12 Best Photography Spots on Madeira Jeep Tours

Capture Madeira's Magic

Madeira is a photographer's paradise, and jeep tours access viewpoints that rental cars simply can't reach. Here are the 12 spots you can't miss.

East Route Photography Spots

1. Pico do Arieiro (Sunrise)

Best time: 30 minutes before sunrise

What to capture: Sea of clouds, dramatic peaks, golden light

Pro tip: Ask for a sunrise tour departure (5:00-5:30 AM)

2. Balcões Viewpoint

Best time: Morning (8-10 AM)

What to capture: Central peaks, laurel forest, endemic birds

Pro tip: Bring a telephoto for bird photography

3. Santana Houses

Best time: Midday (good light on colorful houses)

What to capture: Traditional A-frame architecture, gardens

Pro tip: Visit multiple houses for different color combinations

4. Porto da Cruz Coastline

Best time: Late afternoon

What to capture: Dramatic cliffs, Penha de Águia rock formation

Pro tip: Wide-angle lens essential here

West Route Photography Spots

5. Paul da Serra Plateau

Best time: Early morning (mist effects)

What to capture: Ethereal fog, wind turbines, moorland

Pro tip: This spot is magical when misty—embrace it!

6. Rabaçal Overlook

Best time: Any time (forest is always lush)

What to capture: Deep valleys, waterfall glimpses, levadas

Pro tip: Polarizing filter cuts forest reflections

7. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Best time: Late afternoon (warm light on lava)

What to capture: Volcanic formations, Atlantic waves, swimmers

Pro tip: Long exposure for silky water effects

8. São Vicente Caves Entrance

Best time: Midday (sun illuminates the entrance)

What to capture: Dramatic cave mouth, lava formations

Pro tip: HDR shooting handles the contrast

Any Route

9-12. Winding Mountain Roads

Best time: Throughout the day

What to capture: Your jeep on dramatic roads, cliff edges, tunnels

Pro tip: Ask your guide to stop—they know the best pull-offs!

Photography Tour Recommendations

For serious photographers, we recommend:

Private tours (stop whenever you want)

Sunrise departures (best light, fewer tourists)

Full-day tours (don't rush the shots)

Top operators for photography tours: Adventure Safari, Mountain Expedition