Madeira


Ponta do São Lourenço in Madeira

Tucked away in the Atlantic Ocean, away from the mainland of Europe, lies the island of Madeira. Also known as the Hawaii of Europe, this volcanic island which belongs to Portugal, has gained popularity over the recent years and I understand why.

As I arrived and got a first glimpse of the island from the plane, I was instantly impressed by the coastline. On Madeira, you don’t find sandy beaches, but rocky coasts and impressive cliffs instead. The most remarkable of them all is the Ponta do São Lourenço, where red rocks rise out of the ocean and the views are spectacular. With plenty of hiking trails on this peninsula, it was a great way to start my trip to Madeira.

Madeira is also known for its many hiking trails and attracts a lot of active people looking for some world-class hiking. Particularly known are the Levada hikes, which are irrigation systems made back in the days that now can be hiked. The island has dozens of them, but my favorite Levada hike on Madeira was the Levada das 25 fontes, which ends at a spectacular waterfall which consists of 25 streams. If you’re more into mountain hiking, a sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo has to be on your list. This gorgeous ridge hike is a highlight of Madeira, and there’s something soothing, yet scary about walking above the clouds on the edge of a mountain.

Another highlight of Madeira is the Fanal forest, which is an ancient forest of Laurel trees, that, with a bit of luck, are covered in fog. The fog creates a very mysterious atmosphere. Luck was on my side, and I got to experience the forest in full fog, which was a really unique experience.

I truly enjoyed my time on the island of Madeira and was pleasantly surprised by its beauty. Here’s my favorite pictures of the island!

Ponta do São Lourenço rocky coast of MadeiraSunrise from Pico do Arieiro, MadeiraDusk shot during a travel photography trip to Madeira at Pico do ArieiroTravel photography Madeira at Pico do ArieiroSunrise hike to Pico do Arieiro, MadeiraIlluminated rocks during a sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico RuivoLaurel Silva forest of Fanal in MadeiraCloud forest of Fanal in north MadeiraTree amidst the clouds in the Fanal forest of MadeiraDancing tree in the cloudy forest of Fanal, MadeiraPorto Moniz natural pools in MadeiraPonta do São Lourenço in the east of MadeiraSunrise of Ribera da Janela, MadeiraLevada das 25 fontes hike in MadeiraTravel photography of MadeiraTravel photography of Mirador do Guindaste, Madeira

Travel photography Madeira | Pico do Arieiro to Pico ruivo hike | Fanal cloud forest | Ponta do São Lourenço