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2025 Madeira Island Photo Tour

Enchanted forests, volcanic peaks, and coastal charms

Join us on this Madeira Island photo tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this Atlantic gem. From the mystical laurisilva forests, the dramatic volcanic peaks, and the rugged coastal cliffs to the enchanting “levadas” and waterfalls, Madeira is an unparalleled photographer’s paradise.

Our Madeira Island Photo Tour will take place in July, offering a unique opportunity to explore the island while its vibrant vegetation and lush greenery are at their peak. The summer months bring an explosion of colors and an abundance of life, creating a landscape reminiscent of the Amazon rainforest. The captivating beauty of the island’s flora, from vibrant flowers to towering trees, will provide endless inspiration for your photography.

Sun setting in the background over mountain peaks and sea of clouds with

Date

July 11th-18th, 8 days and 7 nights.

Difficulty

Easy/Moderate: Involves short hikes and night shooting.

Group Size

Small: 12 participants + 2 photography guides.

Price

x,xxx USD (Double ocuppancy)

Included

Not Included

Janet Banchant
Janet BanchantUNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!
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This was an unforgettable, unbelievable experience not only because of the stunning location, but primarily because of the extraordinary guides who led our adventure. Unai and Prince were the best tour leaders I have ever had.
RICHARD VALDESUSO
RICHARD VALDESUSOSPECTACULAR!
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Another well organized and spectacular trip with Capture the Atlas to a gorgeous land and night scape. Learned so much with the guides. The one on one time they give to each student really accelerates learning, inspires and instills confidence.
EDDIE CARTER
EDDIE CARTERAMAZING TEAM!
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This is a class act. This was more than I anticipated, and I found myself participating in challenging photo shoots that I would not have done on my own. I thank Dan and his amazing team for a great week.I look forward to going on more trips.
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OVERVIEW

During this Madeira Island photography workshop, we will focus on the Northern part of the island.

Explore the magical laurisilva forest of Fanal, where ancient trees create an enchanting atmosphere, or the majestic volcanic peaks of Areeiro and Ruivo surrounded by all the levadas.

We’ll visit the renowned Ribeira de Janela beach, along with secret beaches tucked away from the tourists. We’ll shoot spectacular sunrises from locations such as the São Lourenço Peninsula and pay a visit to the traditional Santana houses and the Nossa Senhora de Fátima church. Finally, we will take some easy hikes along the island’s famous “levadas”. We are taking this tour during the new moon, so we will also venture out at night to photograph the Milky Way from the volcanic mountains.

On this Madeira photo tour, our experienced guides will be by your side, assisting you in capturing the most extraordinary images. Regardless of your photography skill level or equipment, they will help you master the art of photography and make the most of every lighting condition. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset, midday, twilight, or even night photography, our goal is to ensure you achieve the best possible shots and create memorable images during your time in Madeira.

Backdrop of a starry night sky with the Milky Way going across the sky behind a range of mountains and a dead tree in the foreground

Madeira Island Photo Tour Highlights

    • Photo Tour from July 11th – 18th, 2025.
    • Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors.
    • Main topics: Landscape, forest, seascape, and night photography – Mountains, forest, cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, grand vistas, rainforest.
    • Main areas: Northern Madeira Island
    • Private accommodation included close to the best locations.
    • Transportation included in a comfortable, private passenger bus.
    • All excursions included
    • Night photography sessions when conditions allow

Download the official Madeira Island Photo Tour Brochure

Madeira Photo Tour Capture the Atlas

2025 Madeira Island Photo Tour Itinerary

Our Madeira Island photo tour offers flexibility to adapt to varying weather conditions. Despite its small size, Madeira Island presents varying altitudes, making cloud height a crucial factor for having fog, sea clouds, or reddish skies. Depending on the desired conditions for each location, we will carefully select the best spots to photograph the island’s landscapes. The proximity of the locations and the advantage of staying at the same hotel during the entire trip allows us to swiftly adapt to changing weather and maximize the potential of each site.

