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Ponta Do Sol Village During Sunset, Madeira Portugal

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.

Traditional straw huts in Santana, Madeira

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.

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.

Madeira weather and when to visit

Madeira is often referred to as “the island with the eternal spring”, and this is the best way to describe the varied weather of the island.

The island sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, nullifying any extreme seasonal temperatures, while the prevailing winds and high mountains ensure rain falls throughout the year. Considering that Madeira is on the same latitude as Morocco, the weather is much less intensely hot during the summer, reaching a pleasant average of 26C in August.

There are two distinct seasons to Madeira: a slightly cooler and wetter winter (October to April) and a drier and warmer summer (May to September), but the location on the island has just as much an effect on the weather as the time of year.

The majority of the rain falls on the interior mountains or the rugged northern coastline, while the east and south (including the main city of Funchal) are significantly drier. The eastern side, close to the airport, maybe drier but is often exposed to strong winds.

Just by simply crossing the island you can leave hot sun in Ribeira Brava, pass through cold mountain fog at Serra De Agua, and get drenched by an intense rainstorm at Sao Vicente. This variable weather causes locals to joke “that you can experience all four seasons just by moving round the island”.

In summary, Madeira has great weather during the summer (except for June!) and winter months that may be cloudy and wet, but will be much more pleasant than mainland Europe. Related articles: Introduction to Madeira – Madeira top 10 - 1 week in Madeira

A quick summary of when to visit Madeira

January to March - (Low season) – An equal number of grey days as bright sunny days, but there is always the chance of heavy rains especially over the mountains

4 weeks after Easter – The Flower Festival, the whole of Funchal is adorned with flowers and the island is full of colour (a great season to visit)

June – Dry and warm, but the island can be covered by solid clouds for days, often referred to as “June gloom”.

July-September (High season) – Warm, dry weather and is the best season to visit

October-December (Medium season) - There is an increase of cloud and chance of rain but there can be bright and warm spells. This is a popular season for travellers getting away from the dismal weather of Europe.

Note for June: The typical weather for June is for dense cloud, but it varies yearly. If you come expecting full sun and sunbathing weather (as with the rest of Portugal), you will be disappointed, but if you come for a sightseeing holiday, you will have a great time.

Note: These weather charts are the average weather for Funchal, where the majority of tourists are based during their holiday. The north and west coastline will always be slightly wetter and cooler.

Average weather charts for Madeira

When is the best time of year to visit madeira.

The best time of year to visit Madeira is between July and September, when the weather is at its warmest and driest.

This weather is warm but not incredibly hot as with much of southern Europe, reaching a maximum of 26C in August (as compared to 31C for Rome or 32C for Madrid). As this is the peak season the island will be busy with tourists and accommodation and flights will be at their most expensive.

Our favourite time to visit Madeira is during the Flower Festival, which lasts for the four weeks after Easter. The culmination of the festival is the carnival (check local listings for exact dates).

Madeira in the winter

Madeira is not a winter sun destination, as with the Canary Islands or Egypt, but it will be significantly better than back in your home country. The closer to December, the higher the chance of rain showers and overcast days, but the average temperature will be pleasantly warm.

To get the most from a holiday in the winter season, it is best to have flexible plans. When the weather is dry and sunny, take day trips to explore the island, or if the weather is poor, relax at your hotel, have long meals and drink some Poncha!

Our most popular guides for Madeira

Madeira Home

Introduction to the wonderful island of Madeira

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What is the best time of year to visit Madeira and average weather

What are the top 10 activities and sights of Madeira?

Itineraries and tours for a 1-week holiday to Madeira

Need a Hotel?

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Porto Moniz

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Porto Santo

Take a day trip to the island of Porto Santo

A complete list of all of our guides to Madeira and Portugal

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Madeira Weather and when to visit?
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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.

best time to visit Madeira infographic Zigzag

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 .

Best time to travel to Madeira for WHALES and dolphins

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?

18 best Madeira Tours

Madeira in Winter

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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.

Madeira Travel Tips: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Madeira

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?

The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira

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.

The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira driving

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.

the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira Ponta do Pargo

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.

the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira Porto Moniz

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.

the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira dolphins whales watching swimming

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!

the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira canyoning adventure

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.

the ultimate guide to planning a trip to Madeira food

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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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…

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

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

madeira jeep tour- west side- paúl da serra

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- carnival (2)

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- cable car in monte_1 - Cópia

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- Flower Festival

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- Tobbogã

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- canyoning

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- Porto santo (2)

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- Porto Moniz swimming pool

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

what is the best month to go to madeira- Sunrise

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

10 Local Things to do in Funchal
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22 Madeira Traditional Sweets you must try
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira?

Editorial Note: Earth Curious contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

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.

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

The best times to visit Funchal 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.

Funchal 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 Funchal Travel Info

Weather in funchal.

Average temperatures in Funchal 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 Funchal, 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.

Funchal Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Funchal 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.

Funchal Perceived Temperature (F)

Funchal perceived temperature (c), average funchal 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 Funchal 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 Funchal.

Snow on the Ground

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

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Funchal 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 Funchal 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 Funchal.

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 funchal.

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 Funchal, 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 Funchal 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 funchal 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 Funchal, 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 Funchal 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 › Funchal, Portugal

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21 Amazing Things To Do in Funchal, Madeira (Ultimate Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 23, 2024

21 Amazing Things To Do in Funchal, Madeira (Ultimate Guide)

Whether you are visiting the Portuguese island Madeira for a day or for a few weeks, Funchal is one place you definitely have to see. But what are the best things to do in Funchal ?

Funchal is Madeira’s capital city and the main town. Despite its small size and just over 100,000 inhabitants, it has a lot to offer to any kind of visitor. From historic sites, museums, and botanical gardens to a big variety of activities – you’ll find plenty of inspiration for things to see and do in Funchal.

In this article, I am sharing some of the very best places to see and things to do in Funchal . My selection starts with the most popular places that are must see in Funchal. So if you’re on a short visit, start with the top of the list. I listed the attractions in the most logical order as you’d visit them starting in Funchal Old Town. Further down below you will also find some fun activities and lesser known things do in Funchal that are nice to see if you have more time.

Please note that this is not a guide for the whole Madeira island. It’s also not a guide for day trips from Funchal or the beautiful areas to see close to Funchal. This is a city guide focused on the main points of interest in Funchal . Before you go on a day trip outside the city, you really should first see at least some of the main Funchal attractions. No visit to Madeira would be complete without exploring Funchal.

We spent 9 days on Madeira island and visited Funchal several times. So this article is mostly based on our own personal experience and includes some experience-based tips. However, in order to give you the most complete guide to Funchal, I also included several places that are nice to see, but for which we personally had no time.

We were in Madeira with kids and spent more time outside the city, hiking and exploring. If interested, on our blog you can find more inspiration and tips for your trip to Madeira – take a look!

Without further ado, here is the list of best things to do in Funchal . Read on!

What to see and do in Funchal Madeira, Portugal

These are the best things to do in Funchal, Madeira:

1. Visit Funchal Cathedral – Sé

Located in the city center, The Cathedral of Funchal (Sé) is one of the main historic landmarks of Funchal. Built in the beginning of the 16th century, at the peak of the Portuguese explorers’ era, Funchal Cathedral is a symbol of power and prosperity.

Not to be missed is the Gothic altarpiece, composed of gilt woodwork, oil paintings on wood, and small sculptures. The wooden cedar ceiling with ivory elements is considered one of the most beautiful ceilings in the whole of Portugal.

Practical information: Visit is free. The church is normally open every day from early morning until 6.30-7 pm. On weekends, it’s closed for a few hours in the afternoon.

Funchal cathedral is one of the main landmarks you have to see in Funchal Madeira

2. Explore the Old Town of Funchal

Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) is a nice lively place. Most of the city’s shops and restaurants are located in this area. It might get a bit busy when there are cruise ships in town, but it still has a great local feel.

The main shopping streets are Rua do Aljube, Rua da Carreira, and Rua Dr. Fernao Ornelas.

If you are looking for a place for lunch, don’t settle for tourist restaurants with pictures on the menu. There are quite some really nice local restaurants that serve great fresh food. We had lunch at Restaurante Armazém do Sal which is supposedly very expensive, but during the day they had a very affordable lunch menu. The place was packed with locals, but we were the only tourists there.

TIP: If you want to explore the Old Town of Funchal with a local guide and learn more about the city, consider joining this highly-rated Old Funchal walking tour .

Zona Velha Funchal Old Town in Madeira, Portugal

3. Admire the Street Art of Rua da Santa Maria

Rua da Santa Maria was one of our favorite places in Funchal. It’s a perfect example of how a bit of imagination can bring the city to life. This area that has suffered from the flooding is now completely reborn.

A public art program called ‘Arte de Portas Abertas’ (the art of the open doors) has managed to transform an old shabby area of Funchal’s Old Town into a colorful outdoor art gallery. It now displays over 200 works of art, most painted on the doors of the houses of Rua de Santa Maria.

This area was really quiet when we visited Funchal in April and so I consider it one of the hidden gems of Madeira . However, it definitely has the potential to become one of the most popular places to visit in Funchal. Don’t miss it!

Street art - painted doors at Rua da Santa Maria in Funchal Madeira

4. Visit Mercado dos Lavradores – Farmer’s Market

The Mercado dos Lavradores is a flower, fruit, vegetable, and fish market in Funchal. A short visit to this colorful bustling market is a must-do in Funchal!

The impressive building dates from 1940 and the inside space is organized in several different areas (‘Plazas’), connected by passages and staircases.

The market is open daily (except Sundays and Public Holidays), but is busiest on Fridays when you’ll likely see traditionally dressed ‘flower ladies’ selling the most beautiful exotic flowers.

A woman in traditional Madeira folk clothing selling exotic flowers at Mercado dos Lavradores market in Funchal

Beware that the prices at the market are quite high, especially for fruit. On the other hand, you can try fruit you’ve probably never seen before.

We tried several kinds of passion fruit (banana passion fruit was our favorite), a fruit called ‘nespra’, and several others I don’t remember the name of.

We loved this explosion of smells, tastes, and colors and strongly recommend you visit this farmer’s market when in Funchal. Cover your nose and take a peek at the fish market section as well!

Exotic fruit for sale at Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal (Madeira, Portugal)

5. Enjoy the Views from Monte Cable Car

Visiting Monte has been probably the most popular Funchal attraction for many decades. At the beginning of the 20th century, tourists could reach the mountain by steam train. Nowadays, you can make the same journey and enjoy the scenery from Monte Cable Car (Teleférico do Funchal).

The ride from Funchal old town to Monte takes 15-20 minutes one way, giving you plenty of time to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. It covers a long distance (over 3,2km (2 miles)) and makes an impressive ascent of 580 m (1,902 ft).

Once in Monte, you have several options. If you have at least half a day, you can visit all of the places mentioned here, otherwise, you’ll have to choose. A popular option is to take the second cable car and visit the Botanical Gardens of Madeira. Alternatively, just next to the cable car station, you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

A bit further down the road, you’ll find the church of Our Lady of Monte. From there you can take a wicker toboggan sled down the mountain. You can read about all these points of interest below.

Even if you don’t visit any of the gardens, Monte cable car is a must-do in Funchal – the views are spectacular!

Practical information: Cable car operates daily from 9 AM to 5.45 PM (hours might differ in high season). You can get tickets for a one-way ride only and also combination tickets with a cable car to Madeira Botanical Garden. For up-to-date practical information, please consult the official website . Normally, you can just get the tickets on the spot as well.

Stunning view from Monte Cable Car in Funchal, Madeira

6. Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is another amazing garden you can visit in Funchal. Since it’s located just next to the upper station of Monte cable car, it’s probably the most visited garden in Funchal.

Featuring over 100,000 plant species with a separate section devoted solely to Madeira’s flora, it’s a garden that is well worth a few hours of your time. If you visit just one garden in Funchal, make it the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located at the Quinta Monte Palace – a beautiful mansion that in combination with a pond, a little waterfall, and various little structures makes it look like the gardens of some fairytale castle.

Practical information: The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is open daily from 9.30 AM to 6 PM.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal Madeira

7. Visit Madeira Botanical Garden

Madeira is an island of flowers and Funchal is the city of gardens. Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) . This is the biggest garden with the most varied collection of plants from all over the world.

The estate where the Botanical Garden is located dates from 1880 and used to be privately owned. What a garden for one family!

The Botanical Gardens are located high on the hill above Funchal with amazing views as an added bonus. Inside, you will find a big variety of different style gardens, including French and Japanese gardens. Kids loved the cute little Madeira houses and also a small natural history museum.

Practical information: The Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM and can easily be reached by cable car from Monte (so after you take the above-mentioned Monte cable car to get to the top of the mountain). If you have a car, you can also drive up there, but it’s quite tricky to get to and the parking area isn’t very big.

Madeira Botanical Garden - Jardim Botanico - is one of the most beautiful gardens of Funchal

8. See the Church of Our Lady of Monte

The Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja do Monte) is a little 18th-century church just a few steps away from Monte cable car top station and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. You’ll have to negotiate some very steep stairs, but it’s well worth it. On a clear day, you can see the town of Funchal, the beautiful coastline, and the mountains.

The exterior of the church doesn’t look very special, but the interior is very well decorated with beautiful paintings and statues. Worth visiting is the tomb of Charles I. He was the last emperor of Austria (and of the Habsburg dynasty) and spent the last years of his life in exile in Madeira.

I read somewhere that you can climb the steps to the roof of the church for beautiful views of Funchal, but the church was just closing when we visited, so I cannot confirm if that’s the case.

Igreja do Monte is one of the things you have to see in Funchal

9. Take a Wicker Toboggan Sled Ride

Dating from the end of the 19th century, wickerwork is a very important industry in Madeira. Wicker is used for all kinds of objects like breadbaskets or chairs, but also for the world-famous Madeira wicker baskets.

Wicker basket sled ride down the steep streets of Monte is probably the most unique tourist attraction in Funchal. Toboggans are pushed and steered by two runners wearing traditional white costumes and straw hats and can seat two people (three if one of them is a child).

If you are brave enough to try it, you’re in for a dare-devilish ride and an experience of a lifetime.

Toboggan ride in the traditional wicker basket is an old Madeira tradition. In the past local residents used it as a means of transport to quickly get from the village of Monte high on the mountain to the town of Funchal, by the sea. Don’t ask me how they got their sleds back up to the village in those days; nowadays they load the sleds on a small truck that brings them (and the drivers) back to Monte.

Wicker Toboggan Sled Ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Funchal Madeira

The wicker toboggan sled ride in Funchal is an extremely popular and a really touristy attraction. Reviews from tourists are from ‘boring’ and ‘not worth the money’ to ‘the most thrilling ride’ and ‘experience of a lifetime’… So it’s really up to you to decide if you want to give it a try. One thing is for sure – it’s something truly unique that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Practical information: Toboggan ride starts at The Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja do Monte). You’ll need to take a cable car to Monte first. The 2km long descent takes about 10 minutes and brings you to Livramento, so not all the way back to Funchal.

You’ll either have to take a taxi or a bus, or walk back to the cable car (uphill) or down to the city, which is a really long walk. If I remember well, the ride costs 30 EUR for a sled with 2 people (25 EUR if you go alone), and you can also get a picture taken for 10 EUR. You can get the tickets there on the spot, so there’s no need to book anything in advance.

TIP: If you decide to take this sled ride, make sure you first visit all the points of interest in Monte, so that you don’t have to walk back up the hill afterwards.

Some organized excursions of Madeira island also come to Monte and offer the wicker toboggan experience as part of the tour. This is one of the best options – a 4-hour tour that visits the Nuns Valley, Monte, and includes a sleigh ride.

Wicker toboggan sled drivers waiting for tourists in Monte, Funchal Madeira

10. Taste Madeira Wine

No trip to Madeira would be complete without tasting some of Madeira’s famous sweet wine. There are several wine museums and cellars in Funchal, but the one that is most worth a visit is The Old Blandy Wine Lodge .

Located in the oldest area of Funchal, Blandy’s Wine Lodge is a place where you can not only learn about the making of the Madeira wine but also taste the various styles of Vinho Madeira. They have been making Madeira wine for over 200 years, so even if you have no interest in the wine itself, this place is well worth a visit.

TIP: Join the food and wine walking tour of Funchal . It’s a great way to explore the city and get to taste some traditional local food and drinks of Madeira.

Madeira wine house Blandy's is one of the oldest wineries in Funchal

11. Relax at Funchal Waterfront

Funchal has a beautiful waterfront area . It’s the place where cruise ships dock, boat trips depart, and it was also our first introduction to the city as we parked the car at the big parking garage nearby.

The waterfront area has been recently redone and features a new leisure area called Praca do Povo . It’s a wonderful place to stroll around, watch the boats, and just relax after a busy day of sightseeing. There is a small park and even a bathing area, right in the heart of Funchal.

We loved just hanging around here. It’s a big wide promenade with lots of space for kids to run and nice areas for the adults to relax. There are several places where you can get a cup of coffee or lunch and it’s literally just a few minutes walk to Funchal Old Town.

Funchal city as seen from the water- Madeira, Portugal

***All the places mentioned above are the ones that are most worth a visit in Funchal. Below you can find a small selection of other things to do in Funchal if you have more time.

12. Take Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Funchal Hop-on Hop-off bus is a great way to see the main attractions just outside Funchal city center.

You can book a 48-hr ticket, but if you have more time in Funchal, consider a 5-day option which costs just a tiny bit more and makes it possible to easily visit the picturesque village of Câmara de Lobos and the cliffs of Cabo Girão.

Here you can find more information and book your tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus .

Camara de Lobos fishermen's village in Madeira, Portugal

13. Afternoon Tea at The Reid’s

Dating from 1890, Belmond Reid’s Palace is one of the most famous hotels in the world with past guests like Sisi (Austrian Empress), Winston Churchill, and Roger Moore to name just a few.

Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can go there for afternoon tea and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views and superb service of a bygone era. It’s something special to do in Funchal and an affordable luxury experience, but you better book it in advance.

TIP: If you are looking for a really nice hotel to stay in Madeira, Belmond Reid’s Palace is one of the top luxury resorts with fantastic guest reviews. You can check the prices/availability for this hotel here .

Belmond Reid's Palace Hotel in Funchal, Madeira Portugal

14. Madeira Story Centre

Madeira Story Centre is a modern museum showing the complete history of Madeira. From its volcanic origins to the history of Portuguese explorers and pirates, to the development of tourism and the most recent history of the island.

Practical information: This museum is located just next to the bottom station of the Monte cable car. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. See their website for more info.

15. Jesuits’ College of Funchal

Considered one of the most remarkable buildings of Madeira, the 16th-century Jesuit College of Funchal is also worth a short visit. Part of the buildings now house the University of Funchal.

The college has a wonderful interior with amazing sculptures and paintings and can be visited from Monday to Saturday. For just 1 EUR you can climb the tower and enjoy the views of Funchal.

Rumour has it that the student café has good coffee with delicious custard cakes (pastel de nata) at very low prices.

Jesuit College of Funchal, Madeira Portugal

16. Madeira Film Experience

Madeira Film Experience is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a film that covers the 600 years of the history and culture of the island.

Practical information: The film takes just 30 minutes and is available in several languages. More information on their website .

17. Visit CR7 Museum

CR7 is a museum dedicated to Madeira’s most famous football player – Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a living legend here and even Madeira’s airport has recently been named after him.

I wouldn’t say that this museum is a must-see in Funchal, but if you are a huge fan and have half an hour to spare, you may want to take a look inside. The museum is not so much about Ronaldo as a person, but rather focused on his achievements. It’s full of memorabilia, trophies, medals & life-size statues of Madeira’s all-time best football player.

If you just want to take a picture with the statue of your hero, you can do that outside as well – no need to go inside the museum just for that.

Practical information: CR7 museum is located at the waterfront. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

CR7 museum is one of the newest museums you can visit in Funchal Madeira

18. Santa Clara Monastery

Convento de Santa Clara is a 15th-century working monastery just a bit up a steep hill from the center of Funchal.

The convent is open just a few hours a day (10-12, and not on Sundays). For just 2 EUR you get a guided tour by one of the nuns. We didn’t get here on time, but the reviews online are really positive. People say it’s a true hidden gem of Funchal, well worth a visit.

19. Quinta das Cruzes

Museu Quinta das Cruzes, as well as the gardens, are nice to see if you are looking for more nice things to do in Funchal. The house has a collection of 17-18th century furniture and household items giving you a good idea of how wealthy people lived in Madeira several hundred years ago.

The adjacent gardens can be visited free of charge. They have a strange archeological collection of old gravestones, crosses, gargoyles and other finds coming from old churches and palaces from all over Madeira.

20. Palheiro Gardens

Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro is an English-style park a bit outside the city. Featuring over 3,000 plant species and traversed by avenues planted with camellias and exotic trees, it’s a wonderful garden to visit in Funchal.

These gardens are quite hard to get to without a car and would probably take you at least half a day to visit. So it’s not something I recommend if you have limited time. However, if you are in Madeira for a week or two, you should certainly consider going here.

Practical information: Open daily from 9 AM to 5.30 PM.

21. Venture Outside the City

In addition to Funchal attractions, I really recommend that you also visit the earlier-mentioned fishermen’s village of Câmara de Lobos and the cliffs of Cabo Girão. Both these places are very close to the city (see the hop-on-hop-off bus section above) and are really simple to visit.

If you have a few hours to spare in Funchal, I can also recommend a whale-watching trip – Madeira is a great place to see whales and dolphins.

LEARN MORE: Whale Watching in Madeira

TIP: If you don’t have a car in Madeira, I also suggest these two highly-rated and very popular organized day trips from Funchal: Best of the West of Madeira island and Madeira East Island Tour . These tours are an excellent introduction to Madeira for first-time visitors.

You can see dolphins really close to the coast in Madeira

So, this is our selection of the best things to do in Funchal . There are, of course, many other places of interest that are worth a visit in the city.

However, remember that Madeira is much more than Funchal! So what you choose to see and do in Funchal, will highly depend on how much time you have on the island.

If you are looking for more ideas on what to see and do in Madeira, make sure to check our guides to the best hikes of Madeira and the hidden gems of Madeira .

READ ALSO: Best Places to See & Things to Do in Madeira

Where to Stay in Funchal

There are lots of nice hotels in and around Funchal. Depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for, you can choose from amazing seaside resorts to more simple hotels in the town center.

Here are some of the best-rated resorts in Funchal for all budgets:

€€€€€€ Reid’s Palace
€€€€€ Savoy Palace
€€ € € Hotel Porto Mare – PortoBay
€€€ NEXT – by Savoy Signature
€€ Florasol Residence Hotel

Using the map below, you can also compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Funchal . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

If Madeira is part of a bigger trip to Portugal, you may want to check out our Portugal bucket list for more inspiration on where to go.

In addition, on our blog, you can find tons of guides and itineraries for a wide variety of other destinations in the country. You can find a complete selection of articles in our Portugal Travel Guide .

More tips for your trip to Portugal:

Best Towns in Portugal
Top Lisbon Sights & Attractions
Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon to Porto
One Day in Lisbon
Portugal with Kids
Top Places to See in Algarve
Algarve Itinerary
Best Beaches in Algarve
Algarve Travel Tips
Where to Stay in Algarve
Benagil Cave
What to See & Do in Lagos
What to See & Do in Tavira
What It’s Like to Visit Portugal in April

Travel inspiration for the Azores:

Best Things to Do in Sao Miguel
What to See & Do in Ponta Delgada
Sete Cidades, Azores
Furnas, Azores
Where to Stay in Sao Miguel

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This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Thank you for this travel guide and suggestions on things to see and do. We are going to Funchal next week and really looking forward to it.

Glad to help, Dipty. Enjoy Madeira!

Maxine Cartz

Saturday 7th of May 2022

Thank you so much for all this fabulous information.

I am visiting Madeira today on a cruise and will certainly use this to structure my day.

Monday 9th of May 2022

Hope you had a great time in Funchal this weekend, Maxine. Enjoy the rest of the cruise and check out our blog for many other destinations. Happy travels!

Sunday 23rd of January 2022

Going with the family in July this year, so taking notes on all you have recommended. Big thank you in advance xx

@Jurga, don’t worry will pack factor 50 xx

Have a great time in Madeira, Jackie! Just be careful with the sun - you can get burned really quickly there in the summer.

Cathy Kimber

Saturday 6th of November 2021

Such a good guide. Going to Funchal soon and will take recommendations from the guide

Monday 8th of November 2021

Glad you found it useful, Cathy. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 17th of March 2021

Looking for a place to retire outside of the U.S. and am seriously considering Madeira. Can you tell me about residential property to purchase, health care options, taxes, etc.? Or, could you recommend where I might find this kind of information?

Monday 22nd of March 2021

Hi Teri, Madeira is a Portuguese island, so you should look for information about Portugal in general - there should be plenty of info online. I'm not sure how easy it is for someone outside the EU to retire in Europe, but everything is possible if you put your mind to it. Unfortunately, I can't help you with any of this. But I would recommend to first travel to Madeira and spend a few months there before starting with any paperwork. It's only when you've lived somewhere for a while that you get a good feeling of how it actually is. It's never the same as simply visiting for a holiday. Good luck!

The Capital: a perfect combination between Nature, Culture and Lifestyle

Located in a bay bathed by the Atlantic Ocean on Madeira's south coast, Funchal is the capital and the archipelago’s tourist, cultural and commercial centre.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market)

Monte Sledges

Culture Passionates

Madeira Cuisine and Wine

Points of interest.

Activities in Funchal

Sea Activities Whale Watching

Nature Activities Canyoning

Sea Activities Swimming

Nature Activities Bike Tour

Sea Activities Diving

Sea Activities Windsurf

Accommodation

Restaurants in Funchal

Funchal Itinerary: How to Spend a Day in Madeira’s Capital

Last Updated March 17, 2024
Portugal , Europe

Located in the waters of the Atlantic 360 miles from the Moroccan coast, the Portuguese autonomous region of Madeira can sometimes feel more like a verdant Central American paradise than a European enclave. Partly this is due to the island’s balmy subtropical climate and partly it is thanks to the island’s volcanic origins; its topography of high, jagged peaks and long, plunging valleys covered in banana plantations and mango groves invoke images of Jurassic Park’s Isla Nublar or – if you need a less fictional example – any of Hawaii’s rugged islands, minus the sandy beaches.

The island’s capital of Funchal, on the other hand, is the closest anywhere on the island comes to evoking mainland Portugal. Its wide boulevards are paved with traditional calçada Portuguesa and its narrow cobbled alleyways of whitewashed facades are packed with bakeries dishing out crispy and creamy pastéis de nata.

Nestled on the island’s sun-drenched south coast and ringed by a belt of precipitous peaks, Funchal is home to almost half of the Madeira’s population and as such, is the region’s cosmopolitan and cultural epicentere. Here elegant design hotels and Michelin star restaurants rub shoulders with centuries-old fortresses, cathedrals, and some of Europe’s finest botanical gardens.

This is a city that buzzes with activity from morning until sundown offering more than enough action for a day trip, if not a long weekend away.

Getting to Madeira

There are direct flights to Madeira from multiple UK airports. Jet2 offer flights to Madeira from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.

Jet2 also have a range of package holidays to Madeira.

Madeira’s airport is located 10 miles east of Funchal and connected by the Aerobus which runs once an hour from the airport to the Lido area (or Hotel Zone) on the west side of Funchal, via the city centre. A one-way ticket costs €5. A taxi to the city centre costs between €25 and €30.

Where to Stay in Funchal

One of Funchal’s newest openings, Hotel Next is the latest offering from the ever-popular Savoy Group’s six luxury hotels that they operate across Madeira. However, the Next offers a twist on stylish and contemporary accommodation, focusing on a younger clientele and taking lessons it learned while opening during the COVID-19 pandemic to implement state of the art, automated features; your entire experience can be operated from a phone app, whether that is setting your room to the ideal temperature before you head back to the hotel, ordering spa treatments and room service, or even activating the ‘do not disturb’ light on the exterior of your suite. Its high-tech credentials and focus on co-working spaces make the hotel ideal for digital nomads and millennials.

However, this doesn’t mean that Hotel next has forgotten the basics. The rooms themselves are stylish and sleek with an updated take on a mid-century modern aesthetic while the hotel is packed with excellent facilities. The poolside Recharge bar and restaurant serves up some of the best food you will find in Funchal – refreshing ceviche and colourful poke bowls of plump tuna steak – all with views out over the ocean, while the rooftop has its own pool and cocktail bar where you will find a DJ pumping out the tunes on a weekend evening.

I was proved with a complementary stay at the Next by Savoy Signature with Jet2Holidays

Getting around Funchal

Madeira’s Capital is anything but flat. With every few hundred metres that it extends beyond its pretty seafront promenade, the Avenida do Mar, it gains more altitude, sprawling outwards into the steep volcanic hillsides that encircle the city like towering amphitheatre terraces. Luckily, most of the main tourist sights are only a short walk from the harbour and the old town, Zona Velha, is easily walkable.

The much visited suburb of Monte, on the other hand, sits 550m above the city but can be reached without straining your legs thanks to the Monte cable car, which transports you there from Jardim do Almirante Reis and provides a panoramic view over the city (9.30am to 6pm, €10 one-way, or €15 return).

