Located in the picturesque municipality of Santana on Madeira Island, Miradouro do Guindaste, also known as Crane Viewpoint, is one of the island’s most stunning viewpoints. This breathtaking spot offers panoramic views of Madeira’s rugged northern coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its beautiful sunrises, Miradouro do Guindaste is an incredible spot for nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture the first light of the day. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply looking to immerse yourself in Madeira’s natural beauty, this viewpoint is an absolute must-visit.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you a comprehensive guide to Miradouro do Guindaste (Crane Viewpoint), including everything you need to know, from how to get there, the best times to visit, what to bring, and much more.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support! 🖤
📍 Where is Miradouro do Guindaste
✈️ How to get to Miradouro do Guindaste
⏰ When is the best time to visit Miradouro do Guindaste
👀 What to expect at Miradouro do Guindaste
✅ Tips for visiting Miradouro do Guindaste
🎒 What to bring to Miradouro do Guindaste
⏳ How much time do you need at Miradouro do Guindaste
Miradouro do Guindaste is located on the northeastern coast of Madeira Island, within the municipality of Santana. It is next to Praia do Faial, a pebble beach that adds to the area's scenic charm. Santana itself is a picturesque region known for its traditional thatched-roof houses and lush landscapes. Click the button below to see the Google Maps location.
Miradouro do Guindaste (crane viewpoint) is easily accessible and well-signposted from the main roads leading to Faial. Here’s how you can reach this stunning viewpoint:
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Miradouro do Guindaste. From Funchal, it’s about a 30-minute drive. You’ll start by taking the VE1 highway and then merging onto the ER101. Follow the signs towards Santana and then take the exit for Faial. The route is well-signposted, and the roads are in good condition. Once you arrive, there are parking spaces available right near the viewpoint, making it very convenient for visitors. After parking, it’s just a short two-minute walk to the viewpoint itself.
If you prefer using public transportation, you can take the SAM bus number 53 from Funchal to Faial. The bus ride offers scenic views and takes about an hour. Keep in mind that the bus schedule may be less frequent, so it’s advisable to check the timings in advance. From the bus stop in Faial, it’s a brief walk to reach Miradouro do Guindaste.
Photo shot by Philipp Nöbauer, edited by me
The best time to visit Miradouro do Guindaste depends on what you are looking to experience. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons on the island of Madeira and what they offer:
High Season (June to August)
• Busy and hot
• Best for beach activities and outdoor adventures
• Typically, more crowds and higher prices
Shoulder Seasons (March to May and September to December)
• Mild temperatures and fewer crowds
• Best for hiking and exploring the island
• Perfect for exploring at your own pace and enjoying local festivals
Off-Season (January to February)
• Least crowds and mildest temperatures
• Good time to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed visit
• Some attractions may be limited
Overall, the best time to visit is early in the morning, no matter the season. This viewpoint is famous for watching the sunrise, as the golden light illuminates the cliffs and water, making it one of the best views on the island. I suggest arriving early to avoid crowds and catch the pre-dawn views.
This spot is primarily a sunrise spot. Due to the angle of the viewpoint, the setting sun doesn’t have much of an impact here, so you rarely see people coming here in the evening. I visited the Crane Viewpoint multiple times, and I learned that even if it looks cloudy, you should wait around because the sun might come out, and when it does, it's worth the wait.
The viewpoint offers breathtaking views year-round, with each season bringing its own unique charm. Visiting during the shoulder season often provides a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices.
Once you arrive, there is a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint, which is relatively flat and straightforward, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Just past the roundabout, you will see a cliff. If you walk down the cliff towards the ocean, you will see a lower arched cliff that acts as a catwalk, which is the classic spot you see in most photos. If you have someone stand on the lower cliff and you stand on the taller cliff, you can get a really cool perspective of the entire coast in the background, with the sky glowing behind the subject.
Overall, it is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the best of Madeira’s coastal scenery. You can expect a serene and breathtaking experience, particularly compared to more popular viewpoints like Pico do Arieiro.
To make the most of your visit to Miradouro do Guindaste, it’s essential to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are a few tips to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
⏰ Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour views and avoid any potential crowds.
🌦️ Check the Weather
To get the most out of your visit, check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies and optimal visibility.
⛑️ Safety
Be mindful of your footing, especially if you venture close to the edge of the cliffs for photos.
⏳ Stay Patient
Even if it’s cloudy at first, wait a bit longer. The best light conditions often appear shortly after the "sunrise time" on your weather app.
🏖️ Combine Visits
While at Miradouro do Guindaste, you can also explore the nearby Praia do Faial for a relaxing beach experience.
🛖 Explore Santana
Take some time to visit the charming village of Santana, famous for its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
☕️ Nearby Facilities
While there aren’t any facilities directly at the viewpoint, the nearby town of Faial offers restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can grab a bite to eat or buy any essentials you might need.
Packing the right items will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Miradouro do Guindaste. Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring along for your visit:
🏖️ Beach Essentials
If you plan to visit the nearby Faial Beach, bring a swimsuit, a towel and other essentials for a comfortable beach experience.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun, especially during the summer months.
👟 Good Walking Shoes
Comfortable footwear is essential for hiking or walking along the trails around the viewpoint.
🧥 Warm Clothes
Bring warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable and chilly, especially in the mornings or evenings.
📷 Camera
Capture the stunning views and unique geological features with a camera or smartphone.
💦 Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your visit by bringing a reusable water bottle.
🍿 Snacks
There are no facilities at the viewpoint, so it's a good idea to bring your own snacks to keep your energy up.
You should plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours at Miradouro do Guindaste (Crane Viewpoint). If you’re just taking in the views and snapping some photos, a shorter visit will suffice. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding area, or wait around for perfect lighting conditions you might want to allocate a couple of hours.
Photo shot by Philipp Nöbauer, edited by me
Miradouro do Guindaste, also known as Crane Viewpoint, is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Madeira Island. This stunning viewpoint offers serene and breathtaking views, especially during sunrise when the golden light illuminates the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking to soak in the island's natural beauty, Miradouro do Guindaste promises an unforgettable experience.
To make the most of your visit, remember to plan your trip early in the morning to capture the best light and avoid crowds. Check the weather forecast for clear skies, and bring essentials like sun protection, warm clothes, and a camera to make the most of your trip. Don’t forget to explore nearby attractions like Praia do Faial and the charming village of Santana for a complete experience.
If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and family on social media. Your support helps me create more content like this!
For more travel tips and destination guides, check out my related posts:
Remember to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest travel guides and exclusive tips. Make sure to follow my travel journey on Instagram and TikTok for daily travel highlights, and watch my adventure videos on YouTube for in-depth travel guides and stunning footage from around the world.
Thank you for reading, and happy travels! ✈️ 🤙🏼
© 2024 WithKaejon All Rights Reserved
