Madeira Photo Workshop: Discover the Island of Eternal Spring

Rise early for a breathtaking sunrise shoot at Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira. This dramatic peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and panoramic Atlantic views, offers a perfect setting to capture the warm hues of dawn as they illuminate the landscape. After breakfast, explore the vibrant streets of Funchal. Wander through the old town, capturing the colorful facades, traditional architecture, and lively market scenes that reflect the city’s rich cultural blend. In the afternoon, visit the charming village of Santana, known for its iconic thatched-roof houses nestled in rolling green hills. Photograph the unique architecture and peaceful rural scenery before continuing to Queimadas, where traditional homes and a historic water mill provide a glimpse into Madeira’s heritage. As the sun sets, head to Pico Ruivo. Walk a scenic trail through ancient trees above a sea of clouds — a surreal and peaceful landscape bathed in golden light. Weather permitting, we may return here on another evening to capture the Milky Way in this otherworldly setting.

Rise early to photograph the sunrise over Cabo Girão, one of the world’s highest sea cliffs. As the first light breaks over the Atlantic, capture the dramatic contrast of light and shadow across the cliffs, ocean, and the village of Câmara de Lobos below. With its sweeping vistas, colorful fishing boats, and rugged coastline, Cabo Girão offers a spectacular setting for landscape photography. In the afternoon, travel to the coastal village of Paul do Mar or São Vicente, home to the charming chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima. These locations showcase Madeira’s raw coastal beauty — from pebble beaches to towering cliffs — perfect for capturing the untamed power of the Atlantic. Explore the shoreline, engage with the local community, and document scenes of daily life in these authentic fishing villages. Later, gather for a focused session on seascape photography, covering techniques such as long exposure, wave motion, and managing contrast in dynamic lighting. Dive into topics like composition, creative framing, and post-processing to refine your landscape imagery and elevate your visual storytelling. The day concludes with a shared dinner and time to reflect — exchanging favorite shots, techniques, and stories from the field.

Begin the day with a peaceful hike through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient trees, lush vegetation, and serene atmosphere. Following the Levada dos Balcões trail, you’ll encounter moss-covered trunks, delicate ferns, and shafts of light filtering through the canopy — a dreamlike setting for capturing the forest’s mystical charm. In the afternoon, head to Rabaçal, a lush valley famed for its waterfalls. Photograph the impressive Risco Waterfall, using long exposure techniques to highlight the motion and texture of the cascading water. Surrounded by dense greenery and dramatic drops, this location offers countless compositional possibilities for nature photography. Alternatively, visit the striking Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, where towering sea stacks rise from the Atlantic and vibrant green boulders line the shore. Practice seascape photography with long exposures, capturing the interplay of rocks, water, and light. You may also have the chance to unwind in nearby natural pools, rounding out a day of rich visual exploration.

Rise early for an unforgettable ascent to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. For those eager to capture the night sky, we’ll begin even earlier to photograph the Milky Way before dawn. As you hike through mist-shrouded trails, the atmosphere becomes ethereal — a perfect canvas for moody, dramatic imagery. At the summit, witness the first light breaking over the horizon, casting golden rays across the jagged peaks, deep valleys, and distant ridgelines. The panoramic views from Pico Ruivo are truly spectacular, offering endless opportunities to capture the scale, depth, and light-play of Madeira’s dramatic terrain. In the afternoon, we may revisit the Laurissilva Forest, especially if conditions bring in fog — transforming the woodland into a magical, otherworldly scene perfect for atmospheric compositions. In the evening, gather for a workshop focused on panoramic photography and visual storytelling. Learn how to compose sweeping wide-angle shots and build narrative through your images. We’ll reflect on the creative journey of the past days, then enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating the memories, friendships, and photographs shared during this unforgettable experience.

Begin your final day with a sunrise shoot at one of our favorite locations, chosen based on weather and light conditions. This final session offers a chance to revisit a stunning spot with fresh perspective and refined technique — a perfect conclusion to your photographic journey. Afterward, enjoy a farewell breakfast, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences, creative growth, and meaningful connections made throughout the workshop. As you depart the enchanting island of Madeira, you’ll carry home not only a collection of powerful images, but also lasting memories and renewed inspiration for your photography.