Madeira Photo Tour

Chase light, mist, and stars on an island made for landscape photography

Discover the Magic of Madeira in Spring

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.

Photographing Madeira in May, we can expect dramatic sunrises over the wild Atlantic coast, fiery sunsets in the mountains, misty conditions in the forests, and crystal-clear skies for Milky Way photography.

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
    • Photograph the Milky Way through the mystical trees of Fanal Forest and above rugged mountain peaks.
    • 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, cascading waterfalls, wildflowers, and the Milky Way. 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 Fanal

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
Arrive 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 and capture the Milky Way above Fanal forest.

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. If conditions allow, we’ll spend another night under the stars.

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. After a break, we hike to Pico Ruivo for a sunset among colorful flowers and a chance to capture the Milky Way core above the island’s rugged mountain skyline.

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

Accommodation
We’ll stay in comfortable hotels throughout the tour, each chosen for its proximity to our photo locations. All participants will have a private double room with an ensuite bathroom. A single room upgrade is available for an additional €900.

Group Size & Instruction
This tour is limited to 10 participants, allowing for close, personalized instruction from two professional photographers. You’ll benefit from daily in-field guidance and structured post-processing sessions.

Strategic Locations
We overnight in two different regions of Madeira, ensuring we’re always near key sunrise and sunset spots without wasting time on long drives.

Meals
All breakfasts are included. Dinners are enjoyed together at local restaurants (not included in the price), and some lunches may be packed to maximize shooting time.

Hiking & Activity Level
The tour involves moderate activity. Most locations require short walks from the van, but there are three hikes ranging from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. Our longest hike will be a 5 hour roundtrip on an easy, flat trail to the island’s most beautiful waterfall.

Editing Sessions
We’ll conduct multiple post-processing lessons during the tour. These sessions are split into small groups to ensure maximum benefit, and all editing classes are recorded and shared with you afterward.

Flexibility
Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. We adapt the daily schedule to make the most of each location, whether that means shooting the Milky Way at night or chasing early-morning light.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend private travel insurance that covers non-refundable costs, cancellations, and any personal risks associated with travel.

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR


    If you’re unsure whether this tour is the right fit for your interests or skill level, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help you decide.

    We look forward to photograph Madeira with you!

     

    Quick Facts

    Dates: May 15th to 21st, 2026

    Location: Madeira, Portugal

    Available seats: 10/10

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

    Price: 2890 EURO (based on double occupancy – single room supplement is 900 EURO).

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

    Arrival: Madeira Airport (FNC), May 15th – No later that 3pm

    Departure: Madeira Airport (FNC), May 21st – 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, support via private WhatsApp group

    Not included: Any travel services required arriving at 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

    Tour Leaders

    Christian Hoiberg

    Christian Hoiberg is a full-time Norwegian landscape photographer and the founder of CaptureLandscapes. His goal is to help aspiring photographers develop the skills needed to capture beautiful and impactful images.

    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.