Tenerife or Madeira? A Traveler’s Guide to Two Paradise Islands

Tenerife and Madeira both have breathtaking landscapes, spectacular trails to hike, rich cultural experiences, and incredible adventure activities. Though they are part of Spain and Portugal respectively, they are closer to Africa, and both enjoy a sub-tropical climate. Both islands are jewels of the Atlantic, each with its own distinct charm, making the choice between them a delightful challenge. In this guide, we’ll delve into what makes each island unique, helping you decide whether Tenerife or Madeira is your next dream destination.

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Landscapes

Tenerife Landscapes

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a land of contrasts. Teide National Park sits in the center of the island, and includes Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest peak. The Park’s dramatic lunar landscape feels like stepping onto another planet. We were amazed by the varied colors of the lava flows, which adds to the mystique. The island has a variety of microclimates. As a result, the contrast between the landscape in Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park is dramatic. The island’s coastline alternates between rocky and golden and black volcanic sand beaches, providing stunning settings for sunbathers and surfers alike.

Madeira Landscapes

Madeira, often referred to as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is a lush, green paradise throughout the year. It has dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. Beautiful hiking trails hug the coastline and levadas (irrigation channels) criss cross the interior of the island, making for beautiful walking trails. Unlike Tenerife, Madeira’s beaches tend to be rocky, and many swimmers enjoy the natural pools instead.

Climate

Tenerife Climate

Tenerife enjoys a mild, subtropical climate year-round, courtesy of the northeasterly trade winds. There are eleven microclimates on the island. The south of the island is warmer and sunnier, making it a favorite for beach-goers, while the north is cooler and more verdant, perfect for those seeking a retreat into nature. The unique climate zones of Tenerife mean that you can enjoy a morning hike in the cool, misty forests of Anaga and relax on a beach in the afternoon sun in Costa Adeje.

Madeira Climate

Similar to Tenerife, Madeira has a subtropical climate, though with only 4 microclimates across the island. The temperature is consistently pleasant, with warmer weather from May to October and mild winters. Rain is more frequent in the north and at higher altitudes, which contributes to the island’s vibrant landscapes. This evergreen environment makes Madeira an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of the season.

Beaches and Natural Pools

Tenerife Beaches and Natural Pools

Tenerife’s beaches are incredibly diverse. In the south, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are bustling with activity, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Playa de las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, is well know for its protected beach, with sand imported from West Sahara. For those in search of something different, the black sand beaches like Playa Jardín, Playa de los Guios, and Playa Benijo provide a stunning contrast against the rocky shores and cliffs.

Tenerife is also famous for its natural pools formed by volcanic lava, offering a unique swimming experience in the midst of rugged beauty. We visited the Piscina Natural Acantilado in Los Gigantes numerous times to enjoy the views of the well known cliffs at sunset.

Tenerife is slightly warmer than Madeira. If you are looking for a place to swim in January or February, Tenerife is the better choice. The water is still cool, but we found it swimmable in winter.

Madeira Beaches and Natural Pools

Madeira, on the other hand, is renowned for its dramatic coastline and does not boast the sandy beaches found on Tenerife. For beach enthusiasts, the island of Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago, is just a short ferry ride away and features a stunning 9 km long golden sand beach. Don’t forget to bring your water shoes if you’d like to enjoy the rocky beaches on the main island of Madeira.

Madeira offers a series of spectacular natural swimming pools, carved out of lava rocks, with the most famous being the pools at Porto Moniz, one of the many great places to stay in Madeira. These natural pools provide safe and sheltered swimming spots, filled with crystal-clear sea water, and are surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

January and February in Madeira are the coolest months. Though we tried the natural pools during a recent January trip to Madeira, it was a bit too cold to stay in too long. It was great for hiking and exploring the island though, with just an occasional rain shower.

Cultural Experiences

Tenerife Cultural Experiences

Tenerife dazzles not just with its natural beauty but also through its vibrant cultural scene. The island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is a hub for traditional and contemporary art, music and operas, and festivals. The most famous of these is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the world’s largest carnival celebrations, usually held in February each year. You can find more details on Santa Cruz activities in our post on Where to Stay in Tenerife.

Madeira Cultural Experiences

Madeira offers a more laid-back cultural vibe, with its traditional markets, charming fishing villages, and the famous Madeira wine. The island’s rich history is evident in its historic buildings, museums, and gardens, like the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Madeira Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss a visit to Santana, to see the typical A-Frame houses and explore Madeira’s culture and traditions. One of the largest festivals in Madeira is the Flower Festival, typically held in May each year. It has large parades, intricate flower carpets, and the Wall of Hope. You can find more information on Madeira’s festivals in our post on Best Time to Visit Madeira Portugal.

Adventures and Activities

Tenerife Adventures and Activities

Tenerife is a terrific destination for adventure seekers. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Tenerife offers activities like:

• Hiking in Teide National Park, Anaga Rural Park, and more. Our favorite hike on the island is the one to El Agujere;
• Biking: Tenerife is known for its road biking, with epic climbs in the hills of Tenerife. We also enjoyed a more leisurely bike tour, which we reviewed here;
• Golfing in Tenerife is excellent, especially on the south side;
• Boating and whale/dolphin watching tours;
• Snorkeling and scuba diving in a unique volcanic landscape;
• Sailing, kayaking, and SUP tours;
• All-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours;
• Wine tasting.

Madeira Adventures and Activities

Madeira, with its unique topography, is renowned for its levada walks, offering over 2,000 km of trails that cater to all levels of hikers. The rugged coastline is also an excellent spot for hiking and coasteering. The sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is spectacular. Beyond these hikes, some of Madeira’s top things to do are:

• Dolphin and whale watching tours;
• Windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking;
• Surf and SUP lessons;
• Funchal city basket ride;
• Canyoning tours;
• Mountain biking;
• Jeep and 4×4 tours;
• Funchal toboggan tour;
• Wine tasting tours.

Culinary Delights

Both islands offer a feast for the taste buds, often including seafood-rich dishes.

Tenerife Culinary Delights

Tenerife’s specialities include:

• Goat cheese: this one was a bit of a surprise for me and was one of my favorites in Tenerife. Often grilled, goat chese was served as an appetizer at nearly every restaurant we went to;
• Papas Arrugadas, or wrinkly potatoes are found at almost every meal;
• Mojo sauce is equally popular, often served with the papas arrugadas;
• Ropa Vieja Canaria, a hearty beef and chicken stew;
• Fresh fish, and a fish speciality Sancocho Canaria.

Madeira Culinary Delights

Madeira’s specialities include:

• Wine: don’t miss wine tastings and winery tours;
• Espetada Madeirense: beef skewers;
• Espada com Banana (black scabbard fish with banana): though this may sound a bit strange, it was very tasty;
• Bolo do caco: traditional Madeiran bread;
• Prego no bolo de caco: typical sandwich made with traditional Madeiran bread, steak and/or ham, cheese, egg.

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Conclusion

Whether you choose Tenerife or Madeira, both islands promise an unforgettable escape. Whichever destination you pick, you’re guaranteed to find breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and a warm welcome that will have you planning your return before you’ve even departed.

You might be interested in:

• Epic Active Tenerife Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Tenerife: A Guide to the Island’s Best Stays
• Visit Madeira, Portugal to Escape the Cold
• Best Time to Visit Madeira Portugal