Waterfall in a lush deep forest

We’ll prioritize the mornings and evenings, as they offer a higher probability of having fog, sea clouds, and optimal lighting conditions. However, even on cloudy or rainy days, we will also have the opportunity to take amazing pictures. These conditions are the best for capturing images with intensely saturated greens and a dramatic and moody atmosphere.

DAY 1: Madeira Island Photo Tour

Our Madeira Island photo tour begins at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (also known as Madeira Airport or Funchal Airport), where we will pick you up. From there, we will drive about an hour to our accommodation, where we will be staying for the duration of the trip. Here, we will do the tour orientation and a personal gear review to make sure you are ready for the trip.

After the introduction, we will head to our first sunset location, Levada dos Balcões. This will be our first experience with the unique “levadas” of Madeira as we explore this stunning trail.

Walking alongside a levada is one of the most unique experiences to have while staying in Madeira. These man-made channels were created to transport water and irrigate the agricultural fields around the island, and they’ve been reshaped as beautiful walking paths and trails.

Our final destination will be the Miradouro do Levada dos Balcões, an overlook offering a breathtaking view of the entire levada, along with the backdrop of the Areeiro and Ruivo peaks. Along the way, we will make a couple of stops along the road, such as the Miradouro do Cabouco to capture the beauty of the valley from different angles.

Path crossing a forest in a foggy day

Viewpoint overlooking mountains covered in dense forest

DAY 2: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the second day of this Madeira Photo Tour, our morning will begin at the enchanting Laurisilva Forest of Fanal, renowned as one of the most magical locations on the island.

The Laurisilva Forest of Fanal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient forest that is home to solitary and photogenic laurel trees. As you wander through the forest, you might feel as if you had stepped into a fairy tale, especially when the fog enhances the mystical atmosphere of the forest. If the conditions are not ideal, we will be flexible and ready to photograph this location another day.

Tree with sun behind it

After lunch in the afternoon, we will venture to the area of São Vicente, an impressive levada with a water channel that meanders through breathtaking landscapes. Along the levada, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, some reaching hundreds of feet in height, all of them covered with beautiful green trees.

Our exploration will also lead us to the remarkable Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima, a unique church designed in the form of a tower. Its architectural charm blends seamlessly with the majestic mountains, creating a striking visual composition.

White church in Madeira

Lush green forest with moss, yellow flowers and ferns. There is a waterfall in the middle

DAY 3: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the third day of our Madeira photo adventure, we will embark on an early sunrise visit to the Ribeira da Janela Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with two towering sea stacks, each over 140 ft. (50+ meters) tall. You’ll be captivated by the rounded rocks scattered across the shoreline and a small stream that adds a perfect foreground element to your photographs.

After this beach, we will make our way to the Garganta Fundão Waterfall, an impressive 300 ft. tall cascade surrounded by towering cliffs. To reach this waterfall, we will take an easy 15-minute walk along a safe pathway.

Cabin at the end of a path in a forest on a foggy day

In the afternoon, we will visit and photograph the famous “Queimadas”, the local typical houses of the island, but before this we will make a stop at the Rocha do Navio viewpoint. Here, we will be treated to the sight of a waterfall flowing from the cliffs to the sea.

Then, we will proceed to the picturesque Santana village, where we will be immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the local traditional houses. Among them, we will photograph the famous Casa das Flores. These iconic houses are celebrated for their distinctive triangular shape, charming thatched roofs, and vibrant hues.

To culminate our day’s adventures, we will visit the Queimadas at the starting point of the renowned Caldeirão Verde trail. Here we will encounter not only traditional houses but also discover the beauty of the stunning stone pathways that adorn the area.

DAY 4: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the fourth day of our Madeira Photo tour, we will have another opportunity to witness the mesmerizing landscapes at Ponta do São Lourenço. We will photograph it in the opposite direction from the previous day’s sunset, revealing an entirely different perspective. This place holds a fascinating geological history, featuring basaltic rocks formed through ancient volcanic activity.

