Skip to Main Content
Fixers in Portugal
Start typing to search...
Filming in Madeira with dramatic mountain peaks and coastal cliffs

Madeira Filming Services

The Atlantic's garden island offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient laurel forests, and perpetual spring - a unique filming destination with otherworldly terrain.

Why Film in Madeira

Volcanic Drama

Towering peaks, deep ravines, and coastal cliffs up to 600m create dramatic backdrops found nowhere else in Europe.

UNESCO Laurisilva

Ancient laurel forest unchanged for millions of years. Misty, mystical settings perfect for fantasy and period productions.

Year-Round Bloom

Subtropical climate means flowers bloom every month. Botanical gardens and mountain meadows offer natural production design.

Madeira Filming Locations

From volcanic peaks above the clouds to UNESCO laurel forests and colorful fishing villages, we help you access the perfect locations for your production in Madeira.

Funchal

Island capital with historic center, cable car to Monte, and waterfront promenade.

Câmara de Lobos

Colorful fishing village immortalized by Churchill. Traditional character and cliff-top viewpoints.

Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo

Highest peaks above the clouds with lunar-like volcanic terrain and hiking trails.

São Vicente & North Coast

Dramatic lava caves, wild Atlantic coastline, and natural swimming pools.

Porto Moniz

Natural volcanic rock pools on the northwest tip with crashing Atlantic waves.

Santana

Traditional A-frame thatched houses and access to mountain trail networks.

Popular Filming Spots in Madeira

Our local fixers know these Madeira locations inside out, helping you navigate permits, logistics, and timing for the best results.

Pico do Arieiro

landmark

Third highest peak (1,818m) accessible by road. Above-cloud vistas, volcanic rock formations, and otherworldly mountain terrain.

Moderate permits

IFCN (Regional Nature Conservation) permit for filming in protected mountain areas.

Best times: sunrise above clouds, clear days for panoramas
Note: Weather can change rapidly. Limited road access for large vehicles.

Laurisilva Forest

park

UNESCO World Heritage ancient laurel forest. Misty canopy, moss-covered trees, and levada (irrigation channel) paths create mystical atmosphere.

Moderate permits

IFCN authorization required for commercial filming. Designated filming areas to protect ecosystem.

Best times: morning mist, overcast days for even light
Note: Stay on designated paths. No vegetation disturbance.

Cabo Girão

landmark

One of Europe's highest sea cliffs (580m). Glass-floor skywalk offers vertigo-inducing views. Terraced vineyards on slopes below.

Easy permits

Skywalk managed by regional tourism - advance booking for exclusive access.

Best times: morning for clear views, sunset
Note: Popular tourist site - early morning best.

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

waterfront

Volcanic rock pools on northwest coast. Dramatic waves crashing against dark lava rock. Unique swimming location.

Easy permits

Municipal facility - standard permit from Câmara Municipal de Porto Moniz.

Best times: any time, dramatic weather for wave action

Funchal Old Town

neighborhood

Historic center with painted doors art project, cathedral, and traditional market. Cable car connects to Monte gardens.

Easy permits

Câmara Municipal de Funchal. Pedestrian areas accessible for filming.

Best times: morning, golden hour

Monte Palace Gardens

park

Tropical botanical garden with Japanese influences, tile panels, and exotic plant collections. Toboggan ride descent.

Moderate permits

Private gardens - Monte Palace Tropical Garden management coordinates permits.

Best times: morning light, any time for gardens

Levada Walks

park

Network of irrigation channels with walking paths through mountains and forests. Tunnels, waterfalls, and varied terrain.

Moderate permits

IFCN permits for commercial filming on levada paths. Some areas require guided access.

Best times: morning, overcast for forest sections
Note: Narrow paths - limited crew size. Some sections require hiking expertise.

Câmara de Lobos

neighborhood

Picturesque fishing harbor painted by Winston Churchill. Colorful boats, cliff-top Churchill viewpoint, and traditional character.

Easy permits

Standard municipal permit. Small village - minimal disruption expected.

Best times: golden hour for harbor, morning for fishing activity

Transport & Logistics in Madeira

Essential logistics information for planning your Madeira production.

Airports

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport FNC

18km / 25 min to Funchal

Aerobus 113 (30 min) Taxi (~€30) Private transfer Car rental (recommended)

Local Transit

bus

Horários do Funchal and SAM operate island-wide services. Good coverage but infrequent to remote areas.

Crew tip: Bus reaches main towns and some hiking start points. Mountain locations need vehicle.

taxi

Available in Funchal and major towns. Can arrange full-day island tours.

Crew tip: Taxi drivers often serve as informal guides. Negotiate day rates for location scouting.

Parking & Production Vehicles

General availability: moderate

Funchal center is congested. Mountain roads are narrow and winding. Parking available at main viewpoints and attractions.

Production vehicles: Limited space in mountain areas - smaller vehicles essential. Câmara Municipal can advise on production vehicle access.

Getting Between Locations

Madeira is small (57km long) but mountainous - journeys take longer than expected. Funchal to Porto Moniz: 1.5 hours via coast road. Pico do Arieiro: 45 min from Funchal. 4WD or experienced drivers recommended for mountain roads.

Why Film in Madeira

  • Unique volcanic landscapes and microclimates within small island area
  • UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest for fantasy and period settings
  • Mild year-round climate (18-25°C) for consistent production scheduling
  • 25-30% tax rebate extends to Madeira productions
  • 2-hour flight from Lisbon provides quick access while offering distinct locations

Ready to Film in Madeira?

Let us handle permits, crew, equipment, and logistics while you focus on capturing Portugal's island paradise.