Miradouro da Raposeira Calheta Madeira
A breathtaking viewpoint in Calheta, Madeira, offering stunning coastal panoramas and spectacular sunset views over Paul do Mar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Miradouro da Raposeira Calheta Madeira
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking viewpoint in Calheta, Madeira, offering stunning coastal panoramas and spectacular sunset views over Paul do Mar.
"This is one of the most beautiful and hidden point of views in Madeira."
🌅 Sunset is a Must
Arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and to snag a good spot. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park higher up if the small lot is full; the walk down is scenic but steep. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Miradouro da Raposeira
Witness breathtaking sunsets over Paul do Mar and the surrounding coastline. A truly magical experience.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Miradouro da Raposeira
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the ocean, green hills, and the village of Paul do Mar below.
Picnic Perfection
Miradouro da Raposeira
Bring a picnic and drinks to enjoy a memorable meal with an unparalleled backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating to the Viewpoint
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset is a Must
Arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and to snag a good spot. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park higher up if the small lot is full; the walk down is scenic but steep. +1 :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Bring snacks and drinks for a perfect evening. :forkandknifewithplate:
🕷️ Mind the Spiders
Expect spiderwebs on cacti along the path; they're harmless but can be surprising! :spider:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset is a Must
Arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and to snag a good spot. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Park higher up if the small lot is full; the walk down is scenic but steep. +1 :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Bring snacks and drinks for a perfect evening. :forkandknifewithplate:
🕷️ Mind the Spiders
Expect spiderwebs on cacti along the path; they're harmless but can be surprising! :spider:
⚠️ Careful Driving
The road to the viewpoint can be narrow; drive cautiously, especially in rental cars. :steering_wheel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Miradouro da Raposeira, particularly for its stunning sunset views and panoramic coastal scenery. Many recommend bringing a picnic to fully enjoy the experience. While the drive and paths can be a bit challenging, the breathtaking vistas and the thrill of discovery make it a highly rewarding destination. +2
"Great sunset spot! We brought a picnic and some drinks up around 6pm and stayed until 8pm - it was beautiful! Before dusk the lizards were a little bit in plague proportions (and very brave - running up your legs and arms 😂). Plenty of parking along the road about 700m from the lookout (if the little car park at the bottom of the lookout is full)."
Sam Carr
"Our visit to Miradouro da Raposeira was amazing. Known for its stunning sunset views, it truly lived up to its reputation. The nearby parking made it easy to reach, giving us the option to stay near the hotel or take a scenic walk down.
The viewpoint itself was exceptional, offering a wide view of the entire village below. However, getting there had its challenges. The path from the road had many spiderwebs on the cacti, creating a spooky atmosphere, but since the spiders were not harmful, there was no real danger.
For those driving, a careful approach on the road to the viewpoint was necessary to avoid damaging rental cars. Despite these small challenges, the reward was definitely worth it. The incredible landscape revealed a breathtaking 600-meter drop above Paul do Mar.
While the steep descent from the parking lot was considered somewhat risky, the caution added to the adventure. The suggestion to bring a beer and enjoy the sunset from this high vantage point was spot-on – an experience that, in our opinion, was hard to beat. Miradouro da Raposeira stands out as a must-visit, blending natural beauty with thrilling landscapes."
Mirosław Dąbrowski
"Best sunset viewpoint around 🥰 worth to go there. Is not so far away from parking. You can see entire village from above. Parking is above next to hotel or down but there is so small place for cars. I recommend to stay up near to hotel and go down by walk."
Marek Hajdučák
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Miradouro da Raposeira is located in Fajã da Ovelha, Calheta. You can drive there, with parking available near the viewpoint or a short walk away. Some visitors prefer to park higher up and walk down the scenic path. +1
The road can be narrow and winding, so it's advisable to drive carefully, especially if you're in a rental car. :steering_wheel:
Public transport options to this specific viewpoint might be limited. Renting a car or using a taxi service is generally recommended for easier access.
There are two main ways: drive directly to the small parking lot at the viewpoint, or park higher up and take a short, steep walk down a path. +1
While the walk down from the upper parking is scenic, it's quite steep and can be challenging for some. It's more of a short hike than a leisurely stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Miradouro da Raposeira is a public viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee.
As an outdoor viewpoint, it is accessible at any time. However, it's best visited during daylight hours, especially for sunset.
No advance booking is necessary as it's a free, open-access viewpoint.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the viewpoint. It's recommended to bring your own supplies.
While it's gaining popularity, it's often described as a 'hidden gem' and less crowded than some other viewpoints, especially outside peak sunset hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour leading up to sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. :camerawithflash:
You can capture stunning panoramic coastal landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and the charming village of Paul do Mar below. +1
A wide-angle lens is beneficial for capturing the expansive coastal views, but a standard lens can also capture beautiful shots.
The main viewpoint offers the most iconic shots, but exploring slightly along the edges can yield unique perspectives.
During the day, the light can be quite bright, so consider using a polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the steep paths if you choose to walk down from the upper parking area; it might be best to stay closer to the car with younger children. The presence of lizards can also be an exciting, albeit sometimes startling, encounter for kids. Ensure everyone stays hydrated and has comfortable shoes for any walking involved.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider combining a visit here with other nearby attractions like Praia da Calheta or exploring the scenic coastal roads. Remember to factor in time for the drive and potential parking, and be prepared for the narrow road leading up to the viewpoint.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
The relatively secluded nature of the viewpoint, especially outside peak hours, adds to its charm. It offers a peaceful setting to enjoy each other's company while marveling at the natural beauty of Madeira.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Madeira's Viewpoints
Travelers often seek out these locations to capture unforgettable photos and to simply immerse themselves in the natural splendor. The Miradouro da Raposeira, specifically, is highlighted for its elevated position, offering a commanding view over the village of Paul do Mar and the surrounding coastline. The experience is often enhanced by the presence of local wildlife, such as the brave lizards that frequent the area, adding a touch of wild charm to the visit.
When planning your visit to Madeira's viewpoints, it's wise to check local weather conditions, as fog can sometimes obscure the views. However, on clear days, these miradouros provide some of the most iconic and memorable vistas on the island, making them essential stops for any visitor.
+1Experiencing Sunset at Miradouro da Raposeira
The experience is often enhanced by bringing a picnic and some drinks, turning a simple visit into a romantic or memorable outing. The panoramic views extend over Paul do Mar and the coastline, providing a dramatic backdrop as the sun sets. Some visitors even describe the feeling of the ocean being 'in the palm of your hand' from this vantage point.
While the sunset is the main draw, the journey to the viewpoint can also be part of the adventure. The drive itself offers glimpses of Madeira's scenic routes, and the short walk from the parking area adds to the anticipation. The combination of stunning natural beauty, a memorable sunset, and the thrill of discovery makes Miradouro da Raposeira a must-visit for many.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit