We track 5 high-altitude viewpoints in central Madeira. Here's tomorrow morning's ranking, so you can pick the best spot before you set an early alarm.
The third-highest peak in Madeira (1,818 m). Above the clouds on most evenings - dramatic golden-hour light over the central ridge.
Sunrise at 07:33
Clouds below viewpoint
Best viewing: 07:33 – 07:43
A short walk from the road on the Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo trail; sweeping view down into the Curral das Freiras valley.
Sunrise at 07:33
Clouds below viewpoint
Best viewing: 07:33 – 07:43
Trailhead for Pico Ruivo - the parking miradouro itself faces north over Santana with a wide horizon for sunset.
Sunrise at 07:33
Clouds below viewpoint
Best viewing: 07:33 – 07:43
The dramatic pass dividing north and south Madeira. Lower than the Arieiro peaks - more often in cloud, but spectacular on clear nights.
Sunrise at 07:41
Inside the cloud layer
Best viewing: 07:33 – 07:51
A short, easy walk from Ribeiro Frio to a wide balcony viewpoint over the central valleys. Madeira's most accessible high-altitude lookout.
Sunrise at 07:33
Inside the cloud layer
Best viewing: 07:33 – 07:43
Tell us when you'll be on the island and which viewpoints you'd like to visit. We'll email you the evening before any sunrise that crosses your quality threshold, so you have time to set an early alarm.