A One Day Funchal Itinerary

Funchal rises early, and one of the city’s highlights – the Art Deco and Art Neveau inspired market – springs into life before most tourists have even thought about heading to their daily breakfast buffet. Mercado dos Lavradores, designed by architect Edmundo Tavares and adorned with beautiful azulejos shipped from mainland Portugal, is at its best on Friday and Saturday mornings when the inner courtyard becomes jammed with stalls stacked high with local produce grown on the intriguing terraced fields that occupy Madeira’s steep-sided valleys.

The fruit and vegetables on display are like a living history of Madeira’s mercantile past; the abundant purple passionfruit and pitanga (a small, sweet and sour fruit that resembles a tiny red pumpkin) where both brought over from Brazil while the previously unknown to me custard apple originated in the Andes. Make sure to wander up to the upper section of the market to sample the fruits for yourself, ensuring that you pick up a surprisingly delicious Monstera fruit to sample

Beyond its enormous food harvest, Madeira’s position out in the Atlantic means that fresh fish is a staple come meal time and Mercado dos Lavradores is the place to go to seek out local specialities like tuna and the rather disturbing looking black scabbard fish that resembles a creature from one of Hans Ruedi Giger’s worst nightmares. Even if you don’t intend to buy any fish for yourself, the theatre of the market is worth watching as grizzled, chain-smoking fishmongers slice chunks of bright red tuna with long, intimidating machetes on metal tables.

From the Market, head along Rua Fernão Ornelas and cross Funchal’s central river to reach the city’s beautiful, pedestrianised Cathedral quarter where the purple blooms of jacaranda trees form a colourful canopy over the black and white checkerboard pavements. For those that are particularly taken with the city’s colourful foliage, Jardim de São Francisco, Santa Catarina Park & Jardim Municipal do Funchal offer wonderful displays of trees from Africa and South America and waterways that flow under flamboyant African tulip trees.

There’s plenty to occupy an entire day in downtown Funchal, where the wide, 20th century boulevards and narrow alleyways are jam-packed with picturesque praças – the municipal square with its 18th-century town hall and ornate fountain is particularly beautiful – crumbling forts and elegant old manor houses. Museums appear to be a dime a dozen. While some are best described as esoteric and niche, others are real cultural gems. The Museu de Arte Sacra , sitting beside Praça do Municipio, is the best of the bunch and here you will find priceless masterpieces that were originally acquired by 15th and 16th century merchants as payment from Flemish traders for Madeira’s bountiful sugar shipments.

Museums to Visit in Funchal

If you have longer than a single day to spend in Madeira’s capital and are tired of wandering its picturesque – but hilly – streets, you may want to step inside one of the city’s fantastic museums to gain a deeper insight into Madeira’s history.

It’s hard to spend any amount of time in Madeira without realising that Portugal’s most famous export, the world’s greatest footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo grew up on the outskirts of Funchal. The Island’s airport is named after him, there are multiple bronze statues dotted around the place, and almost everyone you meet will utter his name and regale you with tales of their (often tenuous) connection to him.

Sitting on the Funchal waterfront beside one such statue of Cristiano is the CR7 Museum; a copper-coloured building filled with trinkets and trophies gathered throughout the Ronaldo’s distinguished career. This is a museum that’s strictly for fans as you won’t get a real insight into the man himself, rather it is a glorified trophy room packed with shirts, hat trick balls, and replicas of the dozens of trophies that he has earned through the years.

Where : Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro Nº27 When : Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm

Quinta das Cruzes

Sitting on Funchal Bay and surrounded by an oasis of lush, tropical gardens, this beautiful Madeiran manor house was originally home to João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese captain who discovered Madeira, and now contains an exquisite collection of furniture, sculpture, and decorative pieces gathered together by César Filipe Gomes.

Where : Calçada do Pico, nº1 When : Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5.30pm

Madeira Story Centre

Situated in the heart of Funchal’s old town, the Madeira Story Centre is a modern, interactive museum that narrates the 14 million year-long tale of the island from its Volcanic beginnings to modern-day tourism via sections on Madeira’s discovery development and trading history.

Where : R. Dom Carlos I 27 When : Daily 9am – 7pm

Casa da Luz – Museu de Electricidade

One of the Island’s most niche attractions, the Museu de Electricidade is dedicated to the history of electricity generation on Madeira. Situated in a now-decommissioned power station that remains the headquarters of EEM (the Madeira Electric Company), the museum features interactive exhibits on Madeira’s use of renewable resources as well as a huge hall that is home to the Island’s impressive old diesel generators.

Where : R. Casa da Luz 2 When : Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 12.30pm & 2 – 6pm

Museu de Arte Sacra

Taking pride of place in Funchal’s beautiful Praça do Município, the former 16th-century bishop’s palace now hosts the fabulous Museu de Arte Sacra, home to an enormous collection of religious art, sculptures, and vestments that date from the end of the 15th century to the 19th century and once hung in the island’s once hung in the island’s manor houses and churches.

One of the highlights is the museum’s section of Flemish sculpture, sourced from Mechelen and Antwerp, while the collection of 15th and 16th-century Flemish paintings, aquired by merchant’s in Madeira during the height of the island’s sugar production days, is a must-see.

Where : R. do Bpo. 21 When : Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 12.30pm & 2.30pm – 6pm; Sunday 10am – 1pm

IBTAM Museum

If you spend any amount of time wandering the streets of Funchal, you are bound to witness women sat in doorways outside of their workshops, carefully embroidering fabric in elegant and intricate designs. Madeira’s hand embroidery is thought by many to be the finest of its kind in the world, passed from generation to generation for over 150 years. IBTAM is the organisation that oversees Madeiran embroidery and this charming museum at their headquarters gives visitors an insight into the island’s traditional textile industry.

Where : Rua Visconde de Anadia 44 When : Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 5.30pm

Museu Photographia Vicentes

This well-preserved photographic studio, set up in 1865 by Vicente Gomes da Silva and in operation until 1982 is now home to a wonderful collection of over 800,000 historical images that depict Madeiran island life.

Where : Rua da Carreira 43 When : Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm

While in the city centre, it would be remiss not to stop off at one of Funchal’s best architectural sights. The 16th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (or just plain old Sé Catedral to locals) is one of the few structures that has survived virtually intact since the early colonisation of Madeira and was declared a national monument in 1910. Mostly, the cathedral is famed for its ceiling, thought to be one of the most beautiful in all of Portugal.

Coffee culture is big in Funchal, and I am told by a local tour guide that coffee breaks for workers can often spiral into one or two hour affairs with packed tables spilling out onto every one of the city’s cobbled lanes any time of the day. Just be warned that ordering a coffee here isn’t like at home; asking for a cappuccino, latte, or flat white may get you a few funny looks. In Madeira, the locals order a bica (similar to an Italian espresso but milder), garoto (meaning ‘little boy’, this is a bica with milk), Chino (a slightly larger bica, similar to an americano), or a Chinesa (a larger garato).

If you need a caffeine fix, get it alongside a sweet treat at UauCacau , a chocolate shop founded by master chocolatier Tony Fernandes. They offer over 40 different flavours based on products of the island including banana, mango, passion fruit, pitanga, Poncha or Madeira wine. If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, then seek out Fabrica Santo Antonio . This quaint old shop and factory with its early 20th-century display cases, scales and counters was founded by Francisco Roque Gomes da Silva in 1893. He was inspired by the large English presence on Madeira and decided that he could make a successful business baking cookies for the Brits to eat with their afternoon tea. With that, Madeira’s first biscuit factory was born. Much of the original machinery (imported from England) is still used today, although the factory has since diversified to create jams, marmalades, sweets and traditional bolo de mel (molasses cake).

After getting your fill of gluttonous baked goods, make your way back towards Mercado dos Lavradores and wander west down Rua de Santa Maria into Funchal’s old town, the ‘Zona Velha’. This jumble of terracotta-roofed buildings sandwiched between the market and the impressive, canary-yellow Fortaleza de Santiago was, until fairly recently, a cluster of run-down fishermen’s cottages and merchant’s buildings but of late it transformed itself into a tourist-friendly dining and nightlife hub.

Part of the resurgence is thanks to the Painted Doors Project , a public art project intended to turn the old town into a significant cultural centre and a permanent art gallery, by commissioning local artists to decorate the doors of houses, shops and restaurants along Rua de Santa Maria.

Rua Santa Maria is awash with restaurants, most of them swelling beyond their premises onto the streets outside. While many are best described as mediocre and tourist traps at worst, there are some gems to be found. One such gem is Restaurant Santa Maria , set within a former primary school and dishing up delicious plates of Madeira’s abundant seafood. Although I may have previously described black scabbard fish as ugly, Santa Maria’s versions served with banana and passionfruit sauce or rolled with bacon and shrimp before being drizzled with mango chutney are both exquisite.

black scabbard served with bacon, shrimp and mango chutney in Restaurant Santa Maria, Funchal

To reach the hillside suburb of Monte – a good 4km / 1.5-hour walk uphill from Funchal’s centre – you’re best catching the cable car (€12.50 one-way or €18 return) from its base station in the Almirante Reis Gardens, giving you a panoramic view over the city’s red rooftops as you make your way from the bustling city centre into the verdant slopes, hills and valleys of its outskirts, with the bright blue Atlantic Ocean providing a backdrop for the entire ride.

Monte, sitting 550m above Funchal and surrounded by lush wooded gardens, was once used as a health resort for Europe’s wealthy, who would come to stroll the tranquil streets and make the most of its favourable climate. You will find several “ quintas ” surrounded by tropical gardens, which formerly operated as luxurious hotels served by a train that navigated the slopes from Funchal to Monte between 1893 and 1930.

One such garden is the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens . Set in the grounds of a former hotel that was once the 18th-century private residence of the British Consul Charles Murray, this 70,000m ² houses an huge collection of exotic plants from all over the globe as well as a sprawling Japanese garden and picturesque lake. It was in the late 80s that the land was purchased in the late 1980s local entrepreneur José Berardo and transformed further, adding rockeries, fountains, sculptures and follies. As well as the gardens themselves, there are a few interesting exhibition spaces such as ‘African Passion’ which displays a collection of over 1000 contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures and ‘Mother Nature’s Secrets’, a jaw-dropping display of one of the finest private collections of minerals in the world.

