The Miradouro do Véu da Noiva is a roadside viewpoint on the northern coast of Madeira, Portugal, offering views of a waterfall cascading directly into the Atlantic Ocean. This guide covers opening hours, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
The lookout is a popular stop on a small group Madeira west coast tour that also stops at Cabo Girao, Ribeira Brava Beach, the Fanal Forest and the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | Antigo Traçado da ER101, Seixal, Madeira |
| Parking | Free parking (approximately 20 spaces) |
| Time needed | 10–20 minutes |
| Facilities | Viewing platform, souvenir shop, snack bar, toilets (at shop), wheelchair access |
Miradouro do Véu da Noiva opening hours
The viewpoint is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There are no gates or access restrictions. The souvenir shop and snack bar have limited opening hours, typically 9:00am to 6:00pm, though these may vary by season.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
Miradouro do Véu da Noiva ticket prices
Entry to the viewpoint is free. There are no admission fees. The souvenir shop and snack bar operate independently with their own prices.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in February 2026.
How to get to the do Véu da Noiva
The Miradouro do Véu da Noiva is located on the ER101 road between Seixal and São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast, approximately 40 kilometres from Funchal. From Funchal, take the VE4 (Via Rápida) north towards São Vicente, then follow the ER101 coastal road west. The viewpoint is clearly signposted with a large brown sign reading “Miradouro Véu da Noiva”. The journey from Funchal takes approximately 50 minutes to one hour.
Public bus number 139 (Porto Moniz to Santana) stops near the viewpoint, though services are infrequent. Check current timetables before travelling.
Many organised tours of Madeira’s north coast include a stop at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, typically allowing 15–20 minutes for photos.
Parking at the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
Free parking is available in a car park directly off the ER101 road. There are approximately 20 parking spaces in the upper car park near the souvenir shop. A second, smaller parking area is located on a lower level accessed by a sharp turn with limited visibility.
Parking fills quickly between 11:00am and 3:00pm when tour coaches arrive. Arrive before 10:00am or after 3:30pm to avoid crowds and secure parking more easily. Because this is a brief viewpoint stop, cars typically leave within 10–20 minutes, so spaces become available regularly even during busy periods.
How long to spend at the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
Most visitors spend 10–20 minutes at the viewpoint. This allows time to walk to the viewing platform, take photographs, and view the waterfall and coastline. Visitors on organised tours typically have 15–20 minutes. Allow additional time if you plan to visit the souvenir shop or snack bar.
Accessibility at the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible. A paved ramp leads from the car park to the viewing platform, avoiding steps. The platform itself is flat and surfaced with metal grating. Free toilets are available inside the souvenir shop, which has level access.
What to see at the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
The viewpoint provides views of the Véu da Noiva waterfall, which cascades approximately 35 metres down a cliff face directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The waterfall is named “Bride’s Veil” due to its resemblance to a flowing bridal veil when viewed from a distance. The waterfall is the suspended mouth of the Ribeira de João Delgado stream, formed by coastal erosion.
Water flow varies by season. October to April (the rainy season) produces the strongest flow, creating a more pronounced veil effect. May to September typically sees reduced flow, making the waterfall appear thinner. The viewing platform is positioned to the east of the waterfall, approximately 200 metres away, providing a side-angle perspective.
From the platform, views extend west along the coast towards Porto Moniz and east towards Seixal Beach. The village of Seixal is visible to the left, including its church tower. The old ER101 coastal road, now closed due to a 2008 landslide, can be seen cut into the cliff face. Before the landslide, it was possible to walk beneath the waterfall on this road, but access is now permanently blocked.
The viewpoint faces northeast, meaning the waterfall receives direct sunlight during morning and early afternoon. In late afternoon and evening, the cliff falls into shadow. Multiple smaller waterfalls are visible on the surrounding cliffs, particularly after rain.
Practical tips for visiting the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit between October and April for the strongest waterfall flow, as summer months can see significantly reduced water volume. |
| Arrive in the morning or early afternoon for the best light on the waterfall, as the cliff falls into shadow after approximately 3:00pm. |
| The viewpoint can be windy and several degrees cooler than the coast, so bring a light jacket even on warm days. |
| The sharp turn into the lower car park has limited visibility when approaching from São Vicente, so use the upper car park unless necessary. |
| Free toilets are available inside the souvenir shop, which also sells drinks, snacks, and Madeira-themed souvenirs. |
| Drone flying is permitted but coastal winds can be strong, so exercise caution. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva suitable for children? | Yes. The viewing platform is fenced and safe for children. Supervision is required near platform edges. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The viewpoint is open access with no bookings required. |
| Is the viewpoint open on Sundays? | Yes. The viewpoint is open 24 hours every day, including Sundays. The souvenir shop may have reduced Sunday hours. |
| Are there toilets? | Yes. Free toilets are available inside the souvenir shop adjacent to the car park. |
| Can you walk to the waterfall? | No. The path to the waterfall was destroyed in a 2008 landslide and is permanently closed for safety reasons. |
| Is parking free? | Yes. All parking at the viewpoint is free. |
Things to do near the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva
Seixal Beach (2 kilometres west) is a black sand beach with lush cliff scenery and a natural lava rock arch. Entry is free.
Seixal Natural Swimming Pools (2 kilometres west) are volcanic rock pools filled with seawater. Entry is free but access involves a steep slope and stairs.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (12 kilometres west) are larger, managed lava pools with facilities including changing rooms, lifeguards, and a children’s pool.
São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre (8 kilometres east) offers guided tours through volcanic lava tubes formed 890,000 years ago.
Fanal Forest (20 kilometres southwest) is a UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest with ancient trees, often shrouded in mist, and walking trails.
Miradouro da Santinha (2 kilometres west) is another coastal viewpoint on the ER101 road with views of the north coast and offshore rock formations.
Ribeira da Janela (10 kilometres west) is a pebble beach with distinctive offshore rock formations including a rock with a window-shaped opening.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car (20 kilometres west) descends 430 metres down steep cliffs to a coastal farming area.
