Madeira is an island of microclimates – while the sun shines in Funchal, Pico do Areeiro can be wrapped in thick fog. Live webcams help you plan your day without surprises and pick the right moment to head into the mountains or over to the north coast.
📍 Funchal and around
Madeira’s capital is a lively city at the foot of the mountains, with a lovely old town, historic gardens and a picturesque harbour. The webcams show you the city skyline, the beaches and the comings and goings in the marina.
Webcam: Funchal – Monte
📍 The view from Monte, the famous hillside district above Funchal. This is where you’ll find the Monte Palace tropical garden and the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. It’s also the starting point of the legendary wicker toboggans!
Webcam: Funchal – Lido
📍 The Lido bathing complex and seafront promenade in the western, hotel part of Funchal (São Martinho). A good way to check the state of the ocean and the weather on the coast before a beach day or a stroll along the promenade.
Webcam: Estreito de Câmara de Lobos
📍 The picturesque fishing village that Winston Churchill captured in his paintings. From here you can see the colourful fishing boats and the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão – among the highest in Europe!
📍 South-west coast
The sunniest part of the island, with the best climate for the beach. A paradise if you love peace and quiet, authentic fishing villages and sunsets over the Atlantic.
Webcam: Jardim do Mar
📍 “Garden by the Sea” – a charming surf village known for its huge winter waves. Narrow lanes lined with stone houses give it a character all of its own. This is the place if you’re looking for authentic Madeira, away from the tourist trail.
📍 North-west coast
The wild, rugged side of Madeira, with dramatic cliffs, natural lava pools and spectacular scenery. Here nature shows its real power – get ready for breathtaking views!
Webcam: Porto Moniz
📍 The famous natural lava pools – an absolute must-see in Madeira! Formed by solidified volcanic lava and filled with crystal-clear ocean water. A swim here is something you won’t forget.
Webcam: Seixal
📍 A small village famous for its black volcanic beach and spectacular waterfalls tumbling straight into the ocean. Behind it, majestic green cliffs make for fairy-tale scenery.
Webcam: São Vicente
📍 A picturesque valley surrounded by high mountains. The volcanic caves and the volcanism centre have been closed since March 2020 (more about the São Vicente caves). A place where the island’s geological history is especially easy to see.
Webcam: Ponta Delgada
📍 A small settlement on the north coast with ocean views and farming terraces. Perfect for a quiet walk and for taking in the rugged nature of northern Madeira.
📍 North-east coast
A region known for lush vegetation, traditional sugar cane plantations and authentic villages where time seems to have slowed down. It’s also a paradise for surfers chasing big waves.
Webcam: São Jorge
📍 A peaceful village known for its baroque church and the best bolo do caco (local garlic bread) on the island. Surrounded by farming terraces with ocean views.
Webcam: Ilha
📍 A tiny village on the north coast with an authentic, local feel. Ideal if you want to escape the tourist bustle.
Webcam: Porto da Cruz
📍 A village known for its sugar cane rum distillery (Engenhos do Norte) and spectacular scenery. In the background stands Penha d’Águia, a majestic rock towering over the little town. A paradise for surfers!
Webcam: Faial
📍 The mouth of the Ribeira do Faial on the north-east coast: a beach, a leisure area and the ocean. Penha d’Águia and the Guindaste viewpoint are not far from here. A good weather check before you drive to Santana and Porto da Cruz.
📍 The mountains and the interior
The heart of Madeira – rugged volcanic peaks above the clouds and mountain passes linking north and south. Up here the weather changes in minutes, and the views reward every bit of effort.
Webcam: Pico do Areeiro (1818 m above sea level)
📍 Madeira’s third-highest peak, which you can drive almost all the way to the top. Check live whether the sky is clear – visibility at the summit changes dramatically. This is where the famous PR1 trail to Pico Ruivo starts. Best to check the webcam the evening before a planned sunrise trip!
💡 Tip: The webcams update live. You’ll get the best views on clear days between 10:00 and 16:00 local time. The north coast is often cloudier than the south. Sunsets in Jardim do Mar are unforgettable! 🌅
⏰ The best time to watch the webcams
Sunrises
Best webcams:
- Porto da Cruz – spectacular light on Penha d’Águia
- Faial – the north-east ocean at dawn
⏰ Times: 6:00–8:00 (depending on the season)
Sunsets
Best webcams:
- Jardim do Mar – the most beautiful sunsets on the island!
- Porto Moniz – the sun over the lava pools
- Seixal – colours reflected in the black sand
⏰ Times: 18:00–20:00 (depending on the season)
Check the weather
3 climate zones:
- South: Monte, Funchal – Lido (sunniest)
- North: Porto Moniz, São Vicente (often cloudy)
- North-east: Porto da Cruz, Faial (more humid, changeable cloud)
💡 Tip: Check webcams on 3 different sides of the island before you set off!
💡 Practical tips
🌊 Waves and wind:
Porto Moniz, Jardim do Mar – watch after a storm, when the ocean is churning (impressive!)
☁️ Clouds:
The north is often under cloud in the morning and clears up in the afternoon
🌡️ Temperature:
The south is always 3–5°C warmer than the north – you can see it on the webcams!
📱 Best quality:
The webcams work best between 10:00 and 16:00, when there’s plenty of natural light