All our tips for visiting the Miradouro da Ponta da Ladeira near Porto Moniz in Madeira: access, parking, views, practical information.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is it worth stopping off at Midarouro da Ponta da Ladeira?
If you’re visiting Porto Moniz and its magnificent swimming pools, we recommend you make the detour. Perched on a steep cliff, this vantage point lets you admire typical Madeiran landscapes: sheer cliffs, a faja at their feet and tiny areas of terraced plantations.
It didn’t make it into our top 15 of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints, but we still think it’s one of the must-see spots around Porto Moniz.
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Where is the viewpoint? Map
- On Madeira’s northwest coast
- You need a vehicle to get there
- From Porto Moniz= 15 minutes drive
- From Funchal = 1h10 drive
- From Machico = 1h25 drive
Parking and access
The last few hundred metres are on a narrower road, but it’s in good condition and presents no particular difficulties.
You have a few parking spaces at the end. Be careful not to block the turning circle!
Don’t stop at the first mirador/car park, which is the miradouro dos Pombais, and the view is not as good (we went to see!). On the other hand, it’s easy to see a levada (an irrigation system for transporting water from the mountain tops). If you don’t have the opportunity to see another one, then take the break.
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Best moment: sunset
This is a popular spot for sunset photography, as the view faces west.
View description
From the viewpoint, you can admire the deep valley before you.
At the end of the valley, at the foot of the cliffs, there is (as in many places in Madeira) a small area of flat land ideal for agriculture or human settlements: this is the faja d’Achadas da Cruz (accessible by cable car).
If you look towards the interior of the valley, in the foreground you see terraced farming areas. This is quite common on Madeira Island, given the terrain.
And in the background, you can see that the peaks are covered in forest. If you go to Achadas da Cruz by car, you’ll cross it, and the atmosphere is quite different from the rest of the island.
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The Verada do Ladeira hike also passes through here.
This is an out-and-back trail of moderate difficulty, 4km, 3h.
Photographers like to descend part of the trail to find better photo angles.
Be careful, there are a lot of stairs and it’s very steep.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Nearest attractions
Plan your day by combining an attraction with this view. For example:
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz. This is one of Madeira’s must-do activities, and in our opinion, a very pleasant experience.
- Take the Achadas da Cruz cable car for a steep descent. It’s not for those with a fear of heights, but otherwise it’s a great experience to discover in Madeira.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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