7 Tips for Photographing Madeira from a Travel Photographer

Madeira is without a doubt one of the most diverse landscape photography locations in the world. Throughout the 3 weeks I spent on the island, I was constantly astonished by how one small island could be home to so many different landscapes and environments – Madeira really does have it all!

So, here are my 8 essential Madeira photography tips, based on my own experiences, to help you make the most of your own adventure on this incredible island.

1. Stop at every “Miradouro” you can

Madeira is dotted with scenic viewpoints, or “Miradouros,” offering the most spectacular panoramas of the island’s mountains, valleys and coastlines.

Many of these spots are located just off the main roads (and there are a lot of them), making them perfect for a quick stop.

Even if it feels like you’re stopping frequently, you’ll be rewarded with unique angles and perspectives of the island that you didn’t know existed!

Don’t rush your drives – take the time to explore the island thoroughly, as some of the best views we found we not always the most obvious.

👉 10 Most Instagrammable Photo Spots in Madeira

2. Use live webcams to find the best weather

Madeira’s weather can change dramatically within just a few miles due to its landscape diversity and microclimates. If you’re faced with rain or fog at your current location, try checking the island’s live webcams.

You’ll usually find that there’s sunshine somewhere else, and with Madeira’s relatively small area, you can quickly drive to more favourable conditions.

This approach really helped us to make the most of our time on the island while chasing the best light and conditions for our photos.

3. Explore beyond the busiest viewpoints

Popular viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro can get very crowded, especially at sunrise or sunset. If you arrive at a busy location, we would definitely recommend heading further down the trail to find some more secluded spots.

This is particularly relevant to Pico do Arieiro, as there are multiple spectacular photo spots to escape the crowds just a short way down the PR1 trail – most people will be hanging around near the car park!

Many of the Madeira’s other viewpoints also have trails that lead to less crowded areas and the extra will reward you with more unique shots that aren’t captured by the majority of tourists.

👉 Must do Madeira Hikes: 5 Best Trails for the Best Views

4. Use the fog and clouds to your advantage

Fog and low-hanging clouds are common in Madeira, especially in the mountains. Instead of seeing these conditions as an obstacle, use them to your advantage.

Photographing above the clouds from high points like Pico Ruivo or Pico do Arieiro creates a super dramatic atmosphere.

On this particular day, the clouds actually cleared right before sunset to reveal some of the best golden hour conditions we have ever seen – see pictures bellow!

Famously, the mist in the Fanal Laurisilva forest (commonly known as the fog forest) creates a incredibly magical, almost fairy-tale like mood that you just can’t achieve under ordinarily “good” conditions.

5. Visit Porto Santo for a change of scenery

If you’re looking for change of scenery (or some sandy beaches), take a short ferry ride to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

While Madeira is known for its rugged cliffs and forests, Porto Santo offers long, sandy beaches and a drier, more desert-like landscape.

Aerial view of “Vila Baleira”with “Pico Castelo” as background, Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal

The golden sands and turquoise waters provide a completely different backdrop for your photos, making it a worthwhile day trip for a beach day with a spot of photography.

6. Head out on a whale-watching tour

You’re guaranteed to come away from Madeira with countless pictures of the ocean from its cliffs – but for a more unique perspective of the coastlines, consider taking a whale-watching boat tour.

These tours not only give you the chance to photograph marine life like dolphins and whales (there are 26 different species!), it will also allow you to capture the island from the water.

7. Capture the iconic Levadas

The famous Levadas of Madeira consist of over 2500km of narrow irrigation channels that crisscross the island, usually accompanied by well maintained, and incredibly scenic walking paths.

These trails offer some of the most incredible and “uniquely Madeira” photo opportunities, from lush green forests to countess waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

Levada walks are a great way to discover viewpoints and hidden gems that are off the beaten path, giving you a chance to capture less crowded, more intimate shots of the island’s natural beauty.

One of the best Levada / waterfall hiking areas for photography is Rabaçal, Located in Paul da Serra. Despite being one of the more touristy hiking areas, if you’re after great opportunities you definitely don’t want to miss it!