Paredão Viewpoints is a roadside observation deck in the mountains of Madeira, Portugal, on the road that climbs towards Pico do Arieiro. It looks out over a deep valley towards the ridges behind it, and at this height cloud often lies below the deck itself. Early morning is what the place is known for, when low sun crosses the cloud in the valley. Access is by car, and the stop tends to be quiet.
Paredão Viewpoints
Local name: Miradouro do Paredão
Just after sunrise the cloud spills over the ridges below the deck like a waterfall.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible parking and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Parking
- Free. Gravel car park nearest the viewpoint; a second free car park, asphalt, 875 m back along the road.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stops: Eira do Serrado (846 m) and CAM Seara Velha 5A (907 m).
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
What makes it special
The ground falls away into the valley here and the ridges stack up behind it, and the cloud tends to sit below the deck. The air is cool up here, with wind moving across the open ground. Paredão Viewpoints is not as well known as the island's headline viewpoints, and people who stop often have it to themselves. It sits on the mountain road that carries traffic up to Pico do Arieiro, which makes it an easy stop on the way.
Good to know
- No facilities: no toilets and no drinking water within 800 m of the viewpoint.
- Nothing to do in cloud: the deck is open and unsheltered, and low cloud takes the view away completely.
- Dress for the height: the air is cool at the deck and the wind adds to it — take a layer.
Getting there
Access is by car. The last climb runs on a narrow mountain road with tight curves, so keep the speed down. From the nearest parking it is 177 m on foot to the viewpoint, and an information board stands beside the approach. The same road carries on to Pico do Arieiro, so the two fit into one drive.
Best time to visit
Better: right after sunrise, while the cloud is still lying in the valley.
Avoid: driving the approach road in the dark.
Low sun is what makes this stop: it comes in across the cloud in the valley and picks out the ridges standing through it. The air is cool at that hour, and the wind on the open deck adds to it.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Paredão Viewpoints on the map
The approach road is narrow and the curves are tight — drive it slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
What can you see from Paredão Viewpoints?
A deep valley with mountain ridges behind it, and often a layer of cloud lying below the deck itself. In clear air the view runs on across the surrounding slopes.When is the light best?
Right after sunrise, when the sun comes in low over the cloud in the valley and the ridges stand out of it.Do you need a car?
In practice, yes. The nearest bus stops are Eira do Serrado, 846 m away, and CAM Seara Velha 5A at 907 m, and the last climb is a narrow mountain road.Does it work with children?
Yes. It is a roadside stop reached from parking in 177 m on foot, not a hike, and the site is suited to children.