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When is the best time to visit Madeira?

In Madeira there is eternal Spring, mild sea and always beautiful landscapes. Any month of the year is good for visiting the island.

There will be few destinations around the world that can boast of continuing in all their splendor at any time of the year - either because there's a rainy season or it starts to get too hot or too cold. But Madeira is unique: any month of the year is ideal for visiting.

There are only two moments that you should pay attention to: in the Summer months (July and August) and at the end of December, due to the magnificent New Year's Eve and the consequent firework display, there are more people on the island. In any case, you will always feel welcome – in the Summer with a bit more heat, and in the Winter with much milder temperatures than in mainland Portugal (there is no need to take a warm overcoat in the suitcase, but be sure to pack t-shirts and a bathing suit all the same).

RECOMMENDED: 🏖️ A guide to Portugal's seven regions 📍 The best things to do in Portugal 🇵🇹 The ultimate 10 days in Portugal

Inês Garcia was previously the food and drink editor for Time Out Lisbon .  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

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Long days in April and May that are drier and warmer (perfect for giving the summer clothes an early run). Everything is in bloom in spring – and it is time for the annual Flower Festival (Festa da Flor), a colourful extravaganza with a pleasant bouquet that takes place all over the island. Another spring event is the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), in which trail runners from all over the world test their endurance on the island’s tallest peaks.

This is when the islands is at its busiest, with domestic and foreign tourists. The average high temperature is 24-25 ºC, with warm sunshine, and rarely falls below 17 ºC, meaning you can be sure of mild nights. This is the perfect opportunity to do a two-for-one and head over to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo (a short flight or boat trip away) to spend a few days on the beaches of golden sand. It rarely rains and there are lots of summer festivals.

Madeira in autumn is always a good bet for prolonging the summer in continental Portugal. In October and November the weather is still warm and sunny, although there is more chance of rain. The sunrise takes on more pink tones. And it is fine for swimming without the shivers.

Think of a sort of sunny autumn. Go swimming in December? We are ready. There is no real concept of winter in Madeira and it is very unusual to see Madeirans wearing these big heavy, padded winter coats (they only wear them if they’re up early to catch the sunrise). It usually rains al little, and there might also be a passing storm, but by February the sun starts shining again. Daytime air and sea temperatures hover around 18-20 ºC. Be warned, though: flights get more expensive in December because of New Year.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira? (Month-By-Month Guide)

I’ve been holidaying in Madeira for the past twenty-plus years and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. Safe to say, I love it there … no matter which month I travel in.

Madeira is the perfect escape into nature with warm temperatures year-round (at least compared to the UK) and lots of stunning areas to discover.  

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Madeira for flowers, walks or just great weather, then I’m ready to reveal all with this useful Madeira travel blog .

When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira For Great Weather?

Madeira has a delightful year-round spring climate, making it the perfect destination for both winter escapes and fun in the sun. In fact, it’s often nicknamed ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’.

Even as early as February, you could be enjoying some much-needed Vitamin D in shorts and a t-shirt by your hotel pool. Although you’ll need to cover up if the clouds (or rain roll in), which is more likely this time of year (although still less likely than ye olde England!)

But if it’s fun in the sun that you’re truly after, then July to October has some of the hottest temperatures on record (usually in the mid-twenties Celsius). Perfect for sunbathing and splashing around in the volcanic rock pools in Porto Moniz (a must by the way!)

When Is The Best Time For Walking In Madeira?

The fact that Madeira is a cheerful little island of eternal spring means that the best time for walking in Madeira is pretty much any time of the year.

That said, you’ll probably want to avoid typically wet months and the hottest months to enjoy every moment.

So in that case, I’d recommend visiting Madeira between the end of April and mid-June. 

Temperatures will likely be in their low twenties celsius, so warm but not unbearably hot. It will also be relatively dry and is also the best time of year to see Madeira’s flora and fauna.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira For Flowers?

Did you know that Madeira also has another nickname? It’s often referred to as the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’ thanks to its colourful and varied flora and fauna.

The stunning scenery and escapes into nature are easily some of the top reasons to visit Madeira, so if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Madeira for flowers then I’m here to reveal all. 

Even though you’ll be treated to mesmerising flower displays (both natural and man-made) throughout the year, there’s no better time to visit Madeira for flowers than in the spring (particularly in April and May).

Not to mention spring is also when the Madeira Flower Festival is in full swing. Festival dates change each year but it’s always after Easter and often in April or May.

But if you won’t be visiting Madeira in spring, then you’ll still get the chance to see an abundance of flowers. Madeira is truly a nature lover’s paradise and you’ll rarely be left disappointed!

Either way, the Madeiran flowers, plants and trees that are most worth finding during your trip are:

• Strelitzia: This interesting plant is Madeira’s signature flower and it grows in abundance throughout the island year-round. It’s often nicknamed ‘the bird of paradise’ as it looks like exactly that; an exotic bird.
• Poinsettia: Who doesn’t love a poinsettia with all its festive feels? This red flower known for its connection with Christmas is always a firm favourite. Best seen from October to February.
• Sword Aloe: If you’ve never seen a flowering aloe plant before then a sword aloe plant is a must to see in Madeira. While the stem of the plant will be its tell-tale sign, its red and yellow spiked flowers will surprise you. Its flowers can often be seen from October to December.
• Coral Trees: Although not strictly flowers, coral trees are still colourful and beautiful to see. Madeira’s Santa Catarina Park is home to a number of the ‘Erythrina speciosa’ variety. Best seen from January to April.
• Pink Ball Trees: Another pretty flowering tree is the Pink Ball Tree, which looks like it’s holding balls of pink flowers upside down. The flowers bloom from December to March.
• Jacaranda Trees : Showcasing pretty purple flowers that look a little like bluebells, Jacaranda Trees can be found all throughout Madeira and especially within Funchal. Best seen in April and May.

But in truth, these are just a handful of the striking flora and fauna you can see during your trip. 

Whether you’re walking along the Levadas or hiking through the clouds, strolling into Funchal or lazing by the pool, you’ll see a smattering of bright and beautiful flowers in Madeira that you can’t help but smile at.

Choose The Best Month To Visit Madeira With This Year-Round Madeira Travel Blog

In case you still can’t decide on when is the best time to visit Madeira based on what you want to see and do, then here’s my quick round-up of what Madeira is like throughout each month of the year…

Visiting Madeira In January

Although the winter months are the coldest time of year to visit Madeira, the temperatures of around 15-18℃ can still rival UK summers.

However, January is also one of the wettest months to visit Madeira (averaging 13 days of rainfall), so you might not always be able to enjoy the warm temperatures. Your best option would be to visit later on in the month when rain is less likely than in early January.

That said, given that January is totally outside of Madeira’s peak travel season, it’s a cheap time to visit and you’re also less likely to find crowds!

Visiting Madeira In February

February is still within Madeira’s winter season and the temperatures are much the same as in January (on average). 

That said, my first trip to Madeira was at the end of February and we enjoyed temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius every day. At that point, Madeira officially became one of my favourite winter sun destinations .

Rain is a little less likely than in January but still averages around 11 days per month.

February is also a likely month to see the Carnival of Madeira , which happens annually around 40 days before Easter. It usually runs for a couple of weeks and is a dazzling display of glitzy over-the-top costumes, heart-thumping music and parading floats.

Visiting Madeira In March

March in Madeira sees the return of spring, and with it, comes slightly warmer temperatures of around 20℃. 

At an average of 11 days of rainfall per month, the likelihood of rain in March is the same as in February. But with this rainfall comes the return of spring flowers.

There’s no doubt that April and May are the best months to visit Madeira for flowers, but March helps to kick things off with its colourful floral displays that outshine those of February and the other winter months.

Visiting Madeira In April

At around 20℃ and 10 days of rainfall on average, April’s weather is much the same as March.

But one of the top reasons to visit Madeira in April is the annual Flower Festival , which is held after Easter and happens in either April or May.

Not only that, but the traditional village of Santana also holds an annual Lemon Festival, so a visit here during your trip will bring the sunshine colours and citrus scents of this delightful little fruit.

Visiting Madeira In May

May temperatures are usually ever so slightly warmer than March and April temperatures with averages of around 21℃.

But the likelihood of rain halves! May averages around 5 days of rain, so if it’s warmer temperatures, charming walks in nature and fun in the sun that you’re after, then May is a great time to visit.

Not to mention it’s also sometimes the month of the stunning Flower Festival (depending on when Easter is).

Visiting Madeira In June

June in Madeira welcomes the start of summer… but the temperatures aren’t quite the hottest of the year yet. 

June temperatures average around 22℃ (so slightly warmer than in May), but the average rainfall is 4 days so also about the same as May.

Throughout June, you’ll also get a chance to attend the Atlantic Festival , which happens on each Saturday of the month. This festival welcomes a dazzling display of fireworks and live music shows in Funchal .

Visiting Madeira In July

With average temperatures reaching around 24℃, July is when Madeira starts to sizzle… or at least the spring island’s version of sizzling.

Rain also almost comes to a complete stop with only 2 days of rain on average. Therefore, July is a great month to visit Madeira if you’re after some fun in the sun.

Visiting Madeira In August

August temperatures in Madeira reach higher still with averages of around 26℃ and the same likelihood of rain as in July (roughly 2 days per month).

The end of August also sees the start of the Madeira Wine Festival , which is a big hit come September. This festival takes place during Madeira’s grape harvest and pays homage to Madeira’s most loved cultural traditions.

Visiting Madeira In September

At 26℃, September temperatures in Madeira are about the same as in August, but rain is much more likely (with an average of 7 days in the month).

September is when the Madeira Wine Festival is in full swing, but towards the end of the month, another festival is also a big hit. 

The Columbus Festival is a popular re-enactment event of when Christopher Columbus lived on the nearby island of Porto Santo and the time he spent in Madeira.

You’ll need to travel to Porto Santo for this event, which is easily accessible by ferry from the Funchal Marina as either a day trip or overnight stay.

Visiting Madeira In October

October sees the return of temperatures starting to cool ever so slightly. But at 24℃, temperatures are still warm and delightful. 

That said, rain is more likely still with an average of 10 days in the month.

The start of October is also when the Madeira Nature Festival takes place, which encourages you to join a variety of outdoor activities and excursions… completely for free. 

October is when Madeirans celebrate just what makes this island so magical – its gorgeous and unique landscapes.

Visiting Madeira In November

With winter fast approaching, November is an unusual month to visit Madeira, but this also makes it one of the cheapest months to visit.

Temperatures are a comfortable 22℃ on average, and while average rainfall might be 12 days worth, this shouldn’t put you off from exploring Madeira’s top attractions and discovering its delicious food and wine.

Visiting Madeira In December

December in Madeira is the start of winter. Temperatures cool ever so slightly at 20℃ on average, while rainfall is 15 days on average, officially making December the wettest month to visit Madeira.

But with Christmas and New Year celebrations to look forward to, I doubt that you’ll be put off from visiting Madeira in December.

In December, charming Christmas markets spring up throughout Funchal where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to traditional Madeiran gifts like wicker creations, beautiful plants and tasty treats.

At the end of the month, the New Year celebrations kick off with a bang thanks to a dramatic 8-minute-long firework display in Funchal.

Final Thoughts On When To Visit Madeira

Hopefully, the above info helps you to decide when is the best time to visit Madeira for your trip and what you want to get up to. 

But I couldn’t possibly end this blog without giving you a few final thoughts on when I think is the best time to visit Madeira.

While Madeira is an incredible year-round destination, my favourite months to visit are April, May, June and September. 

These months welcome warmer temperatures (but ones that are not too hot!), so you can enjoy walks, hikes and other outdoor activities around the island. 

Crowds are also fewer, while the fantastic Flower, Atlantic and Madeira Wine Festivals are almost worth the trip in themselves.

Read More About Madeira

Read more Madeira travel blogs to help you plan your trip:

• Is Madeira Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons Why My Answer’s Yes!
• 18 Unmissable Things To Do in Madeira
• One Day in Funchal Itinerary
• 4 Days In Madeira Itinerary
• 7 Days in Madeira Itinerary (No Car Hire Required!)
• Tips & Tricks for Getting Around the Island of Madeira
• How Many Days in Madeira is Ideal (+ Itinerary Suggestions)
• 20 Best Things To Do in Funchal, Madeira
• 11 Incredible Day Trips From Funchal

Over to you now – when do you think is the best time to visit Madeira? Let me know in the comments below…

Did you like this? Pin it now, read it again later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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What is the best month to go to Madeira?

(Photo: Hynek & Baru)

We could say that is between June and September because it is the summer peak, but the truth is that Madeira is a great destination to visit all year round! Madeira enjoys a very warm climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with average temperatures ranging between 18 ºC and 25 ºC. Madeira has a warm climate and comfortable temperatures are in spring or autumn and you’ll have at least nine hours of beautiful sunshine to enjoy per day.

However, the choice lies with the personal goals or in the type of holiday you are looking for, of course. Let’s take a look at the various options:

The English summer

If you’re looking for winter sun you won’t have much trouble finding it in Madeira. In December, January, and February daytime temperatures can be 20°C in the lower parts of the island below what’s called the ‘banana line’.

January is the wettest and one of the coolest months in Madeira. Thanks to the mild subtropical climate, the average min temperature in Funchal is 13°C (55°F) while max reaches 19°C (66°F). 

What to do on Madeira in January and February?

• You can still see Christmas lights (until the first week of January)
• The ''Reis’’ party, in Funchal
•   Hike in the  Levadas
•   A boat ride or a Jeep Tour

•   Enjoy a mini-holiday, during Valentines day and watch the sunset in Pico do Arieiro
•   Watch the  Carnival parades

• Wine tasting
• Visit some cultural museums
• Take the Cable Car to Monte and Botanical Garden

• Take a walk through the Lido or Caniço Promenade
• Venture out in the Cable Car of Achadas da Cruz

The Eternal Spring

During March, April, and May, and especially towards the end of the season the sun already shines differently. March is a lovely time of year to visit Madeira. With winter now left behind, the temperatures improve and rain is less likely in this beautiful archipelago. The average daytime temperature rises to a bit over 16ºC with midday high peaks ranging 18ºC in cloudless days and nighttime lows rarely go below 14ºC.  

What to do on Madeira in March, April , and May?

• Flower Festival

• Whale watching
• Visit beautiful viewpoints
• Admire our beautiful gardens such as the Tropical and Palheiro Gardens
• Toboggan Ride

• Stroll through the City of Funchal
• Visit Nun's Valley
• Go to the SPA

• Explore the European Museum Night
• Also, you should visit the  Here-There Festival at Ponta do Sol

The summer peak of Madeira

June, July, August, and September, the most sought-after months right? These months you have the opportunity to enjoy some of Madeira’s exhilarating attractions with events and festivals practically every weekend all over the Island.

Temperatures start to increase, favouring trips to the beach and oceanside activities.

July is a very popular time to visit Madeira when the sun is almost in full force, the skies are blue and the temperatures are high.

What to do in June, July, August, and September in Madeira?

• In June there are some events such as mountain biking ( Trans Madeira ) and Canyoning ( Madeira Canyoning Meeting )
• Travel to a new-old Epoque and explore the Medieval Market in Machico
• Visit tropical gardens
• Relax in Porto Santo Beach

• Take part in the Madeira wine festival in August
• Watch the fireworks at the Atlantic Festival
• Go to the Cherry Festival in Camara de Lobos
• Fly through the sky with Paragliding
• Snorkel and Diving
• Music lover? In July we have The  Funchal Jazz  and the  Summer Opening
• Swim in the fantastic lava pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
• In September do not forget the beautiful  Colombo’s Festival

The golden sun

The autumn months, October and November tend to be a lot quieter in Madeira, but it’s still pleasantly sunny. It is perfect for walking as there is plenty of shade around. Even though December  is the winter season in  Madeira , the temperatures are relatively mild with around six hours of  sunshine  each day. 

The comparatively sunny weather makes Madeira an appealing and popular destination for visitors to enjoy a Christmas holiday. Madeira has a slight average temperature drop from 18°C on December 1st to 17°C by December 31st.

What to do in October, November, and December in Madeira?

• October is perfect for birdwatching tours
• Also, there is the  Nature Festival  which allows for the enjoyment of several activities in the mountains, in the air or in the sea, all free-of-charge, throughout the week
• Travel through the scenic roads of Madeira on the way to exploring its Countryside
• Relish the beauty of the 4 natural reserves.
• During November, the sky has many shades of pink, which allows watching the most beautiful  sunrises

• Visit the Farmer's Market it's time for eating tons of fruit like guava, mango, and Annona
• In December go see the Christmas lights and the Christmas market
• Party on the Market Night
• Visit some churches to take pictures of the nativity scene
• Watch the famous New Years Fireworks in Funchal 

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• Carnival in Madeira Island
• Summer Attractions in Madeira Island
• 22 Madeira Traditional Sweets you must try
• 10 Reasons to Visit Madeira Island
• 15 Drinks You Must Try in Madeira Island
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• Visiting Madeira in April - An Easter Break
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When is the Best Time to Visit Madeira in 2024?

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In the fall of 2023, I was lucky enough to spend two months living in Lisbon and exploring the best that Portugal has to offer. Before I even took off for Europe, I knew that Madeira Island had already earned a place on my 2023 Portugal bucket list. Thankfully, September is arguably the best time to visit Madeira, so it seems our 5-day Madeira itinerary was meant to be!

I had fallen in love with Madeira through countless Instagram reels, blog posts, and a fair amount of TikToks texted to me by my travel buddy (since I refuse to re-download that dreaded app). As beautiful as the photos, videos, and guides were…they couldn’t prepare me for the real thing. 

Madeira was, in one word, breathtaking . 

Located about 1,100 km from the coast of Portugal and 500 km north of the Canary Islands, Madeira is known affectionately as “the Hawaii of Europe.” On one side, sky-high mountain peaks disappear into spooky fog, while on the other dolphins and whales swim through sparkling-blue waters. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. 

The town of Funchal is incredibly charming, with quaint little churches, tasty restaurants, and adorable souvenir shops on every corner. Whether you’re searching for culture, beaches, hiking, or views – you’ll find it in Madeira. 

If you’re ready to book that Madeira vacation, but you’re asking yourself, “When is the best time to visit Maderia?” – then you’re in the right place. Keep reading for my guide to visiting Madeira in the spring, summer, winter, and fall! 

Find what you need:

When is the Best Time to Visit Madeira for Great Weather?

Madeira experiences mild, sub-tropical weather throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. Due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira enjoys a relatively stable climate with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Long story short – Madeira is the perfect vacation spot pretty much year-round.

If you’re looking for warm and sunny weather, the best time to visit Madeira is from June to September. During these months, temperatures are at their highest and there is very little chance of rain. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as partaking in Madeira’s breathtaking hikes, scuba diving on the coral reefs, and exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes.

If you prefer a cooler climate and want to avoid the peak tourist season (BOO crowds 👎🏼), then March to May or October to November are the best time to visit Madeira. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures in the low 20s (70°F) and there are fewer crowds. March to May is also a good time for nature lovers, as Madeira’s famous flowers are in full bloom.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then winter (December to February) might be the best time to visit Madeira. While it may not be as warm, you can always bundle up for outdoor activities or try out some of Madeira’s indoor tourist attractions.

Keep in mind that Madeira can experience occasional rain showers throughout the year no matter when you visit. Thankfully, these are usually short-lived and only add to the island’s lush greenery. So no matter when you decide to visit, be sure to pack a travel umbrella or stowaway raincoat just in case.

The Best Time to Visit Madeira by Activity

While the weather in Madeira is generally mild and pleasant, some of Madeira’s most famous attractions are better enjoyed at certain times of year vs. others. Whether you’re interested in hiking, scuba diving, dolphin and whale watching, surfing, enjoying the blooming flowers, or all of the above – this is the best time to visit Madeira by activity.

The Best Time to Visit Madeira for Flowers 

The spring months of March, April, and May turn Madeira into a botanical paradise! Madeira experiences mild temperatures during this time and every tree, plant, and shrub on the island goes into full bloom.

In fact, from May 2nd to 26th, 2024, you can visit the Madeira Flower Festival and take in the colorful floral displays to your heart’s content.

The Best Time to Visit Madeira for Hiking

The best time to visit Madeira for hiking is during the spring and fall. Temperatures are still warm in Madeira during these seasons, but not as hot as the summer months. There is also a lower chance of rainfall in Madeira during the spring and fall than during the winter. These seasons are perfect for those looking to explore the island’s beautiful and diverse hiking trails. 

Experiencing the views from Madeira’s most famous hiking trail, Pico do Areeiro, is a must see in Madeira. I mean Lisbon has some great miradouros, like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia , but they’ve got nothing on Madeira. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you! (Although, if you have the time, Lisbon is worth visiting as well).

The Best Time to Visit Madeira for Scuba Diving

The best time to visit Madeira for scuba diving is June through November. These months offer the best visibility for scuba diving in Madeira’s crystal-clear waters. You’ll also be able to see a wider variety of marine life during this time and be able to enjoy warmer water temperatures this time of year.

On my scuba diving excursion in Madeira, we saw enormous groupers, trumpetfish, flounder, moray eels, daytime octopus, spider crabs, an eel garden, sea stars, lobster, and the biggest round stingray I’ve ever seen in my life! I highly recommend diving with Cipreia Dive Club for your scuba dives in Madeira. After our vacation in Lisbon and 3 days spent exploring Porto , it was great to reconnect with nature while hiking and scuba diving in Madeira.

The Best Time to Visit Madeira for Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphin and whale watching is one of the top things to do in Madeira! If seeing majestic whales in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, then plan to visit Madeira from May through June and September through November. It’s the peak season for whale watching and you’ll have a high chance of spotting various species, including sei whales, humpback whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, minke whales, and even orcas if you’re lucky! Pilot whales and sperm whales can be seen in Madeira throughout the year.

Dolphins are a very common sighting in the waters around Madeira year-round. Bottlenose dolphins are the most common, but you might also spot striped dolphins, common dolphins, pantropical dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, or Risso’s dolphins.

On our very first day in Madeira, we booked seats on an eco-catamaran dolphin and whale-watching tour . I highly recommend booking this tour for your Madeira trip—the dolphins and whales popping out of the water is a sight I’ll never forget. You can also go dolphin and whale watching on a trip to Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve !

The Best Time to Visit Madeira for Surfing

While Madeira may not be known as a top surfing destination, it does have some great waves from October through April, especially in December and January. This time of year is when the North Atlantic swells hit Madeira and light up the point breaks on the island.

The Cheapest Time to Visit Madeira

The best time to visit Madeira for budget travelers is in winter or November to February. This is Madeira’s off-season, meaning prices are cheaper and there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that visiting Madeira during the off-season means the weather might not be as pleasant as other months.

However, never forget that Madeira is nicknamed “The Land of Eternal Spring.” Basically, even when the weather isn’t great, it’s still pretty good. And babe, we love a good travel deal—especially in beautiful Portugal 👏🏼

When to Visit Madeira to Avoid the Crowds

The best time to visit Madeira if you want to avoid the crowds is the off-season from November through February. Prices are also cheaper during this time, so it’s a great option for budget travelers.

Winter is also a great time to visit Madeira for surfers!

Madeira Weather by Month

Not sure when the best time to visit Madeira is for you? No worries! Below, you can see a list of the best things to do in Madeira Portugal, and which months are best to do them in.

Visiting Madeira in January

• Madeira has great surfing this time of year
• Prices are cheaper in Madeira in January
• There are fewer crowds in Madeira in January
• If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you’ll be able to attend Madeira’s famous firework display in Marina do Funchal – one of the best things to see in Funchal Madeira

Visiting Madeira in February

• February is arguably the cheapest month to visit Madeira
• There won’t be many tourists or crowds on the island in February
• It’s a good month to surf in Madeira

Visiting Madeira in March

• Madeira’s flowers have begun to bloom in March
• The weather is beginning to warm up
• Tourism is still low, so there won’t be many crowds
• Prices are cheaper than the summer months
• March is the beginning of Madeira’s hiking season
• It’s still surfing season in Madeira

Visiting Madeira in April

• Madeira’s flowers are in full bloom
• This is a great month for hiking
• April is the end of the best time of year to surf in Madeira

Visiting Madeira in May

• Madeira’s Flower Festival spans almost the entire month of May
• The flowers are in full bloom
• May is a great month for hiking in Madeira
• This is the beginning of Madeira’s best whale-watching season

Visiting Madeira in June

• June is the beginning of Madeira’s best scuba diving season
• It’s officially on-season in Madeira
• Prices are higher in June
• Madeira is getting more crowded
• Depending on the year, June might have good hiking weather or it may be a bit too hot to hike
• It’s a great time to whale-watch in Madeira

Visiting Madeira in July

• Temperatures, prices, and crowds are high in Madeira
• Visibility and water temperatures are high – making it a great month to scuba dive
• The weather might be nice enough to hike in July if you’re lucky
• July is one of the best months for swimming and enjoying the beaches in Madeira

Visiting Madeira in August

• August is the hottest month in Madeira
• It’s a great time of the year to scuba dive
• Prices are higher in August
• Madeira tends to be crowded this time of year
• August is the best month to swim in Madeira since the water is at its warmest

Visiting Madeira in September

• I visited Madeira in September!
• September is a great time to scuba dive in Madeira
• It’s a great month for whale and dolphin watching
• Temperatures are ideal for hiking this time of year
• Prices and crowds are still high but are starting to decrease

Visiting Madeira in October

• October is a great time to hike the best mountains in Madeira
• It’s a great month to scuba dive
• Whale-watching season in Madeira is still at its peak in October
• Prices and crowds are decreasing
• Surfing season is starting up again

Visiting Madeira in November 

• November is the end of peak whale-watching season in Madeira
• It’s also the tail end of Madeira’s best scuba diving season
• It’s a great time to surf in Madeira
• Prices are cheaper and there are fewer crowds

Visiting Madeira in December

• The Funchal Market is in full swing for Christmas
• Madeira is decorated beautifully for the holiday season
• Temperatures are lower
• Some of the best surfing of the year is in December
• Hotels, resorts, and activities are cheaper and there are fewer crowds

The Best Things to Do in Madeira

There are so many exciting things to do and places to visit on this island. During our five days in Madeira, we did our best to see the best that the island had to offer…which was a lot . If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira Portugal, then keep reading for my top 10 things to do in Madeira!

• Book a whale and dolphin-watching boat tour
• Hike to Pico do Arieiro
• Take the cable car to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
• Drive under the Cascata dos Anjos (waterfall) near Ponta do Sol
• Take a dip in the Porto Moniz Natural Pools
• Visit Fanal Forest for a spooky photoshoot in the fog
• Relax on the sandy beach in Praia do Porto do Seixal
• Sample the local Portuguese cuisine in Madeira
• Go scuba diving
• Explore Funchal, Madeira’s capital city

The Best Time to Visit Madeira Island Portugal: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best time to visit Madeira for great weather depends on your personal preferences and which activities you want to do during your trip! Whether it’s soaking up the winter sun on the beach, scuba diving the coral reefs, or getting lost in the fog in Fanal Forest, Madeira has something to offer year-round for every type of traveler.

Best Time to Visit Madeira Portugal FAQs:

The best month to visit Madeira depends on your preferred activities and interests. However, generally, the months of April, May, September, and October are considered the best time to visit due to pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds.

The rainiest months in Madeira are usually November through January. However, rainfall can occur at any time of year due to the island’s location in the Atlantic Ocean.

The best time to go to Madeira ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you are interested in hiking or flower viewing, the spring months of April and May would be ideal. For water activities like scuba diving, the summer months of July and August offer warm temperatures for underwater exploration. To avoid the high tourist season, consider visiting in September or October when the weather is still pleasant but with fewer crowds. Overall, Madeira has something to offer year-round, so it ultimately depends on your interests and schedule.

Maderia is a wonderful place to visit during Christmas. The island is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, and there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. The mild winter weather makes it perfect for exploring the island’s many hiking trails or taking a leisurely stroll through the charming towns and villages. Plus, there are plenty of exciting Christmas traditions to explore in Madeira, such as the famous Funchal Market. Whether you’re looking for a warm and festive holiday or simply want to escape the cold winter weather, Madeira during Christmas is a great choice. Did you know that Madeira hosts one of the world’s most famous firework displays for New Year’s Eve? On December 31, tourists, locals, and cruise ships gather in Marina do Funchal to experience the dazzling firework displays and ring in the New Year in style.

The hottest month in Madeira is typically August, with average temperatures reaching around 26°C (79°F). However, the island’s mild climate means that even during the peak summer months, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F). This makes Madeira a great destination for those who enjoy warm weather but prefer to avoid extreme heat. Even in the winter months, temperatures in Madeira remain mild and pleasant, making it a popular year-round European destination for travelers. So whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the beach or explore the island’s natural beauty, there is no bad time to visit Madeira.

Due to the extreme height differences and varying microclimates all over the island, it’s very difficult for the best Portuguese travel apps to accurately predict the weather in Madeira. That being said, according to locals, the most accurate weather apps for Madeira are Windy and MadeiraWeather . These apps provide the most reliable weather forecasts, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall predictions. It’s important to note that the accuracy significantly decreases when you’re searching weather patterns more than 2-3 days in the future. Pro Tip: Be sure to check the weather before attempting the Pico do Areeiro hike. We didn’t, and our five hours of hard work were rewarded with views of the inside of a cloud.

October is a great time to visit Madeira, especially if you want to scuba dive, hike, or surf Madeira’s beautiful landscape. Temperatures are still pleasant in Madeira in October and both crowds and prices are decreasing at this time of year.

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Madison Krigbaum is the founder and sole contributor of Madison's Footsteps – a solo female travel blog started in 2017 with a focus on destinations in Honduras, Italy, and Thailand. Since her study abroad semester in Rome, Madison has traveled to 31 countries, many of which she visited as a solo traveler. She lived in Roatan, Honduras for one year, Thailand for three months, and spent over two years in Italy (in Florence and Rome). She just returned from three months in Lisbon, Portugal and is considering heading back to Central America next!

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Madeira Travel Guide: 20 useful Things To Know Before You Go

Have you got some questions about travelling to Madeira? In this ultimate Madeira travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for planning your trip to the Portugese island.

We’ll take a look at how to make the most of all that Madeira has to offer, the logistics of your trip and the sensible planning stuff. So read on for the full Madeira travel guide plus 20 things to know before you go…

Madeira is a Portuguese island situated off the west coast of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands. The volcanic island’s striking terrain makes it an incredibly unique place. Its dramatic slopes are densely populated with green vegetation and a skyline of jagged mountain peaks beckon you to explore.

Madeira is known by many as the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’ for many reasons including a constant subtropical climate, exotic fruits, spectacular coastlines and extraordinary landscapes .

Madeira’s skyline of jagged mountain peaks makes it a hiker’s dream destination

The island’s staggering geological formations are down to it essentially being a plate of a volcano that once thrusted up out of the Atlantic Ocean. Its basalt rock crags, coastlines and mountain peaks have shaped much of its tourism and visitors are encouraged to discover its history.

One of the island’s main charms is its web of walking trails . From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles , there are routes for every hiker. The trails are found on most good navigation apps which means there is scope to get creative and plot your own route.

For such a small island, it has a mighty amount to offer tourists, especially for adventure-seekers . The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings making Madeira one of the best places in the world for canyoning. 

Madeira’s elements also provide a playground for rock climbing , surfing, snorkeling, cycling, paragliding… the list goes on…

Cynthia and I took two weeks to explore Madeira in January, but we needed far more time! The island has such a peaceful energy and while there’s so much to physically do, it’s also a place to relax. 

We wanted to pass on everything we learned from our trip and help you have just as much fun. So please read on for our ultimate Madeira travel guide!

Tip: See our  Madeira Travel Page  for a complete overview of all our travel guides about Madeira!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Madeira experiences & travel resources

Top experiences.

• Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
• Walking Tours in Madeira
• Whale watching & Sunset sailing tour
• Canyoning Adventures in Madeira

Madeira Travel Resources

• Rent a car in Madeira
• Book your stay in Madeira
• Travel Insurance for outdoor adventures in Madeira
• Madeira Hiking Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visiting Madeira: Madeira entry requirements

Schengen zone citizens Schengen zone citizens can travel visa-free to Madeira.

Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, or any other short-term purposes.

US citizens US citizens are allowed to travel to Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa.

2. When is the best time to visit Madeira?

This totally depends on what you want to get out of your adventure but Madeira is a superb destination anytime of year. Thanks to its subtropical climate, Madeira gets sunshine all-year round with warm temperatures ranging around 18C-22C in winter, spring/autumn 20-24C and around 24C-28C in summer.

What I loved about Madeira was that it had diverse microclimates .

In the southern town of Ponta Do Sol, you’ll get sun all-year round. The east of Madeira, which was the first to thrust up out of the Atlantic as a shield volcano, is the driest. Meanwhile the central mountainous part can get more changeable weather because of the higher elevation. The northern area is more green, more humid and more likely to have rain. 

2.1) What is the best month to go hiking in Madeira ?

During our trip in late January to early February, we had average temperatures of 22°C which was pleasant for hiking. Some of the trails had little shade, but in those temperatures it was just lovely to be out in the sunshine without any serious risk of heat stroke/dehydration. 

Hiking in summer would make for a sticky time and it’s not easy schlepping up a mountain with the sun bearing down on you. You’d also probably have to go on your adventures in the morning and evening which makes it a little harder to plan. If you want to explore the best of Madeira’s mountains and trails, organize your trip for winter, early spring or autumn.

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hike

2.2) What is the best month to go canyoning in Madeira?

With about 128 canyoning openings in Madeira, you can do it all year round. The water temperatures in the water runs don’t vary too much, but the air temperature will make a difference especially if you’re spending hours in the water.

If you’re travelling to the island purely for canyoning, I’d recommend booking a trip in spring/summer/autumn when it will be over 25C outside.

Canyoning in Madeira: everything you need to know

Madeira is known for being one of the best destinations in the world for canyoning

2.3) When is the tourist season in Madeira?

As a result of its alluring all-year round sunshine, Madeira is popular with tourists throughout all seasons. Locals have told me that Madeira gets incredibly busy in July .

If you want to head to some of the popular trailheads, it’s important to plan your activities earlier or later in the day due to parking and busy coach-loads of people (even in winter!).

2.4) What is the hottest month in Madeira?

The hottest month in Madeira is August, with an average temperature of 27°C. July also hits a similar temperature. If you’re planning to do some hiking during this time, I’d stick to other months. The levada walks are very sheltered by the forests, but the mountainous region is very exposed to the sun .

2.5) Should I visit Madeira in winter?

Cynthia and I traveled to Madeira in the height of winter and we both agreed it was a brilliant time to be out there. We both would love to come back again in this time of year.

I live in England and Cynthia lives in Belgium . In January, gloomy gray clouds hog the sky and it’s miserable… we were both desperate for some sunshine and beautiful surroundings. Madeira gave us more than enough vitamin D and was such a good tonic for the winter blues . 

Practically, we found that the winter temps in Madeira were ideal for hiking and exploring the island. The sea was around 20C (very warm for that time of year) but I was told it is usually a little cooler at 18C in winter. If you’d like to swim in warmer waters, hold off booking a trip until the autumn when the sun has heated up the sea.

3. Travel insurance for Madeira

‘Oh, I won’t need insurance’. Stop it. Yes you do. Accidents happen when you least expect it and if you don’t have insurance you can get in all sorts of sticky situations. 

Funnily enough, on our trip in Madeira, we were staying with a friend of Cynthia’s. For context, she had explored some really remote parts of the Earth and hadn’t had any accidents. When we were there, she severely sprained her foot just by walking to the shop and she couldn’t walk for weeks! 

It just goes to show that anything can happen at any time so spend a few quid and get yourself insured. We recommend HeyMondo as a reliable all-round insurer.

Need  Travel Insurance for Outdoor Activities in Madeira ? I use and highly recommend   HeyMondo Travel Insurance .  As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

4. What is the best way to get to Madeira?

The only way to get to Madeira is by flying into its airport (Aeroporto do Funchal). The airport is 13km away from Madeira’s capital Funchal. 

Although the airport is commonly known as Aeroporto do Funchal, it was officially renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2016. Ronaldo was born in Funchal and grew up in the nearby parish of Santo António.

The architecture of the runway is pretty spectacular as the structure is a huge platform supported by hundreds of pillars! 

The airport mainly hosts flights from Europe, so if you’re flying outside of Europe you may have to consider transfers into your journey. The most important thing to mention is Madeira has one of the only airports in the world with wind limits in place .

This means if there are strong winds, flights will be diverted or canceled . It does happen pretty regularly, so remember to get good travel insurance covering flight issues.

5. Transportation in Madeira: do I need to rent a car in Madeira?

In short, yes, you will need to rent a car in order to get about the island . Many of the trailhead and canyoning starting points are remote and near impossible to reach without a car. 

5.1) Car rental services from Funchal airport

Hiring a car is a fantastic way to access the island’s myriad of mountains, beaches and forests . Madeira is a small island and if you’re located centrally, most places take one hour or less to drive to. The best place to rent a car is at Funchal Airport.

I’ve written a full guide on everything you need to know about driving in Madeira which you can read here. It’s got lots of helpful tips and advice that we learned during our trip.

The full guide on how to rent a car in Madeira and driving rules.

5.2) Parking in Madeira

Visitor parking for visitors seems to be a total bugbear for the locals and we were on the receiving end during our stay. We thought it was important to include in this Madeira travel guide.

When we arrived at our accommodation, we were loosely told of a parking spot. It was clear of private parking signs, wasn’t near a yellow line (which means no parking in Madeira) and there were plenty of spaces available in the surrounding area.

On our third day, we walked down and found a threatening note pinned on our car from a resident who said they would call the police if we parked there again and some *other lovely language*. Within minutes, some locals came out of their homes and stared us down. We scuttled away before they got out their pitchforks. 

We couldn’t help finding the situation funny (Cynthia kept the note as a token of our stay) but we were obviously confused because we had played everything by the rules. Even other locals said we had not done anything wrong.

It was probably some tetchy neighbors who hated visitors. Nevertheless, it’s something to bear in mind. Also just make sure you double check with your accommodation about delegated parking spaces , don’t park in spots that are labeled ‘estacionamento privado’ and don’t park on yellow lines .

5.3) Public transport in Madeira: Buses

In our time on the island, we didn’t see many buses. I did some research while I was there to see if it was possible to travel to other parts of Madeira from Ponto do Sol but the timetables were pretty difficult to navigate and the services weren’t regular.

Timetables for buses leaving from Funchal to urban areas can be found here, while timetables for buses leaving Funchal to the inter-urban areas can be found here .

5.4) Public transport in Madeira: Taxis

Taxis in Madeira are yellow saloon cars with two blue stripes across the vehicle’s body. Taxis that drive outside of Funchal don’t use a taxi-meter and work on a kilometer basis. The government sets prices for pre-defined routes which can be found on the back of the front seat.

From what I’ve read online , you can usually haggle on the price with the driver – just do it before you set off on your journey. 

The app Bolt is in operation on the island, but it doesn’t have many drivers using it outside Funchal. I tried to use it twice from Ponto do Sol but didn’t have any success. 

Note: If you can’t drive but want to make your Madeira trip happen, there are ways where you could organize transfers (sadly it won’t come cheap!). Take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

5.5) Hitchhiking in Madeira

Cynthia and I passed hitchhikers during a trip. Annoyingly, we couldn’t pick them up because one time they waited in dangerous parts of the road where it was impossible to stop. The following time we passed another hitchhiker, they started wildly flapping their arms and jumping up and down while running towards us. It wasn’t the way to say ‘hey, I’m going to be chill in your car’.

Needless to say, if you’re going to hitchhike here, make sure you wait on a part of the road where it’s safe for the driver to pull over, and flag down a car safely .

6. How many days do I need in Madeira?

Madeira is an amazing destination for adventure-seekers. There are endless activities to get stuck into… these include hiking , canyoning , rock climbing , coasteering , surfing, paragliding, diving, trail running and cycling.

However, Madeira is also a destination to rest. There are numerous yoga days and mountain meditation retreats to choose from. The island has so many forces of nature and it’s good to take some time to appreciate it. 

Cynthia and I spent two weeks on the island and we were desperate to extend our trip. There was so much more to explore!

The magic of Madeira is that you can pack in a lot of activities and also take everything in at an easy pace. The people living here are very relaxed and we felt a calm energy with the quality of life. I’d recommend anytime from 10 days to two weeks to get a taste for everything Madeira has to offer.

7. What activities can I do in Madeira?

7.1) hiking along the levadas and veredas.

Hiking is definitely one of Madeira’s main attractions. From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles, there are routes for every walker.

Levada, meaning to carry , is an irrigation system that collects water and transports it across the island. The routes often start perched up high in the mountains and snake their way down into villages, towns and cities. 

The island’s web of waterways span about 3,100km and are some of the longest irrigation systems in the world . Some of the channels are about 600-years-old and the structures are synonymous with Madeira. 

Nowadays, the channels are used for human consumption, electrical energy and agricultural uses. However, they are also a brilliant source of inspiration for hikes because the systems wind into some seriously beautiful and remote places on the island! They are known as levada walks .

The word vereda translates to path . Madeira’s veredas can widely vary from a simple route in the forest to a trickier mountainous path.

In the mountainous region, the trails are named by PR which are a useful tool to find trailheads and plot your distance/difficulty.

Madeira is pretty unique in that its trails are clearly marked and maintained. This means it’s really easy to shorten/lengthen versions of routes and link up mountains and beauty spots. 

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hikes

7.2) Canyoning in Madeira

The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings. Madeira is known for being one of the best places in the world for canyoning and it’s synonymous with outdoor lovers on the island.

Adventure groups can cater for total beginners to experts and Madeirans really encourage you to give canyoning a go. 

7.3) Rock climbing in madeira

Contrary to what you’ll find written online about climbing in Madeira, there are a lot of varied climbing routes here. 

There are venues for sport, trad, multipitch, bouldering and deep water soloing dotted all over the island. I was really impressed how even at the easier venues, there were magnificent coastal views. 

The climbing community here is really welcoming and it’s easy to link up with locals. Alternatively, if you’re new to climbing and want to give it a go, there are groups that can provide equipment and training for the day.

Climbing in Madeira: the full guide for rock climbing on the island

7.4) Coasteering in Madeira

If canyoning seems a little too daring and you want to opt for an activity more chill, why not try coasteering?

Coasteering takes place exclusively on the coastline and involves lots of cliff jumps, swimming and some scrambling. 

Coasteering is less committing than canyoning – if you want to sit it out, you can! Large groups can be taken for this reason and is more inclusive than canyoning. Many tour operators on the island also offer this activity.

7.5) Snorkeling and diving in Madeira

Staggered all along the volcanic coastline are rocky outcrops which harbor incredible marine wildlife. The eastern shores are some of the finest for seeing thousands of unique fish and sealife. 

I’d really recommend heading to Beach Pedra D’eira, Caniçal for snorkeling. It’s a tiny pier that’s tucked away from the tourist spots. The turquoise waters here shimmer in the sunlight so it’s generally a lovely place to chill. Once you start exploring beneath the water, there are so many brightly-coloured fish, marine animals and plants to swim up to. 

If you’re wanting more of an organized snorkeling or diving trip, here are some tours we recommend:

7.6) Surfing in Madeira

Did you know Madeira is a surfing destination? The island is known for having constant swells which attracts surfers from across the globe . 

Something to note is that Madeira is a volcanic island with rocky crags and very little sand . This means it isn’t the easiest, especially when you’re just starting out learning.

Madeira Surf Centre has a great article with a map locating spots across the island . They also provide lessons ranging from total beginners to advanced. 

According to Surfer Today , the best site with one-to-six foot waves for beginners is Fajã da Areia (north of the island). Meanwhile, the west coast is a hit with intermediate and advanced surfers. There are also spots which can whip up 50-foot waves, like in Ponta do Pargo!

Note: If you’re heading out to Faja, be careful of where you put your feet. There are lots of sea urchins there!

8. Madeira travel guide: Where are the best hiking spots in Madeira?

Madeira’s skyline of vibrant jagged peaks and its web of walking paths makes the island a hiker’s dream destination.

The island’s trails are clearly established and widely available on navigation maps. This energized me to create routes that linked the heavily-trodden tourist ones to peaceful wild paths.

Here are our recommendations for some lesser-known trails which are varying in ability and terrain. You can read my full hiking guide for Madeira here .

• Caldeirão Verde Levada Trail :  13km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, bring torch (tunnels) 
• PR 8 – Footpath of Ponta de São Lourenço : 6km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, can get very busy (go early or in late afternoon)
• Pico Grande via Caminho Real da Encumeada PR 12 :  9.5 km out and back, 4.5 hours, moderate-hard
• PR14 Levada dos Cedros : 10.5km circular, 3 hours, easy-moderate, not very busy
• Levada do Larano – Boca do Risico : 9.2 km out and back, 3 hours, easy, part of bigger 24 km trail:  Caniçal’s Levada Larano Footpath
• Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova :  10km loop, 3.5 hours, moderate, bring torch (tunnels)
• Chao dos Louros to Pico Ruivo:   Point-to-point 13km, +1600m -1000m descent, 5 hours, hard

9. Money and currency in Madeira

9.1) currency in madeira.

The currency in Madeira is the Euro. Currently €1 equates to $1.01 USD or £0.85 British sterling.

9.2) ATMs in Madeira

The majority of hospitality businesses take credit/debit cards but it’s a good idea to have some cash with you, especially for parking in touristy spots or hiking trailheads.

9.3) Exchanging money in Madeira

Currency exchange offices are open Monday to Friday and Sundays from 09:00 to 19:00, closing for an hour between 13:00 to 14:00. On Saturdays the offices open from 09:00 to 19:00. Outside these hours, exchanges can be made at some hotels.

9.4) Tipping in Madeira

While tipping isn’t expected like it is in the United States, the wages in Madeira for hospitality services are fairly low so it’s a good idea to tip.

10. Packing list for Madeira

• Waterproof coat and trousers : Madeira has a whole range of microclimates and the thunderstorms here are whoppers. It’s best to bring a lightweight coat that will battle a heavy, but short, shower.
• Trail runners/ walking boots . What shoes should I bring to Madeira? Ah, the age-old question . This completely depends on what you prefer on your feet. I prefer trail runners that aren’t waterproof so they can drain and dry quickly. It also helps me move faster. Other people prefer better ankle support and waterproof boots. Keep in mind it is hot and you’re only really likely to get your feet wet if it rains or if you’re heading on some of the levada walks.
•  Small ankle gaiters. I didn’t need to use these but brought them out with me just in case. Small lightweight gaiters help prevent dust/small rocks/mud from getting in your shoes. If you accidentally get caught in rain, they’re a pretty useful item to have.
• Head torch . On average, Madeira gets about 8 hours of sunshine daily, so you’ll probably grasp as much of the day as you can. If you’re out hiking and you haven’t made it down to a village in time for dusk, it will get dark awfully quick. Also on some of the levada trails, there are long tunnels so a head torch is an essential piece of kit.
•   Hiking pole s . Granted, you probably won’t need these on the shorter hiking routes, but Madeira does have some steep trails. Poles are like an extra pair of legs and are so useful for boosting you up high ascents, preventing falls and stabilizing you across streams.
• Lightweight t-shirt. If you’re hiking on the island, you’re likely to sweat a lot. Don’t wear cotton because it absorbs moisture and is a nightmare to dry out. Stick to polyester.
• Shorts/skort . Cynthia and I didn’t anticipate how hot the island would be, even in January. We had to head to Decathlon and pick up some skimpier clothes to hike in!
• Longer leggings/midlayers . In the evening, temperatures can get cooler and it’s always smart to pack warmer bottoms and a fleece.
• Battery pack and cords for phone/camera . Always an essential if you’re heading out for a long day.
• European plug adapter . Madeira uses TYPE C, like many other EU countries.
• Swimwear. It became a daily ritual for Cynthia and I to go swimming in the sea after a long day of hiking. Even when we went in January, the water temperatures were 22 degrees. Bliss.
• Beach shoes . The island is essentially a whole plate of volcanic rock so many of the coastlines are pebbled beaches or rocky outcrops. Beach shoes are super useful to stick on your feet to get into the sea with ease or to explore the waterfalls.
• Mosquito repellent . Sadly, yes you need this. Madeira has a sub-tropical climate meaning it has hot summers and mild winters.
• Water bottle . Hiking in hot temps means it’s essential to keep hydrated. The water is clean in Madeira and you can drink from the taps.

11. Food and drink in Madeira

It won’t come as much surprise that Madeira is a seafood paradise . Most restaurants serve octopus, salmon, sardines and prawns accompanied with fries. 

The supermarkets are packed with typical Western food, great bakeries and super fresh fruits and vegetables.

11.1) What is Madeira’s signature dish?

One of the island’s specialties is its Bolo do Caco. This is basically a slab of garlic bread stuffed with delicious herbs. Many cafes serve Bolo do Caco with fillings like ham, cheese or octopus. We loved this dish and ate it really regularly!

Filete de Espada, also known as scabbard filet , is a type of black fish that swims deep in Madeiran waters. The dish is typically made with passion fruit and banana sauce. Head to Funchal for the best restaurants. 

Another seafood speciality to try are the lapas (limpets). These are usually fried and then served with a splash of lemon juice and some butter. 

Another common dish you can find is insalata di polpo (octopus salad). Let’s just say it wasn’t Cynthia’s favorite thing in the world… she likened it to pickled octopus on vinegar lettuce.

11.2) What is Madeira’s signature drink?

Poncha is Madeira’s signature boozy drink. It’s made up from rum, lemon and honey. The strength will hit you like a sack of spuds but it’s very tasty. Many restaurants and bars make the drink up in a huge jug, like rum punch. Look out for other variations too – I tried passion fruit and it was delicious.

12. Accommodation in Madeira

12.1) airbnb in madeira.

There are plenty of Airbnb rental properties available in Madeira , but they don’t come cheap. I’d recommend widening your search to camping pods, tipis or basic huts… there are some gorgeous little places tucked away in secluded spots that are often much cheaper than apartments.

12.2) Hostels in Madeira

There are a range of hostels to choose from dotted all along Madeira’s coast, but I struggled to find any situated in the mountainous regions. Take a look at Booking.com to check them out.

12.3) Co-living in Madeira

If you’re planning to stay longer than a fortnight and don’t want to fork out thousands on an apartment, there are co-living spaces available for like-minded people on the island. Search for co-living groups on Facebook here .

12.4) Camping in Madeira

With the island’s vast hiking opportunities, why not combine it with a camping trip? There are campsites across the island which you can find on this useful website .

If you fancy a multi-day hiking trip, the trails provide endless wild camping spots and you’ll be guaranteed some of the most magnificent views of the island .  Set up camp at dusk, pack away in the morning and follow the no trace rules .

13. What area to stay in Madeira

There’s no hard and fast rule about which area is best to stay in Madeira. As heads up, it’s not cheap to find accommodation on the island and you’ll likely be based around what can fit your budget (see above). 

Your location doesn’t matter too much because most places on the island take one hour or less to travel to . 

Cynthia and I stayed in the stunning southern town Ponta do Sol (it means point of the sun and it gets the most sun on the island) . It was a fantastic base for us to explore Madeira. There was a rocky beach, gorgeous sunrises and levada walks from the town. Practically, Ponta do Sol had a small shop, bank, post office and gas station. 

If you’re more drawn towards the mountains, you’ll likely want to base yourself in the north/south, ideally below or above the mountainous region. The west is known for surfing , while the east has some of the best swimming spots . The north of the island is far less touristy and is considered wilder. 

If you can’t drive, you’ll likely have to base yourself in Funchal and arrange transfers from the capital. However, I’d highly recommend hiring a car for your trip. It’s near impossible to get to some of the wilder spots in nature without a hire car.

14. What languages are spoken in Madeira?

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal so the primary language is Portuguese . English is taught as a second language in schools, so many Madeiran people speak it.

14.1) Useful phrases to know for your trip in Madeira

I also suggest you install the Google Translate App for Portuguese and download it so you can use it offline.

15. What religions are practiced in Madeira?

The majority of people in Madeira practice Christianity , with Catholicism being its largest denomination. You’ll see that a lot of the houses are adorned with small shrines of saints and some of the trailheads have tiny chapels which are intricately decorated.

16. How is the internet in Madeira?

16.1) mobile data.

I use a British SIM card called EE. I bought a European add on and my coverage was excellent for the entire time I was there. The only time I obviously didn’t have coverage was in lowlands of the mountains and deep in the forests. 

Cynthia had the same experience with her Belgium SIM. Most European and American SIMs will have easy add on options available for your trip.

16.2) Wi-Fi

You won’t struggle to find Wi-Fi. It’s very established in hospitality facilities, homes and tourist destinations. 

17. Is it expensive in Madeira?

17.1) accommodation.

I’ve touched upon this earlier, but compared to other Portuguese areas, Madeira is more on the expensive side with rental homes. There are ways around this though, like co-living during your stay. Scroll up to 12. for more information.

17.2) Supermarkets

Madeira is a small island, so most things need to be imported which is why you have to be careful what you pick at the supermarket (for some bizarre reason pasta sauce was €6?). 

There’s always ways to eat cheaply though, and we found groceries that worked for our budget. 

On the plus side, some of the island’s fruits and vegetables come at a total bargain. Fish too is caught locally and is good value.

17.3) Restaurants

Cynthia and I ate out at a few cafe bars where the dishes were good value with good portion sizes. We were able to get a plate of food and a glass of wine for around €12-15.

18. Are drones allowed in Madeira?

Yes, drones are allowed in Madeira. You don’t need to declare anything but ensure you pack it in with your hand luggage , not hold luggage.

Also, please be respectful and safe when flying. If you’re at the top of a summit or in a precarious place, think about hikers and climbers who could be scared easily by the sound of a drone. Same goes for wildlife being disturbed by the sound or movement or a drone.

19. Culture and etiquette in Madeira

Although many of the elderly people practice Catholicism, the majority of people dress according to the weather and there aren’t any strict dress codes to adhere to. 

Spitting and littering is a big no-no in Madeira. Madeira is such a green clean island and its vast amount of thriving plants are no doubt partly down to Madeirans keeping their surroundings clean.

20. Tours in Madeira

There are plenty of tour groups and guides to choose from for all kinds of activities and excursions. 

During our trip, the adventure group Epic Madeira took us out for some climbing and canyoning. Their guides were super knowledgeable and friendly, with their focus being combining safety with having a laugh. 

Epic Madeira offers rock climbing, coasteering, climbing and hiking trips. If you’re looking for equipment or a specific transfer, they’ll also be able to help you out. The staff are really into supporting the island’s tourism so if you want to do an activity they don’t offer, they’ll be able to put you in touch with a popular tour group. Contact them here for more information . 

If you’re looking for transfers or heading to busy trailheads, take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

I hope this Madeira travel guide covers all of your questions and helps you with planning your trip. Madeira is such a spectacular place and we’re really excited to share what we’ve learned with you. If you have any other queries or insights, please comment below or contact us !

Related posts

Car hire in Madeira: The full guide on how to rent a car and driving in Madeira

The Handy Guide to Hiking in Madeira Portugal with Our 7 favourite Madeira Hiking trails

Climbing in Madeira: The Full Guide For Rock Climbing On The Island

Canyoning in Madeira: Everything you need to know

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The Best Time to Visit Madeira Island, Portugal for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Madeira Island for ideal weather are

April 16th to September 16th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Madeira Island Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Madeira Island Travel Info

Weather in madeira island.

Average temperatures in Madeira Island vary little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is among the most temperate — in the 90th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Madeira Island, the hottest months are August, September, and then July. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late August to early September where highs are regularly around 81.1°F (27.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 70.1°F (21.2°C) at night.

Madeira Island Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Madeira island temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Madeira Island Perceived Temperature (F)

Madeira island perceived temperature (c), average madeira island temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Madeira Island are August, July, and then June. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late May to early June. For example, on the week of May 28th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late December with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of December 24th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Madeira Island.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Madeira Island (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Madeira Island has some high humidity months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is February (55.9% relative humidity), and the most humid month is June (63.9%).

Wind in Madeira Island is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is December, followed by February and March. December’s average wind speed of around 3.9 knots (4.5 MPH or 7.2 KPH) is considered “light air.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early March where average top sustained speeds reach 7.4 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Madeira Island.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to madeira island.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Portugal; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 30, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Madeira Island, Portugal is January, followed by February and October. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Madeira Island in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall madeira island travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 73.4°F (23°C) and 67.2°F (19.6°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 2 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the slowest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 1 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Madeira Island, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 80.4°F (26.9°C) and 70.7°F (21.5°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 4 to 6 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Madeira Island to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 70.5°F (21.4°C) and 67.2°F (19.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 6 times per month. These times of year are the busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Portugal › Madeira Island, Portugal

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When Is The Best Time to Visit Madeira Island

Optimal time to visit madeira island: a seasonal guide.

The argument could be made that Madeira is easily one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Though the small island chain has been on the radar of sun-seeking travelers from the UK and Northern Europe for about a century, it’s remained largely un-buzzed about and left off the wanderlust lists of travelers from North America and other parts of the world. But, that’s all about to change.

So, when is the best time to visit Madeira? The answer is simple: all year long. Located about 350 miles west of Africa, and about a 90-minute plane ride south of Lisbon, Madeira is practically drenched in year-round sunshine , and dry, warm temperatures. Though the island boasts a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate year-round, visitors will encounter varied microclimates spanning from the damp and windy northeast to the dry, protected bays of the south. Despite Madeira’s lush greenery and blooming, tropical flowers, the island doesn’t get much rain or see a major spike in summer temperatures. So, whether you’re looking to relax poolside, stroll through historic markets, hike to the tallest peak, or rappel through ravines on a canyoning adventure, in Madeira, you can experience it all, any time of year.  

Here’s what you can expect each season in Madeira Island through all the seasons:

Springtime in Madeira: A Season of Blossoming Beauty (March to June)

Renowned as the " Island of Eternal Spring, " springtime is arguably the perfect season to explore. In the delightful months of March, April, and May, the weather is typically warm and comfortable, ideal for light, summery attire, though it's wise to bring along an umbrella for sporadic rain showers. During these months, the island bursts into a kaleidoscope of vibrant blooms. A special treat awaits those visiting in May, when Funchal's annual Flower Festival transforms the streets into a mesmerizing array of colorful floral displays, complete with parades and festivities, celebrating the island's natural splendor.

In spring, the weather in Madeira is characterized by mild and comfortable temperatures. From March to May, the daytime temperatures gradually increase, ranging from 20.4°C to 21.6°C, while nighttime temperatures offer a cooler respite, averaging between 13.9°C and 15.6°C. This comfortable range of temperatures is complemented by fresh breezes and the island's blossoming beauty.

Recommendations to do in the Spring:

• Explore the Laurisilva Forest: Spring is an excellent time to hike through Madeira's lush, UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest.
• Attend the Flower Festival : If you're in Madeira in May, don't miss the famous Funchal Flower Festival. 
• Visit the Botanical Gardens : The Botanical Garden in Funchal is a must-see in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

Summer in Madeira Island: Embracing the Sun-Kissed Splendor (June to September)

Summer in Madeira is all about sunshine, blue skies, and calm seas. Visitors who come during the summer months can expect a spectacular whale-watching experience. Head to the neighboring island Porto Santo if you want to spend your days basking in the sunshine on the island’s gorgeous white sand beaches. If you prefer dramatic cliffs, natural ocean pools, black sand, or even rocky beaches, Madeira’s got it all. Though the temperatures peak during June, July, and A ugust, always pack a swimsuit no matter what time of the year you choose to visit Madeira. Visitors can expect to take full advantage of the islands’ bathing areas or even hotel pool facilities even with winter sun-- just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! 

The climate in Madeira is moderated by the Canary Current and the Gulf Stream, contributing to the island's overall mild temperatures throughout the year. On average, the summer temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (77ºF)

Recommendations to do in the Summer:

• Beach Days: Madeira's coastlines are stunning, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beaches. Calheta and Machico have lovely sandy beaches, while Porto Moniz is famous for its natural volcanic pools.
• Water Sports: Take advantage of the warm weather to try water sports like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or even stand-up paddleboarding. 
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: Embark on an unforgettable journey in Madeira's waters during the summer months for an awe-inspiring whale-watching experience.

Embrace the Magic of Autumn on Madeira Island  (September to December)

With the summer rush over, autumn offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience. This means more space and tranquility, especially in popular tourist spots. Autumn in Madeira Island offers a unique and enchanting experience. As the heat of summer gives way to milder temperatures, the island transforms into a palette of warm colors, making it an ideal time for those who prefer a more temperate climate. Autumn typically sees temperatures ranging from 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F). This pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor activities without the intensity of summer heat.

Recommendations to do in the Autumn:

• Wine Tasting and Tours : Autumn is a great time to visit vineyards and sample Madeira's famous wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings.
• Hiking and Exploring Nature: The cooler temperatures make autumn an ideal time for hiking and exploring the island's lush landscapes.
• Gastronomic Delights: Autumn is also a great time to explore Madeira's culinary scene.

Visitors who decide to ring in the New Year in Madeira will be treated to Europe’s most impressive fireworks show and party! The list of events during this time of year also includes art festivals; traditional religious festivities; international movie festivals, and so many others-- including one for wine lovers! T he Madeira Wine Festival takes place in October , following the harvest, where wine lovers can expect to take part in the wine-making process with their bodies and soul. Relive the time-honored traditions of the region’s wine-making by picking grapes, tasting the famous wine, and joining in on the many celebrations and activities taking place around the island.

Winter Wonders of Madeira Island: A Season of Festive Splendor (December to February)

Madeira's subtropical climate ensures winters are gentle and inviting, with average temperatures comfortably hovering between 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F). This mild weather is a refreshing respite from the severe cold found in many other regions, making it an ideal winter retreat. The island's winter warmth is accompanied by a mix of sunny days and occasional rain, which nurtures its lush landscapes, ensuring they remain vibrant and green throughout the season.

Recommendations to do in Winter:

• Christmas and New Year Festivities: Madeira is famous for its spectacular Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks in Funchal, which is recognized as one of the world's best fireworks displays.
• Visiting Museums and Cultural Sites: Take advantage of the quieter season to visit museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions without the rush.

If you have fallen in love with Madeira, take a look at our hassle-free packages that allow you to plan your dream trip to this beautiful destination. Our team of local experts has thoughtfully designed all our packages, ensuring that you don't have to worry about any arrangements. Simply sit back, unwind, and make the most of your vacation!

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Madeira

Did you know that Europe had its own Hawaii?

Yes, that's right!

Portuguese archipelago Madeira is often compared to Hawaii and I do not wonder why anymore. During my visit in May 2018 it has surprised me so much how many similarities Madeira and Hawaii islands really had.

Madeira is such an incredible place to visit and for many reasons. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon , family vacation , if you travel for adventure or if you just wish to escape less gloomy weather . Another name Madeira has been called is the island of eternal spring, so expect pleasant temperatures and fresh air pretty much all year round.

Madeira truly is a European gem which suits to every traveller and you should visit the islands as soon as possible . Each year Madeira is experiencing more and more visitors. Whether you want to swim with dolphins, explore deep canyons, or enjoy delicious dinner at the beach, go and book your ticket now.

I spent in Madeira one week in May 2018 and wanted to share my experience and a little bit of knowledge. Let's take a look on this very detailed guide, where I share with you some of the best places to see, adventures to enjoy, how to travel around the island, where to stay, what to pack, what to eat and a few more handy tips . Are you ready with a big bowl of popcorn?

When is the best time to go to Madeira

If you want to avoid crowds

When I was searching for the best time to visit Madeira, many people were talking about how busy Madeira is at any time of the year. Honestly, that scared me a bit because as you might already know, I don't like crowded places. In fact, I love exactly the opposite. I am not looking for parties or any Eiffel Towers, or Niagara Falls, or Hollywood signs where I have to deal with too many people.

But my fear melted really quickly when we arrived to Madeira. Of course, there are crowded places like almost in any other destination, but it's very easy to avoid them if you want to. I am talking now especially about Funchal and some other places in the southern island. But nothing crazy  - and that means a lot coming from someone like me :)) Northern and Eastern part of Madeira is less crowded in general.

When you want to avoid crowds and book the best hotels without any problem, try to avoid summer holidays. In fact, try to avoid any kind of holidays in general, like Christmas or Eastern. But that's a tip for visiting almost any destination, right?

If you want the best weather... hmmm, what's the best weather?

Good news! Weather in Madeira doesn't have to play a big part in vacation planning. The temperatures are nicely stable throughout the year which makes Madeira a dream destination! Although winter can be slightly more rainy with lower temperatures in the night and early mornings.

Do you want to come when there's the most sunny and dry weather?  Then June is your best bet, but anything between March to September will work too

Are you planning to do lots of hiking and walking? Then April and May are the best months to visit. Any later might get a bit hot for walking, and winter/early spring can be rainy (can be, but not talking about rainy season like they have in Asia ,)

April and May are also the best months to go to Madeira for enjoying all the beautiful flowers ? So if you're keen to visit one of the world's most beautiful garden which is in Funchal, if you want to those iconic sceneries with flowers in the foreground, or rather flowers everywhere, April and May it is.

Madeira is also famous for swimming with whales and dolphins . If you are planning to do anything like this, then the best time to come is between April and October. That's when the highest number of mammal species are in waters of Madeira.

How to get to Madeira

Although, from one quick look at the map, it may seems that getting to Madeira is long and pricey journey, it's not really true.

Nowadays there are many direct flight from Europe which can cost you under 200 dollars return. Those flights can take only about three four hours. You can try connections from London , Amsterdam or Lisboa . But there are many more cities you can fly to Madeira. See them all here .

My go to website to find  the cheapest flights  possible is  Momondo , so definitely check that one first and go from there. If you have any doubts and questions about how to reach Madeira, feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to help you.

How long should I plan my vacation for?

I only had a spare week and even before I went to Madeira, I had a feeling that it won't be enough. And I was more than right. Yes, you can see the most beautiful/popular places in Madeira in just a week, but hands down, you will be rushing. 

If you can, I would recommend you to stay at least 10 days ! And if you have three weeks, then fine, take it slowly and soak all the relaxing vibes in!

I know, I know, Madeira seems like a tiny island, so you are probably asking now, holly molly, what would I do there for three weeks?! But trust me, there are so many hikes, adventures, culture, and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy, that you will be thanking me for those three weeks :)

What to pack?

When packing for your holidays, please remember that it's not a tropical island you're going to . Frankly, if you are looking for a tropical vacation, white sand beaches and hot hot air, then Madeira is probably not the best pick. There are not so many beaches, all of them (on the main island) are black because of their volcanic origin and water for swimming is quite cold as well.

Madeira is a diverse island and even though at the beach is 25°C or more, within half an hour driving up to 1800 meters above sea lever, temperatures can drop down to zero and wind will be so strong that you will have troubles to stand straight.

Before I will write more detailed post on what to pack and what to leave behind, here is the quick sum up (linked products are the ones I have an experience with and that I am genuinely recommending):

• day backpack
• water bottle
• comfortable walking / hiking shoes
• flip flops / sandals
• warm hoodie / sweater (some days and places are cooler than others)
• softshell jacket (you can thank me later)
• rain jacket
• headlamp (if you plant to hike some of the trails with long dark tunnels)
• waterproof camera/phone case (if you are going to do canyoning / coasteering / swimming with dolphins and whales)

How to get around

When in Madeira you will have have pretty much four options to explore this green island:

• Base yourself in Funchal and hire a taxi driver
• Base yourself in Funchal and book day tours
• Base yourself in Funchal and get around by bus

1. RENT A CAR

Definitely the most convenient way how to explore the island. I probably don't have to name all the reason why renting your own car is the best. It will save you time, nerves and very probably lots of money as well.

• The best deal we found was via rentalcars.com and we only paid around $250 USD for an economy class car for the whole week!!
• I recommend to pay extra for a full insurance , especially if you are not use to drive tight roads. I've been travelling and driving a lot in my life, but nothing was as crazy as Madeira's roads.
• Also, try to avoid renting mini cars . You will need a strong car to get you up the steep hills with no big issues. And make sure you get the most compact car possible. Especially in towns, parking spots are not very spacious and you will be sweating (at least if you're not a parking master just as me, haha).
• Over a week we drove around the island, and criss crossed it many times and one tank of gas was sufficient. We paid 75 EUR for a full tank.

2. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND HIRE A TAXI DRIVER

If you don't want to/ can't drive yourself, but still you want to stay as independent as possible, you can hire a taxi driver. 

In Madeira there are plenty of taxi operators who are offering a various taxi excursions. It will cost you around 100-120 EUR per day (60 EUR / half day) per car (4 people). If you're a bigger group of people (up to 8), it's also possible for an additional cost.

Some of the taxi companies/drivers you can look into:

• Daniel Madeira Taxis
• Madeira Island Taxis
• Manuel Taxi Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi

3. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND BOOK DAY TOURS

If you like things nicely organized and don't plan to rent a car, this could be a perfect option for you.

You can book some great tours in Madeira with Get Your Guide . They offer a wide variety of activities suitable for anyone.

4. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND GET AROUND MADEIRA BY BUS

Exploring Madeira is definitely the best option for those who seek the cheapest vacation possible. But it sure comes at a cost - you will spend lots of time waiting for buses, trying to figure out schedules and places, you won't afford to be flexible and free and most likely you will miss plenty of breathtaking places that are not on the route of the public buses. 

Yes, public transport in Madeira works well, but frankly, I don't recommend it.

There are three kinds of buses :

• orange buses - operate only within Funchal city and its surroundings, you can buy one week unlimited bus ticket for 15 Euros (buses routes and schedules Horários do Funchal )
• red buses - operate in the western part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules Rodoeste  bus service)
• green buses - operate in the eastern part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules SAM  bus service)

Tickets for all bus services can be purchased onboard.

Driving those crazy roads

I am not a scared driver and I've been driving many insane roads around the world, but Madeira is special. Please note, that the last thing I want to do is to scare you. I am writing this so you know what to expect and so you can be more conscious. And I am convinced that driving Madeira roads is part of the travel experience. 

Madeira is full of long tunnels, steep driveways and sharp curves above the cliffs. Nothing for faint hearted. Roads are often not very specious, which is something you might won't be adjusted to when coming from North Americas or so. But again, you got this! Just drive slowly and you'll be sweet.

As I mentioned above, I recommend you to rent a more powerful car and get a car insurance.

Also it can take really long time to ge from point A to B. Sometimes we were driving 15 kilometres in 17 minutes. Why? Imagine rain, thick fog, steep and curvy roads and there you go. Always count with some extra time for driving in Madeira. Especially in the mountains and on the west and north coast.

Where to stay

Since Madeira is such a small island, you can get around the island in a day. That's the reason why most of the tourists stay in Funchal and do day trips from there. I did it differently which I will describe soon.

Advantages of having an accommodation in Funchal: 

• you can choose from many delicious restaurants and vibrant bars
• you can do shopping if that's something you like to do on your vacation
• you can choose the accommodation that suits the best to your budget and other preferences
• most of tour operators are offering tours from Funchal

Disadvantages of having and accommodation in Funchal:

• because most of tourists stay there when visiting Madeira, city centre can get crowded
• since the tourism boomed, Funchal centre is less authentic than other parts of Madeira
• obviously, you will always have to drive back to Funchal after long day of touring to other sides of the island

What's my recommendation?

To each their own, but here's what I did during my one week in Madeira:

I am not a huge fan of cities and crowded in generally, but I still wanted to explore around beautiful and historical Funchal. Therefore I decided to  stay in Funchal for one night . After that I moved for three days to Ponta do Sol in the south coast of the island and last three days I was in Ponta Delgada at the north.

After our trip, me and my friend we agreed that it was the greatest plan for a week in Madeira we could have ever had. It was never too far to any places we planned to visit, therefore never too tiring to be coming back to our accommodation.

If you only have a week I wouldn't recommend to stay in more than 2-3 places as you will feel like always packing and unpacking.

Here is an interactive map of places where I stayed, so you can imagine the distances of places I stayed (and the airport) a little better:

Accommodation in Funchal

If you decide to stay in Funchal, you can choose from hundreds of different types of accommodation that suits your budget. As always, I recommend my favourite search engine  Booking.com   to find the best deals.

Since we were looking for a place just for one night, we had only a few conditions. It had to be a private room with bathroom, within a short walk to the city centre with free parking and under 50 EUR / night per room.

Free parking combined with the city centre of Funchal was the hardest one to find, but  Pensao Residencial Mirasol  seemed had it all. Free parking, in the city centre, with a private bathroom and also a cute little balcony with mountain views . We only paid 38 EUR / night per room including continental breakfast!! The owners and staff here are really friendly, so there's no wonder that budget travellers keep staying here for weeks.

Various high rated places to stay in Funchal:

Madeira Happy Hostel

Vitorina Corte Guesthouse

Monumental Apartment

Quinta Sao Goncalo

Residencial Pina

ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay

Quinta Jardins do Lago

Belmond Reid's Palace

Accommodation in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is a lovely little coastal town and probably the sunniest place on the whole island . During our three days in Ponta do Sol it was really ALWAYS sunny although there was rain or overcast in other parts of Madeira.

We were invited to stay in Estalagem do Ponta do Sol and my oh my! We've never stayed in any similar place to this. It was such a paradise with the best views you could imagine.

Since Estalagem do Ponta do Sol hotel is built on the high cliff, you need to take multiple elevators to get to the reception and your room itself.The views from our room and basically from anywhere within the hotel were nothing short of spectacular and you could watch both sunrise and sunset from the infinite pool.

Estalagem is a peaceful complex with beautiful gardens and modern exteriors and interiors. You can relax in a hot tub with sunset views, you can get your favourite cocktail bar with crazy views or play a table pool in one of the public spaces. Oh, and did I mention breakfasts? Buffet breakfast is included  in the price of the room and something we looked forward to each morning. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

During our stay there was a lack of parking spots below the hotel, but it's because there was a festival and parking spots were precious. The staff of the hotel were super helpful and when we brought our car keys to them, they were more than happy to park our car for us.

Accommodation in Ponta Delgada

Our accommoddation for last three days was up in the north coast in Ponta Delgada. North was a completely different experience than the south. There was way less tourists, and moutains forests and cute vineyards were everywhere. 

We stayed in Casa do Miradouro and if you are looking for a place to find the peace, this magical villa has it all . Mountains and vineyards behind the house and amazing ocean views in front. From the photos I knew, that sunrises and sunsets from this place are incredible. Unfortunately we did not see the sun at all during our stay, but the rainy mood was suiting this place just as much plus it was a perfect for soak in the hot tub. The villa consist of only three apartments, so we have had plenty of privacy. And I can't imagine better place for my yoga practise and everyday meditation.

We loved the design of the villa, but even more we loved that it is enviromentally sustainable building  (for example cork insulation, natural materials used in interior, solar water heating, no chemicals in the garden). 

If you stay in Casa do Miradouro, please ask Zelio to cook for you! Zelio not only takes care of the villa but he's also amazing cook and a lovely company. We spent last evening with him and he cooked the best food we've tried in Madeira. Fresh fish and limpets with a light cheese dessert were amazing and he deserves nothing less than a Michelin star! So please please please, don't miss out this once in a lifetime opportunity! :)

Live like a local

Are you looking to live like a local or always keen to have unique accommodation experience? Then definitely check AirBnB in Madeira  (if you register through this link, you will get up to 35 dollars to spend for your first stay.)

AirBnB in Madeira is very popular and the list of accommodations is full of design villas, cottages on the clifs or luxurious tents in forests . Just hop on the AirBnB website and explore. The prices are really friendly!

Live with the locals

If you are outgoing and want to meet and live with locals and also if you are a lowcost traveller, you can also try Couchsurfing .

Insider's Tip: Please don't do couchsurfing just for the sake of free accommodation. That's not what this wonderful community is about. It's about sharing. Sharing time, sharing experience and making each others life richer. If you don't feel like talking to someone when travelling, but don't have money for hotels, please look for different options like hostels :) I barely do couchsurfing lately, because after long day of travelling or exploring, I am just happy to sit on my bed and don't talk to anyone, but if I want to talk to someone I can always get out of the hotel and go exploring.

What to see?

So much to see and so much to do in Madeira, that one month wouldn't be enough to explore it all throughout. (I am working on detailed itineraries, so feel free to subscribe to my newsletter . Once it's ready I can send it to you directly into your mailbox).

Here's an interactive map of interesting places, photography spots, view points, activities and restaurants I created for my trip. Of course I didn't have time to do and see everything in a week, but thought it could help you to create your own trip :)

Tropical Garden Monte Palace

Madeira is a paradise for flora lovers. So many flowers and trees, so many colours and heavenly smells.

One of the places you can admire flora the most is Jardim Tropical Monte Palace in Funchal. You will find there some rare flora species both from Madeira and the rest of the world. The entrance fee is 12,50 EUR.

The most popular way to get to the gardens is to take a cable car from the city center . Return ticket is 16 EUR (11 for one way). If you buy just one way ticket, you can experience something truly unique and something what only in Madeira can be experienced :) You can do tobogganing in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners . It was invented by Madeirans already in 1850 as a form of transportation down the steep hills (did they have to drag it back after?). When you are at the top nearby tropical garden, look for handsome guys in white shirts holding onto the big basket sled.

Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Please, make yourself a favour, get up early and drive about 30 minutes from Funchal up to about 1800 metres above the sea level. Most likely you will be driving through the rain and clouds and will be cursing me why would I recommend you such a crazy thing. But hold on and you will eventually  get above the clouds and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. And all without any huge effort - you can get all the way to the top of the Pico do Arieiro just by your car. 

Tip: Get ready for strong winds and cold temperatures especially early in the morning. I was so happy I've had my icelandic sweater and softshell jacket with me. Wished to have a hat as well. Just be prepared, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. 

This is a must stop when you are in Madeira. I won't be taking it away from you, because with its 580m it's the tenth highest cliff that is above the sea (the highest one is Mitre Peak in New Zealand) and so the views are truly amazing. It's usually packed with lots of tourist and honestly, I enjoyed some of the views in Madeira way better. So, at the end of the day, I don't think I would miss much if I wouldn't go there. But if you are curious and have enough time, definitely give it a go.

Sugar Cane Factory Museum

In Calheta you will find this very unique exhibition , which can make a nice stop when you are driving on the south coast. You can see here how the rum is made from start to finish.

The admission is free and for a small fee you can try different rums.

Ponta do Pargo

To me, this was one of the most beautiful spots I've seen during a week of travelling in Madeira. It's the most western point in Madeira with a lovely lighthouse and absolutely gorgeous cliff views. I could have been sitting there for hours, watching the waves crashing along the shore!

This place is a perfect spot for watching sunset and you won't be sharing it with many. Very likely you'll be here alone when coming later in the evening.

Achadas da Cruz

This place must be on of the best kept secrets in Madeira! By taking a 3 EUR (return) cable car ride off the cliff, you'll get to in Fajã da Quebrada Nova. It somewhat looks like a tiny village but in real, nobody lives there. Some farmers come down from time to time and take care of their land. You can only get there by a boat or a cable car, or hike a steep trail down and back up. It's so beautiful, colourful, remote and looks like a scene from a historic/fantasy movie. It's easy and worthy to spend there at least two hours. Just so you know :) 

The cable car operates from 10am to 6pm every day unless the weather conditions like strong winds won't allow it. It happened to us, so we called them and came back two days afterwards.

The phone number is +351 291 852 951.

(During this trip, my fog was foggy inside, hens this dreamy effect on the photos bellow).

Porto Moniz

On the western part of the island you find something unique, something you might have never seen before. Beautiful lava pools filled with turquoise clear water from the ocean were converted into something we can call a spa. For a small fee 1,50 EUR (free for children under 3yrs) you can go and have a swim in several pools of different depth while enjoying waves crashing against the beautiful cliffs.

The pools are the most popular between July to September when the air temperature is around sweet 25°C and water is bearable 21°C. 

Tip: If you will walk in Porto Moniz towards the eastern part of the town, where is the Cachalote restaurant, you will find there similar lava pools . They are a bit smaller, but they are free and usually with less people.

Sao Vicente Caves

If you are a fan of geology, then you shouldn't miss these volcanic caves Sao Vicente.

A walk through the lava tubes takes about 30 minutes and admission is 8 EUR.

Traditional houses in Santana

Traditional Madeira houses are amongst the most popular attractions and nobody seems to be leaving Madeira without visiting them. It can be a nice short stop, but frankly, don't you expect more than seeing a few iconic houses that you know from the postcards and magazines. I know some people came from there disappointed and gave it bad ratings on Tripadvisor. It is nice, it is traditional and highly photogenic, so come without any expectations and enjoy. 

Ponta de São Lourenço

Situated on the eastern tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço is a great place for sunrise. This place is quite unreal and looking totally different than the rest of Madeira. You can easily spend here the whole day, walking about 8 km of trails with spectacular coastal views. I recommend to stay reserve at least two hours, so you can enjoy a bit of this place without rushing.

Tip: Ponta de São Lourenço is a popular place and also it is very easy to reach from Funchal and other nearby towns. Hence the parking lot starts to fill up early in the morning. After 11 am the line of the cars is really long and there is quite a bit of tourists and hikers on the trail. So, wake up early, enjoy the sunrise and disappear before the crowds arrive.

Things to do

For such a small island, Madeira has so much to offer in terms of adventuring and activites . Just find something that suits you the best.

Swim with whales and dolphins

There are not so many places where you can swim both with dolphins and whales in one day. But did I already said that Madeira has it all?

If you only want to do dolphin and whale watching, I highly recommend to go with Lobosonda . They are environmentally responsible family owned company and I really liked that they always put animals on first place. On our complimentary trip with Lobosonda we had an amazing guide Fatima, a very kind lady with a great knowledge of the ocean mammals and also marine ecology.

We started at 10am and boarded Ribeira Brava, the traditional fishing boat and launched towards the open ocean. After some time Fatime has pointed her finger towards the ocean where a school of dolphins appeared. Since then we saw more and more dolphins and I am sure we saw more than a hundred that day. And four different species! The water surface literally looked like a one big marine party!

When to go? The best time to watch or swim with dolphins and whales is summer. That's when the highest amount of marine mammals species are gathering in waters of Madeira. Also the waves are more gentle and water warmer. But like any other tours and activities, you can also do this at any time of the year.

Now, canyoning is a big thing in Madeira. I didn't know much about canyoning before I arrived. And surprisingly, it became a highlight of my trip.

Did you know that Madeira is one of the world's prime locations for canyoning (and there are not as many as you might would think)? Well, then put one and one together and you know you can't leave this island without trying canyoning at least once.

I did a wonderful tour with Francisco and Joao from Epic Madeira   and it was absolutely fabulous. Our Intermediate tour included rappelling down the 50m waterfall (you can try a beginner tour for the beginning if you are new to any kind of hiking or climbing). The tour took us almost five hours and I couldn't stop smiling of joy! 

Coasteering

Have you heard about coasteering? No? Then it's two of us. Till now tho :)

Coasteering is basically walking along the coastline in the wetsuit and the helmet and jumping to the ocean whenever it's possible  and also includes snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Yes, you hear me right! Doesn't it sound great? I was a little sad that we didn't have more days in Madeira as it sounds like a lots of fun (you know I love to dive to water from high cliffs :) ). I save it for the next time then!

You can do coasteering also with my friends from Epic Madeira .

Day boat trips to nearby islands

Madeira archipelago consists of four islands . If you have a little bit more time, you will love exploring some of them as they are so different from what you will see on the main island.

Porto Santo - once you start to miss sandy beaches, hop on the boat and enjoy a day on the small island of Porto Santo where you will find 9 km beach of golden sand and breath taking views

Deserta Island and Farol Island (by a catamaran) - while Madeira has black sand beaches and Porto Santo which beaches, Deserta and Farol islands are having white sand beaches , so it's a completely different world again

Kayak / SUP

You can take lessons or tours to breathtaking sea caves with Azul Diving Center .

Paragliding

Let's fly over the mountains, over the ocean with  Madeira Paragliding .

Horse riding

You can also see the island from the horseback if you want to! Check guys at  Quinta do Riacho .

Scuba diving and Snorkelling

Madeira is an outstanding scuba diving destination. And together with Azores it makes the largest whale sanctuary in the world! Scuba diving here is so diverse as you can spot anything from ship wrecks, manta rays, dolphins or the whales. Also the water visibility is amazing (talking about 20m!) 

There are a few diving centers like Atalaia Diving Center , Azul Diving Center Madeira , Explora Madeira Diving Center  (they also offer freediving).

Surfing and bodyboarding

There are some wonderful breaks for surfing. In fact Madeira is one of the best surfing locations in Europe.  All the breaks are in the west part of the island . For a beginner, there is only one sand beach to learn and it's in Porto do Cruz. Rest of the spots are quite rocky. If you want to learn surf in Madeira, then the best time is summer. In summer the waves are coming not so quickly, so you will struggle less. 

You can take classes, rent a gear with Madeira Surf Camp  or Calhau Surf School .

If fishing is something you enjoy, then you are in the right place! Madeira has some of best fishing areas in the world. Fish for Tuna and Blue Marlins! You can choose between half-day and full day fishing boat tours .

All around the island is about 2000 km of trails , many of them being popular levadas - irrigation channels. Various trails will take you along the coast, accross the mountains and through the valleys full of waterfalls and beautiful forests. Some of them are easy walks and some of them require certain level of hiking experience. But there is something for everyone.

There is a phone app for hiking in Madeira that is called  WalkMe . It includes navigation, offline maps and more than 50 hikes and is definitely worth the 5 Euros!

Remember that if you don't feel like hiking alone, you can always take a tour or hire a private hiking guide .

