Raposeira Sunset Viewpoint On Madeira Island

The Raposeira sunset viewpoint, also known as Miradouro da Raposeira, is one of the best viewpoints on the south coast of Madeira Island. Despite being on the south coast, the orientation of the ridge-line means you look down the coast and can see the sunset over the ocean. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to this viewpoint making it an easy-access spot to bring a beer and enjoy a sundowner as the sky lights up with vibrant colors.

HOW TO GET TO RAPOSEIRA SUNSET VIEWPOINT

The Miradoura da Raposeira is located on the south coast and was just a 15-minute drive from Calheta beach for us. There is a parking lot located on the side road and then you have a sign clearly pointing down the slippery dirt trail to the viewpoint. Bring shoes for this trail as it is dusty and hard to get much traction.

I’ve pinned the Raposeira viewpoint location below on the map so you can find it easily.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE RAPOSEIRA SUNSET VIEWPOINT

I’ve been based in Calheta for a couple of weeks now and the southern coast has treated us well although the best sunset spots have been on the north and west such as Ponta da Ladeira. We heard about the Miradoura da Raposeira and thought we would check it out for sunset. It seemed to have been a popular spot back in the day but is now deteriorating and the structure on the viewpoint is falling apart. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a beautiful spot.

From the parking lot, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint. Beware of the gravel track, which is very slippery and has a big drop-off on the right side. Take care and tread carefully as you make your way down the trail.

Once you reach the viewpoint you can hang out on the cement structure with views up and down the coast. The sun should set out on the ocean giving a glow to the coastal cliffs in the area. Down below the viewpoint, you can see the town of Paul Do Mar, which is a beautiful little coastal town.

To the left, you have stunning views of Jardim Do Mar as you look down the golden southern coast of Madeira Island. As the sun began to go down, a soft orange glow came over the cliffs creating a beautiful view from the Miradoura da Raposeira.

To the right, you have views of the edge of Faja and the coast towards the west of the island. This next shot was taken by the drone as the clouds began to roll in over the coastline.

The sunset at the Raposeira viewpoint was a mellow purple glow on the night we visited but it can get pretty fiery reds on other nights. You never know what you are going to get. The reflections on the calm ocean of the pastels in the sky were quite remarkable.

I hope you enjoy your sunset at the Raposeira viewpoint and are lucky enough to get some nice colors in the sky.

WONDERING ABOUT WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA?

Throughout my six months on Madeira Island, I stayed in multiple accommodations. My favorite regions to stay in were Funchal and Canico de Baixo. I’ve created several guides to help you find the right region for you and a great hotel or apartment.

• The ultimate guide: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA: WHICH REGION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
• If you want luxury: BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• To feel at home: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• If you want to base in Funchal: WHERE TO STAY IN FUNCHAL: 15 TOP-RATED HOTELS

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER MADEIRA BLOGS?

I spent six months exploring Madeira and the nearby island of Porto Santo. These are some of my most popular guides about the region that you may be interested in.

• My favorite hikes: 65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA
• My favorite levada walks: 25 BEAUTIFUL LEVADA WALKS ON MADEIRA
• The best waterfalls on the island: 25 EPIC WATERFALLS ON MADEIRA
• Guide to the best Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA
• Hardest hike: THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS (115KM)
• Longest hike: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH (180KM)