Madeira Photo Tour

Join us for an unforgettable photography adventure in Madeira, where ancient forests, jagged peaks, wild Atlantic coastlines, and misty waterfalls come together in one spectacular landscape.

Madeira Photo Tour Details

Photograph rugged seascapes, ancient cloud forests, and jagged mountain peaks; all on one unforgettable island.

This is Madeira: a volcanic gem in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the Floating Garden, Madeira lies off the northwest coast of Africa and belongs to Portugal. With its diverse and dramatic terrain, it offers some of the most rewarding opportunities for landscape photography anywhere in Europe.

Our small-group Madeira Photo Tour is crafted for passionate photographers looking to elevate their craft, explore wild scenery, and receive hands-on instruction in one of the world’s most photogenic destinations.

Madeira Photo Tour

Tour Highlights

Experience and photograph the stunning diversity of Madeira, from misty forests to soaring peaks above the clouds. This tour is packed with unforgettable moments and learning opportunities, including:

  • Explore lush laurel forests and hidden waterfalls
  • Capture dramatic seascapes, wild beaches, and rugged sea stacks
  • Photograph mountain peaks rising above the clouds at sunrise and sunset
  • Aerial photography opportunities with drone-friendly locations
  • Small group of maximum 10 participants, with two professional photo instructors
  • Comfortable hotels with private double rooms and bathrooms
  • Relax in natural pools, enjoy a sauna and jacuzzi in Porto Moniz
  • In-field landscape photography guidance at every location
  • Post-processing sessions with recordings to review at your own pace

What to Expect from the Madeira Photo Tour

This 7-day tour is crafted to help you grow as a photographer while exploring one of Europe’s most photogenic islands.

You’ll capture a wide variety of scenes, from fog-shrouded forests and rugged coastlines to high-altitude peaks and cascading waterfalls. With every location chosen for its photographic potential, this tour balances inspiring scenery with hands-on learning.

We stay in two strategically located hotels to minimize driving and maximize photography opportunities. Daily outings include a mix of well-known spots and lesser-visited gems, with enough flexibility to adapt to weather conditions and light.

Throughout the week, you’ll receive personalized instruction both in the field and during structured post-processing sessions. These cover everything from composition and camera technique to editing workflows and creative development, all tailored to your skill level.

Whether you’re refining your vision or building confidence behind the camera, this tour offers a supportive and motivating environment shared with a small group of likeminded photographers.

 

Madeira Photo Tour Itinerary

Note: This itinerary is flexible. We adapt our schedule to the weather and light conditions to ensure the best photographic opportunities throughout the week.

Day 1: Ribeira da Janela & Fanal forest
Arrival and check-in at our first hotel. After a short briefing, we’ll head out for our first sunset shoot, either at the rugged coastline of Ribeira da Janela or in the atmospheric Fanal forest, depending on conditions.

Day 2 – Porto Moniz, São Cristóvão Viewpoint & Hidden Waterfall
We begin the day with sunrise at one of Madeira’s most stunning viewpoints. After some downtime enjoying the hotel’s natural pools, sauna, and jacuzzi, we set out on a scenic hike to photograph a magical waterfall tucked deep within lush forest.

Day 3: Ribeira da Janela & Fanal forest 
A sunrise session at Praia da Ribeira da Janela kicks off the day. After lunch, we’ll dive into our first post-processing class, followed by a return to the Fanal forest for sunset, a location known for its mood and ever-changing fog.

Day 4: Machico & Pico do Arieiro
After a relaxing morning and hotel check-out, we relocate to the southeast of the island. In the afternoon, we’ll continue post-processing with new images, and finish the day with sunset at the dramatic peaks of Pico do Arieiro.

Day 5: Northeast Viewpoints & Ponta de São Lourenço
Today we photograph two lesser-known yet incredible viewpoints at sunrise. After a relaxed midday break, we’ll head to Ponta de São Lourenço for a dynamic sunset session among rugged cliffs and swirling seas.

Day 6: Ponta de São Lourenço & Pico Ruivo
An early start takes us back to one of the most iconic viewpoints on the island. Later, we hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak, where we’ll photograph the landscape bathed in golden evening light.

Day 7: Departure from Madeira Airport (FNC)
We check out and transfer to Madeira Airport (FNC). Departures can be scheduled for any suitable time.

Most photo locations are easily accessible with short walks from the van. However, a few locations require moderate hikes on well-maintained trails, including a rewarding 5-hour roundtrip to a stunning hidden waterfall.

Additional Information

  • Group Size: We limit the tour to 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience and plenty of 1-on-1 time with both instructors.

  • Accommodation: You’ll stay in comfortable, high-quality hotels with private double rooms and ensuite bathrooms. A single room is available for an additional supplement.

  • Hotel Locations: We stay in two strategically chosen hotels to minimize travel time and maximize shooting opportunities during the best light.

  • Meals: Lunches and dinners are enjoyed at local restaurants when possible. On 1 or 2 occasions, we’ll opt for packed meals, allowing us to enjoy a relaxed dinner outdoors and stay close to great sunset locations.

  • Daily Activity Level: Most locations are close to the van with minimal walking. A few involve moderate hikes on well-maintained trails, including:

    • A 5-hour roundtrip to one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls

    • A 40-minute hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak

  • Post-Processing Sessions: Throughout the week, we hold multiple editing sessions where we review and process the images captured together. We’ll cover everything from RAW development to final output. To maximize personal attention, these sessions are done in smaller groups.

  • Session Recordings: All editing classes are recorded and shared with you after the tour so you can revisit and refine your workflow at your own pace.

  • Balance of Comfort & Focus: While photography is our top priority, you’ll also have time to relax; whether it’s a morning break, a quiet hike, or soaking in the natural pools of Porto Moniz.

  • Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing private travel insurance to cover flights, cancellations, and any unexpected interruptions.

Meet Your Instructors

Christian Hoiberg
Christian Hoiberg is a full-time Norwegian landscape photographer and the founder of CaptureLandscapes. Through articles, courses, and photo tours, he helps photographers of all levels master the art of creating meaningful and impactful images. Start improving your photography today by downloading his free guide, 30 Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography. You can also explore more of his work on his website or follow him on Instagram.

Giulio Cobianchi

Giulio Cobianchi is a professional landscape photographer, experienced and specialized in night photography with 10 years of experience. His passions are the search for dark skies to better capture the wonder of the night sky and the exploration of new places where wild nature gives the best of itself. These passions have led him to travel to the most beautiful and wild places in the world and Madeira is one of them. His satisfaction is making your dream come true.

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR

    Quick Facts

    Dates: Nov 24th – 30th, 2025

    Location: Madeira, Portugal

    Available seats: 5/10

    Difficulty level: Medium (some hiking on good trails is involved to reach some locations)

    Price: 2890 EURO (based on double occupancy – single room supplement is 800 EURO).

    Registration deposit: 700 EURO (full payment required 60 days prior to the tour).

    Arrival: Madeira Airport (FNC), November 24th – No later that 3pm

    Departure: Madeira Airport (FNC), November 30th – Any suitable time

    Included: Two professional photo guides, all tuition and post-processing sessions, transportation, accommodation in hotels, hotel breakfast, natural pools in Porto Moniz, sauna and jacuzzi.

    Not included: Any travel services required arriving to and departing from the starting location at Madeira Airport (FNC) Any private insurances, taxes, levies, immigration, duty and visa fees where applicable. All meals besides hotel breakfast and any personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs and travel insurance.

    Guided by Christian Hoiberg and Giulio Cobianchi