Photography & Filmmaking tips for Madeira

Visit at Sunrise

If you're looking to have popular spots all to yourself, there’s no better time than sunrise. Most of the iconic locations, like Pico do Arieiro or the rugged coastline, are less crowded early in the morning.

Plus, capturing these locations at sunrise allows you to shoot in the soft morning light and around golden hour, when everything looks magical and ethereal.

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.

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, and the mist in the Fanal Laurisilva forest creates a incredibly magical, almost fairy-tale like mood.

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.