Top 10 Most Instagrammable Places on Madeira
Madeira is an absolute paradise for photographers and Instagram fans. From jaw-dropping cliffs and misty forests to traditional houses and volcanic beaches, there’s no shortage of incredible spots that capture the island’s diverse beauty. Here’s a guide to the top 10 most Instagrammable places on Madeira, with tips on finding these gems and what to expect when you visit!
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What's the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, which means it enjoys warm and agreeable weather all year long. However, due to its central mountain range, the weather can vary in different areas. This diversity is actually a significant advantage, as it means you can always find a spot on Madeira Island with pleasant weather for the day. I've personally experienced all the seasons on Madeira, and each one offered a unique and enjoyable experience. There's truly no wrong time to visit Madeira.
Planning a trip?
Looking to book an activity or hire a guide? After spending two years on Madeira, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for local travel services, which you can find in our Madeira E-Book. But when we’re exploring new places, we always turn to GetYourGuide. They offer a huge selection of activities from trusted providers, all with upfront pricing and reviews from real customers, so you can book with confidence. Check out the activities below and find your next adventure with GetYourGuide!
Ponta de São Lourenço (Ponta do Rosto)
Starting our list of the top 10 most Instagrammable places on Madeira is Ponta de São Lourenço, specifically the stunning viewpoint at Ponta do Rosto. This easternmost point of Madeira offers vibrant, colorful cliffs against the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving at sunrise is ideal for soft, golden light that beautifully illuminates the rugged rock formations. The spot is easily accessible by car, with just a short walk to the viewpoint, making it a must-visit for capturing Madeira's natural beauty without a strenuous hike. Additionally, take a walk around the area, and you'll find plenty of interesting angles for your Instagram shots, including a curvy road that winds along the cliffs.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks at 1,818 meters, is a breathtaking spot, especially at sunrise or sunset. The mountain often sits above the clouds, creating a “sea of clouds” effect that’s simply mesmerising. It’s easy to drive directly to the parking lot at Pico do Arieiro, where a short walk brings you to the main viewpoint. For more adventurous travellers, you can continue on the famous trail toward Pico Ruivo, but even the initial views are among the most Instagrammable on Madeira.
Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest is a truly enchanted place, known for its ancient, twisted laurel trees often shrouded in mist. This mystical atmosphere makes it one of the most Instagrammable places on Madeira. Located on the northwest side of the island along the ER209 road, the forest is easily accessible by car with no need for hiking. If you catch it on a foggy day, Fanal Forest offers a surreal, dreamlike quality that’s perfect for moody, ethereal photos.
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Why choose us?
Local Knowledge: We’ll guide you to Madeira’s top locations, capturing each one’s unique charm.
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Leave Madeira with incredible memories and beautiful, shareable images. Book your photoshoot with us today and let us turn your trip into art!
Seixal Beach
Seixal Beach is a real gem with unique black sand that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding green cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s a quieter spot that gives you a sense of Madeira’s wild, untamed beauty. Located below the village of Seixal, this beach is easy to reach by following signs from the main road and parking nearby. The short walk down to the beach is simple, making it an ideal spot for Instagrammers looking for a striking beach scene.
Santana’s Traditional Houses
The traditional A-frame houses of Santana are a charming slice of Madeiran heritage, with their red, blue, and white thatched roofs adding vibrant color to your feed. These iconic houses are part of an exhibition located in Santana, a village on the northeast side of Madeira. Easily accessible by car, the houses are clustered within a short walking distance, making it easy to capture their charm without any strenuous effort. Santana’s traditional houses are among the top Instagrammable places on Madeira, offering cultural and architectural highlights that stand out for their unique A-frame shapes and vibrant colors. These charming houses are perfect for adding a pop of colour and character to your Instagram feed.
Miradouro dos Balcões
Miradouro dos Balcões is a stunning viewpoint located in Ribeiro Frio, offering panoramic views over Madeira’s lush central mountains and valleys. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to capture Madeira’s green landscapes in a single shot. To reach this viewpoint, park at Ribeiro Frio and enjoy a short, 20-minute walk along a well-maintained trail. This easy hike makes Miradouro dos Balcões one of the most accessible and Instagrammable viewpoints on Madeira.
Angel’s Waterfall (Cascata dos Anjos)
Angel’s Waterfall, or Cascata dos Anjos, is one of Madeira’s most unique and photogenic spots, located near the town of Ponta do Sol. This waterfall cascades directly onto the old coastal road, creating a natural shower that’s both dramatic and refreshing. Driving through the waterfall or standing beneath it makes for a truly memorable Instagram shot, especially as the water flows gracefully down to the sea with stunning ocean views in the background. Angel’s Waterfall is accessible by car. Just follow the old road up through the tunnel from Ponta do Sol promenade, and you’ll find the waterfall right on the roadside. You can park nearby and walk up to it, making it an easy, spontaneous stop for photos.
Queimadas Cafe
Set within the lush Laurisilva forest, Queimadas Cafe is a cozy spot with a traditional thatched roof, surrounded by greenery. This picturesque cafe, located in Queimadas Forest Park near Santana, offers a charming spot to relax and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos of authentic Madeiran architecture. You can drive to the park, where parking is available, and from there, it’s just a short stroll to the cafe. Queimadas Cafe is also a popular starting point for the Caldeirão Verde levada hike, making it both a scenic and convenient stop.
Guindaste Viewpoint
The Guindaste viewpoint, located near Faial on Madeira’s northern coast, is one of the island’s lesser-known but most Instagrammable spots. From here, you can capture stunning views of the rugged coastline and waves crashing against the cliffs. The viewpoint is accessible by car, with a parking area just a short walk away, making it an easy location to reach for a sunrise or sunset shoot. Guindaste Viewpoint is perfect for those looking for a hidden gem with spectacular ocean views.
Monte Palace Gardens
Monte Palace Gardens is like stepping into a lush, green oasis high in the mountains. This sprawling garden is packed with diverse plants, impressive waterfalls, and fascinating art installations that make for some truly unique photos. The views from here are nothing short of spectacular, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and artistic design. The Oriental Garden is a standout area, with its tranquil ponds and intricate landscaping—it’s a favourite for photographers looking to capture something different. Plan to spend at least 2 hours wandering through this peaceful retreat; there’s so much to see and snap along the way.
READ MORE: Visit Funchal - TOP 10 Things to do in the capital of Madeira
Top 10 most Instagrammable places on Madeira
These top 10 most Instagrammable places on Madeira showcase the island’s incredible diversity, from green forests and volcanic beaches to high mountain peaks and traditional villages. Whether you’re looking to capture dramatic landscapes, cultural icons, or unique natural beauty, each of these locations offers something truly special for your insta feed. Enjoy exploring Madeira’s photogenic landscapes and creating unforgettable memories!
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Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
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