The journey back to Funchal is even more thrilling than the cable car ride to Monte; a heart-stopping trip through the narrow, winding streets on a wicker toboggan. This is thought to be the oldest form of public transportation in the city, used by the wealthy owners of the neighbourhood’s quintas as a rapid way of transporting both goods and people down to Funchal.

The journey back to Funchal is even more thrilling than the cable car ride to Monte; a heart-stopping ride through the narrow, winding streets on a wicker toboggan. This is thought to be the oldest form of public transportation in the city, originating in the mid-19th century when the carts were used by the wealthy owners of the neighbourhood’s quintas as a rapid way of transporting both goods and people down to Funchal. The design of the carts hasn’t changed much over the last 100 years; they’re typically made of eucalyptus wood and wicker branches from the Curral das Freiras before being fitted with an upholstered seat and two wooden runners – malhares – that are greased with tallow to help them glide on the concrete. in perfect conditions, the speeds of the carts can reach up to 30 mph, guided by two drivers dressed in pristine white uniforms and their signature straw hats.

The carts depart from an area beside the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church and it takes around 10 minutes to ride the 2km route down to Livramento, a little below Monte. From there it is a further 15 to 20 minute walk downhill to Funchal or a short bus ride.

Read More : Carreiros do Monte – Riding Funchal’s Toboggan Run

By this point in the day, you have probably earned a stiff drink and there is no better place to start than the island’s emblematic tipple; Madeira wine. Like Portugal’s other famous alcoholic export, Port, Madeira is a fortified wine, dating back centuries when wines were taken on board merchant vessels as victuals and brandy was added to each barrel to improve its keeping qualities during the long sea voyages. Surprisingly, it was found that the heat and humidity of the ship’s cabins dramatically enhanced the wines and it soon grew in popularity worldwide.

barrels of Madeira wine in Blandy's Wine Lodge, Funchal

Occupying a former Franciscan monastery, Adegas de São Francisco, Blandy’s Wine Lodge is probably the best place in Funchal to learn all about Madeiran Wine. The Blandy family’s history of wine production dates back to 1811 when John Blandy, along with his brothers Thomas and George, founded his own business as a wine shipper and general trader. Eventually he purchased this property in Funchal due to it having the perfect layout, shape and structure to create a combination of unique temperature and humidity conditions for ageing Madeira wine.

The company is still run by the 6th and 7th generations of the Blandy family, Michael and Chris Blandy, and a fascinating tour of their wine lodge covers the making of barrels at the Cooperage, the transformation of grapes into Madeira wine, a look at their Brasilian satinwood storage vats and a look of the on-site museum. This is followed by the most important part of the tour; a Madeira wine tasting session. Tours last 45 minutes and cost €11.00 per person.

Come evening time, as cruise ship passengers return to their cosy cabins bound for new destinations, Funchal begins to both empty of crowds and come to life. This is the perfect time to wander the beautiful seafront and take in one of the islands famed sunsets as the mighty Atlantic rolls and swells beneath the orange skies. Make your way past the hulking ocean liners that roll and sway in the city’s harbour towards Forte Sao Jose, a former micronation that more recently became an informal cat sanctuary, and onwards to the Design Centre.

Part exhibition centre featuring work by designer Nini Andrade Silva and part fine dining restaurant, the elegant and fancy Design Centre sits high above the city on top of “Molhe” – the Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição – which was once the home of Gonçalves Zarco, an old Portuguese sea navigator.

By the time the sun has set, the locals have come out to play and the historic old town takes on a livelier atmosphere, particularly along Rua Santa Maria, where tables spill out on to narrow cobbles and revelers gather to sup on beer and cocktails. While I mentioned earlier that Madeira wine is the emblematic drink of the island, the locals tend to favour poncha, a deceptively intoxicating mixture of sugar cane liqueur, honey, orange and lemon juice. This potent concoction can be found in most bars on the island, although the best small, traditional poncha bars can be a little harder to located due to the fact that many are nameless. Even asking for local recommendations can be a little confusing when it comes to this tipple, as everyone has their own favourite bar, but Venda Velha in the heart of old Funchal, comes highly recommended, as does the poncha at Pub Number 2 (suggested by our trusty coach driver) in the hotel zone. Just don’t get it confused with ‘The Pub’ across the street, as I did.

Where to Eat and Drink in Funchal

One thing is for certain, you won’t run out of great places to eat in Funchal. The Madeiran capital is packed with restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to hole in the wall bakeries and small snack bars .

Armazém do Sal

Rustic with lots of character and charm, this old-style wood and stone restaurant is one of Funchal’s real gems. The compact a la carte menu is best described as refined and sophisticated.

Where : R. da Alfândega 135 When : Monday to Saturday 12pm – 3pm & 6.30pm – 11pm

Il Gallo d’Oro

Situated in Porto Bay’s five-star Cliff Bay Hotel, the two-Michelin star Il Gallo d’Oro is one of the island’s most prestigeous dining experiences. Chef Benoît Sinthon offers a 7 to 10-course tasting menu made with the best in local ingredients sourced from the island.

Where : Estrada Monumental 147 When : Tuesday to Saturday 7pm – 10pm

Santa Maria

Located on charismatic Santa Maria Street and set in a former elementary school, Santa Maria is a hostel and eatery offering a modern take on traditional Portuguese gastronomy. A Hostel may not scream great food to most people but Santa Maria’s menu is far from the basic sustenance you will find in most European backpacker boltholes; think freshly made sushi, lagareiro style octopus, and black scabbard with banana and passion fruit sauce.

Where : Rua de Santa Maria 145 When : Daily 12pm – 11pm

Belmond Reid’s Palace

Surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and perched above Funchal Harbour, the luxurious Belmond Reid Hotel has been welcomed guests for 130 years. Its elegant afternoon tea of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade pastries is served by waiters in white suit jackets on the pastel pink, checkerboard floored terrace three times a week and is the ultimate indulgance.

If you want to splash out further, the hotel’s Michelin-starred William Restaurant is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 11pm, although it is recommended that you book in advance.

Where : Estrada Monumental 139 When : Afternoon tea is available Available Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, at 3pm and 4.30pm.

Design Centre

The Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva is situated high above Funchal marina in a building building known locally as “Molhe” – the Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which was once the home of Gonçalves Zarco, an old Portuguese sea navigator.

Nowadays the old fort is home to a store, cafeteria-lounge and permanent exhibition/museum featuring work by Madeiran designer Nini Andrade Silva. The top floor restauraunt is strictly fine dining, with an a la carte menu recreating Madeiran regional cuisine with additional style and flair.

Where : Estrada da Pontinha When : Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 11pm

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Where : Rua da Carreira 108 When : Monday to Friday 9.30am – 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm

Restaurante dos Combatentes

A simple and unpretentious family-run eatery serving traditional Madeiran favourites such as scabbardfish and espetada in a quaint, antique filled dining room.

Where : R. de São Francisco When : Monday to Saturday 11.45am – 3.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm

Three House

Where : Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot 2 When : Daily 5pm – 10pm

Good beer can be hard to come by in Madeira, mainly due to the fact that Coral appear to dominate the taps of most pubs with their mass-produced lager and stout. Luckily, Fugacidade is one of the few bars on the island catering to craft beer lovers, offering a wide range of styles both on keg and in can, albeit limited to breweries based on mainland Portugal.

Where : R. do Conde de Canavial 22 When : Monday to Friday 8am – 12am; Saturday 6pm – 12am

When is the Best time to Visit Funchal?

Madeira is truly a year-round destination where any month of the year is ideal for visiting. You will find that the island is at its busiest in summer when temperatures often sit in the 24-25 ºC region and rarely drop below the mid-teens. Even in winter, you will find the climate is a rather agreeable 18-20 ºC, however, expect rain, showers and storms until mid-February when clear skies become the norm again.

In my opinion, spring is the perfect time to visit Madeira; This is a time of year when much of the island’s diverse flora is in bloom and April & May both bring long, dry days with plenty of sunshine. This is also a time when the annual Festa da Flor (flower festival) takes place, bringing an explosion of colour to Funchal.

It’s worth noting that both flights and accommodation become more expensive towards the end of December due to New Year’s Eve when people flock here to experience Madeira’s extravagant firework display.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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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.

A field of blue flowers the Pride of Madeira

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.

Lower and higher clouds in Madeira caused by microclimate

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.

Spectacular pink sunset in Madeira caused by sand from the Sahara

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.

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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

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.

Tunnels are an important part on Madeira - old and new R101 in the north

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.

Special sign in Madeira - Speed limit plus 10km/h during good weather conditions

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”.

A huge fern tree on higher elevation in Madeira

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

Thick bush and forest along Levada 25 Fontes

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.

The highlight of the 25 Fontes Levada Hike

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.

Trees full of lichens along the levada path

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

Levada dos Cedros covered in moss and ferns.

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.

The waterfall at the beginning-end of Levada dos Cedros

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!

200 m long tunnel on the Levado do Caldeirao Verde Hike

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.

The first waterfall along Levada do Caldeirao Verde

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

Huge fern trees at the beginning of the trail

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.

Levada do Rei steps to reach the water channel

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.

View from the lower Levada Moinho to the higher located Levada Nova

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.

Almost at the end of Levada Nova shortly before the village

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.

The water channel - levada in front of our house

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 water tecnique, getting the fresh water from the Levada to the gardens

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

Waterfall and tunnel at the trail to Caldeirao do Inferno

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

Waterfall plunges down from the cliffs at Vereda do Pesqueiro in Madeira

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.

Miradouro do Fio offers spectacular views to the coast

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”.

Vereda do Pesqueiro trail on cobbled stone, but exposed

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

Garganta Fund - Waterfall in the north of Madeira

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

A man is taking a shower under the waterfall

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.

Car wash under the waterfall Anjos Ponta do Sol on the old R101

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

Waterfall Cascata da Agua D'Alto close to Santana

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.

Bottom and Pool of Waterfall Agua D'Alto

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.

