tuktukrides.pt
When is sunset in Madeira?
Funchal faces south, with the sun setting to the west along the coast. Sunset is at around 18:00 in December and close to 21:00 in late June. The best light starts about an hour before — the "golden hour".
1. Pico dos Barcelos
A hilltop viewpoint above Funchal with a near 360° view of the city's amphitheatre of houses, the harbour and the ocean. Stay after the sun goes down to watch the city lights come on.
2. Pináculo
East of the centre, the Pináculo viewpoint looks back west across the whole bay of Funchal, so the city is between you and the setting sun. One of the best spots for photos of Funchal at dusk.
3. Cabo Girão
From 580 metres up, the sunset over the Atlantic and the south-west coast is spectacular on a clear evening. Take a jacket: it is windy at the top.
4. Ponta do Sol
Further west, Ponta do Sol is known as one of the sunniest places on the island, with a small pier and beach facing the evening sun. It is a longer trip from Funchal, so combine it with dinner.
Clouds can sit on the mountains while the coast is clear. If the sky looks grey in Funchal, a lower coastal viewpoint is often the better bet than a high one.
See several spots in one evening
The viewpoints are spread out and up steep roads, which is where a tuk tuk helps: on our sunset tour we time the departure for golden hour and move between viewpoints as the light changes, ending as the city lights come on.