On our way back, we will make additional stops at two viewpoints; The Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto and the Miradouro do Caniçal. These two overlooks offer a unique perspective of the Ponta do São Lourenço peninsula, incorporating several sea stacks into the composition.

Backdrop of a starry night sky with the Milky Way going across the sky behind a range of mountains and a dead tree in the foreground

Sun setting in the background over mountain peaks and sea of clouds with

For sunset, we will venture to the Pico Ruivo area, embarking on a one-hour hike along a safe trail with some stair sections. This trail leads to an awe-inspiring cemetery of whitewashed dead trees. As we compose our shots, the backdrop will feature the majestic presence of Pico Areeiro and the intricate network of levadas.

We will visit this location during the new moon. If conditions align, we will stay until nightfall, embracing the darkness and capturing the Milky Way as it dances across the night sky.

View of a peninsula during a sunrise with dramatic clouds and golden light

DAY 5: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the fifth day of our tour, we will photograph the region of Pico Areeiro, where we will explore several viewpoints. Our first stop will be at Miradouro Eira do Serrado, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Nuns Valley and its white houses nestled between the majestic peaks of Ruivo and Areeiro.

Continuing our journey, we will make another stop at the Paredão viewpoint, located several hundred feet higher than the previous one. From here, you will enjoy a completely new perspective of the valley.

Ridgeline lit by soft golden light

Sea stacks scattered across a shoreline as seen from a vantage point

As the day progresses, we will head towards the Pico Areeiro area to capture the magical light of the sunset. Our first destination will be Miradouro do Juncal, offering a mesmerizing view of the forest-covered ridge leading to Pico Ruivo. You will have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, with lush trees adorning the entire ridge.

To conclude our day’s exploration, we will visit the classic trail of Pico Areeiro. However, we will focus on the starting point of the trail, where we will photograph the beautiful stone path that runs along the mountain ridge. This path creates a powerful visual line, drawing your gaze and allowing for captivating compositions as the sun sets over the mountains.

Night sky lit by thousands of stars and the milky way

DAY 6: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the 6th day of our photography tour in Madeira, we will begin with a laid-back sunrise session at Miradouro Furna do Porto da Cruz Beach. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty, with a striking sea stack to one side and a towering cliff over 1,500 ft. high on the other. What makes this place even more fascinating is the volcanic rock formations that adorn the area, providing a plethora of shapes and textures to incorporate into our photographs.

Sunset on the coast with a sea stack in the background

Wide view of mountain tops almost engulfed by dramatic clouds during golden hour

Tree-covered cliffs with a sea stack and waterfall in the background

For sunset, we will venture to Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest peaks in Madeira. Here, we will take a roughly 30-minute hike along a staircase path that leads to Miradouro do Ninho da Manta and offers glimpses of awe-inspiring landscapes at every turn.

The 360º view from the top is truly breathtaking, showcasing the vast network of levadas and the towering peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Additionally, Pico do Areeiro is known for its population of partridges, which presents a fantastic opportunity for wildlife photography.

DAY 7: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On our last full day, our exciting itinerary involves exploring various hidden gems across the island of Madeira. We will begin the day by capturing the beauty of São Cristóvão Beach, a secret spot that remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. What makes this location truly remarkable is the natural formation created by the levada, which slices through a massive mountain, leaving behind a breathtaking peak-like structure.

Next, we will venture to the renowned area of Seixal, where we’ll make two stops. Our first stop is at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, offering a perfect vantage point to photograph the exquisite Bridal Veil waterfall cascading directly from the cliffs into the sea. Later we’ll visit the Natural Pools of Seixal, where we’ll photograph a beautiful basaltic stone arch that has been meticulously shaped by the relentless forces of the sea.

Big wave crashing

Sun setting behind a tall and pointy sea stack with mossy rocks in the foreground

Sun sets in between the branches of a tree creating a star looking shape

After a refreshing stop at a local bar for breakfast and recharging, we’ll head towards the São Vicente area, which we would have previously photographed. However, this time, we’ll stop at the top of the valley where we can see all the multiple levadas and mountains. Moving to the next valley, we’ll pause at Miradouro Pico da Murta, offering a magnificent vista of a peak-shaped mountain adorned with trees, surrounded by the intricate network of levadas and charming villages.