Beginning of Levada and Waterfall Hike Cascata Agua D'Alto

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 exceptional Levada and waterfall hike Agua D'Alto

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.

Pineapple-Banana fruit - Philodendron Plant

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.

Old tunnel from former times on the R101 close to Sao Vicente

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

View to Waterfall from 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.

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A Bronze Statue - Monte Palace Tropical Garden - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

15 Best Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira Right Now

Are you planning to visit Madeira? Chances are you will visit Funchal, Madeira’s capital city and the main port, exploring what it has to offer. I’ve just returned from a fabulous week-long solo trip to Funchal and have put together this guide to help you plan either 24 hours in Funchal or two days or even a longer Funchal itinerary. The guide is packed with all the best things to do in Funchal Madeira , including travel tips that are helpful to know.

Street Art- Old Town Funchal, Madeira - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

I visited Funchal, pronounced “Fuun-chaal” , intending to use it just as a base to do the famous Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike along with exploring the island’s many scenic walking trails, natural pools and other outdoorsy adventures which Madeira is known for.

However, I was left with a warm appreciation for Funchal after having spent many days strolling through the city’s vibrant streets exploring its sights, feasting on the freshest seafood washed down with the richest and sweetest Madeira wine whilst also mingling with locals who were excited to share their fascinating culture and traditions.

Carnival - Funchal Madeira - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

One of the top things Funchal is known for and worth visiting in themselves are its popular festivals held all year round. The city’s festivals celebrate nearly everything from important religious events to some of the island’s famous products such as flowers and Madeira wine as well as music and dance.

Funchal - Carnival - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

I was lucky that my visit coincided with Funchal Carnival/Mardi Gras 2023 which made me fall in love with the city even more. I hope you appreciate Funchal as much as I did.

Let’s dive right in! Here is what to do in Funchal in Madeira

1. Take a Free Walking Tour of Funchal Old Town

Price : Tip Based (Offered in English and Spanish)

Start with a free guided walking tour of Funchal Old Town . I always recommend a walking tour as an introduction to a city as it’s an excellent way to orientate yourself and make exploring alone later on way easier.

Guides will share with you helpful tips which you won’t find in most guides, yes, and even here such as where and what to eat in Funchal and how much it should cost, where to shop for the best souvenirs, the best transport options and so much more.

Funchal Old Town - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Since the walking tours are offered by locals, you’ll get to know the city’s fascinating insights and stories including wide local issues from a local’s perspective.

I took the Free Walking Tours Funchal and learned interesting history about Funchal and Madeira as a whole from its inception as Portugal’s first colony in the early 15th century having been discovered by the Portuguese sailor João Gonçalves Zarco to the present day as an autonomous region. All told in a fun and engaging manner.

Street Art Funcha- 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Since I was visiting Funchal alone, the walking tour also proved to be a nice way to meet and have fun with like-minded travellers.

2. Wander the Old Town of Funchal

The first port of call for most visitors to Funchal if exploring the city without a guide is to go for a wander in its Old Town or historic centre, known locally as Zona Velha .

Funhal Restaurants - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

This is where you’ll find Funchal’s most charming buildings and characterful streets which are home to the city’s famous historical sites and famous landmarks such as the 15th century Sé Cathedral of Funchal , 16th-century Palácio de São Lourenço and The Regional Legislative Assembly .

Funchal City Center - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The Old Town is also home to museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Madeira Story Centre which showcases the city’s history and culture as well as beautiful gardens and parks, all of which are famous features of Funchal like Santa Catarina Park .

A Bar in Funchal Old Town - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Check out the independent shops where you can bag some bargains, wine cellars such as the Old Blandy Wine Lodge which are perfect spots to sample the best of Madeira wines, and restaurants and bars where you can sample typical local cuisine and drinks.

Good to Know

The population of Funchal is just over 100,000, so it’s quite small. It’s a walkable city, especially around where most of its attractions are found. However, you’ll have to be content with steep hills once you start to move away from the city centre. Comfortable shoes and sun protection will come in handy, so prepare well.

Funchal food and drink worth checking out:

Prima Caju Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Prima Caju – One of the best restaurants in Funchal offering vegetarian and vegan breakfast and brunch in a cool place.

Casa do Bolo do Caco - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Casa do Bolo do Caco – Don’t miss trying Bolo do Caco, the flatbread variation made from flour and sweet potato is the most favoured bread in Madeira and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the best bread for delicious sandwiches though I prefer mine laddled with garlic butter.

Taberna Ruel Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Taberna Ruel and Taberna Madeira – Two lovely Funchal restaurants to enjoy traditional Madeira cuisine .

Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha – A tiny bakery on Santa Maria Street serving the most delicious traditional Portuguese and Maderian pastries such as pastel de nata, honey cake and sonhos (Portuguese doughnuts).

Poncha - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Rei da Poncha – the best bar to try Poncha , the most popular and traditional alcoholic drink in Madeira, made with rum, honey and fruits such as lemon and passion fruit.

Old Blandy Wine Lodge Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Old Blandy Wine Lodge – A popular stop for wine lovers and those keen to learn the history and production process of Madeira wine. Take the Blandy Wine Lodge’s highly-reviewed wine walking tour to taste some of the best Madeira wines, tour their cellars and learn about the history of the Blandy family and their role in the production of Madeira wine on the island.

Funchal Cathedral - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

3. Stop by the Sé Cathedral of Funchal

Price : Free

Sé Cathedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção , also The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a Roman Catholic church located right in the centre of Funchal Old Town. This church has stood at its site since the time Funchal was declared the capital of Madeira by Portugal’s King Manuel I during the late 15th century.

The three-nave Gothic-styled church has stood the test of time as it looks as good as new. Its facade is quite unassuming whilst the interior features a stunningly decorated Mudejar-styled wooden ceiling, a sophisticated altarpiece from the early 16th century, countless paintings and wooden craftworks.

Sé Cathedral of Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

This is a church not to miss in Funchal even if you aren’t religious as it’s charming. It’s small, so it will be a brief stop.

4. Marvel at the Street Art on Santa Maria Street

The Street art known as Art of Open Doors or Arte Portas Abertas , found on the doors of the buildings along Santa Maria Street is part of Funchal Municipality’s initiative aimed at revitalising this part of Funchal Old Town which had become notorious and disused.

Beautiful-Street-Art-Santa-Maria - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The project has been hailed as a great success as it has become one of the most popular and unusual things to do in Funchal. Nearly every door on Santa Maria including adjacent streets is adorned with vivid and catchy paintings depicting mostly the lifestyle and cultural practices of the people who previously lived in the neighbourhood.

Street Art - Mermaid Mural - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Both professionals such as the celebrated Madeiran artist Mark Milewski together with amateurs from all over the world have contributed to the project which gives the whole experience authenticity.

Street Art Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Santa Maria Maior , where Santa Maria Street is found, is the oldest neighbourhood in Funchal, so the area has a unique appeal in addition to its fascinating Street Art.

Funchal - Street Art - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Most of the narrow stone streets in the area are in use as outdoor restaurants and bars making it one of the hubs for Funchal nightlife.

Street Art - Art of Open Doors - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

I found it more enjoyable to see the art in Santa Maria early in the day before the area became crowded with restaurant activities. However, don’t miss checking out the area at night as well. It’s a lovely place to hang out, awash with some of the best Funchal restaurants.

5. Explore Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores or the Farmers Market is Funchal’s central market, located in the Old Town and just around the corner from Santa Maria Street. The market is housed in an attractive two-storey building with a beautiful central courtyard. It’s a well-organised market with stalls that are grouped according to their offerings.

Mercado dos Lavradores - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The market is well known for its absolutely beautiful fresh produce which includes a variety of colourful tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Mercado dos Lavradores - Fruits & Vegetables - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The fish market which is separated by a lower floor is a great place to see some fascinating fish species as well as learn about Madeira’s strong seafood culture.

Don’t miss visiting the market if you’re keen to shop for decently-priced local souvenirs or are interested in trying out budget-friendly typical Madeiran food and drinks.

Farmer's Market, Funchal - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

I’m told that Mercado dos Lavradores’ fruit and vegetable prices are inflated for the tourist market, however, I think you should certainly stop by, mainly to get a glimpse of what’s eaten on the island.

6. Take a stroll along Avenida do Mar in Funchal

If you enjoy long strolls by the waterfront, you’ll definitely adore Avenida do Mar . Avenida do Mar is the city’s long promenade which runs along the Marina in Funchal connecting the south and west ends of the city.

Walkway - Funchal Promenade - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The promenade allows easy access to some of Funchal’s top attractions while enjoying the awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and massive ships and cruise liners that dock on the marina every day.

Funchal Waterfront - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

From the promenade, you can also reach Funchal Old Town including the Sé Cathedral through the numerous sidewalks leading to the city centre. Along Avenida do Mar, you’ll also find the historic 16th-century Palácio de São Lourenço and Fort of São Tiago Funchal . Both are the only remains of the old city walls and fortifications.

Fort of São Tiago Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Funchal Cable Car Station which connects Funchal and Monte Village can be found towards the south whilst the famous Cristiano Ronaldo Museum or CR7 Museum is at the west end of the promenade.

The promenade itself has a good balance of great things to do from end to end. Some of the things to enjoy along the promenade are numerous artistic works which include impressive sculptures, decorated gardens, lovely seating arrangements which are perfect for people-watching, food trucks, tuckshops and bars.

Seats-at-Funchals-Waterfront - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The promenade is also a centre for many of Funchal’s festivities such as the famous New Year’s Eve Festival , Carnival and Atlantic Festival Fire Show , so it’s quite a happening place in town.

