Most crowded places for engagement in Madeira

After Covid-19, Madeira has become even more popular than before. Just a reminder that Madeira won Best Island Destinations for several consecutive years. So it was only a matter of time before this beautiful island became overcrowded. From Best Places for Engagement in Madeira to Most Crowded Places for Engagement, we got in a couple of years.

I started taking photos and videos of engagements 8 years ago. At that time, I could shoot a sunrise marriage proposal at Arieiro Peak and literally be alone, or I could film a marriage proposal at Ninho da Manta several mornings in a row without anyone except a couple there. What an easy time for me it was!

Now, at the end of 2024, you cannot park in the upper parking lot, if you go to Arieiro later than 7-00 am. So I need to hike 15 min up to the spot with all my gear on my back (2-3 cameras with lenses, a sturdy tripod). And a cherry on a pie’s top – we need to pay 4€/h for parking. There is an ongoing discussion about an entrance fee (+3€/person). I have no doubts it is going to be implemented soon. 

The list of the most crowded places in Madeira:

1) Pico do Arieiro (Arieiro Peak) and surroundings (Juncal viewpoint, Ninho da Manta viewpoint). The places around Arieiro Peak are always crowded. It does not matter during the summer or the winter, sunrise or sunset, midday or late afternoon. You will meet many hikers, visitors, or professional photographers/influencers there.

Best time to propose near Arieiro Peak: Juncal viewpoint – late afternoon, Arieiro Peak – always crowded, Ninho da Manta – late afternoon closer to sunset.

2) Fanal forest. UNESCO heritage site became very popular due to its unique ancient laurel forest and misty cloudy/foggy atmosphere. Imagine you enter a forest and see very strange curvy silhouettes around you. It is impressive. So Fanal as a New York city, does not sleep. Even at night, you may face several groups of astrophotographers and night sky watchers there.

The best time to propose there is during any morning (closer to sunrise time). The earlier the better. Later, during the daytime, you will struggle to find a parking space nearby. Even though there are two big organized parking lots at the main entrance.

3) Seixal Beach. The only chance to be alone at Seixal Beach is when the weather is bad (raining, windy, very cloudy). Many influencers did their promotion very well and Seixal became very crowded recently. In 2024 I shot so far around 15-20 engagements there (mostly at sunrise time). It was a very tough experience – many people running with cameras around, many just doing morning runs, many were swimming, and others were watching the sunrise. So it is very hard to separate a couple from others now.

The best time for an engagement at Seixal Beach with fewer people is late evening or during a rainy/cloudy day. Also, when the tide is low, you’ll have more room to enjoy it.  

3) Crane viewpoint. It is a very picturesque spot. I shot a lot of great moments there. However, the local authorities closed Crane viewpoint now due to cliff erosion. Water washed away a lot of that cliff, so it is very dangerous to go there now. Still, many don’t care about their safety, but I am not among them. 

4) Sao Lourenço cliffs (Ponta do Rosto included). It is a very popular hiking trail. Many come to see a sunrise at the very end of Madeira. During the morning and daytime, you will see buses with people coming. Hard to park, hard to enjoy it giving way all the time on a trail.

The best time for a marriage proposal at Sao Lourenso is closer to sunset (1-1,5h before sunset time). The place is still beautiful, with warm light, but almost without people around.

5) Levada 25 Waterfalls, Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Rei, Levada do Alecrim, Levada Nova, etc. Long story short – no chances to be there not surrounded by dozens/hundreds of people.

The best time for engagement on levada walks mentioned above – unfortunately, never. Those are always crowded trails.

So, what to do if you decide to propose at one of the most crowded places mentioned above? Careful planning weather-wise and crowds-wise will help a lot to reduce the risk of the New York City center-like proposal. I am here to help make it as private as possible even in public places like Arieiro Peak, Fanal, Seixal or Sao Lourenso. Also, I have a list of yet not spoiled by over tourism places in Madeira, picturesque, beautiful, and still private.