Some of the most beautiful and popular hikes are:

• Vereda do Arieiro (PR 1) - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route is considered to be the hardest but also the most beautiful on the island. I would say it's not as hard if you are use to do some walking and hiking. Reconsider to go if you are too scared of heights tho :). To truly enjoy this hike without unnecessary rushing, allow yourself a full day.
• Levada do 25 Fontes (PR 6)  - Probably the most famous levada, so early morning or late afternoon start is necessary if you want to avoid crowds.
• Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR 9) - Very fun hike going through a couple of long tunnels (take a headlamp with you) and it ends with fantastic 100m waterfall
• Vereda do Larano  - This hike starting at Machico will allow you to see absolutely amazing ocean views. It is recommended for experienced hikers with sturdy boots as there are some sketchy parts. And if you are unsure, you can always do the guided tour .
• Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco (PR 8)  - this very east part of the island looks like another world. There are no trees, the rock formations you will see have incredible colours and the ocean and cliff views are nothing short of spectacular!

Mountain Biking

Seriously, who would voluntarily go and ride those crazy hills of Madeira? Haha, I wouldn't, but I know some of my friends would love that! Again, you can go with the epic team from Epic Madeira .

Jeep Safari

Explore secret and hidden places in the valleys and mountains with jeep tours . This way you will get the chance to also explore famous laurissilva forests , the evergreen and believed to be primary forests on Madeira. Definitely something you should see.

Catamaran Sunset Tours

Sunsets in Madeira are absolutely spectacular and to watch them from the boat will take your breath away!

What to eat and drink

Fish and seafood is very popular food of locals and tourist. Amongst the typical fish and seafoodd that you can try in Madeira is:

• Codfish (Bacalhau)
• Tuna fish (Atum)
• Black swordfish (Espada) - my personal favourite, it has a fery soft meat which taste is very close to lobster
• Octopus (Polvo)
• Limpets (Lapas)

Important note : Before ordering a fish in restaurant, please ask them whether is the fish from a fish farm of from the ocean. Recently, in Madeira they are dealing with an ecologic disaster that are fish farms. For one kilogram of fish from the farm is needed about 12 kg of fish from the ocean - crazy, huh? Plus fish from the farm is treated with antibiotics, so not only you eat something you really don't want to eat, but also all the antibiotics go into the ocean, causing fatal problem in the ecosystem

Espetada Madeirense is another favourite meal in Madeira. It's beef cubes on skewer grilled on wood or charcoal.

Honey cake  (bolo de mel de cana) is one of the main desserts and you will be able to buy it in almost any souvenir shop. It's not made from honey but dark sugar cane molasses with nuts and sultanas in it. It is very rich, and should last long months after it's baked. Well, we ate it in two days because it was so delicious!

Probably the most popular drink on the island is wine which is world famous. Beautiful vineyards are all around the island! Also it's very cheap, be ready to pay for a bottle of wine in the store 2 - 3 euros, yay!

The most traditional drink of Madeira is poncha  and unless you are a person who never touches the alcohol, you shouldn't leave Madeira without trying it. It's made from brandy cane sugar, bee honey and lemon juice. I am a baby drinker and can't even smell rum without instantly feeling like throwing out, but surprisingly I really enjoyed drinking poncha. But be careful, it's as strong as it is delicious :) They say that the best poncha is to be found in Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água.

Useful resources whilst you are in Madeira

Accommodation - www.booking.com

Live webcams all around the island - www.netmadeira.com

Weather updates - www.vedur.is

Flight connections to Madeira (from Europe) - Airlines & Airports

Phone app for hiking in Madeira - WalkMe  (available for Android and iOS) 

Have a question? Feel free to ask in the comments below.

Wanna know what camera gear I use?

Thank you for reading and go ahead and  follow me on facebook  or instagram to explore the world with me as I publish pictures and stories along the way.

*Thank you Estalagem da Ponta do Sol , Casa do Miradouro , Epic Madeira and  Lobosonda for having us. As always the opinions are of my own.

**Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a booking using the link. It won't cost you a penny but it will help me to maintain this website and write more helpful articles in future. 

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Oh hello! Welcome to my page where we all are allowed to Dream Big and we all are encouraged to Wander Far. My name is Marti and  here you can read more about me . I am originally from Czech Republic and my story isn't different from stories of many other travellers - in 2011 I quit my well-paid job in film industry to travel the world which was always my dream. I visited 70+ countries and you can find me exploring deserted islands in South Pacific or diving with whale sharks in Philippines, prospecting for gold in New Zealand or building an igloo above the Polar Circle. Let's join me on my journey around the globe!

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Best time to visit Madeira (weather, whales, flowers…)

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

When is the best time to visit Madeira? Well, it depends on your criteria.  Below is my complete guide with details to help you make your decision based on:

• Weather (temperature, rain, water…),
• Crowds and price,
• Whale watching opportunities,
• Hiking conditions,
• Winter sun,

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite excursion from Funchal:   4×4 tour of East Madeira

MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal:  Les Suites at the Cliff Bay  (Luxury) –  Sé Boutique Hotel  (4 stars) –  Market Place by Storytellers  (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal:  Saccharum Resort  near a beach (Luxury) –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol  (4 stars) –  Engho Velho Hotel  (mid-range)

Best time to visit Madeira – Summary

Best month to visit madeira.

Madeira is enjoyable all year long, but if I had to pick one month as the best months, I would choose: JUNE because of:

• Great temperatures,
• Hardly any rain,
• Before the Summer crowds,
• Flowers still blooming,
• Good whale activity,
• Morning clouds of great sunrises.

Best time to visit Madeira – Criteria

If you don’t want to read the entire article, here is a summary depending on what you are looking for:

• Weather, Rain – The driest months are June, July and August, the wettest months are October to mid-April.
• Weather, temperatures – Summer temperatures are around 24°C at water level, and also hot in the mountains. Some days, when wind blows from the Sahara, temperatures can climb above 30°C Winter daytime temperatures are around 20°C on the lower parts of the island (it can be cold in the mountains).
• Swimming – Best time to swim in the ocean is from June to October with sea temperature averaging 23°C
• Crowds – September to October tend to be the quieter months on the island. But there is a general flow of tourists all year-long. The busier months are July and August. Christmas time and winter holidays are also popular times.
• Price – Prices are of course higher when the island is the most crowded – Summer 

• Flowers – Spring of course, and the flower festival in Funchal takes place in May.
• Whales – The best time to see whales is in Summer (there are more of them).
• Hiking – May, June, September and October – temperature are great for hiking – and, since many hiking paths are narrow, it is better to avoid the Summer crowds
• Festivals – Check out dates if you want to participate of avoid them.The famous Carnival celebrations take place around the end of February.
• For photography – Great lights can be found all year-round June and July have more chances to have blankets of clouds early morning, to offer you unforgettable sunrise above the clouds

Visual overview – best time to travel to Madeira

Below is an infographics to help you visualize the best times and decide the best time to go to Madeira based on your criteria.

If you are looking into visiting specifically in Winter, check out my article about Madeira in Winter .

Need help to plan your trip to Madeira? Check out my travel guide eBook that simplified planning:

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

Best times to go to Madeira for WEATHER, crowds…

When is the best time to visit madeira for great weather.

Overall, the climate can be described as meditteran-subtropical, offering an “ eternal spring “. It is rarely particularly cold or particularly hot. At sea level, temperatures are comfortable all year long. Just know that:

• Some days in Summer, the wind can blow from the Sahara and create over 30°C temperatures
• in Winter, the temperatures are pleasant at sea level, but can be cold in the mountains (with snow sometimes)

Because of the mountains in the middle of the island, there are different climates. So if you don’t like the weather where you are , check out the other side of the island.

• The north of the island has more rainfall and, therefore, lush vegetation. 
• The south is drier and offers more hours of sunshine.

Length of the days & amount of sunshine

• in Winter – 10 hours of daylight with sunrise around 7am to 8m and sunset from 6pm to 8pm
• in Summer – 12 hours of daylight with sunrise around 7am to 8m and sunset from 8pm to 9pm

Because of the mountains, blankets of clouds can appear anytime of the year. They are very frequent in the mornings in June and July. The South receives more sunshine than the North.

Rain in Madeira

Rainfall is concentrated from October to mid-April. In Summer, rains are quite rare, especially on the South side of the island.

Temperatures in Madeira

As written earlier, Madeira has an Eternal Spring weather, at sea level.

• In Spring, you are at around 20 to 22°C during the day and 13 to 17°C during the night
• In Summer, you are at around 22 to 26°C during the day and 17 to 19°C during the night
• In Autumn, you are at around 22 to 25°C during the day and 15 to 19°C during the night
• In Winter, you are at around 19 to 20°C during the day and 13 to 14° during the night.

Just remember that there is greater variation in the mountains. They can be cold in Winter, with even snow.

Water temperatures in Madeira

The sea in Madeira is never very high in temperature. It is deep around the island.

• In Spring, expect 17 to 18°C
• In Summer, 21 to 23°C
• In Autumn, 20 to 22°C
• in Winter, 17°C to 19°C

Because of the Eternal Spring weather, Madeira receives a constant flow of tourists all year-round. However, the busiest times are:

• the Summer holiday months of July and August,
• Christmas time,
• and the Winter European holidays, for people looking for Winter Sun.

Need to rent a car in Madeira?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Best time to visit Madeira for FLOWERS

Spring explosion.

Madeira is sometimes referred to as the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’. Thanks to the combination of the Location and the mountains in the middle of the island, Madeiras has a lush, varied and colorful flora.

You can see lush vegetation and beautiful flowers all year-round, however the full bloom and color explosion is, of course, during Spring time.

Plus, during that time, you can have a chance to be traveling during the Madeira Flower Festival, which includes:

• performances of folk groups,
• construction of beautiful floral carpets,
• music and concerts…

Special flowers to find

And if you are after specific flowers, know that, for example:

• Strelitzia: Madeira’s signature flower, “the bird of paradise” – grows throughout the island year-round. 
• Poinsettia: Red flower – Best seen from October to February.
• Sword Aloe: best seen from October to December.
• Pink Ball Trees: The flowers bloom from December to March.
• Jacaranda Trees : with pretty purple flowers, bloom in April and May.

Best time to travel to Madeira for WHALES and dolphins

Overall best time to go dolphin- and whale-watching in madeira.

Many species of dolphins and whales visit the island during different seasons. But as general rules:

• You can see whales and dolphins all year,
• There are always at least 2 or 3 species of whales around,
• Tours are running year round,
• The highest quantity of species is  from April to September,
• In Summer, the dolphins generally gather closer to the coast, in more shallow waters
• There is a much bigger chance of seeing dolphins than whales (they spend a lot of time underwater)

Learn more in my article about Whales and Dolphins in Madeira .

Species  of dolphins & best months

The most common species of dolphins you will see in the waters surrounding Madeira are the  Bottlenose dolphins . They live there year round.

Other species depending on the season:

• Common dolphin – January to July
• Striped Dolphin – February to April and July to November
• Atlantic Spotted Dolphin – March to October
• Rough-toothed Dolphin – May to September
• Risso’s Dolphin – May to October

Best time to visit Madeira for HIKING

The island of Madeira offers some wonderful hiking opportunities:

• Over volcanic cliffs,
• Along levadas (irrigation systems) surrounded by lush vegetation,
• On top of the mountains,

Check out my article with the best hikes and levada walks in Madeira .

You can hike all year round, but here are a few things to be aware of to make your decision:

• In Summer, temperature can raise quite high in the afternoon – you should start hiking early morning
• Most hikes have narrow pathways and can have hikers in both directions (many levada walks are return hikes, not loops). Therefore, in Summer they can feel crowded.
• In Winter, the mountains can be a lot colder and occasionally have snow
• In Winter, there is more rain and the waterfalls will be fuller.

Therefore, the best months to hike in Madeira are in the shoulder seasons – May, June, September, and October, unless you want to see the waterfalls in full force.

Where to stay in Madeira?

My favorite places:

• Funchal , for a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car –  see best-rated accommodations
• Funchal Lido , for luxury resorts – see best-rated hotels
• Machico , for a sandy beach – see best-rated accommodations
• Porto da Cruz , for a quiet village in beautiful scenery – see best-rated accommodations
• Ribeira Brava , for a practical location to explore the island – see best-rated accommodations
• Porto Moniz , to enjoy the natural pools – see best-rated accommodations

How is Madeira at Christmas?

What is Madeira like at Christmas? Madeira is a popular destination for Christmas. Christmas and the New Year are celebrated at the same time everywhere in the “Christian world”.

Weather conditions

Temperatures at sea level are very pleasant, around 19/20°C during the day. Water temperature is low (around 17°C), so it is not the best time for swimming.  But the weather is pleasant for walking and exploring the whole coast of the island.

Christmas trees & decorations

Because of the mild climate, you won’t find many traditional pine trees, but mostly artificial trees. They are traditionally decorated with balls, Christmas Lights, snowflakes, bows, wreaths, etc. 

Madeirans love decorating for every festival and events. You will see a lot of decorations, especially in Funchal.

If you walk around, you will also see many Nativity scenes in the form of a staircase or in a rock-shaped form (like a cave). Locals call them “lapinha”. It is often a small altar of three hauls, covered with a red and a white lace tablecloths. At the top is a small statue of the Baby Jesus, and on the other steps the shepherd, other figures and fruits.

Around Christmas events

Madeira has several traditions around Christmas:

• The Childbirth masses, a set of nine religious ceremonies (called “novenas”), taking place at dawn in parishes throughout the island. They happen between December, 16th and Christmas Eve. They are often followed by singing gatherings.
• On December 23rd, there is a Market night in Funchal at the Mercado dos Lavradores – where people shop for fruits and flowers
• On December 31st, there is a special fireworks show that entered the Guinness book of records as the largest show in the world (from 2006 to 2012)

Christmas food

Of course, no tradition is complete without food specialities:

• Madeira Honey cake – can be bought all year round, but linked to Christmas
• Christmas in Madeira is filled with sweets and the cookies
• “Carne Vinha D’Alhos”

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Best months to visit Madeira – pros and cons

Madeira in winter , madeira in january.

• Pros – Winter Sun – pleasant temperature Great time to surf in Madeira Christmas lights until the 6th January Cheap outside of Christmas Great for waterfalls
• Cons – One of the rainiest months (but not that much…) Cold in the mountains

Madeira in February

• Pros –  Winter sun, and pleasant temperature Carnival at the end of the months Rain is less likely than in January – still great for waterfalls
• Cons –  Coldest month of the year (but not that cold…) Still some rain

Madeira in March

• Pros –  Temperatures are starting to rise, reaching around 20°C in average during the day Some flowers start blooming Winter Sun
• Cons –  Still some rain, as in February – still great for waterfalls

Madeira in Spring 

Madeira in april.

• Pros –  Flowers are blooming Flower Festival takes place in April or May Lemon Festival in Santana
• Cons –  Roughly the rain level as March and February

Madeira in May

• Pros –  Flowers are abundant Flower Festival takes place in April or May (depending on Easter) Many festivals are taking place Temperatures are a little bit warmer A lot less rain than in March (half the chances of rain)
• Cons –  Sea water has not warmed up yet

Madeira in June

• Pros –  Great temperatures around 22°C Many flowers still in bloom Sea temperature start to rise Morning clouds for photographers Atlantic Festival and fireworks Hardly any rain, in theory
• Cons –  Morning clouds can be a negative for those looking for sun…

Madeira in Summer 

Madeira in july.

• Pros –  Warm weather Comfortable water temperature Hardly any rain Morning clouds for photographers
• Cons –  More crowded

Madeira in August

• Pros –  Warm weather Comfortable water temperature Hardly any rain Madeira wine festival starts at the end of the months (with harvest starting)

Madeira in September

• P ros –  Warm weather Comfortable water temperature Madeira wine festival Columbus Festival  Less crowded than August
• Cons –  A little bit more risk of rain, but not much

Madeira in Autumn 

Madeira in october.

• Pros –  Temperature still warm at 24°C Water can still be warm Madeira Nature festival with outdoor activities Prices start dropping
• Cons –  More chances of rain 

Madeira in November

• Pros –  Cheap Less crowded Temperature are still pleasant Waterfalls can have more water
• Cons –  Sea water is now cooler

Madeira in December

• Pros –  Christmas and New Year’s festivities Still enjoyable temperatures
• Cons –  Rain is more likely

Best time to travel to Madeira and more – FAQs

Best time to visit funchal.

Funchal is a great destination all year round. There is no difference between Funchal and the rest of the island. This entire article applies. Funchal is on the South Side of the island, so it has more sun and is protected from most winds.

Is Madeira worth visiting?

Whatever the time of the year, Madeira is a worthy destination with mountains, beaches, cliffs and volcanic features. The landscapes are simply breathtaking. Check out my selection of 40 pictures to get an idea.

What is the hottest month in Madeira?

August is normally the hottest month in Madeira with temperature around 25 and 26°C during the day (but they can go above 30°C when the dry wind from the Sahara is blowing).

How many days do you need to visit Madeira?

The island is not that big. From Funchal you can reach almost all destinations within 1h, thanks to the many tunnels. The minimum to visit Madeira is a week, but I really think that 10 days is a better timeframe. With only one week, you would have to rush your experience or make some choices of places to see.  I think the best length for your Madeira trip is between 10 days and 2 weeks (and more if you want to explore the island of Porto Santo as well).

Don’t visit for a long weekend. The island is far from Europe and landings can be delayed because of wind. Learn more on my 42 Madeira Travel Tips.

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip –  read article
• Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
• 35 best things to do in Madeira – read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
• 10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira – reach article
• Tips to drive around Madeira – read article
• 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
• 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives) – read article
• 18 best beaches in Madeira – read article
• 7 best Madeira boat tours & trips – read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of MADEIRA?

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18 best Madeira Tours

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Madeira in Winter

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Best time to visit madeira.

When is the best time to visit Madeira? Read on to learn exactly when to visit for an unforgettable trip..

A Portuguese island, politically part of Europe, Madeira is actually situated off the west coast of Northern Africa and therefore has a climate that much more closely resembles this subtropical part of the world.

Through into this mix however, the volcanic landscape of Madeira, the fact it sits in the Atlantic Ocean and the largely elevated nature of its topography (read. it’s pretty freaking mountainous!) and you’ve got yourself a veritable climate feast.

Which is exactly why it can be pretty confusing to work out when the best time to visit Madeira is.

But fear not, I’ve got the full breakdown on exactly when you should travel to this island, no matter whether you want to sightsee, sunbathe, head out hiking or a combination of all 3.

So let’s keep this intro short and get stuck straight into the details…

Related Posts

• 5 Epic Madeira Hikes You Can’t Miss
• Top 10 Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira
• Is Madeira Safe to Travel?

My stay at Quinta da Saraiva was kindly gifted but, as always, all views are my own.

 This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

When to Visit Madeira?

So weirdly I’m starting this article off with a kinda conclusion, because the first slice of info I’m bringing you is the best time to visit Madeira overall.

This means no matter what you’re heading to Madeira to enjoy (chilling, hiking, sailing, eating, drinking, sightseeing… the list goes on and on), I’m kicking things off here with the best overall months to book a trip to this gorgeous island.

And, in my opinion, those top months are May and September.

Part of the Spring and Autumn seasons respectively, the reason I’ve chosen these 2 months is because they offer the best overall experience – the happy middle ground as it were.

Technically part of the shoulder season, May and September avoid both the heavy rainfall Madeira experiences in winter and the hot temperatures and high humidity the island often gets in summer.

Offering mild climates, with long days that boast good sunshine hours, both May and September give visitors the chance to not only enjoy the mountain trails of this dramatic island, but also the chance to swim in the sea, head out on whale-watching tours, sightsee in Funchal and enjoy a good flower or wine festival too!

In addition, prices are not at their peak, and you’re sure to find a bargain both in terms of a flight to the island and accommodation.

And neither are crowds too heavy, which means you won’t have to share the hiking trails and viewpoints with too many other tourists!

Sounds ideal right?

And that’s because these months pretty much are in my opinion – a notion backed by the fact that I specifically chose to visit Madeira in May myself!

Madeira Climate

Ok, so now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to go into a lot more detail because, despite how much of a no-brainer I’ve made May and September sound when it comes to the best time to visit Madeira, there are a few variables!

And the main one of these is the mountainous geography of the island and the fact that it can be brilliantly sunny, hot and dry on one side, while just half an hour away, on the other side of Madeira, it’s not unusual to simultaneously experience clouds, mist, wind, humidity and even rain!

Yes welcome to the conundrum that is working out the best time to travel to this island!

Because it’s a small island territory, situated in the subtropics and with a pretty mountainous terrain that begins to climb almost straight from the coastline, Madeira is not always as sunny and dry as you might hope.

A short boat trip off the island will quickly show you how passing clouds often get stuck on the mountains here and can bring misty and wet conditions, even if it’s sunny at the coast!

Even if it is sunny when you start to head up the mountains, you can quickly find the conditions change when you reach the top, as clouds have rolled in seemingly from nowhere!

But conversely, the opposite is also true!

Many a time, I was driving through clouds on my way up to begin an elevated hike in Madeira, only to reach the top and find the clouds had disappeared – or I’d ascended above them – and was met, instead, with glorious blue sky conditions – hoorah!

In essence, the Madeiran climate is very changeable.

And this is exactly why, when you travel to this island, you really need to be prepared with lots of layers and for all eventualities, no matter what time of year!

The other point to note is that often the north of the island – the “otherside” of the mountain range as it were – does tend to be wetter and cloudier and sometimes you’ll drive from there to Funchal (or elsewhere on the southern coast) and be surprised to find a totally different type of weather.

Is this because you’ve changed location? Or because the clouds have blown across? Who can tell!

All I know is that it happened to me multiple times!

So the moral of the tale is being prepared with everything you could possibly need (including a sun hat, a waterproof jacket, a bikini and a jumper) whenever you head out the door for a day in Madeira!

And, and because it’s an island and a mountainous one at that, it can also get windy out of nowhere too (especially in exposed areas), so I just wanted to prepare you for that too!

Madeira Seasons

To put things in context, Madeira has 4 main seasons – which are broadly aligned with the main European ones…

March – May is known as Spring with mild temperatures that hover around the high teens  / low twenties (centigrade that is!). Rainfall begins to drop and the days are getting nice and long – think around 9 hours of daylight. The island is lush and green.

June – August is summer in Madeira when temperatures can soar to the thirties and the humidity skyrockets. Rainfall is low and sunny days are common.

September – November is essentially an autumn season when the temperatures begin to cool down as rainfall increases. Days shorten, but there’s still plenty of sun that will allow you to get out and about.

December – February is winter in Madeira. As a subtropical island, even the coldest months on this island are mild and rarely drop below 15 in the day, which makes taking a dip in the sea still possible for the brave among you! However, rainfall is significant in the winter and cloudy wet days tend to predominate over sunny ones.

Visiting Madeira is certainly possible all year round – you’ll never be freezing cold or without any sunshine, but as I said in the first section of this post, spring and autumn would be my picks when it comes to the best seasons to visit Madeira.

Best Time to Visit for Sightseeing

So now we move on to some more of the specific activities travellers head to Madeira for, as we take a look at which visiting months best suit these.

Sightseeing can be enjoyed across Madeira (from the traditional houses of Santana in the northeast, through to the lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo in the southwest) which, as discussed previously, can make things difficult given how changeable the climate is from one part of the island to the other!

However, I’d say the most visitors heading to Madeira for sightseeing base themselves in Funchal – the capital – which is the southeast of the island, as this city has the most sightseeing on offer and is easiest to get around the island from.

Funchal and its surrounds tend to have a drier and sunnier climate than other areas of Madeira, especially the mountains, which means visiting in early spring or late autumn is totally possible.

In fact, April and October would be great months for sightseeing in Madeira as temperatures are lower, as is rainfall, and crowds are thinner too!

Best Time to Visit for Hiking

If you’re heading to Madeira for hiking, then great choice, because this island is a walker’s paradise!

And that’s even given the fact you have to prepare for at least 4 seasons in one day if you’re heading out walking, especially in the mountains!

Look, the reality is that clouds, wind and rain are possible at any time of year up in the lofty heights of Madeira, although less so in the summer.

That said, you do have to contend with some pretty crazy temperatures at the time of year, which is why I wouldn’t pick summer as the best time for hiking in Madeira – don’t forget not all your walks will be at elevation and it will be roasting down on the coast between June and August.

And in winter, the high chances of rain would certainly make hiking less fun in my book, which is again why I’m selecting spring and autumn as the best seasons if you want to enjoy the best walking this island has to offer.

The later spring months of April and May are ideal – mild temperatures and lower rainfall, with long days and a good chance of blue skies – as are the autumn months of September and October.

Trails might be slightly busier at these times, but it’s worth it for the good conditions in my opinion.

Just make sure to research when the island marathons are on, especially the Island Ultra Trail event – they tend to fall during these months, but are best avoided unless you are actually taking part!

Best Time to Visit for the Beach

Ok, so now we come to the good stuff, the things holidays are really made for right?

Yes the beach, the sea swimming and the sunbathing are what I’m all about!

Seriously, I do love a good coastal chill when I’m on holiday and despite doing both a lot of sightseeing and hiking in Madeira, I made sure I got to swim in the sea and lie on the sand too.

And that’s despite Madeira not really being an island for the beach – most are black sandy or rocky!

However, if you’re here predominantly to catch the rays, then summer will definitely be the best time for you to visit Madeira.

Hight temperatures, low rainfall, long blue sky days – it’s got it all!

Best Time to Visit for Wine

Or maybe it’s the wine you’re really going to Madeira for?

Well again, you’re in luck, because this island has plenty of the stuff and you’ll spot vineyards (be they commercial farms or in somebody’s backyard) right across the island.

To take in the full experience though I highly suggest visiting during the island’s wine festival which runs annually from late August through early September.

This is when the harvesting takes place and there’s several great wine tours on the island you can enjoy that will really allow you to savour this element of Madeira’s unique culture even more.

Check out my top picks here…

• From Funchal: Madeira Open Roof 4×4 Tour with Wine Tasting
• Funchal: Food and Wine Walking Tour
• From Funchal: Full-Day Madeira Wine Tour with Lunch

Cheapest Time to Visit Madeira

Avoiding high summer and Christmas are the main tips when it comes to finding the best time to visit Madeira for a bargain!

And that’s because many locals return to the island during this season and things can get rather busy.

The winter months – outside of the festive season – are certainly the cheapest to visit Madeira, but you have to balance this with the high rainfall.

Overall, therefore, I personally lean towards early Spring and late Autumn being the best times if you want to balance decent weather with a good deal!

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How to Get to Madeira?

Fly to the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport!

Find the best deals at Skyscanner , including with budget airline carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.

How Long to Spend There?

I’d suggest at least a week to see a lot of Madeira and enjoy many things on this list.

10 days would be even better!

Where to Stay in Madeira?

Just up the hill behind the bobbing fishing boats of Câmara de Lobos on Madeira’s southern coast is the amazing heritage boutique hotel of Quinta da Saraiva.

Set amidst banana plantations and vineyards, with stunning coastal and countryside views from the gorgeous pool, this is seriously the best place to stay on the island with balcony views to die for, friendly staff, amazing breakfasts and a jacuzzi to enjoy at night under the stars!

Oh and they have free charging for your electric vehicle too… it just gets better!

Owner, Juan, has renovated this beautiful family property to offer visitors to Madeira a truly special stay and, with my exclusive code BigWorldSmallPockets , you can receive a €50 discount on a 4 night stay.

So go on, what are you waiting for?

Book your amazing stay in Madeira here – you won’t get a better price or experience!

How to Get Around Madeira?

Hiring a car is the best way to get around Madeira and you can find a great deal here .

I highly recommend an electric vehicle – great for the planet, great for your pocket!

Travel Insurance for Madeira

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

SAVE THIS POST TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my complete guide to the best time to visit Madeira!

I hope it’s helped you decide when you visit this beautiful island.

Have any more advice to share?

Then please help fellow travellers out by dropping all your Madeira tips into the comments section below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Madeira Secret

The Complete Madeira Travel Guide in 2023

Are you looking for the perfect escape? Surrounded by breathtaking nature and history, a trip to Madeira could be just what your wanderlust soul is seeking! From stunning landscapes, picturesque mountain vistas, and hidden coves; to exploring its culinary delights, energetic festivals and exciting activities – there’s something for everyone in this idyllic archipelago.

In this complete Madeira travel guide, we’ll let you in on all of our top tips for experiencing the best that this incredible destination has to offer. Discover why even after over five centuries since its discovery it remains an alluring place, dazzling with undeniable beauty. So buckle up as we take off on an unforgettable journey uncovering one of Europe’s most spectacular islands!

Table of Contents

What is the best month to go to madeira.

Are you contemplating a trip to the captivating Madeira Islands? Are you wondering when is the best time to go? Well, with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, warm hospitality, and mild climate there truly is no bad time of year to visit. However, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether it’s surfing sunny beaches or exploring fog-shrouded peaks – one month may standout as better than the others. In this blog post we’ll explore which period offers up the ideal amalgamation of factors for a perfect getaway in Madeira. So let’s dive right into exploring why each month makes an excellent window for visiting this gorgeous archipelago!

