Viewpoints (Miradouros) of Madeira

The miradouros worth driving for: Cabo Girão's skywalk, sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, Eira do Serrado and more — with a map and tips on when to go.

Mountain viewpoints

Pico do Arieiro – at 1,818 m, reachable by car; sweeping views over the central peaks and frequently a sea of clouds at sunrise.
Pico Ruivo – the island's highest point (1,862 m), reached on foot; the easiest approach is from Achada do Teixeira.
Balcões (Ribeiro Frio) – an easy levada walk to a balcony view of the central massif.
Eira do Serrado – a dramatic overlook of the Curral das Freiras ("Nuns' Valley"), a village deep in a crater-like bowl.
Pico dos Barcelos – an easy-to-reach viewpoint over Funchal.

Cabo Girão – one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe with a glass-floored skywalk suspended above the ocean and terraced fajãs far below.
Ponta de São Lourenço – panoramas of the wild eastern peninsula; the Baía d'Abra viewpoint and the trail itself.
Miradouro do Guindaste and Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto – cliff views in the east near Caniçal.
Véu da Noiva (Bride's Veil) – a coastal waterfall viewpoint on the north/west coast road near Seixal.
São Vicente and Porto Moniz coastlines – rugged northern scenery.

Cabo Girão Skywalk – glass platform; arrive early to avoid crowds and tour buses.
Fanal – not a classic viewpoint but an atmospheric misty-forest plateau, magical in fog.
Achadas da Cruz cable car – descends a sheer cliff to a tiny seaside fajã in the far northwest.

Mountain viewpoints are weather-dependent: clouds can roll in within minutes. Go early for the best chance of clear views and sunrise above the clouds.
Many viewpoints are short detours off the main roads and free to visit.