The best places to watch the sunset in Madeira

One of the most popular places on the island for a good time in the afternoon on account of its seafront bars where you can have a Coral beer or a good mojito instead of the usual poncha – and there is usually good music too. You can also sit on the wall next to the beach.

Built to welcome foreign visitors to the island, the Cristo Rei statue is one of the most visited locations on Madeira. It offers panoramic views over Funchal. It’s a good idea to go early, while there is still plenty of light, and catch the cable car to Garajau beach, go for a swim, and then watch the sunset from this viewpoint.

The Cabo Girão viewpoint has a glass platform that will test your courage. It is one of the places you simply have to visit when you are on Madeira. During the day you can enjoy the blue of the ocean and the green of the mountains; then in the evening, watch as the sky turns Pantone orange. Entry is free, and from here you can see along the island’s east coast, with panoramic views of the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos.

Some say this is the perfect setting for a romantic film, or perhaps even a marriage proposal (if the truth be told, sunsets are always good for special occasions). There is a lighthouse at the end of the road and a viewpoint that is 300 metres above sea level, and you can even warm yourself up in the Casa de Chá (tearoom) during or after sunset.

The shades of orange that light the hills and valleys on Pico do Areeiro, 1,818 metres above sea level, are different from the morning light, but no less beautiful. On nice days it remains high above the light, which takes on a golden hue.