Food Trucks - Funchal Promenade - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Some of my fond memories of Funchal were taking late-night walks along the promenade. It was one of my favourite things to do in Funchal at night which I highly recommend if this sounds like your kind of fun.

unchal Beach - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

A Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour is a popular day tour in Funchal. Several tours start from Funchal Harbour, so if you’re interested stop by their huts along the promenade to enquire or book ahead online.
Choose to take a Sightseeing Bus Tour from the promenade to get to some of the popular tourist destinations that are difficult to reach on foot in case you’re visiting Funchal without a car. The buses stop at popular tourist attractions outside Funchal such as the famous Monte Village, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Picos dos Barcelo viewing point and Lido Marina (where you can find good public swimming facilities such as Praia Formosa Beach).
Equally, several private car and bike rentals are also available from the shops opposite the promenade in case you wish to explore independently.
Local buses also run close to the promenade. They are a budget-friendly option to get to most of the popular tourist attractions around Funchal.

7. Explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Price : €12.50 Adults

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is an absolutely superb place to visit whilst in Funchal. The garden is set on the hills of Monte Village, located 500m above Funchal city centre.

The garden initially existed as an 18th-century private residence and a hotel in the early 20th century. It opened in the 90s to the public after it was acquired and developed into a tropical garden by a businessman and art collector from the area.

Lake - Monte Palace-Tropical Gardens - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden stretches across 70 00 square metres and is home to various themed gardens which are home to a wide range of both native and beautiful exotic flowers and plants from countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and China.

Bhudda Statue - Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

A labyrinth of beautifully designed walkways opens up to lush green spaces, attractive waterfalls and lakes which are home to exotic birds, stunning sculptures and huts, some with oriental themes and various peaks to enjoy some lovely views of Funchal and beyond.

Oriental Themed Garden-Monte Tropical Garden - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Interestingly, complementing the garden are stunning Portuguese Tile Art from the 15th and 20th centuries, the three-floored Monte Palace Museum which has on show Sculptured Art from Zimbabwe from 1966-69 and a rich collection of minerals from various continents.

Sculptured Art - Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

The Greenhouse Coffee Roaster in the garden is worth a quick stop for coffee and the most delicious vegan cakes in Funchal, so don’t miss it.

How to get to Monte Palace Gardens

Funchal Cable Car is the most popular choice for visitors to navigate from the lower section of Funchal to the upper section, especially to explore Monte Palace Gardens. The cable car is popular probably due to the lovely views of Funchal and the sea which are to be enjoyed during the ride. Its station in Funchal centre is located along Avenida do Mar in the Old Town whilst the station in Monte is just around the corner from the garden’s entrance (Price €18 Return ). The ride takes about 15-20min each way.

Funchal Cable Car - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The botanical garden cable car is a separate cable car route connecting the village of Monte with the Madeira Botanical Garden. It might be the most efficient way to visit the two places especially if you’ve no access to a car. The ride takes 9 min each way and a return ticket costs €15.
Local bus routes 20, 21 and 48 make the journey within 30-40 mins from Avenida do Mar.
Driving or a taxi ride should take you about 20 mins.
Both the Red and Yellow Sightseeing Buses stop in Monte.

8. Explore Monte

Plan to spend some time in Monte where the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located as it’s a pretty little village. Monte village’s landscape is stunningly lush green with a high altitude that affords a gorgeous view of Funchal.

Monte Funchal - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Church of Our Lady of the Mount (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte), the church at the centre of the village, has roots which go back to the 15th century though the current iteration was completed during the 19th century. It’s a small church but it’s full to the brim with attractive altars and religious paintings.

Our Lady of the Mount is said to house the remains of the last Emperor of Austria Charles I who died whilst in exile on the island, so if this interests you, then, don’t miss it.

Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, Madeira - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The views from the church are just incredible, however, you’ll need to negotiate over 50 steep steps, so this might not suit you if your mobility is limited.

Around the corner from Our Lady of the Mount, you can take a ride on the famous traditional Monte Toboggan Ride for some fast-moving fun. The toboggans are entirely made from wicker baskets and slide down 2km aided by two skilled drivers or “Carreiros”

Monte Toboggan Ride - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

It’s fascinating to know that at some point in history, the taboggans were the locals’ only mode of transport to navigate Funchal’s steep streets.

Prepare to wait in line if you plan to take the Toboggan Ride. It’s a popular tourist activity in Funchal (Price from €25 for a Single).

9. Explore Madeira Botanical Garden

Price: €6 Adults (Discounts for Children)

If you’re someone who loves plants or is fascinated by gardens, then, you’re in for a treat as Madeira Botanical Garden is another excellent botanical garden in Funchal that you’ll love.

Lake-Madeira-Botanical-Garden - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Similar to Monte Palace Gardens, the Madeira Botanical Gardens initially existed as a private estate. It opened in 1960 to the public after government acquisition and it’s now one of the must-see places on the island.

Flowers - Madeira Botanical Garden - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

The garden has on display a rich collection of indigenous and exotic plant species some of which are endemic to Madeira and also from all around the world. The plants are grouped according to their similarities which include, medicinal, edible, Madeiran native, desert plants and much more.

Nicely manicured walkways in the garden open up to a series of scenic lookouts, a lake with numerous turtles and a charming traditional Madeiran farmhouse.

Madeira Botanical Garden - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The gardens are a perfect place to unwind and relax whilst taking in some inspiration for your own gardening adventures back home.

Exotic Flowers - Madeira Botanical Garden - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

I thought the cactus collection was really impressive. I also liked the idea that all the plants in the garden were clearly named and easy to read, so the visit was like a mini botany class.

How to Get to the Madeira Botanical Garden

Car/Taxi – The garden is located on the outskirts of Funchal, about an 8 min drive. Free parking is widely available in a parking lot close to the garden.
Local Bus , route 31 , leaves from Funchal Centrum and takes about 20 minutes.
Botanical Garden Cable Car leaves from Monte a nd takes 15-20 mins (€15 return ticket) .

10. Relax at Santa Catarina Park

Price: Free

Santa Catarina Park is one of Funchal’s largest public parks, conveniently located on a slight hill at the western end of the main street in the city.

Santa Catarina Park - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

This is one of the best free things to do in Funchal which is also a great alternative to the popular Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and Madeira Botanical Gardens which are both difficult to navigate if you’ve limited mobility or travelling on a tight itinerary.

Funchal Madeira Things to Do - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

You can enjoy wonderfully manicured grounds, gardens of varying themes including cactus, Japanese and rose gardens, a large lake which is home to several water birds and plenty of seating which is perfectly positioned to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Sea which the park overlooks.

Vintage Car - Santa Catarina Park, 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Santa Catarina comes with a good selection of good facilities which include a small, but highly reviewed children’s playground, food trucks as well as cafes with incredible views.

11. Stop by Madeira Story Center

Price: €5 Adults, €3 Children

The Madeira Story Center is located in the Old Town in a historic building which was once a sugar cane factory. It’s a good place to visit to get to know the history and culture of Madeira.

The museum’s permanent exhibition focuses on the geography of the island, its history as a colony and the effects of immigration on the island. The exhibition aims to be interactive by presenting the information through audio guides, digital displays, video projections and various other media techniques.

It’s a small museum, but if you’ve got kids with you or you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely appreciate a visit to the Madeira Story Center. It’s also one of the best things to do in Funchal when it rains!

12. Check the CR7 Museum

Visiting the CR7 Museum (Christiano Ronaldo Museum) is a top must-do thing in Fuchal for fans of the soccer superstar. The museum is devoted to the life and career achievements of Ronaldo who was born in Funchal’s São Pedro neighbourhood.

CR7 Museum - Funchal Madeira Things to Do

On display are trophies, medals, awards and jerseys Christiano Ronaldo has amassed throughout his career. Digital exhibits in the museum offer some interesting insights into the life and career of this famous soccer star.

Chrisitiano Ronaldo Museum - CR7 Museum - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The CR7 Museum is located at the harbour close to the cruise liner docks. It’s hard to miss as an imposing bronze statue of the soccer star graces the museum’s front.

13. Visit Santa Clara Convent

The Santa Clara Convent is one of the most important buildings in Funchal with a history that goes back to the 15th century. The convent is surrounded by a beautiful garden with exotic flowers and trees.

The convent runs an exhibition which features religious paintings, sculptures and valuable artefacts.

Cloister - Santa Clara Convent - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

Santa Clara Convent guided tours are quite popular as they offer interesting perspectives on the history and culture of Madeira.

NB – Santa Clara Convent is currently closed for renovations but is due to open in 2023, so check before you visit.

14. See the Sunrise from Pico do Ariero

Heading to Pico do Ariero to experience Madeira’s stunning sunrise or sunset is one of the most awesome things to do in Funchal which you shouldn’t miss.

Pico do Ariero is the third-highest peak in Madeira, so it affords gorgeous views as the sun rises or sets whilst lighting up in fascinating colours above the high and impressive Central Mountain Range of Madeira.

Sunrise Pico do Arieiro - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

How to Get to Pico do Ariero from Funchal

There are a few options to get to Pico do Ariero from Funchal. I visited Madeira with a rental car which made getting to Pico do Ariero super easy though the drive was steep and narrow in some areas, requiring extra caution.

Pico Transfers offers a reasonably priced pick-up and drop-off service around Funchal, so it’s worth checking out if you’ve no access to a private car.
Taxis are also ideal and reasonable but prior booking through the Bolt App is recommended.

NB – These transport options are also relevant if you plan to do the popular Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike . Pico do Arieiro stands at 1,818m, so prepare well for harsh weather regardless of whether you are visiting just for the sunrise/sunset or intend to do some hiking.

See the accurate Madeira Funchal Weather forecast.

15. taka a day trip to porto santo island.

It’s fair to say that Funchal beaches are nothing to brag about, however, if your stay is long and eager to spend a day at a sandy beach surrounded by beautiful landscape, consider taking a day trip from Funchal to Porto Santo Island . It’s also a perfect holiday destination, especially during the summer, so it’s also ideal for a longer visit.

Porto Santo Beach - 15 Best Things to Do in Funchal Right Now

The island is located 40km northeast of Madeira Island. It’s famously known for having long peaceful stretches of sandy beaches, clear waters which are perfect for a wide variety of water sports as well as a stunning landscape ideal for many adventures in nature.

