Fio Viewpoint is an observation deck on the west coast of Madeira, at Ponta do Pargo, on the road beyond the lighthouse. It looks out over sea cliffs and open ocean, with farmed fields running up to the cliff top behind it. The road reaches the viewpoint itself, so the view starts at the car door. Most people come for the coastline and for sunset.
Fio Viewpoint
Local name: Miradouro do Fio
Stand at the railing and there is no land west of you until the far side of the Atlantic.
- Parking
- Free car park about 30 m from the viewpoint; a second parking area about 550 m away.
- Difficulty
- Level ground straight from the car park; no trail and no climb.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop about 870 m from the viewpoint.
What makes it special
The cliff does the work here. Pasture runs right up to the edge, and past it, open Atlantic with the coastline running away in both directions. Sunset is the hour most people drive out for: the deck faces the ocean, and the light comes in low across the water. The rest of the day it stays quiet. This is the far western end of Madeira, beyond the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, where the island is fields, low houses and cliff top.
Good to know
- No facilities: there are no public toilets and no drinking water at the viewpoint or anywhere close to it.
- Coffee behind the deck: a small coffee shop sits just behind the viewpoint; expect tourist prices for the location.
- Not the only view on this coast: one visitor rated the neighbouring viewpoints higher, so it pairs well with another stop.
Getting there
A car is what gets you here. The road runs out to Ponta do Pargo at the western end of Madeira, and the viewpoint lies beyond the lighthouse. You drive right up to it: the car park sits about 30 metres from the cliff edge, so there is no walk in. A second parking area lies further back along the road for busier moments.
Best time to visit
Better: the end of the day. The deck looks out over open ocean, and sunset is what most people drive this far west for; the same hour is when the place is at its quietest, with the fields behind the railing going gold. Come earlier and the view is still the whole coastline, just flatter light.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Fio Viewpoint on the map
The viewpoint stands on the top of a sea cliff, with the drop going straight into the Atlantic. Keep back from the edge, and keep children and dogs within arm's reach.
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Frequently asked questions
What can you see from Fio Viewpoint?
Sea cliffs and open Atlantic, with the coastline running away in both directions and green farmed fields behind the deck. Sunset is what most people come for.Is there anywhere to get a coffee?
Yes. A small coffee shop sits just behind the viewpoint, with seating facing the view. Prices run on the touristy side.Are there toilets at the viewpoint?
No. There are no public toilets and no drinking water at the viewpoint or in the surrounding area.Is Fio Viewpoint near the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse?
Yes. The viewpoint sits along the coast beyond the lighthouse at the western end of Madeira, and the two make an obvious pair on the same drive.