay and the Desertas Islands, with a cable car providing access to the marine reserve beach.

Jacqueline / CC-BY-SA

Q

Miradouro Beira da Quinta

A north-coast viewpoint offering a panoramic perspective of the village of Arco de São Jorge, surrounded by steep mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Germana Monteiro / CC BY-SA 4.0

R

Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto

Located on the eastern São Lourenço peninsula, this spot offers views of the rugged volcanic rock formations and the contrasting sea conditions of the north and south coasts.

GanMed64 / CC BY 2.0

S

Miradouro dos Balcões

Reached by a flat walk along the Levada dos Balcões, this platform overlooks the Ribeira da Metade valley and the peaks of Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo.

Lili Marlen Janichová / CC-BY-SA

T

Miradouro Calhau das Achadas

This site features one of the steepest cable cars in Europe, descending 450 meters to the Achadas da Cruz fajã, a remote area of traditional agricultural plots.