There are many beautiful sunset viewpoints on Madeira. If you simply type "Miradouro" on maps, you'll likely find a few nearby. Among all the viewpoints with ocean views, the cliffs in the western part of Madeira offer the best spots to watch the sunset.
What to do at Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint
This viewpoint is an ideal place to take a break and relax in a location surrounded by beautiful nature. There are no shops or restaurants nearby, so when visiting, you must be prepared for the untouched beauty of Madeira. Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira is one of the TOP viewpoints on Madeira and remains one of the last few unique lookout points untouched by mass tourism.
How to get to Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint
Visiting this viewpoint is only possible by taking a tour or using your rented car. Unfortunately, there isn't any public transportation available to take you there. Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira is a very isolated location, but finding it is straightforward – just type its name into maps, and you'll be directed to the small parking area next to it.
Here are the coordinates from our Madeira Location Map: 32°51'34.2"N 17°12'12.4"W, You can paste them into Google to ensure you're guided to the right location.
I've observed many visitors arriving at the parking area, looking around for the viewpoint, and then leaving disappointed. The path to the viewpoint is clearly visible, but its length isn't obvious until you walk it. Follow the path until you reach the viewpoint. Since finding it might not be so simple, we've created a YouTube video on how to get there. You can watch it here:
What to expect from Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint
If you enjoy ending your days watching sunsets in beautiful spots, you should definitely add this viewpoint to your list. On a clear day, you can witness a stunning display of colors, with the sun taking the main stage as it slowly disappears behind the ocean horizon, gently painting the cliffs of Achadas da Cruz in orange and red tones. From the viewpoint, you can also see the fields of Fajã da Quebrada Nova, another top location on Madeira. You can reach it from the village of Achadas da Cruz using one of the steepest cable cars in the world.
However, despite being an official viewpoint, it lacks built infrastructure to keep tourists safe. The path down to it might seem a bit sketchy, and I wouldn't recommend going there with children, as you'll have to follow a steep path on the edge of the cliff. It's not a place for the faint-hearted.
Locations Near By
Combining a visit to this viewpoint with a trip to Achadas da Cruz and Fajã da Quebrada Nova is a fantastic idea. Since the cable car closes at 6 pm, which is usually before sunset, you can still manage to reach Ponta da Ladeira before the sun goes down.
While you're in the Porto Moniz area, it's worth exploring the Natural Swimming Pools. It's an incredible place to spend your afternoon, swimming in the ocean lava pools.
My Experience
I've visited Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira a few times to catch a sunset with a view, and each time, I've enjoyed it a lot. During the day, I rarely spot any other visitors, but there are always a few people coming there to have a picnic at sunset. The view over the cliffs from there is out of this world, and even though I've been there several times already, it doesn't stop impressing me.
Other Articles about Madeira you'd might like
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.