Overview of Madeira’s Year-Round Climate

If you’re looking for a temperate escape that’s welcoming year-round, Madeira might be just the destination for you. Nestled in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this sunny Portuguese island boasts a warm, subtropical climate. With average temperatures hovering in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit) throughout the year, you can enjoy outdoor adventures, blissful relaxation, and everything in between, no matter when you visit. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or not, Madeira weather is sure to make you feel right at home. So why not book a ticket and see for yourself? Your perfect climate is just a plane ride away.

January – Enjoy the Off Season with Mild Temperatures and Fewer Tourists

January might not be the first month that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but it can actually offer a lot of benefits for travel enthusiasts. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, January is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

And, while the temperatures may be mild, the tourist crowds are much thinner, giving you ample breathing room to explore and enjoy your surroundings without feeling rushed or pushed along. Plus, with fewer travelers around, you’ll also find better deals and prices on accommodations and activities. So why not take advantage of January’s off-season charm and plan your next adventure?

February – Harness the Power of the Spring Winds for Surfing and Kite Surfing

February may be the heart of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tap into the energy of the upcoming season. In fact, this is the perfect time to harness the power of the spring winds for some exhilarating water sports – surfing and kite surfing, to be precise. Imagine feeling the wind whip through your hair as you ride across the waves, soaring through the air on a kite.

The adrenaline rush alone is enough to chase away the winter doldrums. With the right gear and a willingness to take on a new challenge, you can experience the thrill of being one with the elements. So why not take advantage of this unique window of opportunity and try your hand at surfing or kite surfing in February? You might just discover a new passion while also enjoying the magic of the season.

March – Participate in the Cabo Girão International Music Festival

March is the perfect time to head to Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the International Music Festival. With musicians from all over the world coming together to perform, there’s no shortage of great music to be heard. But the festival is about more than just the music. It’s a celebration of culture and creativity, and a chance to connect with people from all over the globe.

Whether you’re a music lover, a traveler, or just someone looking for a fun and unique experience, this festival is not to be missed. So pack your bags, grab some sunscreen, and get ready to dance to the beat of a multicultural rhythm in the beautiful island of Madeira.

April – Explore the Lavish Flora that Covers the Island During This Month

April is the perfect month to indulge in the lush flora that covers the island. The air is filled with the sweet fragrances of blooming flowers and the verdant greenery is in full bloom, creating a colorful and vibrant ambiance. The island offers a diverse range of plant species, from towering palm trees to exotic orchids that can be found in hidden corners.

It’s an experience that can be savored with all the senses – the soft petals brushing against your skin, the delicate fragrance of the flowers, and the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze. So come and explore the lavish flora that covers the island during this month, and let the natural beauty of the surroundings envelop you in its embrace.

May – Escape to the Mountains and Embrace Nature at its Best

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you yearning to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature? Look no further than the mountains this May. Escape to the serene beauty of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. Take a breath of fresh mountain air and let the stress melt away.

Hike through acres of untouched wilderness, enjoy panoramic views, and soak in hot springs. Experience nature’s best up close and personal. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, the mountains have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head for the hills this May – you won’t regret it.

What Are the Benefits Of Travelling Off-Season?

Off-season travel offers a plethora of benefits, including reduced crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic local experience. With fewer tourists around, you can visit popular destinations and attractions at your own pace, without the need to compete for space or wait in long lines. Additionally, off-season travel often comes with discounted accommodation rates and airfares, allowing you to stretch your vacation budget further. The quieter atmosphere allows you to connect more deeply with the local culture, as residents have more time to interact with visitors and share their customs, traditions, and stories.

On the other hand, peak-season travel presents its own set of advantages. The weather is usually at its finest during these months, ensuring that you can fully enjoy outdoor activities and attractions. Furthermore, peak-season often coincides with various festivals, events, and celebrations, providing you with the opportunity to witness and partake in unique cultural experiences. While the crowds may be larger, the energy and excitement of peak-season can be contagious, creating unforgettable memories and connections with fellow travelers. Ultimately, whether you choose to visit during the off-season or peak-season, Madeira’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage will provide a remarkable and fulfilling travel experience.

Is Madeira Expensive?

The cost of living in Madeira varies depending on your travel preferences, but there are options for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers. Below, we’ll answer if Madeira is expensive or not. We’ll discuss accommodations, activities, must-visit locations, and tips for saving money during your stay.

Also, check out our article about comparing Madeira Island vs Portugal Mainland

Accommodations

• Luxury: High-end hotels and resorts in Madeira can cost between €150-€400 per night. Some popular options include Belmond Reid’s Palace, Savoy Palace, and The Cliff Bay.
• Mid-range: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses are available for €50-€150 per night. Examples include Hotel Baía Azul, Pestana CR7 Funchal, and Quinta da Penha de França.
• Budget: Hostels, Airbnb rentals, and budget hotels can be found for as low as €20-€50 per night. Look for options like Phil’s Haven Hostel, Santa Maria Hostel, or Residencial Pina.
• Luxury: Private yacht charters, guided tours, and wine tastings are available for those looking to indulge. Expect to spend €100-€300 per person for these experiences.
• Mid-range: Group tours, such as levada walks, whale watching, and jeep safaris, and surfing typically cost between €30-€80 per person.
• Budget: Hiking, visiting local markets, and exploring the island’s natural beauty are all free or low-cost activities for budget-conscious travelers.

Must-Visit Locations & Associated Costs

• Funchal : Madeira’s capital city offers a range of attractions, including the CR7 Museum (€5), Madeira Botanical Garden (€6), and the Mercado dos Lavradores (free entrance).
• Cabo Girão : This impressive sea cliff features a glass-bottomed skywalk (free) and provides stunning views of the island’s coastline.
• Pico do Arieiro : Hike to Madeira’s third-highest peak for breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is free, but transportation to the trailhead can cost €20-€50 depending on your starting point.
• Santana : Visit the traditional A-frame houses (free) and explore the nearby levadas and hiking trails.
• Porto Moniz : Enjoy natural volcanic rock pools (€1.50 entrance fee) and the surrounding coastal scenery.

Transportation

• Car rental: Renting a car in Madeira can cost between €25-€60 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company.
• Public transportation: Buses are available throughout the island, with a single ticket costing around €2-€5, depending on the distance.
• Taxis: Taxi fares vary depending on the distance and time of day, but expect to pay around €1-€2 per kilometer.
• Luxury: Fine dining restaurants can cost between €50-€100 per person, excluding drinks.
• Mid-range: Casual restaurants and cafes offer meals for around €15-€30 per person.
• Budget: Local markets and street food stands provide budget-friendly options, with meals costing as little as €5-€10 per person.

Money-Saving Tips

• Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions, such as hiking, visiting local markets, and exploring Madeira’s natural beauty.
• Use public transportation or rent a car to explore the island at a lower cost than taxis or guided tours.
• Eat at local markets and street food stands for budget-friendly meal options.
• Travel during the off-peak season (November to March) when prices for accommodations and activities are generally lower.

How Many Days Do You Need in Madeira Portugal?

Your itinerary depends on what you want to see and do in Madeira. If you’re there primarily for the stunning landscapes, a 5-day itinerary could suffice, allowing you to explore the main attractions such as Pico Ruivo, the highest peak, and Cabo Girão, the second highest cliff in the world, São Lourenço, Monte Palace, Porto Moniz, Fanal and others.

Keep in mind that some attractions you can only reach in a couple of hours from Funchal. And don’t forget about the way back!

If you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider spending additional days visiting Funchal’s historic sites, tasting Madeira wine, and participating in traditional festivals.

Where To Stay In Madeira?

There are a variety of fantastic locations to stay in Madeira, depending on your preferences.

• Funchal , the capital city of Madeira, is often recommended as an ideal place for first-time visitors due to its luxury hotels, fabulous museums, and a mix of history and views. Some of the best hotels in Funchal include Savoy Palace and Golden Residence Hotel.
• For those who enjoy beach towns, Ponta do Sol is a highly recommended area. It’s also a great place for hiking enthusiasts.
• If you prefer a quieter location surrounded by green mountains and a black sand beach, São Vicente on the north of Madeira would be a good choice.
• For a small town experience, Calheta located on the southwest coast of Madeira is known for its beautiful scenery.
• Lastly, Caniço is mentioned as a slightly more affordable option than Funchal while still offering a great experience.

Remember to check out more detailed reviews and information before making a final decision.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira?

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Madeira is an autonomous Portuguese region consisting of four islands, two of which are inhabited (Madeira and Porto Santo). Dubbed ‘the land of eternal Spring’, it boasts an incredible climate.

Since it’s located off Africa’s northwest coast, Madeira has a sub-tropical climate, meaning that the summers are hot and dry and the winters relatively mild with some sunshine. This makes it a great destination all year round. Here we explore the best times to visit Madeira Island by season.

Table of Contents

Spring (march to may), summer (june – august), autumn (september to november), winter (december to february), the takeaway.

Spring is a brilliant time to visit Madeira if you want to experience sunshine without the sizzling summer heat. During Spring, you’ll get at least 7 hours of sunshine each day, making it a perfect time to scour the island, appreciate nature, and hit the beach.

The island is also ablaze with stunning flora at this time, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and lush microclimate. During these months, you’ll also see many a Bird of Paradise flower (the national symbol of the island.)

Best time for: Experiencing the bright and vibrant wildflowers and attending the famous Madeira flower festival.

Related: The 15 Best Places To Visit In March: Worldwide

Summer is an excellent time to visit Madeira, especially if you’re a sun worshipper. The climate is hot and dry at this time, with average temperatures of around 24°C. However, if the hot winds from the Sahara are blowing, they can reach up to 33 °C. This is the ideal time for swimming and catching a tan. The island is also brimming with whales and dolphins at this time, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Best time for: Spotting pods of whales and catching a tan!

Autumn in Madeira is quieter than the other months, making it a fantastic time if you want to skip the crowds. Temperatures are around 22 °C so it’s ideal for those who love hiking or trekking through the mountains. Autumn also boasts lots of delicious fresh produce (like the island’s famous small bananas) and scrumptious seafood, including scabbardfish.

Best time for : Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Visiting Madeira in winter is a grand plan if you want to escape the cold. Daily temperatures are around 18 – 20 °C in the lower parts, and you can still experience about 5 hours of sunshine each day. However, from the capital of Funchal, you might see some snow glistening on top of the mountains, which adds to the magical festive charm. This is the most joyous time to visit the island, with locals partaking in ‘A festa’ celebrations and carnivals in the lead-up to Christmas.

Experience festive delight as Christmas cheer illuminates the island and visit night markets, nativity scenes, and religious gatherings.

Best time for: Festival celebrations and cultural events. It’s also a great time for those who enjoy surfing!

Related: When Is The Best Time To Visit São Tomé And Príncipe?

Madeira is a great option all year long, thanks to its gorgeous Mediterranean climate. The hotter summer months are ideal if you’re a sun follower and you want to spend hours sojourning on the beach. Winter and Autumn, however, are great if you want to relish slightly cooler weather and celebrate festive shenanigans.

Whenever you decide to visit this magical island, you are bound to fall in love! If you are planning on visiting Portugal soon, also be sure to check out our 2 week Portugal itinerary!

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Best Time to Visit Madeira - Guide for Levadas and Waterfalls

When Is the Best Time

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Madeira is a hiker's paradise where you can climb mountains, the Levadas, and waterfalls. Its unique landscape, with dramatic cliffs and mountainous topography, is breathtaking. Already the arrival at the main airport in Funchal is an experience because of the extreme wind gusts. Pilots need additional training before they are allowed to land on this island in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Madeira is the most beautiful and fascinating place in Europe. IMO one of the 10 MUST-SEE places in the world. This island can even compete with Kauai, Hawaii. The north is lush green, the south sunny and dry, and the heart is mountainous. The sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, all different. You never get bored here. The sea is crystal blue and clear. The residents are lovely and attentive, and life is affordable in Madeira. On our second visit, we spent more than a month on this exceptional island, and even this was not enough. 

Madeira is a popular holiday destination, with an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually. The driest season is the busiest season, from May to September. Read my seven guides and get every question answered for Madeira. Find the best Instagram Spots below, Levada and Waterfall Hikes below, Beaches, and Natural Pools , Pico do Arieiro hike , Ponta de Sao Lourenco , Food Guide and 5 Things to Do in Funchal . A Table of Contents  is added below to help you find what you are looking for easily.

I took all the pictures of this Madeira Guide. If you wish to use any, please contact me, but I will take action against picture theft.

Madeira Climate North and South

Madeira is situated north of the Canary Islands. It is always a few degrees colder here. The climate is similar; the north experiences more clouds, mist, and rain than the south because of the primarily existing northeasterly winds. These winds cause a high swell in the north, the reason for natural and human-made pools. However, the north is rich in lush vegetation, old grown trees on steep hills which were not burnt down by the first settlers. We love the dramatic wild coast of the north with its sheer cliffs; it reminds me of Kauai, a Hawaiian Island. The south is drier and even more pleasant in the winter.

It is a pleasantly mild climate throughout the year, close to the coast, and it rarely gets hot here. During winter, snow occurs on the highest mountains like Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain, and Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest, with more than 1800m elevations. Overall, Madeira experiences a microclimate almost everywhere. Our house was at 600m elevation, therefore cooler than at sea level in Calheta. 

It is a little colder in higher elevations, sometimes cloudier; even the wind is different compared to the coast. I read in several guides that Funchal is the driest place on this island because of the high mountain range. I can't entirely agree. After two long-term stays in Madeira, I can definitely say the sunniest area lies southwest of Ribeira Brava to Paul do Mar. Nevertheless, Madeira is rich in water; therefore, always bring a rain jacket or an umbrella to explore the inland.

Best Time to Visit Madeira

The best time  to visit Madeira regarding crowds, weather, and accommodation prices are spring and fall, from March to June and September to November. Sea temperatures are fine from May until at least November if you wish to swim and sunbathe. However in April 2023 the sea alteady had a temperature of 20°C. Winter is the quietest time, often dry along the south coast and rainier inland.

Madeira Swimming - Sea Temperature

The sea is a bit colder for swimming in spring and end of winter, around 18°C, pleasant in summer and autumn, ranging between 22°C and 25°C. So bring your goggles for snorkelling the sea is full of big and colourful fish.

Madeira Weather and Crowds

Spring (march-may).

There are slight differences in the temperature in spring ranging from 16-21°C during the day. April is one of the wettest months, but it rarely rains for days. It also depends on the area you are in. March and April are less busy except Eastern. The sea temperature in March and April is between 18-19°C and reaches 20°C in May. The entire island is in bloom in the mountains until June. The yellow gorse and the “Proud of Madeira” are beautiful on the slopes. 

Summer (June-September)

Summer is the peak season, especially in July and August, like elsewhere, due to the school holidays. Temperatures range from 22-27°C throughout the summer and can top 30°C with easterly winds along the south coast. 2021 was one of the warmest summers ever, with temps above 30°C in August and September. 

These winds transport the heat and sand from the Sahara. This Sahara sand causes such spectacular sunsets, as you can see above. Usually, it is dry, but rain can still occur in the mountains. However, the weather is unpredictable; we experienced rain showers and rainbows in mid-June. First rain showers occur mid to end of September. The sea is pleasant, on average around 23°C, but I assume this summer 2023 it'll be warmer.

Autumn (October-November) 

Autumn is much warmer than spring. Day temps range from 19-24°C. Increasing rainfall, especially in November. However, it rarely rains for days, and it is more likely for half a day or a quick shower. The sea temperature is still around 20°C. Autumn is less busy; popular hikes are a bit quieter now.

Winter (December-February)

Temperatures remain pleasant, ranging on average between 16-20°C. The weather is a little more unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain. In our favourite tavern, I got told that the winter can be as lovely as the summer but quieter. Sea temps drop below 20°C—fewer sunshine hours in the winter, roughly from 8 am to 6 pm. The winter is quite popular for visitors from the colder parts of Europe to enjoy the pleasant “eternal spring”.

Where to Stay? My Top Recommendations

The Calheta Beach Resort is excellently located in front of the beach and sea, and within walking distance is a small supermarket Pingo Doce. It is shallow water here and, in combination with the sand beach excellent for children. Swimming is best at high tide, and snorkelling is amazing. Due to the breakwater, the bay and beach are well protected from powerful waves and currents. It is one of the very few sandy beaches in Madeira.

Ponta do Sol

This town is located in the south, and it is one of the sunniest places in Madeira. There is an interesting historic town centre, lovely restaurants, and one of our favourite spots for swimming. The protected bay is well laid out.

There are lots of highly-rated hotels in Ponta do Sol. These  hotels (by Stay22 and booking.com)  are opposite the awesome sunny bay.

Thanks for booking via my website. With your support, I am able to provide all my guides for free.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Madeira

Madeira is an excellent spot for whale and dolphin watching, and it is almost guaranteed to spot cetaceans on these tours. Usually, you always spot at least one dolphin species and whale with a bit of luck.

The best time to see whales and dolphins around Madeira is from September to January when whales migrate. However, these trips are fantastic throughout the year.

The resident cetaceans, the sperm whale, different dolphin species, and pilot whales are the most common to see. Actually, pilot whales belong to the dolphin family. 

Pilot Whales

Pilot whales are the second biggest dolphin species after the orca whales. They are very social and live in huge pods. One pilot whale, usually a female matriarch, leads the pod swimming in front, and the others follow her. They are 4-8 m long and beautiful to watch. They are nocturnal, diving up to 800 m deep for their preferred prey squid and resting on the surface during the day. The reason pilot whales are frequently spotted.

Bottlenose Dolphins

These dolphins occur close to the coast. As the pilot whales, only half of the brain and one eye is resting while the other part is awake and active to continue breathing. These dolphins have a length of 2-4 m. They live up to 50 years in the wild, while captured dolphins don't live that long.

Sperm Whales

These whales are most common to spot; all other whale species are rare. There is a resident population in Madeira and also around the Azores. Sperm whales are the most giant-toothed whales with the largest brain. They are easy to spot due to their high blow at the sea's surface.

They just come up for breathing roughly for eight minutes before diving again up to 3000 m deep. They have a long lifespan of up to 80 years. Males are much bigger, up to 20 m and females 12 m. 

Best Months to Visit

Related Topics

Location and Tips

Madeira is a volcanic island, the top of a shield volcano located northwest of Africa. It is an autonomous region of Portugal. It takes 1.5  hours to get from Lisbon on a direct flight to the Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) in Funchal, Madeira. 

It was difficult to inhabit and cultivate the island in former times, and you know why after your arrival on this blooming, beautiful, green island. The sheer cliffs made a landing by boat almost impossible. The reason Porto Santo, the little sister island, was inhabited first. Madeira translated means wood, timber which grows here in abundance, especially laurel forests and eucalyptus. However, the entire island was once covered with forests, especially laurel. The first settlers burnt down a huge part in lower elevations. The island is steep up and down, almost not flat. It is fertile soil, the reason for excellent food and wine. 

The infrastructure, especially the tunnel constructions, are amazing. On my first visit to this island, getting from Funchal to the south or west took much more time. Nowadays you can always drive straight forward through many tunnels reaching all places between half an hour and an hour. In the picture above are the old R101, and in the back, the new road with kilometres of long tunnels. 

I never saw this sign before. During good weather conditions, it allows driving 10 km/h faster than the existing speed limit. 

Most fascinating are the “Levadas”, an irrigation system spread across the entire island with more than 800km. The water runs in a gentle flow with a slight incline from the mountains and sources down to the residents. According to UNESCO, this system was introduced by the first settlers in the first quarter of the 15th century.

With the Levada system, the farmers could cultivate the land, which is terraced until today. In former times Madeira became the capital for sugar cane in Europe. Sugar cane plantations still exist, and sugar influences the culture of Madeira. It is used for the national drink “Poncha”.

Madeira is most famous for the many walks along these so-called “Levadas”. Most of these trails are on higher elevations leading through lush forests rather a jungle. 

Due to the high elevation and the proximity to the mountains, it frequently rains. I added five of my favourite “Levada Hikes” and the location in this article. Our wonderful house here in Madeira was our home from home, which we still miss.

5 Fantastic Levada Hikes and Waterfalls

The vegetation along the Levadas on higher elevations in the National Park of Madeira are remnant laurel forests or laurisilva. These forests have a huge impact on the entire ecosystem. Most of the laurel in Madeira is primary forest, and 20 % of Madeira are covered with this 20 million years old subtropical rainforest which is the largest concentration worldwide, the reason for its protection by UNESCO. There are different types of laurel trees. You can find such forests only in Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.

1 Levada das 25 Fontes PR6 & Levada do Risco PR6.1

Return hike 10km – 4h included lunch break – roughly 500m altitude difference. 

This is the most popular hike on Madeira, located in the Paul da Serra. I agree these two water channel hikes are breathtaking. Start early latest at 9.30, to enjoy the trail, especially the 25 sources in the end and the spectacular scenery for yourselves or with very few people. 

I arrived shortly after 9 am. My car was the fifth in the parking area. When I returned, roughly one hundred cars, busses, taxis, and shuttles were standing there. 

The beginning of the trail is a bit boring; a paved road is leading down to Casa Rabacal for roughly 25 minutes. Here starts the real trailhead. Both Levada tracks are well-marked with signs. The lichens at the trees are evidence of the occurring mist, clouds, and rain. 

The waterfall at the end of Levada do Risco is just another 1.2 km hike one way. In former times the Levada trail continued leading behind the waterfall. You can see the former path to the left. Nowadays, the trail is closed with a grid. This Levada path is wide and easy to walk, even with a buggy.

The descent continues on steps to the 25 sources. It takes 2.5 km to get to the stunning highlight. The trail narrows, lots of sources and streams are leading into this Levada. It is a mystic atmosphere walking through the thick forest. 

When you reach the end of this track, you see an incredible pool and dripping water from everywhere. None of my pictures can show the real magic and beauty of this place.   

Overall it is a moderate hike with several staircases. Also, children can walk this trail, and they will love all the water everywhere on this track. For people with health issues or a lower fitness level, there is a shuttle offered from the parking down to Casa Rabacal, the trailhead of the Levadas. Return price 3€ and one shuttle service  2€. This means one hour less walking. Parking for Levada 25 Fontes and Risco Google Maps Link

2 Levada dos Cedros PR 14

One way 7 km – 2h – 250m altitude difference 

It is a breathtaking Levada trail leading through fascinating nature, lush forest with trees full of lichens. Lichens are the first sign of a high amount of mist and rain. We started the trail at the highest point on 1.090 m elevation. First, the trail leads down for more than a kilometre, mostly on steps. When we reached the Levada, a waterfall to the left in the distance got my attention.

Of course, I wanted a closer look and started climbing over wet and slippery rocks. My left foot with hiking boot ended up in the water. This was the beginning of an exceptional wet day. From now on, the Levada makes a slight incline only, and the trail is easy to walk. However, some parts are exposed, nothing for people with vertigo. After half of the trail, it started raining and later pouring. I can’t remember; I was that much soaked from the rain in my entire life before. Nevertheless, we enjoyed this fantastic hike and the spectacular nature.

Parking on higher elevation: Fanal ( Google Maps Link ) Parking on lower elevation: Curral Falso ( Google Maps Link ) You like to experience at least one fantastic Levada, but you can't manage the longer return hikes? An alternative is to organize a taxi shuttle, park your car at the end of the Levada and take a taxi to the beginning.

One of the safety fences was damaged at an exposed part of the trail. However, we saw several hikers on this Levada trail.

3 Levada do Caldeirao Verde PR 9 + Caldeirao do Inferno

Return hike to Caldeirao waterfall 13 km plus Inferno 17.5 km - 3.5-4h/5-6h - 4+7tunnels torch essential!

I highly recommend this Levada Hike, and the Caldeirao do Inferno, especially when staying in the north. It took me 1.20 hours from Arco do Calheta to get here. This is definitely a wet day hike with 11 tunnels, plenty of waterfalls, spectacular views, a real adventure. It starts in the Queimadas Forst Park, which is already worth visiting with its ancient huge trees. 

Read my entire trail description of the most beautiful Levada and Waterfall Hike  in Madeira.

4 Levada do Rei PR 18

Return Hike 10.5 km - 3 h - no elevation gain

This is an easy hike through the gorgeous lush forest. The entire trail offers beautiful wild scenery with fern rees at the beginning. The walk is almost flat, just some steps to reach the Levada suitable for families with children.

The dense vegetation provides lots of shade and spectacular views of the tree-covered hills. Laurel trees grow next to the Levada. The scent of laurel and eucalyptus is in the air. 

Some parts of the Levada are exposed therefore equipped with safety fences. It is a small track, but luckily remote located, not overrun even during Sundays. The trail is wet and muddy in sections. In December 2020 rain caused landslides and destruction. However, the Levada is accessible again. 

After roughly three kilometres, there is a little overgrown trail to the right, some 200 m long This not marked and maintained track requires climbing to get to the hidden waterfall. 

This short detour is great fun but a bit challenging. You definitely get dirty during the climb. Soon after reaching the Levada again, a short tunnel appears. A torch is not needed.

Shortly before you reach the endpoint Ribeiro Bonito you come across this waterfall. A rain jacket or umbrella and waterproof shoes are essential to pass this stunning part of the track. Overall a fantastic Levada hike in fascinating nature, which you share with few other people even during weekends. Levada do Rei parking Google Maps

5 Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova PR 7

Circular Trail - 9 km - 2.5 h - 230m altitude difference - tunnel 205m 

This is more a beginner tour very easy to walk. It took us just 2 hours in the evening. If you have plenty of time available or the forecast for the island of Madeira is rainy, this circular trail is an alternative located in the drier south between Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava.  

We combined these two Levadas, but we liked the landscape of Levada Nova on higher elevation much more. We chose Levada Moinho in Lombada for our start. It is a flat, mostly open track with a little shade only, for almost one hour. Shortly before the staircase, the trail changes to more wilderness. 

The steep steps to the right lead up to Levada Nova. This Levada part is a little wetter and more spectacular. The circular Levada trail leads through thick laurel forest, especially on the way back.

The laurel cent accompanies you on this hike. Despite the poor weather forecast for Madeira, we had pleasant weather. Some parts are fenced for safety reasons like here, but some aren't.

As on most of the Levada trails, you have to deal with exposed and narrow parts. Shortly after the curve, we already reached Lombada village on a higher elevation. Attached is a map from the circular trail at the end of my article. There isn't any hiking map or information board provided at the trailheads.

Levadas for Farmers

All houses and gardens are connected to the Levada channel next to each house. I loved the sound of the thundering water on our steep street along our rental house. One of the neighbours explained they all grow their own veggies and potatoes.

He was so kindly brought us salad, veggies, potatoes, and eggs from his garden. What they do not need gets sold on the farmers market in Prazeres and elsewhere on weekends. Opposite our house was an apple tree plantation. The farmer explained their watering technique in detail.

The local community takes care of each Levada. Twice a month, the retired farmer waters his plantation; the annual fee is 20€, which is a fair price he mentioned.

6 Waterfalls

Madeira is not a dry island like Gran Canaria. Water is everywhere, so it is not surprising to find many waterfalls on the island. Some of these waterfalls exist in the wetter season between October to May only. Of course, there are more than these six waterfalls. All my described Levada hikes offer breathtaking views of beautiful waterfalls either during the hike or they are the highlight at the end of the trail. 

1 Vereda do Pesqueiro

When exploring the island by car, try to stop at the viewpoints; “Miradouro”. Usually, you get a spectacular view. Our first outlook was the “Miradouro do Fio” close to the lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo in the west of Madeira. The view from here to the sheer cliffs is breathtaking.

We saw a waterfall in the distance, and after a delicious lunch at the restaurant next to the “miradouro”, I hiked down to the bottom. This hike is not busy, also not during weekends. The waterfall occurs in the wetter season, just now in spring. The track to the beach and the bottom of the waterfall is called “Vereda do Pesqueiro”. 

The return trail is roughly 4 km long.  It took me 1.15h down and just 45 minutes up. Shortly before I reached the beach, I became wet from the spray. Water is dropping down the entire cliff. 

If you prefer circular trails, you can start nearby the outlook Miradouro do Fio to get down to the beach and waterfall. When you reach the beach, walk to the east (left). Shortly before the waterfall, the trail led up. This trail is exposed and not suitable for people with vertigo in some sections. We always use Locus Map Pro for hiking. More about this mapping app in my tips and gear section .

There are caves at the beach, and it seems some guys are living in this secluded place.

Google Maps Trailhead link

2 Garganta Funda

This waterfall is just a 5 minutes drive north of Miradouro do Fio or Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse in the western part. The parking can be found easily with signs indicating how to get there. The car park is a small maximum space for three cars. From here, it is a nice short walk, less than 10 minutes, to the outlook.

3 Anjos Ponta do Sol 

This is a famous Instagram spot and car wash for the locals on the old R101 in the south. It gets crazy here during the day; people are queuing for their best shot in a bikini or short trousers under the waterfall.

However, for your perfect shot, visit Anjos, which means Angel Waterfall, after midday for the perfect sunlight. The waterfall is in the shade in the morning.  Google Maps Link Anjos  

4 Cascata da Agua D'Alto 

Actually, an old Levada hike that does not exist officially any longer. It is a short return hike of 3 km, almost without incline. At the end of this little overgrown path, plunges one of the most stunning waterfalls down to your feet.

This is one of the hidden gems and not much frequented in the north close to Santana. We parked our car to the right and walked for roughly 200m around one curve until we reached this house. Walk down the steps and turn right.

You immediately reach the old path and Levada. Follow the path next to the water channel. Only once, there is a short descent and ascent.

The trail is a bit muddy in some parts and a bit exposed, but overall easy to hike.

The vegetation and forest along the trail with huge fern trees are amazing. Also, fruits grow here along the trail from the gardens. 

We were already fascinated when we first saw this tall waterfall. At the bottom of the fall is a pool that is great for a bath. Usually, the waterfall exists in the wetter season only. Parking in the remote village ( Google Maps Links )

5 Agua D'Alto and the old R101 in the north

This waterfall has the same name as the one before but is less spectacular. Many cars stop here coming from Sao Vicente. I mention this waterfall because of the old R101 to the right in the back of the picture. This old R101 is not accessible for cars any longer because of rockfalls. I don't want to encourage you to walk here. It is at your own risk! We couldn't resist getting a glimpse of the wild coast.

The road leads through several tunnels. Because of the dripping water everywhere, the vegetation in the tunnels is fascinating, also on the rock walls outside. Colourful epiphytes are spread on the rocks. 

A hiking trail leading up to Encuemeda was not maintained any longer. However, lots of rocks of all sizes laid around.

6 Miradouro Veu da Noiva

In former times the old R101 led behind the waterfall. Nowadays, the road is closed for safety reasons, and a tunnel was built instead. There is plenty of parking just 100 m up, a snack bar, and restrooms. It is a picturesque stop on the road in the north. Depending on the season, it is a trickle in the summer and much bigger in the winter. 

7 Must Things to Do and Instagram Spots in Madeira

There is so much to see and do on this exceptional island; a couple of weeks are needed to get an idea of the beauty. My "7 Must-Do and See Places" in Madeira are easily visited in one week. All these 7 spots can be visited for free. No entrance fee or parking is charged. 

Rental Cars on Narrow Streets or Taxi Service

Our house was further up, but parking in front meant driving up to the end before you can turn the car. My rental car was a Fiat Panda; excellent to drive through the narrow, winding roads. Driving was challenging the first day, but I quickly adjusted to the steep roads, often more than a 30% incline. Now it is really fun to speed up to get to the top. Overall I drove almost 3.000 km in five weeks. 

For a more relaxed vacation, choose a location where restaurants and the sea are within walking distance. Many taxis are available in Madeira, offering all sights and locations in a round trip for fixed prices. I met several couples on my hikes who used the taxi service during their stay. You frequently find taxi business cards at the end of a hiking trail. To get an idea, I added a  picture below to see all available places and prices from Calheta. I recommend choosing one service for the entire time to negotiate a better price for your holidays. 

Where to Stay - Rental Houses

If you prefer a greener, wilder coast which is less busy, stay in the north. The south is drier, warmer, and sunnier but not as spectacular. We chose the south for swimming in the evening on our workcation. 

We rented a house in Arco da Calheta 600 m above sea level for more than a month. The sunsets from this elevation are breathtaking almost every evening. 

For a better understanding, I added descriptions for all pictures below.

40+ Best Things to do in Madeira: An Ultimate Guide

LOOKING FOR THE BEST MADEIRA THINGS TO DO?

You are in the perfect place — this is the ULTIMATE guide to the best things to do in Madeira. Living in Portugal since 2020, I’ve explored many hidden gems in the country, but this was the first time that I was truly blown away.

So why Madeira? Madeira is a captivating archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its rugged landscape, lush gardens, and world-famous Madeira wine. It’s a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mild climate year-round, spectacular hiking trails, and scenic ocean views.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

Explore everything that Madeira has to offer on this Madeira Mystery Tour Full-Day – Private 4×4 Jeep with a perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊 ❤️

If you are looking for intense natural beauty, gorgeous blue waters, green lush landscapes, and a delicious food scene, then you need to start planning your vacation to this tropical paradise.

And this article is here to help — from what to do, where to stay, and even what you should order when eating out, it’s all here. This is the ULTIMATE guide to Madeira, offering insights on Madeira what to se e and highlighting Madeira best places . Ready to explore the best of Madeira? Let’s dive in

Why Visit Madeira Island? 

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago, is situated about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal , near the coast of northwest Africa. This unique location in the North Atlantic Ocean offers a blend of European charm and exotic landscapes.

So why visit Madeira Island? You should come to explore its stunning natural beauty, scenic hiking trails, and outdoor adventures like whale watching or snorkeling with dolphins. The island’s delicious cuisine and famous Madeira wine make it a haven for foodies and nature lovers alike.

The island is also very important maritimely. It is a refuge for sea life, and its cultural identity is as unique as its landscape. There are so many things to do in Madeira Island. Ready to experience the best of Madeira Portugal? Here are my top picks on the 40 things to do in Madeira Portugal.

40+ Best Things to do in Madeira

1. hike from pico do areeiro to pico ruivo .

One of the most amazing experiences on Madeira is the hike from Pico do Areeiro (the third-highest peak on the island) to Pico Ruivo. This is a very challenging hike, but it promises breathtaking views of the island. 

The hike takes a total of around four hours. It is classed as a difficult hike. There are steep inclines throughout. Despite its challenges, the trail is safe. It is well maintained and has a clear track and railings where needed. 

You could wait at Pico do Areeiro to see the sunrise and then set off on the hike. This will lead to a more crowded trail. If you bring a headlamp, you can easily set off a bit before sunrise and enjoy the sky filling with light while hiking. 

Your best bet is to book a tour that will drop you off and pick you up . If you choose to drive, you will need to make the journey out and back again.

THINGS TO DO IN MADEIRA

2. watch the sunset at pico do areeiro.

If you’re looking for an easier option, you can watch the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro and skip the hike. This will still allow you to catch some extraordinary views at the best time of day. The best way to get here is via car or via a tour, like this Sunrise Tour with Coffee/Tea and Breakfast.

If you are coming by car 🚘, make sure to arrive early, as parking spaces at the car park are limited and fill up quickly. We left at around 5h30 in the morning and arrived at 6h30. The parking was almost full.

You’ll need to walk about 15 minutes from the parking area to the viewpoint. Make sure to have a flashlight with you, as it will be pitch dark. Head to the entrance of the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro. You’ll walk around 10 minutes before you get to the spot where you’ll see people setting up shop to wait for the sunset.

If you are driving, make sure to check the route ahead of time, and don’t blindly trust Google Maps, as it may lead you in a strange way. 

Why book a tour ? Pico do Areeiro is one of the top attractions in Madeira, and while a taxi or Bolt might be able to get you there, you’re likely to find yourself stranded when you’re ready to head back.

☀️ Make sure to dress warmly. With the wind and no sun, you can expect quite cold temperatures. Also, pack snacks and drinks. Pico do Areeiro is Madeira’s third highest peak, so weather changes are to be expected.

3. Do At Least One Levada Walk 

Levada walks follow what are essentially old gutters. These walks are unique to Madeira Island. The levadas were historically used to transport water from different parts of the island for farming. 

The Levada walks are generally well-marked. They are marked with a PR followed by a number. PR stands for pequena ruta, which means short route. 

There are many different types of hiking options in Madeira that cater to every type of hiker, from the more seasoned to the beginner. But it can be hard to find the one perfect for you, that is why the WalkMe app was created. This app gives you maps and directions for more than 50 walks around the island. Be aware it is not free, you’ll have to pay a small fee.

So, for example, if you want a full day hike, check out the Caminho Do Pináculo e Folhadal (PR 17). This is one of the most difficult Levada walks, but it is also one of the most stunning. For an easier levada walk, head to Levada Do Barreiro (PR 4), which is just 5.2 km (about 3 miles).

So, if you are wondering what to do on Madeira island if you are into hiking, here are some of the most famous levada walks.

• Levada do Caldeirão Verde : This stunning trail winds through the lush Laurisilva forest, leading to the impressive Caldeirão Verde waterfall . It’s known for its scenic beauty and the tunnels along the path.
• Levada das 25 Fontes : This 25 fountains walk Madeira takes you to a beautiful waterfall and the 25 Fountains, a collection of spring-fed pools. The diverse vegetation and mountain views make it a memorable hike.
• Levada do Rei : Starting in São Jorge, this walk offers a more tranquil experience. It takes you through rich green landscapes and provides a glimpse into the island’s unique ecosystem.
• Levada dos Balcoes: An easier and shorter walk leading to a panoramic view overlooking the Ribeira da Metade and Ribeiro Frio Va lley . It’s perfect for bird watching and enjoying spectacular mountain views.
• Levada do Risco : This route showcases the dramatic Risco waterfall. It can be combined with the 25 Fontes walk for a longer hiking day.

3. Visit The Fishing Village of Camara dos Lobos 

Câmara dos Lobos is a picturesque fishing village on Madeira’s coastline. It is located about nine km (around six miles) west of Funchal and was reportedly one of Winston Churchill’s favorite places in the world. 

Câmara dos Lobos has a small, vibrant harbor full of colorful fishing boats. The charming village still manages to retain some elements of authentic Madeiran coastal life. Fishermen come in daily with their fresh catches. 

You can wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets. And of course, get some fresh seafood. Try the grilled scabbard at Gavião do Ilhéu. If you are looking for things to do in Madeira beach at night, then make sure to head to this quaint beach town.

☀️ When you are finished with all your Madeira activities of the day, staying at the perfect accommodation in Madeira can be the cherry on top of your experience. Câmara dos Lobos is home to two picturesque hotels, both of which have rooms facing the oceans, The Pestana Churchill Bay and the Pestana Fisherman Village .

4. Visit at least one Fajā  

One of the best Madeira attractions are fajãs. Fajãs are coastal plains spread out at the foot of coastal cliffs. These were formed when the cliffs fell during volcanic activity.

The unique landscape of these plains offers stunning natural beauty. Some call it a natural Eden. 

Among the must-visit Fajãs on Madeira is Fajã dos Padres. The land on Fajãs is full of lush greenery and fruit trees. But there is also a perfect little pebbly beach. The water here is a very pleasant 24C (about 75F) in summer. This makes it an ideal place to go for a dip. 

5. Take One of the Many Cable Cars

Generally, the easiest way to reach the Fajās, including Fajã dos Padres, is by cable car. 

The Fajã dos Padres cable car descends 300 meters up the cliffside. The journey takes less than three minutes, and passengers ride in a fully enclosed car.

There are seven cable cars in total around Madeira. The Madeira Botanical Garden Cable Car is another option. I personally loved the Garajau Cable Car, as it took you to one of the most beautiful spots around Madeira, the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve.

6. See The Valley of the Nuns from Above and Below 

The Valley of the Nuns, or Curral das Freiras, is a village in the center of the island. It is located inside a volcanic crater. You can see the village both from above and below. 

The best spots to get views from above are at viewpoints like Eira do Serrado. You can drive to the viewing deck there. It’s a particularly impressive spot at sunset. The drama of the mountains and the valley is incredible from this vantage point.

But equally as impressive as being inside of it all. Once you’re inside the village, you’ll be surrounded by the dramatic cliffs. You can actually walk from the viewpoint down into the village. The hike takes about one to two hours. 

There are many tours that can take you to the Valley Nuns, including this 4×4 tour Madeira tour of the Valley — if you are going to take a tour, 4X4 tours Madeira are the best as you can get a 360 view of the island’s beauty.

Note: Although one of the best Madeira places to visit, there are sheer drops near the trails, so it’s not advisable if you have a fear of heights or if you’re traveling with small children. 

7. Go Scuba Diving  

Madeira is a seriously underrated diving destination. There are definitely great hikes on the island, but if you don’t get under the water, you are missing out on a gem. 

Garaju is a popular diving spot with several dive sites (this is where I went diving). You can opt to do a shore dive or take a boat to other spots farther out. The spot even has resident groupers who are curious and tend to swim up close. Plus the price is pretty amazing, 40 euros ($43 USD) per dive with all equipment included.

Other dive spots include the artificial reef at the Afonso Cerqueira wreck and the Blue Tunnel, another excellent choice. There, you’ll swim through a tunnel surrounded by fish. 

The water temperature around Madeira is very pleasant. It’s much warmer than off the beaches of the mainland. This is thanks to the Gulf Stream, which keeps the ocean warm almost year-round.

🤿 Translation: leave that 8mm behind and opt for a nice 3mm wetsuit. 

8. Enjoy the views from Cabo Girão Skywalk

Cabo Girão Skywalk is an awe-inspiring vantage point that stands as one of the highest cliff skywalks in Europe. The glass-floored viewing platform is perched at 580 meters above sea level. From atop the platform, you can see a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, Funchal, and the coastline below. 

The Skywalk is always open (24/7). To avoid huge crowds, you should arrive either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Luckily, these times both coincide with the best views. Sunrise and sunset across the mountains are both an extraordinary time to be up here. 

9. Go deep-sea fishing off the coast of Madeira 

A deep-sea fishing adventure off the coast of Madeira is an exciting and unique experience. These waters are considered to be some of the best in the world to catch an impressive bounty. Joining a fishing charter is a chance to try your hand at fishing, plus it’s a fun, immersive experience.

You won’t actually have to venture that far off the coast. Just a few miles from shore, and you can cast your reel. The fish you’ll likely catch include blue and white marlins and tuna. 

This is one of the best things to do in Madeira Islands for novice fishermen and is also great for seasoned anglers. 

10. Opt For a Private Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience 

The ultimate way to see all of Madeira’s marine life is on a private whale and dolphin watching experience .  Madeira acts as a sanctuary in the ocean for whales and dolphins on their migratory routes, making whale and dolphin watching next level. 

In fact, the area around the island is the largest whale sanctuary in the North Atlantic. There are some 28 species of whales in the area . For dolphins, there are around 20 different types.

A private tour ensures a personalized journey with a dedicated guide. You’ll cruise for between two and four hours. You have the chance to get off the boat and snorkel. 

Besides whales and dolphins, you may also spot sea turtles and other marine life. 

11. Try Poncha

Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink . It is made with aguardente (sugar cane liquor), honey, sugar, and fresh citrus juices. This can be described as a local take on a classic punch. Though it is likely inspired by pãnch, from India. It is one of the best alternatives to Madeira wine. 

The drink is available just about anywhere on the island. But, it is said to have first been created by the fisherman of Câmara de Lobos. And trying it in its birthplace adds a special touch. Head to Bar Filhos do Mar in Câmara dos Lobos. Besides being in the birthplace of the drink, it is also a spot Cristiano Ronaldo visited not once but twice. 

Top Things to do in Madeira’s Capital: Funchal

11. ride the funchal-monte cable car .

The Funchal-Monte Cable Car is a quintessential experience in Madeira. It connects Funchal to the village of Monte. 

You’ll be able to see amazing panoramic views as you ascend. Below you is the city, lush countryside, and the stunning Atlantic Ocean. It is a true patchwork of the colors of nature. 

One of the unmissable places to see in Madeira, this trip takes 15 – 25 minutes each way. Each fully enclosed car can accommodate a maximum of six people. The cable car opens at 9h00, and the last boarding is at 15h45.

12. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte 

At the top of the Funchal-Monte Cable Car, you can visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte. The church dates back to the 18th century and has stunning Baroque and Rococo elements. Inside, you will find ornate wooden carvings and intricate tiles. 

One of the best things to see in Funchal Madeira Portugal, this site actually has a lot of significance. While the church dates back only to the 18th century, a previous chapel dates back to the 15th century. That chapel was actually built by the very first man to ever be born on Madeira. 

13. Go On a Madeira Toboggan Ride 

The gravity-propelled toboggan ride takes you on a 2 km (1.2 mile) ride down the streets. These baskets have a long history in Madeira. They were traditionally used to transport goods (and people) quickly down the mountain. 

The toboggans are now open to visitors. They are expertly guided through the windy streets by professional Carreiros. The baskets can hold up to three people. The ride is open throughout the day except on Sundays.

🌟 The ride does not bring you all the way back to Funchal. It drops you at Caminho do Monte, which is still part way up the hill. Taxis 🚖 will likely be waiting, but they may upcharge you as they know you will not want to walk. So be prepared for either a long walk or an expensive ride

This is why I recommend that you take a tour, like this Private Express Tuk Tuk Tour Funchal Old Town & Toboggans experience , which not only includes a toboggan ride but also a tour of the city of Funchal – this is one of the best things to do in Funchal Madeira.

14. Explore Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens showcases a collection of exotic plants. The property covers approximately 17 acres. The landscape is full of greenery and flowers from around the world. 

The terraced landscape is full of palm trees, a variety of plants, sculptures, and pathways. Keep in mind that if you walk down through the gardens, you will have to make your way back up the hill to exit. 

In addition to all of the gardens, you can also visit ducks, swans, and koi fish at the central lake. There is also a small museum with a collection of sculptures on display. 

There is also a small cafe at the top of the gardens. 

15. Stroll through the Lavradores Market in Funchal

Funchal’s Lavradores Market is a huge, lively market. It is the main market in the city. It sells everything from fruit to fish to flowers. 

You can see plenty of locals shopping here. This is a great place to try local produce. Look out for Madeira’s exotic fruits, such as passion fruit and figs, but also local specialties, such as tabaibo. Do be warned, though, that there have been reports of fraudulent fruit sales in this market. 

I always love to walk through the fish sections in these types of markets. In Madeira, you will find the freshest fish. The building is from the mid-1900s and is a mixture of Art Deco and Modernist architecture.

16. Explore the Santa Maria Street in Funchal 

Funchal’s Santa Maria Street has one main draw — the colorful, painted doors. There are shops, cafes, and boutiques here as well, but the doors are the real attraction. They create a sort of open-air art gallery. 

The street runs through the center of the old town of Funchal.

It’s usually a good idea to visit early in the morning. This is the best chance to see the full murals on the doors. During the day, they are sometimes open or blocked by chairs or tables. 

17. Go On a Wine Tasting 

One of Madeira’s best products is its wine. You can try it on a wine tour in Funchal. There are actually only seven Madeira wine producers on the island. 

Blandy’s Wine Lodge is right in the center of the city and has been in operation for seven generations. You can visit for a guided tour and a tasting. The winery also hosts special events, which are listed on its website. 

Another option is H.M. Borges, founded at the end of the 19th century. On a visit, you can spend time in the beautiful tasting room which is built with wood from the 1800s. This winery is also centrally located in the city.

18. Experience a Funchal Food Tour 

Embark on a culinary journey through Madeira with a guided food walking tou r . You’ll be led through the city and its food by a qualified local guide. You will visit a total of seven restaurants to try local dishes. 

Your guide will also make sure you understand everything you are eating. They will translate menus and answer any questions. Your guide will also tell you more about Madeira’s food history and culture. 

The tour includes all food and drink . Vegetarian options are available. If you are looking for what to do in Madeira when it rains, a food tour could be the perfect option.

19. Visit the CR7 Museum (dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo) 

The CR7 Museum is dedicated to Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal. This museum is a must-visit for football enthusiasts and any Ronaldo admirers. 

The museum showcases Ronaldo’s career. It features memorabilia, trophies, and personal items, including cleats and balls from his career. The exhibits trace his journey from Funchal to stardom. 

You can also interact with Ronaldo in an AR exhibit. This is a great chance for any admirers to get a virtual photo with the star. 

20. Visit the Madeira Story Centre

The Story Centre is a museum that explores Madeira’s history. This immersive museum brings the island’s past to life and is a great option if you are traveling with kids. 

From the story of the island’s discovery to its history with pirates, interact with the past. The exhibits allow you to engage with the story of the island. The museum’s innovative approach combines technology and narrative to create a dynamic experience. The explanations are all translated into English. 

There is also a cafe in the museum building. 

Top Things to Do on Madeira’s West Coast 

21. swim at the natural swimming pool in porto moniz .

The Porto Moniz natural swimming pool is nestled along the volcanic coastline. It’s a gorgeous setting and a unique, inviting spot for a swim. The water is crystal-clear and sheltered. 

The pool is surrounded by dramatic, black basalt rock formations. All around is beautiful scenery of even more rock formations. 

One of the best places to visit in Madeira, it is also a great opportunity to swim safely in the ocean water. The entry fee to the pools is €3 per person. 

22. Visit the Piscinas Naturais Velhas 

The Piscinas Naturais Velhas are just a 5-minute walk from the natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz . Unlike their more developed counterparts, these pools are totally rustic. They are undeveloped and unspoiled. Instead, this is simply a series of rocks that create natural protection. This keeps the waves down and provides a natural swimming pool-like atmosphere. 

You can walk from one pool to the next, but the rocks are slippery and rough. You should definitely bring water shoes to navigate the rugged terrain. This is one of the best free things to do in Madeira if you are on a budget.

23. Go Scuba Diving in An Aquarium

Scuba dive in an aquarium tank to experience the unique underwater world of Madeira. This small-group experience allows you to swim with rays, sharks, morays, and other fish species. 

All of this is in a safe and controlled environment. The tank is six meters deep at its deepest. Experts will guide you the entire time. 

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, you can plan to take part in this activity. All diving equipment is provided.  The experience includes an introductory dive first. It also concludes with a backstage tour of the aquarium. 

24. Relax at the Black Sand Seixal Beach 

Seixal Beach is renowned for its striking black sand. It is about 40 km (25 miles) from Funchal and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The deep blues of the sea next to the dark sand are stunning. 

Unlike many of the other beaches on the island, this beach is fully sand. It is comfortable to sit on and great for swimming or surfing. 

This is one of the places to visit in Madeira by car. There is easy parking right at the beach, but it does get busy, especially later in the day. The beach has convenient facilities, including showers, toilets, and a cafe.

25. Sun-Tan on Calheta Beach 

Calheta Beach is known as one of the sunniest spots in Madeira. It may be raining in Funchal, but there will be clear skies in Calheta. It is also one of the island’s few sand beaches. This all means it is a consistently good bet for sunbathing.

This beach is artificially made and has a nice shelter, making it super family-friendly. Calheta Beach also has significantly easier accessibility than other Madeira beaches. There are sunbeams and umbrellas for rent. 

There are resorts surrounding the beach and a grocery store nearby. 

26. Visit the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse Viewpoint 

The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse Viewpoint is an amazing vantage point with panoramic views of the Ocean. The lighthouse sits at the westernmost point of Madeira. It is perched atop rugged cliffs 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet) above the ocean. The lighthouse has been functioning since the 19th century. It is still working today. 

There is easy parking nearby. You can walk around and explore the area. The lighthouse also has a small museum inside.

27. More Black Sand at Ribeira Brava 

Ribeira Brava is another black sand beach. It is very spacious and has a combination of smooth sand and pebbles. There is space for your towel, or you can rent a beach umbrella and recliner. 

This beach is also very accessible, as it has wooden walkways. On the pathways, you can reach the sand and even go directly to an umbrella. In the water, there is a small separate pool, which is great for kids to swim in.

Just behind the beach is a promenade and plenty of amenities. This is a very relaxing beach for a day in the sun.

28. Snorkel with Dolphins with Lobosonda

Snorkeling with dolphins in Madeira may be one of the most memorable experiences you have. Lobosonda whale watching day tour organizes this experience .

You’ll don your flippers and mask, and alongside a marine biologist, you’ll head out to find some dolphins. Although not guaranteed, if you do spot a pod, you’ll quickly jump in the water to spend some time swimming alongside these incredible creatures.

The activity is very controlled. You will be attached to the boat by a buoy. The boat will drive along slowly, allowing you to glide through the water with the dolphins. 

All equipment is included. Crew will be on board and in the water, helping you and keeping everyone safe. 

29. Swim Under the Lava Arch in Seixal 

In the Seixal Natural Pools is an amazing lava arch nestled amidst dramatic coastal landscapes. On a trip to the pools, you can swim under the arch. 

The water here is crystal clear. The collection of pools is tidal — meaning they will change as the tides come in and out. Beyond the arch, there are caves you can swim into. 

One of Madeira top attractions, the natural pool area is free to enter. There are good facilities here, including toilets, changing rooms, and a spot for snacks.  Some of the pools are also accessible by stairs and pathways. 

30. Get Lost in the Mist at Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest, part of the indigenous Laurisilva Forest, is like a mystical foreign world. The branches of the laurel trees are thick and twisted. The area is often full of fog and moss is covering the trees, the ground, and the rocks. All of this creates an enchanting, ethereal atmosphere. 

The fog is the real kicker to create the perfect atmosphere here. While you can never be totally sure of when it will hit, early mornings are a good bet. 

You can make this a quick stop or go for a hike. There are several trails to explore for any level of hiker. 

31. Step under Waterfall of Angels 

The Waterfall of Angels (Cascata dos Anjos) is a waterfall that falls off a sheer cliff onto a roadway. The water empties down from a levada in the cliffs above. 

The road under the waterfall is easily passed by car. But be careful as people are often in the middle of the road, and cars are stopping or going slowly under the water. Especially later in the day, you might encounter a line of cars and people — so early morning is better for a visit. 

Another great time to visit is during sunset, when the light filters through the water for an amazing ambiance. 

There is a small spot for parking just before (or after) the waterfall. 

32. Eat at Casa de Pedra

While we were on the boat with Lobosonda, the resident marine biologist we were chatting with started to mention one of the best places Madeira food options was Casa De Pedra .

She kept talking about how fresh the seafood was, so we decided to take her up on her recommendation — and boy, were we happy that we did.

The food was not only delicious, the location was superb (just beside the beach) and the price was incredible. Overall, this is definitely a hidden gem that needs to be talked about!

Top Things to do on Madeira’s North Coast

31. Visit São Vicente and the Volcanic Caves  

The São Vicente Caves were created from a volcanic eruption hundreds of thousands of years ago. No, you can visit the volcanic tunnels and make your way into the subterranean earth. 

You can walk through intricate tunnels and chambers. There are nearly a kilometer of pathways. The pathways are smooth and raised, made of metal, and easy to walk along. 

There is also an educational center at the sight of the Sao Vicente Caves. This is a small interactive museum where you can learn more about volcanoes. 

32. See the iconic Santana houses 

The Santana houses are an architectural treasure nestled amidst the lush Madeira landscape. These triangular-shaped thatched houses are known as palheiros. They are a great example of traditional Madeiran architecture. They date back to the time when the island was first discovered. 

The bottom half of the houses is made of wood, while the top roofs are made of heather, wicker, and thatch. The vibrant colors—usually red, blue, and white—of the houses and their distinctive design are extremely picturesque.

33. Head to Praia do Faial

Praia do Faial is a pristine beach offering a tranquil escape. The natural beauty and secluded ambiance make this an ideal spot for sunbathing. 

The beach is covered in pebbles. And just off the coast is a naturally protected pool. This makes the water quite calm and great to swim in. 

Good facilities, including a playground, make this a great beach choice for families traveling with kids. 

Top Things to Do on Madeira’s East Coast 

34. have a espetada at talho de canico  .

Espetada is a traditional Portuguese dish , particularly popular in Madeira. It is skewered and grilled meats such as beef, chicken, or fish. This is usually combined with vegetables like bell peppers and onions. 

To have one of the best espetadas on the island, go first to Talho de Canico . This is a butcher where you can choose exactly what you want. From there, head next door to have your espetada grilled. 

This hidden gem offers a genuine and budget-friendly taste of Madeiran flavors. You’ll be eating with locals, so enjoy this off-the-beaten-path spot.  Delicious food at a local price? Doesn’t get better than that.

35. See Christo Rei 

The Cristo Rei (Jesus Christ) statue and viewpoint is located within the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve. From the viewpoint below the statue, you can see Garajau, part of Funchal Bay, and Caniço de Baixo. 

The Cristo Rei sculpture was built here in 1927. It stands 5 meters (49 feet) tall.

Parking is available near the statue. A pathway leads from the parking lot to the base of the statue, where the best views are. 

36. Visit Garajau Beach 

Below the Cristo Rei statues is Garajau Beach. This beach is at a marine reserve and is protected against fishing. 

This area is an amazing place to go diving or snorkeling. The marine life here is diverse, and you may encounter species such as manta rays or groupers. In addition to the exciting sea life, the waters here are very clear and calm. 

This beach can only be reached by cable car. It has changing rooms and toilets and one restaurant. It also have a place where you can rent scuba diving gear and go diving.

37. Explore Ponta de São Lourenço 

Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira island. The peninsula is nine kilometers (just under 6 miles) in length. One of the best ways to see the peninsula and all of the extraordinary views is to follow PR8. This short trail is 6 km (less than 4 miles) out and back. 

From the peninsula, you’ll have amazing panoramic views in all directions. The area is a haven for rare plants and diverse fauna. You’ll see birds such as Cory’s shearwater and Bulwer’s petrel. There is a €1 entry fee to the area, which supports the preservation of the reserve.

38. Visit the charming town of Ponta do Sol 

Ponta do Sol, meaning “Point of the Sun,” is known as the sunniest and warmest area of Madeira Portugal. The coastal village has breathtaking views from Cais da Ponta do Sol — the little jetty. From there, you can capture (or just take in) the pebble beach, town center, and the 16th-century church. 

There are several other small villages in the municipality worth visiting. The landscape and views here are definitely worth taking time to enjoy. 

39. Dig Your Toes in the Sand on Praia de Machico 

Praia de Machico is a long stretch (about 70 meters — 230 feet) of golden sands. It is an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. Just behind the beach is a beautiful promenade. Facilities at the beach include changing rooms, showers, bathrooms, parking, and lifeguards in season.

Amazingly, the sand on this beach was actually Imported from North Africa. So it is distinctly bright gold and soft. 

The beach is nicely protected by stone walls, making the water very calm and pleasant to swim in. You can rent an umbrella, but there is also plenty of space to spread out a towel. 

40. Go to the Whaling Museum of Madeira

The Whaling Museum is a great way to learn about Madeira’s maritime past as well as its history and culture. The Natural History Museum is located in Caniçal. It has life-size models of whales and dolphins and a vast collection of items from the history of whaling. 

There are interactive exhibits, such as 3D movies. You can also see old black-and-white films from this period of history. An audio guide is also available, which is a good way to learn more about what you are seeing. 

Where is Madeira Located?

Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal. Its main island is also called Madeira, and it is part of Portugal. The archipelago is situated about 400 km north of the Canary Islands and 520 km west of Morocco.

The Madeira Archipelago consists of several islands, divided into two groups: the main islands and the Desertas and Selvagens Islands.

The main group includes two inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands, the Desertas and the Selvagens.

Madeira is the largest and most populous island , known for its lush landscapes, wine production, and cultural heritage. Porto Santo is smaller, with long sandy beaches and a quieter atmosphere.

The Desertas are a small group of three islands known for their natural reserves, and the Selvagens are a group of small islands with significant ecological value. Both serve as important sanctuaries for wildlife.

📍 MAP OF MADEIRA

Madeira Weather

Madeira’s weather is pretty versatile, making it a year-round destination. Here’s the breakdown: it’s got a subtropical vibe, so expect warm summers and mild winters. Talking temperatures, you’re looking at lows around 13-15°C (55-59°F) in the cooler months and highs hitting 17-19°C (63-66°F) when it warms up.

But remember, if you’re exploring the levadas or hiking, it will be cooler, especially in the morning and evenings, so pack accordingly.

What is the best month to visit Madeira?

From July to Septembe r, temperatures in Madeira reach their highest, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making these months the warmest time of the year. This period is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the island’s outdoor activities and beaches.

You’ve got two main seasons to consider: a wetter, slightly cooler winter from October to April and a drier, warmer summer from May to September. Heads up, though, high season is when the weather’s hottest, and low season has more rain but still plenty of charm.

How do I get to Madeira?

Getting to Madeira primarily involves flying to Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), located near the capital, Funchal. This airport serves as the archipelago’s main entry point.

Frequent and affordable flights are available from major European cities, including Lisbon, which is just a 90-minute flight away. Direct flights are also available from cities such as London, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle upon Tyne through airlines like Jet2, easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair.

If you are coming from North America, direct flights are limited, you’ll probably have to connect in Lisbon. Nevertheless, Azores Airlines offers flights from New York–JFK. An interesting route for travelers from the East Coast of North America involves connecting via Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

🛬 MADEIRA AIRPORT DELAYS

Madeira International Airport is known for its challenging conditions, which are caused by a relatively short runway and strong, unpredictable winds.

These factors occasionally cause flight delays, cancellations, or the need for diversions . It’s a good idea to have travel insurance just in case your flight changes. This makes visiting Madeira a bit of an adventure, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

How do I get around in Madeira?

Getting around Madeira is straightforward: public transport is great in Funchal but for exploring the island further, consider renting a car or joining a tour.

In Funchal, public buses are your go-to for getting around the city. They’re convenient and cover most areas well. But once you’re looking to step out beyond the city limits, that’s where you hit a snag with the buses.

There is no UBER on Madeira. Instead, you’ll find BOLT. But the problem with BOLT is that there aren’t nearly enough drivers on the island.

I found this the hard way when I arrived in Madiera at 11 pm. The initial plan was to rent a car at the airport, but the prices were insane. So I opened up my UBER app only to realize that there were no UBER drivers. I then downloaded the BOLT app and again found no drivers available.

Taxis were there, sure, but they wanted 45-50 euros ($48 USD) for a ride that BOLT listed at around 25 euros ($24 USD). Stuck at the airport and not keen on splurging for a taxi, I decided to wait. After about 45 minutes, luck finally swung my way—a BOLT driver became available.

🚗 So my recommendation? Rent a car. It’s your best bet for the freedom to roam Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes without the hassle of waiting for a ride. And for those moments when you’re not up for driving, tours are the way to go.

Do I need to rent a car in Madeira?

Yes – you definitely need to rent a car in Madeira if you want to see as much as possible of the island. Madeira is a place where having a car can transform your trip, offering the freedom to explore all the magical sights of the island.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Car Transmission : Most rental cars in Madeira are manual rather than automatic. If you’re not comfortable driving a manual car, make sure to book an automatic well in advance, as they are less available and can be more expensive.
• Driving Terrain : The roads in Madeira are known for being very winding, with steep hills that can be a challenge, especially when parking uphill. The beauty of the island often comes with a side of adventurous driving conditions.
• Parking and Roads : It’s common for people to park on the road, which can turn a two-lane street into a single lane that serves both directions.
• Driver Awareness : The mix of local and tourist drivers means you’ll encounter varying levels of driving skill. Caution is advised, especially since some visitors might not be used to the local road conditions.
• Navigation : While Google Maps is a helpful tool for getting around, it’s not always 100% reliable in Madeira. The directions may not be as accurate as you might hope due to the complex terrain and occasional lack of signal.

If you aren’t a confident driver, sticking to tours might be the better option. Staying in Funchal and taking organized tours to explore the island can provide a stress-free way to see Madeira’s highlights without the worries of driving.

Where to stay in Madeira 

Deciding where to stay in Madeira largely depends on two factors: whether you plan to rent a car and what you wish to explore .

If you have a car, splitting your stay between different locations can enhance your experience. When I visited Madeira, we decided to stay three nights in Cabo Girao, near Funchal, and then three days in Calheta. If you aren’t driving, I would advise booking a central spot in Funchal.

Most attractions are towards the west, so planning based on what you want to see is key. This strategy ensures you get the most out of your Madeira visit.

Which part of Madeira is most beautiful?

Beauty is everywhere in Madeira, but the northwestern part of the island stands out for many. Areas like Porto Moniz, with its natural swimming pools, and the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer breathtaking natural beauty.

The south coast, particularly around Funchal, combines stunning landscapes with cultural attractions. Ultimately, Madeira’s beauty is diverse, and its most beautiful part often depends on personal preference, whether you’re drawn to rugged coastlines, mountain views, or lush forests.

Things to do in Madeira: Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in madeira is enough.

Spending at least a week in Madeira gives you enough time to explore the island’s main attractions, enjoy some hikes, and relax by the sea.

Within 7 days, you can visit Funchal’s gardens, explore the mountainous interior, and even spend a day in Porto Santo. If you’ve got more time, extending your stay allows for a deeper dive into local culture and more leisurely exploration.

What is Madeira best known for?

Madeira is famous for its stunning landscapes, from lush mountains to dramatic cliffs and pebble beaches. It’s also known for Madeira wine, embroidery, and its annual Flower Festival.

The island’s levadas (irrigation channels) offer unique hiking experiences, leading through beautiful scenery. Additionally, Madeira’s mild climate year-round makes it a favorite for those seeking outdoor adventures.

Is it worth going to Madeira?

Absolutely! Madeira is worth visiting for anyone who loves nature, hiking, and exploring diverse landscapes.

It offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, from tasting its famous wines to enjoying its local cuisine. The island’s natural beauty, with its mix of mountains and ocean views, provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable vacation. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking for relaxation, Madeira has something for everyone.

Which is better Azores or Madeira?

Choosing between Azores and Madeira depends on your preferences. The Azores are known for their rugged landscapes, volcanic activity, and outdoor adventures like whale watching and hiking. Madeira offers lush mountains and dramatic coastlines and is famous for its levadas walks, wine, and mild climate.

If you prefer a mix of nature and cultural experiences with more predictable weather, Madeira might be your pick. For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure with diverse natural wonders, consider the Azores.

Is Madeira cheap or expensive?

Madeira’s cost can vary depending on your travel style. It’s generally considered moderately priced. Dining out, accommodation, and activities can be found to suit a range of budgets.

Public transportation and local markets offer ways to save money, while luxury resorts and fine dining can cater to those looking to splurge. Overall, with some planning, Madeira can be a cost-effective destination.

Final Thoughts: Things to do in Madeira

we’ve journeyed through the Madeira top 10 must-visits, dived into the heart-pumping activities Madeira offers, and unveiled Madeira what to see for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re wandering lush landscapes or tasting exquisite local cuisine, Madeira captivates at every turn. And for those wondering, are there beaches in Madeira? Yes, the island boasts stunning volcanic sand beaches, each offering a unique seaside escape.

Madeira awaits to amaze you with its beauty and adventures.

Yvonne Ivanescu is the founder of Now in Portugal and Now in Rio Swim, an ethical and sustainable swimwear company. She is a writer, editor and marketer with over 10 years of experience.

Storytelling is her second nature and she wants to share the magic of Portugal with the rest of the world.

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Best Time to Visit Madeira

Climate Overview

Geographical location

Climate in madeira.

Beach Vacation in February

Best Time to Visit Madeira: Overview

When to travel to madeira, climate chart madeira.

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Table Madeira

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in funchal (madeira), sights in madeira, popular activities, more attractions, current weather and forecast.

Portugal: Regions

Best time to travel for the regions.

Funchal: May , June , July , August , and September

Activities and Attractions

Distances to madeira, where’s madeira, continent: europe, madeira: experiences of our visitors.

This island is just great. We were there in May, hadn’t the dream weather – sometimes cloudy and a little drizzle – but the people and the versatility make up for everything. Anytime again.

Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

it was very nice we were satisfied and could do a lot

We were in April in time for the flower festival in Madeira. It was incredibly warm, blue sky, pure sun. Anytime again.

mild temperatures day and night around 20 degrees, 3 of 7 days with rain, but always pleasant – without real cold feeling

Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

Lots of sunshine, pleasant temperatures, great climate landscape great only in the evening a little fog

Warm, but not too hot. One week of sunshine, no rain – ideal travel weather for this beautiful island!

better weather than expected. temperatures 20 to 25 degrees ideal for outings and when there was no wind also for sunbathe

Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

It was still a bit fresh, especially at night, but you have to reckon with that even in summer in Madeira. Apart from that, the beginning of March proved to be the best time to travel, we had a lot of sunshine and only one day with dense cloud cover. It was especially nice that we (against all predictions) had no rain at all

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Best of Madeira (Highlights)

Destinations in the vicinity ….

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When is the Best Time to Visit Madeira Island?

If you have been following Epic, you might know that a majority of our staff including the founder of Epic are based here in Madeira Island.

So why did we choose to make this tiny Portuguese Island our HQ?

Well, it is pretty damn nice here year-round and for hiking or outdoor adventures; there is not a month of the year where hiking is not possible. 

The nuanced question remains: when is the best time to visit Madeira?

Below we break down the subtle differences in seasons, what months are best for hiking in Madeira, and the different microclimates found in Madeira that might impact your trip. 

Don’t forget to check out our Madeira Expedition trip page if you are keen on discovering a side of Madeira few get to see!

General Climate in Madeira

Madeira’s climate is characterized by its subtropical and Mediterranean influences, creating a pleasant year-round environment and some of the best conditions for hiking we have found anywhere.

The island experiences mild winters and warm summers, thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean. The average temperatures range from 19 to 24 degrees Celsius (66 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. For travelers, this translates into the feeling that there is no real “wrong time” to visit Madeira, though of course, the seasonal changes bring subtle differences. 

Madeira Micro Clmates

We like to say “the sun is always shining somewhere in Madeira” because it is so true; if the weather is bad in the mountains, it is probably glorious on the south west coast or vice versa.  

Madeira boasts a tapestry of microclimates that exemplify the island’s diversity. From the lush coastal plains to the verdant valleys and ascending slopes, Madeira is a testament to the remarkable interplay between altitude, farmland, laurisilva forests , ocean currents, and prevailing winds.

 In the lower elevations, a mild and subtropical climate prevails, nurturing a myriad of exotic flora that thrives under the constant sun.

Ascending to higher altitudes and forests, one encounters a profound transition, as the air grows cooler, and the mist-laden atmosphere sometimes dominates the landscape. Here, among the undulating terrain, the climate transforms into a sanctuary for delicate orchids, charming hydrangeas, and the iconic Madeira laurel.

In the higher mountains and Central Peaks dramatic shifts in temperature and precipitation create an ethereal backdrop. Enveloped by a mantle of clouds, these elevated realms witness a more temperate climate, where moss-covered forests, mystical ferns, and hardy heather species thrive.

The below photo gallery shows the different micro climates one can expereince in Madeira in a single day:

Seasonal Breakdown of the Best Time to Visit Madeira

Spring in madeira (march to may).

As “winter” (if you can call it that here in Madeira) bids farewell, spring welcomes you with pleasant weather and blooming landscapes. March to May is an excellent time to visit Madeira if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. The island comes into its full floral potential in spring as flowers blossom across its lush valleys and botanical gardens.

Summer in Madeira (June to August)

Summer in Madeira brings warmer temperatures and longer days, making it an ideal time for swimming in the sea and water sports enthusiasts. With temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit), you can bask in the sun on Madeira’s rocky beaches or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Summer also marks the festive season, with traditional celebrations and lively events happening throughout the island.

Summer is also when most of Europe and the USA has its summer holidays, which means Madeira can feel very busy during these months. Also – with the summer you have cruise ships – many of them – and with the ships come cruise ship people by the thousands… Something to consider anyway! 

Autumn in Madeira (September to November)

Autumn is a delightful time to visit Madeira, offering pleasant temperatures and overall less tourists visiting the island.

September to November is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere and want to explore the island’s natural wonders – which is actually why we tend to run our Epic Madeira Expedition during this time period.

Madeira can experience cooler weather, especially in the mountains. Historically speaking though, the past Epic trips we have run in November have been shorts-and-t-shirt weather of hiking. 

Winter in Madeira (December to February)

While most parts of Europe experience harsh winters, Madeira enjoys a mild and pleasant climate during this time. Winter is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a warm escape and fewer tourists. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), you can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing. The island’s festive spirit comes alive during December, with colorful Christmas decorations and lively markets adding to the magical atmosphere.

So what is our pick for the best month to visit Madeira? November or May is our top choice!

Best Time to Visit Madeira for Hiking

While hiking in Madeira is possible all year, there are advantages to hiking during certain periods of the year. 

Our favorite times to hike in Madeira are the spring and fall. 

There are fewer people hiking in Madeira during these seasons versus in the peak summer, temperatures are not too hot (especially for coastal hikes), and the rain is less frequent than it can be during the winter months. 

Madeira can be unpredictable sometimes though – even in summer. Rain, strong wind, heavy fog – all of this can be possible at any time of the year. 

We plan our trips during the spring and autumn time as we have found it to be the best of both worlds; fewer tourists around and pleasant weather – but for sure a bit of luck for good sunrise conditions is always needed too!

Best Time to Visit Madeira for Flowers

If in addition to hiking, you want to check out some pretty plants – Madeira has got a different flower to marvel at for every day of the year!

Madeira is often referred to as the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic” due to its abundance of stunning flora. If you want to witness the island’s floral explosion, the best time to visit is in the spring months of March to May. During this period, Madeira is transformed into a paradise of blooming flowers, including exotic orchids, colorful azaleas, and the world-famous Madeira geranium.

The annual Madeira Flower Festival, held in April, showcases extravagant flower displays, parades, and live music, adding to charm of Funchal (Madeira’s largest city). 

We have found that during the flower festival in Funchal, there are as many vendors selling Poncha (Madeira’s favorite rum cocktail) as there are selling flowers… classic Madeira vibes right there!

Wrap Up: Best Time to Visit Madeira

There you have it guys; now it is time to start planning your trip to Madeira!

With its pleasant climate, natural beauty, and endless hiking routes, the best time to visit Madeira depends on your preferences, interests, and of course, on your holiday schedule. Whether you seek challenging mountain hikes, a waterfall or two, chill coastal days, or a mix of all 3, Madeira has something to offer travelers in every season.

 Plan your visit accordingly and immerse yourself in the wonders of this captivating island and the HQ of Epic Expeditions staff!

Be sure to check out our trip calendar page for our next available Madeira Island Expedition! 

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Welcome to our Journal!

Here at Epic Expeditions, adventure is constantly on our minds. 

Our blog – or Journal as we like to call it – contains epic trip stories, photo diaries, and news about new tours. 

Thanks for checking it out! 

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Trekking fitness: preparing for a multi-day trek, 2023 review: a defining year for epic expeditions, the wild mongolia packing list, the trip we're most stoked about, mongolia horse trekking in mongolia expedition.

Privacy Overview

Clark Tyler 🇨🇦

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.  When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek

Noemi Liebi 🇨🇭

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition

Syerik Manap 🇲🇳

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi… The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Andrew Golovachevn 🇷🇺

An experienced trek leader and IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains

Sandip Dhungana 🇳🇵

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 sunrise from reflection lake.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

#3 playing cricket with the locals, trips where we visit fairy meadows.

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

Intermediate

Trekking Among Giants

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

João Frietas 🇵🇹

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley   | K2 Base Camp Trek

Sohail Sakhi 🇵🇰

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley

Pedro Ricardo Dias 🇵🇹

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects. Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

Diane Bouvet 🇫🇷

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

Ralph Cope 🇺🇸

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin

Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek

Chris Lininger 🇺🇸

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas  –  an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.   

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country!  Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

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Get exclusive trip updates, be the first to know when we launch a new itineraries and offer discounts, and stay up to date with what’s happening at Epic Expeditions!

The best time to visit Portugal

Dec 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Whether you're looking for parties or peace and quiet, find the best time to visit to Portugal with our guide to all four seasons © iStock

For a packed calendar of traditional celebrations, decadent food festivals, outdoor concerts and many other events, head to Portugal . Summer is the time to catch the biggest range of activities, but in truth, there’s always something happening here . 

Festivals aside, it’s not easy to pin down the best month to visit Portugal – that really depends on what you’re after. Outdoor activities in the south? Go in winter, when the crowds are thinnest, the  prices are lowest , and the weather is pleasant but not hot. Beach days with plenty of time in the surf ? Visit in summer, when the water temperatures are warmest. A mix of urban exploration and hiking adventures in the wilderness in the north? Opt for the shoulder season, when it’s not so rainy and the cities aren’t yet filled with tourists.

No matter what type of experience you’re seeking, you’ll find your ideal scenario in our comprehensive guide to what's going on when in Portugal. Here's what's happening month-by-month throughout the year.

The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach

Early summer is one of the liveliest times to visit Portugal, as the festival calendar is packed. Warm, sunny days are the norm, and while tourism picks up, the hordes have yet to arrive, particularly in the first half of June.

During the summer months, you’ll also find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve . Water temps and crowds both peak in July and August, though, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers. Lisbon and Porto also swell with crowds, and prices soar in July and August. Book outdoor dining at terrace restaurants overlooking the seaside, catch open-air concerts and film screenings and browse for treasures at street markets. August is Portugal’s busiest tourist month, and reserving months ahead is essential.

Expect higher prices wherever you go, as accommodation prices typically increase by 30% or more during the summer high season. On the plus side, summer is one of the most festive times to be in Portugal, with big national celebrations and lots of local outdoor events.

Low-season months of November to March are a cheaper time to visit

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy rock-bottom prices on accommodations, plan your trip for the low season. Many museums and other attractions keep shorter hours, though you’ll still find a full lineup of performances in cities and bigger towns.

If you come in the winter, you’ll need to prepare for changing weather conditions – rain in Porto and the north, and freezing temperatures at higher elevations. The south, however, has ample sunshine, so it’s a fine time for clifftop walks in the Algarve.

Visit in November and stay along the coast, and you’ll have lovely seaside views all to yourself – but you'll need to pack a light jacket for cooler days and nights, plus the odd rain shower. In the north, it's getting even colder and wetter.

Long nights and cooler days can’t dampen the Christmas spirit in December, with holiday markets, roasted chestnuts and colorfully decorated squares. Days are mostly pleasant in the south but brisk at night, while the north sees cold, rainy days and nights. The sea is quite cold, too, but the biggest waves arrive this month, making it a big draw for surfers.

January is a peaceful time to visit, though the weather can be patchy and cool. Dia de Reis (Three Kings' Day) brings the Christmas festivities to a close on January 6.

February is one of the quietest times for overseas visitors, meaning you won’t have to book lodging months in advance. It can be quite rainy in the north, and you can even go skiing at Torres (Portugal’s sole ski resort). Coastal temperatures are cool but mild.

March days are rainy and chilly in the interior and the north of Portugal, though the south sees ample sunshine. Prices and visitor numbers remain low.

Go in April, May, September and October for outdoor adventures

During the shoulder season, you’ll find mild, often sunny days that are ideal for hikes, bike rides and other outdoor activities. This is a great time to check out  Portugal’s top natural wonders without the heavy crowds.

Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south, as well as some major religious holidays, like Holy Week. April sees a profusion of wildflowers in the south, and Easter processions add excitement, as does Liberation Day (April 25), when you can see parades and fireworks in some towns.

Lovely sunny weather makes May an ideal time to visit, especially if you’re hitting a long-distance trail, such as the Via Algarviana or the Rota Vicentina. The crowds are beginning to arrive in Lisbon , Porto and the Algarve, though it’s still a fairly relaxed scene compared to the summertime high season.

The fall can be a magical time to visit Portugal, with changing leaves in the north coupled with grape harvests (and harvest festivals). As in spring, the beaches are much quieter and quite inviting, though ocean temperatures can be bracing. Ongoing warm weather ensures beaches remain packed until mid-September, when peak tourist season officially ends. Then things cool down a bit and prices dip, as the crowds dissipate toward the end of the month.

As the temperatures cool, head to the vineyards of the Douro , where you can see grape harvesting and treading, and even help out. October is also a great month for bird-watching, with many species passing through en route to Africa during the annual fall migration.

This article was first published February 2021 and updated December 2023

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• BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT MADEIRA

Are you wondering what is the best time of the year to visit Madeira ?

Well the good news, is that Madeira is an all-year-round destination. However, to avoid rainy days some months are better than the others…

Located in the heart of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira has a subtropical climate.

When to Visit Madeira?

Winter to skip the crowd and enjoy some warmer days compared to the rest of europe.

Temperatures fluctuate on average between 15°C at night and 20°C during the day in winter in Madeira . The weather can change quickly, with the rain.

It rains most between October and February and it can be quite windy. So be careful and watch the weather forecast carefully if you want to hike in the mountains or go on excursions.

As for us, we visited Madeira during a month in February. We had wonderful days, and could even spend a few days sunbathing at the beach. There were a few days with lots of showers, especially in the north, but at least the temperature was so much better than the rest of Europe during that time.

READ: 30 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE IN MADEIRA

IN SPRING TO SEE THE ISLAND FULL OF COLOURFUL FLOWERS

Spring is certainly one of the most pleasant seasons to visit Madeira . During this period, the temperatures vary respectively from 17 to 20°C. You may observe a light cloud cover during the mornings in June: a phenomenon called the “capacete” by locals. But this disappears as the day progresses. Rain showers are rare between May and August. Indeed, the rainy season ends in April

Spring is ideal for going on a hike and discovering the stunning landscapes that the island has to offer. Also note that the flower festival, the most famous festival in the archipelago, is in May. The island is covered with colorful flowers everywhere. It’s magical!

READ: 3 BEST AREAS TO STAY DURING YOUR TRIP TO MADEIRA

IN SUMMER FOR THE WARMEST DAYS AND BLUE SKY

On average, temperatures hover between 20°C with a maximum of 25-26°C during the day in summer.

However, summer is the busiest period to visit Madeira as it attracts lots of tourists. Therefore if you like to have peace when visiting Madeira’s main sights or when going on a hike, choose Spring or Autumn to visit the island.

READ: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO SEE IN FUNCHAL

IN AUTUMN TO ENJOY THE ISLAND BY YOURSELF

Although there is more rain during this season, it is a great time to visit Madeira , as there won’t be as many tourists as in summer and temperatures are still reasonably warm reaching 24°C on average during the day. The water temperature is still mild which is great for swimming too.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR HIKING LEVADA CALDEIRAO VERDE IN MADEIRA

IS IT WINDY IN MADEIRA?

The quick answer is: YES! It can get very windy in Madeira . It is in fact, not uncommon to have flights cancelled due to strong wind. Indeed the flights are not able to land at the airport in Madeira . This is exactly what happened to us. The day we were supposed to leave, the wind was so strong that for 2 days no flights could land or take off!

Well, we didn’t really mind, as we were on a sabbatical anyway, with plenty of time ahead of us. Thankfully we were able to fly out 2 days later.

The predominant wind in Madeira is the North-East wind during summer. From October to March, it is more of a westerly wind: it is the Azores anticyclone, which brings rains to the island.

Overall, the wind is stronger in the north of the island. The mountains culminating at more than 1400 meters of altitude block the gusts and the clouds. Therefore they protect the south from rain, humidity, and wind in general.

WHAT IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE IN MADEIRA?

The ocean temperature fluctuates between 18 and 23°C all year round. The coldest months are December to April. You can therefore swim all year round in Madeira if you are not chilly.

If you want to enjoy time at the beach in Madeira, then head to the neighboring island of Porto Santo with its super large 7 km long beach!

ARE THERE ANY FESTIVALS IN MADEIRA?

There are many festivities in Madeira throughout the year. We listed the main ones below:

NEW YEAR’S EVEN! ONE OF THE BIGGEST FIREWORKS IN THE WORLD!

New Year’s Eve in Madeira ? Funchal is where you want to be! The incredible fireworks is considered one of the most spectacular in the world and even entered the Guinness Book of World Records. The New Year is in high season in Madeira , it is necessary to prepare everything in advance. The harbor is full of cruise ships.

CARNIVAL, ONE OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN MADEIRA

The carnival is held 40 days before Easter. A traditional parade and one of the major events in Madeira, where people from all over the world come to see the extremely well-organized Samba troupes that fill the streets of Funchal with music and dancing. There are two carnival parades, the largest taking place on Saturday evening, the Allegoric Parade (Cortejo Alegórico) with lively and colorful costumes. The last parade, on Tuesday, the Humorous Parade (o Trapalhão), renowned for its humor and social satyrism, is the funniest parade and the one everyone is waiting for.

THE FLOWER FESTIVAL, A MUST-SEE IN MADEIRA!

The Flower Festival in spring is one of the most colorful traditional events held in Madeira and it takes place every spring. Many activities and parties take place around Funchal, starting with a carpet of flowers on the sidewalks, concerts and folk groups dancing in the open air. There are also many flower shows. During the big main parade many diverse groups line up and dance through the streets of Funchal, in their beautiful embroidered Madeiran costumes full of colors, floats are decorated and filled with a wide variety of Madeiran flowers.

RECAP FOR THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MADEIRA

With a small variation in temperature according to the seasons, Madeira is an all-year-round place to visit. There are many things to do in Madeira in any season. Surfing enthusiasts can practice in all seasons, enjoying great waves. Hikers can venture in the many trails in Madeira to see the countless waterfalls. If you want to go for a swim you can also do so at any month of the year.

However, to avoid rainy days choose summer to visit Madeira. If you want to skip the crowd and still enjoy optimal conditions, then choose Spring or Autumn for your visit of Madeira.

We wrote many posts to help you plan your trip in Madeira, check it out below:

Related Posts

• DISCOVER THE CAPITAL CITY: FUNCHAL
• MONTE PALACE TROPICAL GARDEN IN MADEIRA
• HIKING LEVADA CALDEIRAO VERDE
• 16 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN CÂMARA DE LOBOS
• FULL HIKING GUIDE FOR PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO
• ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PORTO MONIZ IN MADEIRA
• BEST THINGS TO SEE IN SEIXAL
• BEST WAY TO VISIT CABO GIRÃO
• 3 BEST AREAS TO STAY IN MADEIRA
• WHY IS MADEIRA WORTH VISITING? TOP 10 REASONS

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Weather in Madeira in March travel guide

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written by Olga Sitnitsa

updated 25.04.2024

March in Madeira offers a mild spring climate ideal for comfortably exploring the stunning mountains, lush gardens and quaint villages. The beautiful weather in Madeira in March creates ideal conditions for hiking in the levadas, enjoying the local cuisine and relaxing on serene beaches that are comfortable and warm, with plenty of seclusion. Moderate temperatures and a welcoming atmosphere make this the perfect place for an outdoor vacation.

Highlights Madeira weather in March

Is march a good time to visit madeira, average temperatures in madeira in march, what about the crowd & cost, unforgettable and customizable portugal itineraries, what to do and see in madeira in march, visit madeira in different months, tailor-made travel itineraries for portugal, created by local experts.

7 days  / from 3033 USD

Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia

Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.

7 days  / from 2991 USD

The Real Algarvian Experience

Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.

11 days  / from 1712 USD

A self drive to Portugal's North and Center

Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.

The weather in Madeira in March is the perfect backdrop for a variety of activities, from adventurous nature excursions to relaxing by the ocean. Here are some of the highlights of the weather conditions you can expect:

• Mild temperatures : The island enjoys mild weather with average daytime temperatures hovering around 20°C (around 70°F), perfect for outdoor activities without overheating. Spring blossom : With the arrival of spring, Madeira's gardens and landscapes bloom with vibrant colors, making it a stunning time to visit botanical gardens and natural parks. Ideal for hiking : The temperate climate makes March one of the best months for hiking through Madeira's extensive network of levadas (irrigation canals), where you can explore lush, green landscapes in comfort. Pleasant beach weather : Although the beaches in March are not as warm as in the summer months, they are warm enough to relax by the sea and enjoy the quiet of the off-peak season. Low rainfall : Compared to the wetter winter months, rainfall is relatively low, providing more sunny days ideal for sightseeing and exploring the island.

Keen to visit Madeira? Talk to our local Portugal experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. And to ensure you're well-equipped for your trip explore our list of tips for traveling in Portugal .

Portugal, Madeira, city of Funchal on landscape seen from Pico dos Barcelos  © Shutterstock

March is an attractive time to visit Madeira as it transitions to spring. Although the weather in Madeira in March is not as warm as in the summer months, the climate is ideal if you want to enjoy an active vacation without the discomfort of extreme heat or crowds of tourists during the peak tourist season.

Rainfall in March can still be frequent, but it is much less than in the winter months. On average, Madeira receives around 72mm of rainfall over the 12 days of March, meaning that although there are wet days, prolonged periods of rain are rare. This allows you to plan outdoor excursions with confidence in the good weather, although it wouldn't hurt to bring a light raincoat.

March falls in the "shoulder" season of tourism in Madeira. This means fewer tourists, more affordable accommodation, and generally quieter attractions. For travelers who prefer a quieter vacation with fewer crowds at popular attractions and on hiking trails, this can be especially beneficial.

Overall, March can be a great time to visit Madeira due to the mild weather, moderate rainfall, and the benefits of traveling during the shoulder season. This combination creates favorable conditions to explore the natural beauty and cultural attractions of the island with greater ease and comfort.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Portugal .

Madeira, Portugal  © Shutterstock

The weather in Madeira in March is characterized by average high temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) and average low temperatures of around 16°C (61°F) . These mild conditions provide a comfortable climate suitable for a variety of activities, from hiking to exploring the local towns.

Temperature fluctuations from day to night are generally moderate. Daytime temperatures are warm enough for light clothing, while evenings may require a light jacket or sweater, especially if you are near the coast or at higher elevations where it may be cooler.

Compared to other times of the year, temperatures in March in Madeira are cooler than during the peak summer months, when average temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F) or higher. However, March is significantly warmer than the coldest winter months such as January and February, where nighttime lows can drop as low as 13°C (55°F). 

March marks the beginning of spring, which brings a gradual increase in the number of sunny days and a decrease in rainfall. It is a transitional period that combines the remnants of the winter chill with the approaching summer warmth.

Want even more inspiration for your Portugal adventure? Discover the best places to visit in Portugal .

March in Madeira falls during the shoulder season, which offers distinct advantages in terms of tourist flow and cost. It is less crowded than the peak summer months of July and August, when tourists flock to enjoy the hot weather and colorful summer festivals. As a consequence, if you arrive in March you will find more tranquility and fewer queues at the main attractions and on the tourist routes.

The reduced number of tourists also affects the cost of accommodation and flights, which are usually lower than in the high season. This makes March an economically attractive time if you are looking for a bargain. In addition, the mild weather in Madeira in March allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without the discomfort of the summer heat, providing a balanced introduction to Madeira's natural beauty and cultural offerings.

Turquoise waters at Machico bay, Madeira © Balate Dorin/Shutterstock

Are you ready to plan your dream trip to Portugal? The local experts at Rough Guides can help you create a fully customized and unforgettable itinerary tailored to your preferences . Here are three tantalizing travel options you should consider:

• The Wines of Portugal (9 days): This unforgettable journey takes you to some of Portugal's best wine regions, including the Douro Valley. Taste the best local varieties and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complete with guided tours of their historic old towns.
• The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve (12 days): Portugal offers many attractions, but if you're short on time, this trip is perfect for covering all the highlights: the capital Lisbon, historic Porto, the luxurious Douro Valley, and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all included in this trip.
• Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures (9 days): Visit Portugal's two autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as it is known, and São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided tours will introduce you to the highlights of both islands, with plenty of time to explore on your own or simply relax.
• Discover more of our Portugal itineraries .

March in Madeira is a delightful mix of activities and attractions that are especially enjoyable thanks to the mild weather and the emergence of spring flowers. Here are five great activities and attractions to enjoy during your visit:

• Explore the Levadas : March is ideal for hiking along Madeira's unique irrigation canals, known as levadas, which offer scenic views of lush spring vegetation.
• Visit the Botanical Gardens : As the blossoms begin to bloom, March is the perfect time to visit Madeira's famous botanical gardens, which showcase a vibrant variety of native and exotic plants.
• Whale and dolphin watching : Take advantage of the calm seas in March to embark on a whale and dolphin watching excursion - an unforgettable way to experience Madeira's rich marine life.
• Taste Madeira wine : Visit local wineries to learn about Madeira's world-famous wine and taste it when there are fewer tourists around.
• Visit Festa da Anona : If you're in Madeira in March, don't miss the Festa da Anona (Festival of the Cherimoya Fruit) in Faial, which celebrates the harvest of this delicious local fruit with music, exhibitions, and tastings.

Madeira offers only a fraction of the unique experiences that Portugal has to offer. For even more ideas for your vacation, see our guide to the best things to do in Portugal .

A year-round paradise, Madeira offers unique experiences every month to suit a variety of travelers' preferences. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or just a relaxing vacation in nature, Madeira's diverse climate and activities ensure that there is always something special to do here.

• April :  Delight in the Madeira Flower Festival, where the island explodes with color and fragrant displays.
• May : Enjoy comfortable temperatures and the start of the season of outdoor activities, including the Madeira Island Ultra Trail.
• June : Take part in the Atlantic Festival with fireworks and music, which marks the beginning of the summer festivities.
• July : Enjoy the summer heat, ideal for beach walks and water sports in Madeira's crystal clear waters.
• August : Experience the peak of summer with lively street festivals, including the popular Madeira Wine Festival.
• September : Take advantage of warm seas and less crowded attractions as the high season comes to an end.
• October : Watch the leaves change and enjoy the mild weather, ideal for exploring the island's natural landscapes.
• November : Enjoy the quieter side of Madeira and the wine harvest festivities, ideal for food lovers.
• December : Get into the festive spirit with Madeira's famous Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks.
• January : Experience the tranquility of post-holiday Madeira, ideal for enjoying its natural beauty without the crowds of tourists.
• February : Take part in the vibrant festivities of the Madeira Carnival, one of the most colorful and lively events on the island.

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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Saturday 20th April - Funchal

I managed to sleep for a few hours as the alarm was ringing at 12.30am. Left the house 2.15am to Bristol Airport, the journey was smooth and uneventful as no traffic on the road. There was no queue at the EasyJet bag drop (3.30pm) with no delays in security. The departure lounge was initially quiet but became very busy later on.

The 6.25am EasyJet flight boarded on time with a 3hrs 15 min flight time. The Airbus A321 neo the largest aircraft on EasyJet’s fleet was 5 years old and the flight was smooth and uneventful. I sat in row 28B which was one row in front of the emergency exit. This was a very unusual seat as there was a large space (the size of a seat) on the window side with two seats before the main corridor. The other seats had a 3-3 configuration. After an excellent flight landed at 9.50am, 20 minutes early.

After a short ten minute wait at passport control the baggage came off the plane very fast. Pre booked a private transfer with Madeira Airport Transfers, 24 euros. The driver was waiting in arrivals and the journey was fast and comfortable, arrived in the hotel at 11am. Unfortunately, an early check in wasn’t possible so walked into Funchal old town and had a drink and snack at O Tacho Da Velha restaurant on Rua Dom Carlos. I only ordered a drink and a chicken toasted sandwich but had to send the sandwich back as the chicken was extremely hard and the bread was dry and tasteless. Ended up returning to the Porto Santa Maria and enjoyed a lunchtime snack and spent a few hours relaxing around the pool. The weather was very pleasant with a mixture of sunshine and cloud & felt warmer than 23C. For further information on the hotel, see review below:-

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189167-d250768-r948327248-Porto_Santa_Maria_Hotel-Funchal_Madeira_Madeira_Islands.html

Sunday 21st April - Funchal

Spent most of the day walking and returning to various places from my previous trips. Walked from the Porto Santa Maria along the promenade towards the lido area, Funchal looked as beautiful as ever with the palm trees, flowers and ocean views. Excellent weather with lots of sunshine. There were no cruise ships in the port and not many tourists around. Walked up the steep hill by the Pestana Carlton to the lido area passing Reid’s and the Cliff Bay . Called into the Porto Mare (stayed there for 10 days on my last visit nearly 2 years ago) and walked around the pool which looked as beautiful as ever. Also visited the Pestana Grand (stayed there four times), noticed the plants have grown in the garden, they were planted when the palm trees were cut down due to bad weather over three years ago. I will always have a soft spot for the Pestana Grand but it appears you can only book half board which is a shame.

Enjoyed a coffee in the Magic tea house, the butterflies are still flying around and prices continue to be very reasonable. Returned to Funchal along the coastal promenade and enjoyed the pleasant views of the ocean with lots of palm trees and flowers. Joined the main road back to Funchal and the weather started to cloud over but the temperature was perfect for walking (23C) with no wind. Called into the Beer House on the main promenade (delicious ice cream) and returned to the hotel. Didn’t venture far in the evening as enjoyed a light snack in the hotel. Excellent food and reasonable prices.

Monday 22nd April - Camara de Lobos

Caught the local Rodoeste bus to Camara de Lobos, see timetable below:-

https://www.rodoeste.com.pt/assets/front/pdf/schedules/locality/CAMARA%20DE%20LOBOS.pdf

Purchased the bus tickets from the kiosk next to the bus stop or you can purchase from the driver 2.20E. The weather fluctuated between long cloudy and sunny periods with a comfortable temperature 23C. The journey took 30 minutes due to heavy traffic, lots of bumps and twists and turns along the coastal road.

I have visited Camara De Lobos over ten times during the last 20 years and noticed a big difference as it more commercialised and much busier with lots of tourists. It’s the first time I’ve seen a very long queue of people waiting for a photograph by the statue of Winston Churchill. On the positive side it’s still pretty with lots of ocean views, just busier. Enjoyed a coffee in the Pestana Churchill Bay which was very pleasant and walked up the steps towards Funchal and enjoyed the beautiful views of the boats and ocean. The walkway to Funchal is still closed by the Orca Praia hotel. Walked as far as I could and caught the bus back to Funchal.

Funchal was very busy as there were two cruise ships with an additional 9,500 visitors on the AIDAcosma (German ship) and Marella Explorer . I looked at the cruise schedules and deliberately escaped the city which was an excellent idea. The restaurants were jam packed with visitors so ate in hotel which was a perfect and relaxing end to the day. For further information about the cruise ships, see link below:-

https://www.madeiraislandnews.com/2024/04/more-than-9500-people-arrived-in-funchal-on-board-two-ships.html

Tuesday 23rd April - Botanical Gardens.

Travelled to the Botanical Gardens by local bus (number 31) which leaves from Avenida Do Mar, opposite the Palacio S Lourenco on the promenade side. It’s also possible to catch bus 31A & 29, fare 1 euro 95 & tickets are purchased on the bus. Journey time approximately 20 minutes. Entrance fee 7 euros 50 cents. My last visit to the botanical gardens was in June 2005 & I couldn’t remember a great deal.

The gardens have more than 2,500 exotic plants from various parts of the world and covers an area of 80,000 m². Lots to see and do but you really need good mobility (steps, uneven ground, steep slopes) to see them at their best. In addition to the beautiful plants and flowers the views of the Bay of Funchal are fantastic, could even see the cruise ships in the background. The weather was glorious with lots of sunshine (24C). Walked around the gardens for over two hours and enjoyed a drink on the outside terrace, prices were reasonable. I had an excellent visit, the gardens exceeded my expectations but I would try to visit on a sunny day.

When returning to Funchal I walked up the main high street Avenida Arriaga and enjoyed an ice cream in the Ritz cafe which was very pleasant. Walked around the Municipal Gardens which were very pretty and colourful with different types of plants and strolled back the hotel.

Wednesday 24th April - Jasmin Tea House

Started the day with an early morning walk to see the sunrise directly outside the hotel. The sky had different shades of oranges and red with different reflections. The ocean was calm and still with expensive yachts and two big cruise liners on the opposite side. I also saw a large moon in the far distance above the Cliff Bay. Apart from a friendly Portuguese woman taking photos and the odd runner there weren’t any people around, the best time of day to take photos. The weather was similar to yesterday, lots of sunshine with a temperature of 26C.

After breakfast had a walk along the main promenade and saw the Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise liner. When the cruise passengers started to arrive in large tour groups caught the 47 bus (final destination São João Latrão) to Jasmine Tea House on the Levada Dos Tornos halfway between Monte and Camacha. The bus fare was 1 euro 95 cents, journey time approximately 20 minutes. The stop for the tea house was nearly at the end of the line but a kind local woman pressed the bell to stop the bus. The bus was half empty & was full of locals with no tourists. The tea house is located on a quiet mountain road in the middle of nowhere with no shops or restaurants close by. The bus stop is directly outside the tea house at the bottom of the short steep driveway.

On arrival, climbed some steep steps (some uneven ground with a hand rail) and enjoyed a short levada walk which was very pretty with lots of green trees, plants and flowers with great views. Walked the same route back and enjoyed a snack and drink in the tea house. The tea house has a small garden with beautiful views and was very quiet, peaceful and relaxing. There were only two other guests in the tea house and I recognised them as I asked them if the Camara de Lobos promenade was open a few days ago, what a small world! Prices in the tea house very reasonable. I had a tea and two fruit scones with jam and butter. The scones were fresh and crumbly but the texture was not like an English scone as more like a cake. The tea was served in a china cup with a bright blue tea pot and red milk jug. There are also light snack options and various cakes including apple, lemon and banana all 3 euros. There is a blackboard with the bus times back to Funchal. I had an excellent visit and would definitely recommend if you want to visit somewhere different with not many tourists.

Thursday 25th April - Funchal to Madeira with EasyJet

Time to wave goodbye to Madeira and travel back to Bristol. Madeira Airport Transfers arrived a few minutes early at 8am for the journey back to the airport. The roads were extremely quiet due to a bank holiday and the journey back to airport was fast and smooth. There was a small queue in the EasyJet bag drop but security was fast. I watched planes land on the outside terrace, saw the incoming aircraft land early. A perfect day for flying with a mixture of sun and cloud with no wind. After passport control boarding was very disorganised and confusing with long queues and people standing everywhere in a small space with not many seats.

The flight departed promptly at 11.30am with a flying time of 3hrs 15 min. The aircraft was under a month old and the flight was smooth. Landed in Bristol 10 minutes early at 2.50pm. Another excellent flight with EasyJet, 10/10.

Photographs & videos, see link below:-

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gKwiX1iHTcEA7SZm8

If you have any questions or comments, please post them below.

Happy and safe travels. Enjoy Madeira.

31 replies to this topic

You’ve obviously had a good break. I only wish the page forward links were at the top so no need to scroll all the way down every time. Did you avoid the mosquitos at the botanic gardens? The cafeteria beside those frog pools seemed to be rife with them. Still got the scars.

Glad you’re all continuing to enjoy the report.

Steve - Had no mosquito bites. Thinking about it, the pond by the cafeteria is probably a magnet for mosquitoes but the thought didn’t cross my mind. I hope your scars disappear soon.

Welshtraveller, thanks for your detailed trip report and fabulous photos. I enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing!

thanks for your informative trip report and lovely photos,i am sure others will benefit from it.

Glad you enjoyed your stay again. Another excellent trip report.

Thanks for sharing G.Lovely hotel & superb photos....

Thanks for your commenting on the Jasmine Tea House - we had never heard of that restaurant - which looks quite a bit different to other local eating places and clearly enjoys beautiful views.

Thanks all for the positive comments.

Macna - For further information and reviews on the Jasmin Tea House click on the link below:-

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g189167-d6959242-Reviews-Jasmin_Tea_House-Funchal_Madeira_Madeira_Islands.html

Fabulous report as per usual. Amazing pics...keep up the happy travelling and keep us updated 😀

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Portugal’s madeira island is going glam—thanks to this new luxury hotel.

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The Rolls-Royce arrival at the Reserve

Tarmac meet-and-greets. Exclusive airport lounges behind well-marked doors. Rolls-Royce transfers. Velvet ropes. These luxuries almost feel like something out of time, given the current obsession with discretion. But that’s what makes Madeira’s new Reserve hotel refreshing—it’s not afraid to be a place for people who want to flaunt their VIP status.

Rather, it leans into that attention-seeking, starting with its perch atop the Savoy Palace, a plant-covered behemoth of a hotel that dominates the cityscape of Funchal, the island’s capital. It shows off its hotel-within-the-hotel concept, with a separate entrance, top-hatted doormen and a guests-only elevator—the only one in the building to have a bench. The local press excitedly reported that Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo, rang in 2024 watching the New Year’s fireworks from the rooftop.

And while most guests aren’t anywhere near that notable, the hotel staff does its best to make them feel like they are. The website's landing page promises that clients “will be accompanied by true luxury gatekeepers ready to make you feel like the most relevant person in the world.”

The rooftop infinity pool

Perhaps that’s excessive. But it’s undeniably convenient. Guests have access to a dedicated concierge—always at the ready on WhatsApp and good at learning every guest’s name—who does usual things like managing spa appointments and restaurant reservations and quickly answers less usual ones, like looking up the price of a postcard stamp or the points of sale and designer of the groovy ceramic fruit on display in the guests-only lounge, the Jacarandá Club.

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That designer would be Madeira native Nina Andrade Silva, who designed the Savoy Palace, which opened five years ago. She’s known for going all-in on wow factor designs, including the lace-inspired railings all over the hotel and the 33-foot-high lobby chandelier made of some four miles of metal chain.

A guest room in the Reserve

Her signature is still welcomely evident in the public areas of the main hotel, including the enormous, glittering outdoor pool at street level, and the forest-inspired spa, which at 33,000 square feet, is one of the largest in Europe. But to give the Reserve its own identity when they carved it out from the Savoy Palace, the owners commissioned local firm RH+ Arquitectos (who also worked on the main hotel that opened five years ago) to give the space a refresh.

The 40 rooms of the Reserve—on the top floors of what was previously a 349-room hotel—all have ocean views and an island-inspired color palette: serene shades of blue, brown, gray and green. There’s abundant light and space inside and another living area outdoors, sometimes with a private plunge pool.

Along with those, the rooms over the Reserve share a quiet solarium, jetted tub and infinity-edge pool 17 floors above the everything of Funchal. The facilities are a mirror image of those that are shared by the Savoy Palace’s other 300 rooms on the opposite end of the rooftop, but of course with far fewer people.

The dining room at Nikkei

The Reserve also has a second guests-only restaurant (besides the complementary a la carte breakfast and all-day dining menu at the Jacarandá Club). Nikkei is an Asian fusion project from noted sushiman Miguel Bértolo, who consulted with the hotel to develop a menu of Japanese dishes infused with flavors of Peru.

As is fitting for a hotel designed for VIPs, the dishes have their share of flourishes like a Wagyu beef starter with nitsuke egg yolk, truffle and ponzu sauce over parrotfish sashimi, and sumptuous scarlet prawns served over rice as donburi. And from its 16th-floor perch, it has dizzying views over the vertiginous landscape of Funchal and the hills beyond. It’s a place to take pleasure in being above it all.

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10 Affordable Places To Retire In Portugal

• Portugal is a top European destination for budget-friendly retirement, offering a low cost of living and tax benefits.
• Popular towns like Cascais, Sintra, and Madeira provide scenic, affordable living options for retirees.
• From beaches to historic sites, Portugal's diverse locations cater to the desires of budget-conscious retirees seeking an enriching lifestyle.

The golden years beckon, promising a well-deserved respite from the daily grind. For many, this translates into a desire for a simpler, more affordable life where relaxation and enjoyment take center stage. Enter Portugal, a sun-drenched destination offering precisely that – a low-cost haven for retirees seeking a high-quality yet budget-friendly lifestyle. From charming small towns to historic cities, Portugal has something for everyone.

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, it boasts over 1,700 kilometers of stunning coastline, a temperate climate, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. But the allure doesn't stop there. Portugal consistently ranks among the most affordable retirement destinations in Europe, with a low cost of living and favorable tax benefits for retirees. Prepare to be whisked away to picturesque towns, each boasting unique features that cater to the desires of the budget-conscious retiree dreaming of a fulfilling Portuguese adventure.

Cost of living: $1,689, according to LivingCost

Located on the scenic Portuguese Riviera, Cascais offers retirees a luxurious and affordable retirement lifestyle. With a monthly cost of living averaging around $1,700, Cascais provides a high-quality living experience without sacrificing leisure and comfort. Retirees in Cascais can enjoy beautiful beaches, visit the stunning Cascais Citadel , and explore the charming historic center. The average rent price in Cascais is $1,200 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Carcavelos and São Domingos de Rana.

• Population : 214,124 via CityPopulation
• Median Age : 44.7 years, according to AdminStat
• Crime Rate : Low at 23.12 via Numbeo
• Average Home Price : Between $5,200 and $7,200 per square meter via Numbeo

Cost of living: $1,540, according to NomadList

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, offers retirees a unique island lifestyle with average living costs. While the monthly cost of living in Madeira is around $1,500, it is an attractive option for retirees seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. Retirees in Madeira can explore the island's lush landscapes, enjoy mild temperatures year-round, and indulge in local cuisine . Madeira is also known for its vibrant festivals and cultural events . The average rent price in Madeira is $650 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Funchal.

• Population : 253,259 via DREM
• Median Age : 47 years, according to ZhujiWorld
• Crime Rate : Low at 22.1 via Estatistica
• Average Home Price : $300,000 and above via MyDolceCasa

Pack layers and waterproof clothing. Madeira's weather can change quickly!

Cost of living: $1,463, according to LivingCost

Nestled in the mountains just outside of Lisbon, Sintra offers retirees a picturesque and affordable retirement destination. With a monthly cost of living averaging around $1,460, Sintra provides a peaceful and historical setting. Retirees can explore the stunning Pena Palace , check out the mystical Quinta da Regaleira , and enjoy the beautiful views from the Moorish Castle . The average rent price in Sintra is $900 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Agualva-Cacém and Rio de Mouro.

• Population : 385,606 via CityPopulation
• Median Age : 42.2 years, according to AdminStat
• Crime Rate (for Sao Martinho) : Low at 32.39 via Info-Travel
• Average Home Price : Between $2,600 and $3,700 per square meter via ProperStar

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Cost of living: $1,353, according to livingcost.

Nestled in the countryside just north of Lisbon, Mafra offers a peaceful and affordable retirement option. With a monthly cost of living averaging around $1,350, Mafra provides retirees with a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by nature. Mafra is famous for its stunning Mafra National Palace , a baroque masterpiece, and the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra , a nature reserve perfect for leisurely walks and bird watching. The average rent price in Mafra is $823 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Malveira and Ericeira.

• Population : 86,515 via CityPopulation
• Median Age : 42 years, according to AdminStat
• Crime Rate : Low at 27.3 via Sinteses Estatisticas
• Average Home Price : Between $2,500 and $3,200 per square meter via Tagus Property

The National Palace of Mafra and other major attractions can draw large crowds, especially during the peak season (summer and holidays). Guests should be prepared for queues and limited space, especially if they travel with young children or have mobility limitations.

Cost of living: $1,352, according to LivingCost

Located just south of Lisbon, Setúbal is a picturesque coastal town that offers a lower cost of living compared to the capital city. The monthly cost of living in Setúbal is around $1,352, making it an affordable option for retirees. Setúbal boasts beautiful beaches, a charming historical center, and easy access to the stunning Arrábida Natural Park . Retirees can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring the park's diverse flora and fauna. The average rent price in Setúbal is a little over $820 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Azeitão and Palmela.

• Population : 123,496 via CityPopulation
• Crime Rate : Low at 39.7 via Numbeo
• Average Home Price : Between $2,025 and $2,335 per square meter via Numbeo

Cost of living: $1,250, according to LivingCost

Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a historical city that offers retirees a blend of rich heritage and affordable living. With a monthly cost of living averaging around $1,250, Guimarães provides retirees an opportunity to enjoy the country's history and culture without breaking the bank. Guimarães is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites , including the Guimarães Castle and the Dukes of Braganza Palace . The average rent price in Guimarães is $760 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Azurém and São Sebastião.

• Population : 156,830 via CityPopulation
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• Crime Rate : Low at 23.57 via Numbeo
• Average Home Price : Between $1,500 and $1,950 per square meter via Numbeo

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Cost of living: $1,246, according to livingcost.

Located in the north of Portugal, Braga is a vibrant city with a rich history and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. The monthly cost of living in Braga is around $1,246, making it an affordable option for retirees. Retirees in Braga can explore the city's historic center, visit the impressive Braga Cathedral , and enjoy the peaceful Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. The average rent price in Braga is $750 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include São Vicente and Maximinos.

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• Crime Rate : Low at 36.14 via Numbeo
• Average Home Price : Between $1,750 and $2,800 per square meter via Numbeo

Finding parking in the city center, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. Guests should consider alternative options like public transportation or parking garages if they plan to drive.

Cost of living: $1,238, according to LivingCost

For retirees seeking a sunny coastal lifestyle, Portimão is an excellent choice. Situated in the Algarve region, Portimão offers beautiful beaches, a mild climate, and a lower cost of living compared to other Algarve towns like Faro and Lagos. The monthly cost of living in Portimão is a little over $1,200, making it an affordable option for retirees. Retirees can enjoy long walks along the beach, indulge in fresh seafood, and explore the historic Portimão Museum . The average rent price in Portimão is $780 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande.

• Population : 49,218 via CityPopulation
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Cost of living: $1,179, according to LivingCost

Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra combines a rich academic heritage with an affordable cost of living. The monthly cost of living in Coimbra is around $1,200, making it an attractive option for retirees. Retirees in Coimbra can explore the historic university buildings, visit the beautiful Joanina Library , and enjoy the scenic views from the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden . The average rent price in Coimbra is $680 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Santo António dos Olivais.

• Population : 408,551 via CityPopulation
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Caldas da rainha, cost of living: $1,098, according to livingcost.

Caldas da Rainha, located in the central-western part of Portugal, offers retirees an affordable and laid-back lifestyle. With a monthly cost of living averaging around $1,100, Caldas da Rainha provides a comfortable retirement option. This destination is famous for its thermal baths, where retirees can relax and rejuvenate. The town also hosts a bustling daily fruit and vegetable market and is known for its ceramics industry. The average rent price in Caldas da Rainha is $585 per month , and affordable neighborhoods include Nossa Senhora do Pópulo and Santo Onofre.

• Population : 30,442 via CityPopulation
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• Average Home Price : $2,300 and above via Numbeo

Portugal offers a range of affordable places for retirees looking to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement on a budget. Whether guests prefer the coastal charm of Setúbal and Portimão or the historical richness of Guimarães and Sintra, each destination offers a unique blend of affordability, safety, and quality of life !