Madeira’s Best Sunrise Locations: 10 Stunning Viewpoints to Start Your Day
Madeira, known for its jaw-dropping landscapes and dramatic scenery, is the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature at its finest. While the island looks incredible 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 10 of the best sunrise locations in Madeira. The majority of them are very accessible and can be reached in under 15 minutes, meaning that you don’t need to get up at the crack of dawn catch the first light of the day.
At a Glance
Pico do Arieiro
Pico Ruivo
Bica da Cana
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode
Ponta de São Lourenço
Miradouro do Guindaste
Cristo Rei
Sentido Galosol, Caniço
Ribeira da Janela
Pico do Arieiro - Miradouro do Juncal
Location: Pico do Arieiro Viewpoint
Parking: Upper and Lower Car Parks
Popularity: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 5–30 minutes
At 1,810 metres, Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s highest peaks and the island’s most famous sunrise spot.
The sunrise here is often above a sea of clouds, creating a dramatic scene as the sun’s golden rays spread across the mountains. The drive up is relatively easy, making it accessible for all visitors, and once you arrive its only a short walk to be greeted by a panoramic view of the island’s peaks and valleys.
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.
Another thing to note: the sun rises in the opposite direction to the PR1 trail (home to the famous “Stairway to Heaven”), so if you’re after those iconic photos, you’re actually better off coming for sunset.
If you do visit for sunrise, arrive at least 45 minutes early. When we arrived at 7:20 a.m. for an 8 a.m. sunrise, the upper car park was already full and police were directing cars to the lower one. From there, it’s a 25-minute uphill walk to Miradouro do Juncal , which is where you get the best viewpoint for sunrise and the most spectacular views.
Pico Ruivo
Location: Pico Ruivo via Achada do Teixeira
Crowds: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 45–75 minutes (One way)
I haven’t made it up here for sunrise yet, but I can only imagine it’s spectacular. At 1,862 metres, Pico Ruivo is the highest point on the island, and from the summit you get a 360° view across Madeira. On a clear morning, you can see from one end of the island to the other.
It’s a bit more effort than Pico do Arieiro, since you’ll need to hike to the top, but that’s also what makes it better, it will be much much quieter, more peaceful, and feels properly remote. You’ll also avoid the crowds that gather for sunset, as fewer people are keen to make the climb that early in the morning.
The shortest route starts from Achada do Teixeira, following a 2.7 km trail (one way) with around 270 m of elevation gain. Fit hikers can reach the summit in under an hour, but it’s worth giving yourself extra time to catch the pre-sunrise light and watch the colours slowly shift over the peaks.
Bica da Cana
Location: Bica da Cana Viewpoint
Parking: Roadside Parking Near the Trailhead
Popularity: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 10–20 minutes
Bica da Cana is one of Madeira’s most scenic and tranquil sunrise viewpoints. Located on the Paul da Serra plateau, it offers a front-row seat to the island’s rugged interior, with sweeping views of Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro, and the valleys of São Vicente far below.
On clear mornings, you’ll see layer upon layer of mountains fading into the distance, and when the clouds roll through, you might even get lucky with a cloud inversion. As the sun rises, the golden light spills across the peaks and forests, creating a soft, glow that’s hard to beat.
Bica Da Cana’s ease of access and popularity on socials media, means i it’s not the secret it once was. When I visited, there were about 20–30 people huddled onto the small platform, which made it feel a little crowded. Parking is limited to a few roadside pull-ins, so it’s worth arriving early to secure a spot before the crowds roll in.
Even with a few extra people around, Bica da Cana is still one of those sunrise moments that’ll stick with you, however if you’re looking for a more isolated experience check out the nearby Pico Ruivo do Paul
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Location: Pico Ruivo do Paul Viewpoint
Parking: Small roadside area at the trailhead
Popularity: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 15–30 minutes
Pico Ruivo do Paul is one of the island’s more underrated sunrise spots, tucked away on the Paul da Serra plateau in Madeira’s western highlands. The viewpoint sits on a small dirt platform overlooking the valleys, mountains, and the northern coastline, and as the sun comes up, the soft morning light highlights the island’s rugged contours perfectly.
It’s a great alternative to Bica da Cana if you want something quieter. When I visited, I had the entire place to myself. The trail is easy to follow but slightly overgrown in places, so it’s worth wearing long sleeves or a light jacket to protect against the spiky bushes.
Google Maps may say the trail is closed, but it’s not. There are no barriers or warning signs, and both the path and viewpoint are perfectly accessible. If you’re looking for a peaceful sunrise without the crowds, Pico Ruivo do Paul is an excellent choice.
Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode
Location: Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode
Popularity: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 5–20 minutes
Located near Machico, on Madeira’s eastern coast, Ponta do Bode (Miradouro Calhau da Furna do Bode) is a proper hidden gem for sunrise. It offers incredible views over Ponta de São Lourenço, but without the crowds that usually come with it.
From the small car park beside the local cemetery, it’s an easy 5–10 minute walk across a rocky, Mars-like landscape to reach the first viewpoint on the cliffs. There’s also a higher viewpoint further along the ridge which is worth the short extra climb for a better angle of the coastline.
When I visited, I didn’t get much of a sunrise (Madeira weather doing what it does best), but the spot itself is seriously impressive; quiet, remote, and with that wild east-coast atmosphere.
⚠️ A word of warning: the cliff edges here are extremely brittle and prone to collapse, so take care and don’t go too close to the edge ⚠️
Miradouro do Caniçal (Ponta de São Lourenço)
Location: Miradouro do Caniçal
Popularity: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: < 5 minutes
Located at the easternmost point of Madeira, the Miradouro do Caniçal viewpoint overlooks the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and is easily one of the best spots to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.
The scenery here is rugged and wild, with volcanic cliffs, red rock formations, and deep blue ocean stretching out in every direction. Parking is conveniently located right next to the viewpoint, which means it can get a little busy, but there’s plenty of space along the cliffs to find your own spot.
I made it here for sunrise on my second trip to Madeira, and it was well worth the early start. There were only a handful of other people around, but with so much open space, it still felt quiet and peaceful.
Miradouro do Guindaste
Location: Miradouro do Guindaste, Faial
Popularity: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 2 minutes
Miradouro do Guindaste is a brilliant sunrise spot on Madeira’s north coast, near the village of Faial. It offers sweeping views of the ocean and the towering cliffs that define this side of the island, with the morning light illuminating the coastline beautifully.
It’s incredibly easy to access, with parking just steps from the viewpoint, which makes it perfect for anyone who doesn’t fancy a long drive or hike before dawn. It’s also a favourite among local photographers, so while it’s not packed, don’t expect to have it completely to yourself.
I didn’t manage to make it here for sunrise myself, as I was based on the other side of the island, but judging by the views (and the photos), it’s well worth the early start.
Cristo Rei
Location: Cristo Rei do Garajau Viewpoint
Popularity: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 5–10 minutes
The Cristo Rei do Garajau viewpoint sits on a high cliff just east of Funchal, overlooking the Atlantic and Madeira’s south coast. It’s an ideal sunrise spot if you’re staying nearby and don’t fancy a long drive or hike before first light.
I didn’t actually make it here for sunrise, but I stayed just a mile down the coast at Sentido Galosol in Caniço, and the sunrises from there were seriously impressive — so I can only imagine how good they’d be from Cristo Rei.
The short walk from the car park is along a paved path, making it easy and straightforward, even in low light. It’s not as dramatic as the mountain peaks, but it’s a peaceful and easily accessible spot to start the day, with wide views across the ocean and the cliffs below.
It’s also a great sunset location, with the statue silhouetted against the glowing evening sky so is worth returning to one evening.
Sentido Galosol, Caniço
Location: Sentido Galosol Hotel, Caniço
Parking: Free on-site and roadside parking available
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 0 minutes — watch it from bed
On my second visit to Madeira, I stayed for seven days at Sentido Galosol in Caniço, and it turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the island, especially if you’re into lazy sunrises with minimal effort.
From my balcony, I could watch the sun rise directly over the Atlantic without even leaving the room. On other mornings, I’d head to the terrace at breakfast, coffee in one hand and a croissant in the other, while the sky lit up in soft oranges and pinks. It was a simple but brilliant way to start the day, no early alarms, no driving in the dark, just a leisurely and peaceful morning with a great view.
The hotel itself is modern and comfortable, with easy access to the ring road, making it a great base for both east and west coast adventures. It also has a health club and a ocean lido which are both free to use.
Ribeira da Janela
Location: Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint
Popularity: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Time Needed to Reach Viewpoint: 2–5 minutes
Located on Madeira’s north-west coast, Ribeira da Janela is known for its striking sea stacks and rugged volcanic cliffs. While it’s more often visited during the day, it looks like a great choice for sunrise
It’s easy to access, with parking right beside the beach, and from there it’s only a short walk to the viewpoint. The early light reflecting off the Atlantic and silhouetting the sea stacks would make for some really atmospheric shots.
I haven’t managed to visit this one yet, but based on the images I’ve seen, it looks like its got that raw, untouched feel that makes Madeira’s coastline so special.
Ribeira da Janela 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 eastern section of the south and north coast has an endless number of spots for sunrise.
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 two it would be Bica Da Canafor the views, and then Miradouro do Caniçal as a coastal option.
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.
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