Panorama of a coastal scene

Two trees alone in a field covered in fog

For our final sunset, we’ll return to the enchanted forest of Fanal, widely regarded as the most magical location on the island. However, this time, we’ll photograph it during golden hour, as the atmosphere transforms dramatically with the descending sun.

DAY 8: Madeira Island Photo Tour

On the eighth and final day of our Madeira Photo Tour, we will conclude with the final sunrise session at the tree cemetery of Pico Ruivo.

We recommend having your luggage prepared the day before, as we will depart for the airport no later than 11 AM.

PRICE: $3,790 USD

 

Deposit: $1,500 USD

A $1,500 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.

What does the price include?

INCLUDED

    • Pick-up & drop-off at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC).
    • Transportation during the trip in two comfortable passenger vans.
    • Fuel and parking fees.
    • Accommodation in private rooms. (Discount of $700 for couples sharing rooms – $350 each).
    • Photo guide services from Unai Larraya & Prince Berkoh, professional landscape and wildlife photographers and astrophotographers.
    • Hiking and photography location fees.
    • Photography presentations and editing classes

*BONUS

NOT INCLUDED

    • Flights to/from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC)
    • Meals
    • Health/travel insurance (We can help you purchase the best travel insurance according to your needs)
    • Cell phone, personal expenses, tips etc. and any other service not mentioned in the “INCLUDED” section.

Upcoming Madeira Island Photo Tours 

Dates

GUIDES

Unai Larraya Capture the Atlas
David Aguilar Tour Guide Capture the Atlas Madeira Photo Tour

What will I learn during this Madeira Photo Tour?

This workshop is mainly focused on landscape photography (volcanic peaks, waterfalls, seascapes, forest and levadas) with a lot of potential for aerial photography. We’ll also do some astrophotography when conditions allow.

What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructors are professional photographers with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.

During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn:

Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:

  • Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and nightscapes in manual mode.
  • Adjusting to the best camera settings in each situation.
  • Planning your sunset and landscape images.
  • Shooting long exposures using ND filters.
  • Improving your forest and waterfalls photography using a Polarizer.
  • Enhancing your skills in coast and mountain photography.
  • Enhancing your composition with the best techniques.
  • Designing your own shooting workflow to be more efficient in the field.
  • Basic drone photography.

Some advanced photography techniques you can learn during the workshop are:

  • Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer
  • Building a connection between your photography and your vision
  • Becoming a master of light: learn how to enhance it and keep it under control
  • Advanced landscape techniques like bracketing, focus stacking, or focal length blending
  • Full Control of speeds for photographing wave wakes
  • Advanced drone photography like aerial panoramas, vertoramas, and bracketing

Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with the included tutorials are:

    • Basics of Lightroom and Photoshop.
    • Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw.
    • Stitching panoramas using different software like Lightroom or PTGui Pro.
    • Reducing the noise in your images with Denoise AI.
    • Sharpening your photos with Sharpen AI.
    • All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
    • Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape images.

Your instructors on this Madeira Island Photo Tour

Unai Larraya will be the tour leader on this Madeira Island photo tour. He is an expert landscape photographer who will make sure you end up with the best possible images.

Unai is an experienced landscape and wildlife photographer based in Northern Spain. He has refined his photography skills while traveling around the world over the past few years and has taught many other photographers along the way.

Since Unai started his photography journey, he has won multiple awards in recognition of his outstanding photography and editing skills.

With Unai, you’ll learn about composition, shaping light, color theory, focus stacking, and more. He will also show you how to implement all these techniques into your workflow to take your photography to the next level!

David Aguilar will be the tour co-leader throughout this Madeira photo tour, and he will make sure that you get the best photography results from this tour. He will help you with your photography, technique, and composition in all your landscape and night images.

David is a real expert on Madeira after taking multiple trips to the island over the last few years. He’s very knowledgeable about the most photogenic locations, the weather patterns, and the best techniques to capture breathtaking landscape images.

David’s main passion is traveling and helping others with their craft. He’s traveled extensively, having visited Nordic countries like Iceland and Norway, across vast areas in the European Alps, most of South America, and some Asian countries.

He’s also a skilled post-processing editor and has helped countless photographers over the last few years with his online landscape editing courses.

What to bring on a Madeira Island Photo Tour

We will send you a complete list of everything that we recommend for this tour upon sign-up. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:

Recommended Photography Gear
    • DSLR/mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod.
    • A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm lens.
    • A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm lens.
    • A telephoto lens, like a 100-400 mm lens.
    • A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter
    • L bracket or A-toll type collar ring for the vertical shots
    • 6-stop and 10-stop ND filters for long exposure shots
    • A camera bag to transport all your equipment.
    • A CPL (circular polarizer filter) to shoot waterfalls and seascapes.
    • A rain cover for the camera.
    • A headlamp for the night shoots and the caves.
    • Drone (Optional)

We also recommend a light and fast prime lens for Milky Way photography. Some of the best lenses in this range are:

    • 20 mm f/1.8
    • 24 mm f/1.4
    • 35 mm f/1.4

This prime can also be a substitute for your wide-angle zoom for daytime images.

You may be interested in this guide on photography equipment for traveling.

Photographer in Madeira

Clothing & Trekking Gear

The weather in Madeira during July is warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 81°F (20°C to 27°C). However, the climate here is very dynamic, and sudden rain and fog can cause a drastic drop in temperature.

Additionally, the temperature can change significantly between coastal areas and the mountains, with occasional lows of around 37°F (3ºC) at the highest peaks. It’s also important to note that temperatures can fluctuate during sunrise and sunset. Therefore, it’s crucial to pack a variety of clothing options suitable for different temperatures, as well as some waterproof garments.

For this reason, you should come prepared and wear the right clothing and trekking gear. Below is our list of recommendations for this Madeira tour:

    • A system of top layers to wear (base layer, fleece, windproof layer, shell).
    • Two types of bottom layers to wear (short hiking pants and warm long pants for cold days).
    • A good pair of breathable boots to keep your feet warm and protect your ankles while hiking over rocks, mud and uneven terrain.
    • A sun hat or a cap for the intense sun
    • A wool hat and gloves in case it gets cold.
    • Light water bottle.
    • Sunscreen to avoid sunburns

Some optional items that are highly recommended are:

    • Hiking poles.
    • Sunglasses

You will receive a list with everything that you need and that we recommend with links and examples before the trip.

Money

The currency in Madeira, Portugal is the Euro (EUR). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it’s recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or local markets that only accept cash payments. ATMs are available for withdrawing EUR, and you can exchange your currency at banks or authorized offices.

Documentation

As part of Portugal, Madeira follows the visa regulations of the Schengen Area. Depending on your nationality and duration of stay, a visa may be necessary. We are here to assist you with the visa application process and provide guidance. It’s essential to verify the specific visa requirements for your country of residence prior to your trip.

Visitors from most countries don’t need a visa to visit Portugal for less than 90 days. Remember to consult the official embassy or consulate of Portugal for the most up-to-date and accurate visa information based on your nationality and circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Starting from 2024, travelers from visa-exempt countries need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most EU countries. The current list of nationalities which need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization includes the USA and Canada.

Visit the Official EU Travel website to find more information about ETIAS.

Photographers photographing a sunset with trees

Accommodation

During this Madeira Island photo tour, we’ll stay in a top-rated hotel, in private rooms with private bathrooms. Our hotel has been strategically selected to be as close as possible to our photography locations.

We will be staying at this hotel for the entire tour. This will give us the advantage of going to the location where there will be the most interesting and favorable conditions for our photographs.

Hiking

This is not a hiking photo tour, and most of the locations will be next to the parking lot or the cable car station.

However, there are some moderate hikes that we’ll take and that you should consider. Also, conditions like rain or fog can make the hikes more difficult. Some routes include several steep sections up and down with staircases.

Hike

Elevation Gain

Distance (one way)

Estimated Duration (one way)

Path

Miradouro Levada dos Balcões

100 ft. /
30 m

1.1 miles /
1.8 km

0.5 hours

Wide path with practically no incline, suitable for all fitness levels.

Ponta de São Lourenço (sunrise)

65 ft. / 20 m

0.75 miles /
1.2 km

0.5 hours

Safe stone path with one staircase section ascending and one descending.

Pico Ruivo cemetery of dead trees

328 ft. /
100 m

1.4 miles / 2.3 km

1 hour

Safe stone path with several ascents, all of them adapted with stairs.

Pico do Areeiro

229 ft. / 70 m

0.6 miles / 1 km

1 hour

Wide path with a tow rope as a handrail on both sides, with no danger at all and a pretty steep continuous hill with stairs.

We recommend being in good physical shape to enjoy this experience

The estimated duration is without any stops, but during the hike, we will make frequent stops for rest and to capture photographs at different spots.

What expenses should you consider for this Madeira photo tour?

Flights

To reach Madeira, you should book your flight to Madeira Airport (FNC). The price of round-trip flights to Madeira from Europe ranges from $200 to $400, and from the US, it is approximately $500 to $800.

Several airlines operate flights to Madeira, including TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways. You can find direct flights to Madeira from major European cities such as Lisbon, Porto, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. If you are flying from the US, you may have to connect in a European city before reaching Madeira.

We recommend this article to find the best flights to Madeira Airport from your current location.

Meals

Meals are not included. Most days, we will have lunch at a cafe near our photography location or at the hotel, except for the days when we will be in the middle of a hike. For those days, we’ll have snacks and picnic food to maximize our time for photography.

Due to the late sunsets during summer, we might do either early or late dinners.

Transportation

All transportation and fuel are included during the tour. We’ll be traveling in a private bus for the duration of the trip. Our driver is a certified local driver who knows how best to navigate Madeira’s narrow and curvy roads.

What makes this Madeira Photo Tour unique?

Immersive

Our workshops are completely centered on photography: finding the best lighting conditions during the trip and creating an intensive experience that is conducive to learning and taking the best images.

Intimate

Our workshops are limited to small groups with a ratio of no more than six students per instructor. This is also an important factor for providing the attentive instruction you need during the tour.

Exclusive

During this workshop, we will photograph the famous locations in the Madeira as well as some hidden gems that we have discovered while exploring in the past that are rarely visited or photographed.

Dedicated

We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you. It doesn’t matter what your age is or your skills are; we will design your plan and provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop so the learning process is not limited to just the tour.

Proven

We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with everything from the simple task of getting off Auto to the ambitious goal of capturing complex images.

Unforgettable

Beyond the photography, our photography workshops help build strong bonds that last forever. After our trip, you’ll feel like you have been with a group of friends rather than on a standard tour. We are thankful to have plenty of repeat clients who keep traveling and learning with us.

Frequent questions about our Madeira Island Photo tour

You are welcome to join us regardless of your level of photography experience. We keep our tour groups small so we can offer intimate assistance to each attendee and adapt to their skill level and needs. Together, we’ll make sure you return home with a greater knowledge of many photography topics.

Once you sign up for the workshop, we will discuss your skills and goals for this tour, and I’ll organize a teaching plan so you can make the most of this experience.

This is not a hiking photo tour, and most of the locations will be next to the parking lot or the cable car station.

However, there are some moderate hikes that we’ll take and that you should consider. Also, conditions like rain or fog can make the hikes more difficult. Some routes include several steep sections up and down with staircases.

We will be driving, walking, and taking a lot of photographs during the tour, so we recommend being in good physical shape to be able to enjoy this experience.

Please refer to the hiking section for more detailed information about all the hikes.

There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone over 18 years old who wants to photograph Madeira with us.

Non-photographer companions are welcome to join the tour, and they need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. (We don’t allow non-participant companions tagging along with the group). We have had plenty of non-photographer companions over the years and all of them enjoyed an amazing experience. As long as they enjoy nature, beautiful landscapes, and are a bit patient with the schedules of a photo tour, joining the trip can be a great experience regardless of the shooting.

We highly recommend bringing a drone if you have one. The levadas on the island offer endless opportunities for unique and diverse perspectives when photographing them from the air.

It’s important to note that you must have all the required permits and licenses as a drone operator, as well as valid liability insurance. Our guides will provide guidance on the specific places where drones can be flown and the height and distance restrictions at each location, ensuring a safe and responsible drone flying experience.

Our Happy Students!

I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last years:

JanetMadeira
This was an unforgettable, unbelievable experience not only because of the stunning location, but primarily because of the extraordinary guides who led our adventure. Unai and Prince were the best tour leaders I have ever had. They really cared about your experience from every angle: learning, safety, level of difficulty and of course photographic development. I recommend them without reservation. I also want to add that the logistics of the trip done by both the whole CTA team and the leaders of our group was exemplary from tracking the weather closely to determine which spots would be best to the entire organization and planning of the experience from checklists before starting to lists of places that we went to and the CTA Academy. I wish all of my life were so well organized!
Janet Banchant
2024 Madeira Photo Tour
MariaFaroe
The Faroe Islands are incredible and the Capture the Atlas team helped us take-in their magic. Prince and David did a great job of helping us all to capture many incredible views. Prince and David's enthusiasm for showing off the beauty of the Faroes was evident throughout the whole trip. I would recommend the trip for travelers with adventurous spirits and those wanting to get off the beaten path!
Maria Koenigs
2023 Faroe Islands Photo Tour
AllenFaroe
Great experience to join the Faroe Islands photo tour, great company and wonderful guidance from the leaders Prince and David. It was a great learning experience overall. I feel like I've definitely leveled up my photography skills!
Allen Lee
2023 Faroe Islands Photo Tour
LesterFaroe
Enjoyed a great Faroe Islands tour in May 2023. Some challenging weather didn’t detract from stunning scenery. Prince and David Aguilar were fantastic guides with excellent local knowledge.
Lester Taylor
2023 Faroe Islands Photo Tour
Student Capture the Atlas
On my recent photo tour to Iceland, not only was I able to see the Northern Lights, but I also was able to photograph them thanks to Dan's tutelage and patience! I returned home with not only amazing pictures but also renewed enthusiasm for photography. Dan's passion for photography and landscapes is unequivocal.
Rachel Rose
Iceland Photography Tour
Student Capture the Atlas
Dan was a great host on my recent photo tour of Southern Iceland. He is an excellent photographer and was energetic in his effort to get our group to so many great sites to photograph. I had great comrades along, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Would I make this trip with Capture the Atlas again? In a heartbeat!
Larry Covalciuc
Iceland Photo Tour
Student Capture the Atlas
Traveled with Dan on the South Iceland tour, September 2021. We had six "photographers" on the tour of varying experience and Dan was exceptional at working with us on our level. He was also accommodating by changing the timing of the itinerary due to the weather and the eruption of the volcano. The tour included, as advertised, some hiking to remote places to capture some unique photos. The weathered dictated times to get out to see the Aurora and sunrises which were all impressive.
Robert Emery
Iceland Photo Tour
Student Capture the Atlas
Dan & Ascen drove almost 2,000 kilometers to bring us to all the locations for photo shoot’s. There was fabulous enthusiasm amongst the group. We witnessed amazing landscapes and seascapes. Dan made it all possible; the “Dancing Northern Lights” would not be missed on this tour. There was a good choice of accommodation & restaurants.
Iris Anderson
Iceland Photo Tour

Join the expedition

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This tour is governed by these Terms and Conditions.

Madeira is one of the most photogenic hidden gems in the Atlantic Ocean.

Enchanted laurisilva forests, spectacular seascapes, lush vegetation and waterfalls, picturesque villages, beautiful dark skies…Madeira’s photo opportunities are endless.

Join a team of expert instructors and a group of passionate photographers in a unique photo adventure to the land of mystical forests!

DAN ZAFRA

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