Pico do Arieiro – Madeira Island – Portugal
Patience and persistence paid off for this shot—though not without a few challenges. My friend Mathieu and I returned five or six times, scouting the perfect conditions. Eventually, even Mathieu gave up, leaving me to make the final 3 trips alone. But that’s the reality of travel and landscape photography: revisiting the same spot is often the only way to capture it at its best. If you want to elevate your work, time is your greatest ally.
Early mornings were a bust—crowds flooded the area, ruining the serenity I was after. The real magic, I realized, would come with a sea of clouds spilling into the valleys below. Though I never got that dream scenario, the universe offered a consolation prize: a breathtaking sunset on my final evening. Golden light spilled over the landscape, turning the sky into a canvas of fire. It wasn’t the shot I’d planned, but sometimes, the best moments are the ones you don’t expect.
Le Pico do Arieiro, qui culmine à 1 818 mètres, est le troisième plus haut sommet de Madère. Le sommet offre une vue panoramique de l'île et, par temps clair, la possibilité de voir simultanément les côtes nord et sud.
About Funchal
Perched on Madeira’s sun-drenched southern coast, Funchal enchants with its lush botanical gardens, cobbled streets, and Atlantic vistas. This Portuguese island capital blends old-world charm with vibrant markets, where the scent of passionfruit and fresh seafood lingers. A haven for hikers and wine lovers alike, its terraced vineyards and dramatic cliffs invite both leisure and adventure in equal measure.