Porto Santo Line ferry service offers the most affordable way to get to Porto Santo though it takes over 2 hours from Funchal Port. Several flights from Funchal Airport in Santa Cruz are also available (25 mins duration) as well as from Lisbon Airport (1hr 45mins).

See Port Santo Holidays

Funchal FAQ’s

What is the best time to visit madeira and funchal .

Madeira’s climate is classified as sub-tropical which means the island experiences sunny summers (June-Sept) and mild temperatures throughout the winter months (Dec-Feb) with some high levels of rain.

Different locations on the island tend to experience varied climates. However, the island’s southern coast where Funchal is located is privileged with some of the best weather on the island making it one of Madeira’s best all-year-round destinations.

How to Get Around Funchal?

As mentioned previously, it’s possible to get around Funchal Old Town on foot where most of the historical sites are located. However, other areas outside the centre tend to be hilly and steep which can be strenuous even for the fittest person.

While car hire isn’t necessary to explore Funchal centre, I’d highly recommend it if you plan to visit sights around Funchal’s outskirts and explore the island at length. Ribeira Brava , Camara de Lobos and Porto Moniz are other lovely places worth checking out when in Madeira.

Car hire companies are widely available at Funchal Madeira Airport. Rentalcars.com is a great platform for finding reasonably priced car hire options in Madeira.

What are the best places to stay in Funchal Portugal?

Choosing where to stay in Funchal depends on your budget, what you intend to focus on whilst in Funchal as well as the length of your stay. The Old Town area is ideal for short breaks and if you wish to explore Funchal’s historic sites and surrounding gardens. It’s also a great choice to use as a base to explore the rest of the island especially if you’ve access to a car.

The areas along the coast such as São Martinho are packed with hotels, resorts and apartments. They’re ideal for a longer stay and if you wish to be close to the beach and sea views.

Airbnb Funchal and Booking.com are great resources for finding Funchal hotels, hostels, and self-catering holiday homes and apartments for all budgets.

The Views Monumental , located on Estrada Monumental, Savoy Palace Funchal , The Cliff Bay Hotel , Reids Palace and Quinta Jardins do Lago in São Pedro are some of the highly-rated Funchal hotels on Booking.com worth giving a quick look.

If you’re travelling alone, 29 Madeira Hostel , Hostel Santa Maria and Jaca Hostel Funchal are also great and budget-friendly options available on Booking.com which are conveniently located in the Old Town Funchal.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Funchal!

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Reader Interactions

November 26, 2023 at 9:36 am

Lovely review thanks .

November 26, 2023 at 7:52 pm

Thanks Pete

January 3, 2024 at 2:03 pm

Herzlichen Dank für die ausführlichen Informationen. Hoffe ,dass meine 7 Tage Aufenthalt reichen ,um alles zu erkunden. LG Kirsten

January 31, 2024 at 11:40 pm

Thanks Kirsten for the feedback. I hope you had a lovely time in Madeira!

April 5, 2024 at 2:36 pm

The Madeira Story Center is definitely worth a visit. But it is not free. Cost is 5 euros for adults and 3 for children.

April 9, 2024 at 10:07 pm

Thanks Helene for the feedback and I’ve updated the prices.

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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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I visited the island that's been called the 'Hawaii of Europe.' Here's why it's a must-see hidden gem.

I visited Madeira, Portugal, which is often referred to as the " Hawaii of Europe."
Madeira offers a mild climate all year, rugged coastlines, and a bustling city center.
I recommend checking out places like Monte Palace and the Cabo Girão skywalk.

When I visited Madeira, Portugal , I found an island paradise brimming with natural wonders and cultural opportunities.

From outdoor adventures to trips to the enchanting Funchal city center, this Portuguese hidden gem has sparked comparisons to Hawaii due to the island's striking volcanic features, black-sand beaches, and towering peaks.

Madeira is the perfect blend of a tropical and European vacation, coupled with its yearlong mild climate, rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls, and verdant cliffs.

With visitation at an all-time high , there's never been a better time to explore Portugal. Here are seven things you have to do while in Madeira.

Get a taste of outdoor adventure while hiking.

The view from the Pico do Arieiro mountaintop left me speechless.

You can truly appreciate Madeira's diverse landscapes from up there: jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you.

I opted for a car ride to the top, but if you plan to hike, I recommend heading to the Vereda dos Balcões trail or the challenging but rewarding Levada do Caldeirão Verde.

When you need a break from hiking, catch a ride on the Funchal cable cars.

Located in the city center, the Funchal cable cars offer spectacular views as they ascend from Funchal to the charming village of Monte. It's perfect if you're traveling with family, including kids or elders.

Once in Monte, you can visit one of the island's main attractions, Monte Palace.

Monte Palace is the best botanical garden I’ve ever been to.

Monte Palace houses a huge collection of exotic plants from all over the world. The tropical gardens are also home to gorgeous birds like swans, flamingos, peacocks, and chickens.

From its beautiful gardens to its collection of ceramic tiles and precious gemstones, this place feels like a hidden oasis in the midst of the city.

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, check out the Cabo Girão skywalk.

If there's something I love as much as the outdoors, it's a unique experience . So when I heard of Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe , I knew I had to visit.

The top of the cliff features a unique glass-floored skywalk suspended over 1,900 feet above sea level. When standing on the glass, I got unmatched views of Madeira's rugged coastline and the crashing waves underneath.

When in Madeira, skip the beer and stick to its famous wine.

In addition to being the name of the name of the island, Madeira is also a type of fortified wine. Needless to say, you can't leave without visiting a vineyard to learn more about the island's winemaking heritage.

I highly recommend booking a guided tour with a tasting to see the grapes firsthand and gain insights into the intricate aging process that gives these wines unique flavors.

Take a trip to the local market.

Whenever I visit a new city or country, I like to stop at the local farmers market . In Madeira, I visited the Mercado dos Lavradores, which is located in the heart of Funchal.

It was a great opportunity to sample local delicacies while buying souvenirs from local craftsmen.

For a glimpse into everyday life, don’t skip a visit to the Camara da Lobos fishing village.

Away from the city center and less frequented by tourists , the picturesque fishing village of Camara da Lobos offers a slice of authentic island life.

Grab a poncha, a local Madeira cocktail, and admire the dozens of art murals that surround the community, all while enjoying the colorful harbor and fishermen unloading their catch of the day.

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Madeira Weather In May 2024

Madeira Weather In May 2024 . 14 hours of daylight per day. Here you can find all information about the weather in madeira in may:

Hourly week 10 days 14 days 30 days year. Best time to go to madeira.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025.

Planning a trip comes with its own set of challenges, and one tricky part is trying to predict the weather.

The Weather In Funchal In The Month Of May.

Hourly week 10 days 14 days 30 days year.

Average Weather, Temperature And Climate, Where To Go?

Images references :, 6 days with some rainfall..

What is the weather like in madeira in may?

You Can Expect Pleasant Maximum Daytime.

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TOP 10 places to visit Madeira. What to see, do and visit?
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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Funchal
The 12 best places to visit in Funchal
The 12 best places to visit in Funchal
Five reasons to visit Funchal

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COMMENTS

When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira? A Local's Guide
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The best time to visit Funchal is from August to December which is the driest time of the year. The temperatures remain warm over most of this period and the sea is delightfully swimmable. Funchal has relatively consistent temperatures and it's a great year-round destination. However, the warmest period is between July and October.
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The best time of year to visit Madeira is between July and September, when the weather is at its warmest and driest. This weather is warm but not incredibly hot as with much of southern Europe, reaching a maximum of 26C in August (as compared to 31C for Rome or 32C for Madrid). As this is the peak season the island will be busy with tourists ...
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The best time to go to Madeira may well be the spring. During March, April and May and especially towards the end of the season you're looking at shorts and T-shirt weather, though there is the risk of heavy rain now and again. The foliage you will pass while walking is especially vivid in spring. You'll also see plenty of colour in Funchal ...
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Best time to go to Funchal. Funchal is year round a great destination to visit. The average annual temperature for Funchal is 21°C with hot summers and mild winters. It is dry 236 days a year with about the same amount of days sunshine. ... More Madeira travel inspiration. I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the best things to do in ...
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The best time to visit Funchal depends on what you are looking for during your stay. If you are wondering when to go to Funchal to enjoy the best weather, know that the city enjoys pleasant climate all year round. However, the period from June to October is particularly ideal to enjoy mild temperatures and generally clear skies.. The high tourist season, which runs from July to October, offers ...
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What is the best month to go to 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).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira?
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 ...
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Winter (December through February) Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Funchal 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.
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These are the best things to do in Funchal, Madeira: 1. Visit Funchal Cathedral - Sé. Located in the city center, The Cathedral of Funchal (Sé) is one of the main historic landmarks of Funchal. Built in the beginning of the 16th century, at the peak of the Portuguese explorers' era, Funchal Cathedral is a symbol of power and prosperity.
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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.
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Monte Toboggan Ride. It's fascinating to know that at some point in history, the taboggans were the locals' only mode of transport to navigate Funchal's steep streets. Prepare to wait in line if you plan to take the Toboggan Ride. It's a popular tourist activity in Funchal (Price from €25 for a Single). 9.
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In the last years between November and February there have been frequent storms and even snowfalls, so we do not recommend winter as the best time to travel on the island. From mid- October the wetter season in Madeira starts statistically, causing increased precipitation until the end of March. We therefore recommend May to mid-October as the ...
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For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Funchal is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors. The hottest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum of 27 C and an average low of 21 C.
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In Madeira, I visited the Mercado dos Lavradores, which is located in the heart of Funchal. It was a great opportunity to sample local delicacies while buying souvenirs from local craftsmen.
Portugal's Madeira Island Is Going Glam—Thanks To This New ...
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 ...
Madeira Weather In May 2024
Madeira island weather info, with satellite images, forecasts, annual climate and funchal live weather cam. Source: portugalgetaways.com. What's the Weather Like In Madeira Island?, Best time to go to madeira. Sun, apr 21, 2024 36 min ago utc 19:30. Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk