Madeira in Winter: a 4-day Itinerary

Escape the winter chill and discover the warmth of Madeira, Portugal, an island blessed with a mild, spring-like climate even in the coldest months. Our 4-day Madeira in Winter itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From the historical streets of Funchal to the panoramic peaks and serene gardens and natural pools, this guide will help you explore the best of Madeira over 4 days. Our Madeira in Winter 4 day itinerary is packed with unique experiences that showcase the beauty and culture of this wonderful sub-tropical island.

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Top Reasons to Visit Madeira to Escape the Cold

• Escape the cold weather and enjoy Madeira’s subtropical climate;
• Explore and hike through Madeira’s lush greenery and beautiful landscapes;
• Don’t miss the festive celebrations, especially the Christmas Market and New Years Eve celebrations;
• Visit local vineyards and enjoy wine tastings;
• Winter offers one of the best times for whale and dolphin watching;
• There are fewer tourists, providing a more authentic experience;
• The winter climate is a great time for hiking, mountain biking, and other adventure sports;
• Unwind and rejuvenate in the natural pools.

Find out more about why winter is one of the Best Times to Visit Madeira Portugal.

Winter Wonderland: Four Day Visit to Madeira, Portugal

Day 1: Funchal’s Charms

Start your Madeira adventure in the vibrant capital, Funchal. Winter here is mild, making it perfect for exploring the city. Find a quaint café in old town for breakfast, and wander Rua da Santa Maria, with its collection of painted doors.

Don’t miss a visit to the historic Sé Cathedral, a stroll through the colorful Mercado dos Lavradores, and the stunning Santa Clara Monastery. For lunch, savor the local fish dish, Espada, at a seaside restaurant.

In the afternoon, take the cable car to Monte for panoramic city views and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Consider taking a Funchal downhill basket ride back to old town. Another enjoyable option for the afternoon is the Madeira Botanical Garden. Though beautiful in its own right, it paled in comparison to our incredible experience at the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Finally, end your day with a tasting of the famous Madeira wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodge.

Learning from Our Funchal Car Mistakes

We planned our visit to Monte Palace on a very windy day in January. After walking down to the cable car, we found it closed due to the wind. We decided to take our rental car up to the palace instead. We entered the destination into our phone, and too late, realized it was taking us up an incredibly steep road (clearly not the main road).

When I had to stop abruptly mid-incline, I couldn’t get the car started uphill again. It was just too steep. Luckily, a man ran out of his house to help–we were not the first in this situation. The burning clutch smell was intense, but he got the car up over the crest of the hill. We stuck to the main road on the map on the way down; hilly, but very manageable. We’d strongly recommend sticking to a bus, cable car, or taxi for this particular outing.

Day 2: Northern Wonders

Head north to the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose a levada walk, like the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which offers lush landscapes and waterfall views.

After your hike, drive to São Vicente, a charming village known for its volcanic caves. Explore the caves and the Volcanism Center to learn about Madeira’s geological history. Spend your evening in Porto Moniz, enjoying dinner by the natural swimming pools.

Day 3: East Madeira Exploration

Today, explore Madeira’s Eastern part. Visit the Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point. The hike here reveals dramatic coastal cliffs and unique geological formations. The round trip hike takes 2-3 hours, depending on how many stops you make. If that is more walking than you’d like, check out the tours that let you take a boat one way, walking the other. We didn’t try the boat return trip, but we saw quite a few people taking advantage of this option. There is also a small café near the end of the hike, a great spot for a coffee or snack.

Afterward, head to the town of Santana, famous for its traditional thatched houses. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Santana, then visit the Madeira Theme Park, an interactive space showcasing the island’s history and culture. Alternatively, head to Machico to visit its sandy beach, Nossa Senhora da Conceição church, and the fort Nossa Senhora do Amparo. Return to Funchal for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Relaxing in the South

On your final day, take it easy. Visit the Palheiro Gardens, known for their exotic flowers and stunning views. Spend your afternoon at one of the natural pools – either Doca do Cavacas or the Lido Promenade in Funchal, perfect for a leisurely swim. Alternatively, take an ecologically friendly dolphin or whale watching cruise.

Top off your afternoon with Afternoon Tea at Belmond Palace (don’t forget to reserve this as early as possible to ensure you get a spot). As the sun sets, take a stroll along the Funchal Marina and enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with ocean views. We enjoyed our dinner at Ristorante Villa Cipriani.

Four days in Madeira during winter is a perfect escape from the chill. There are so many wonderful things to do on Madeira that you could easily spend a week or more visiting the island. The island’s varied landscapes, rich culture, and mild climate make it an ideal winter getaway. Whether you’re wandering through historical cities, hiking in lush forests, or relaxing by the sea, Madeira offers a blend of adventure and relaxation that’s rare and enchanting.

Madeira Winter Weather

Madeira, often referred to as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is renowned for its exceptionally mild climate year-round, and winter is no exception. This section will guide you through what to expect weather-wise during your winter visit to Madeira, Portugal.

Travel Tips for Madeira in Winter

Where to Stay in Madeira

Madeira, Portugal, with its breathtaking landscapes and charming towns, offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget for your visit. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, cozy guesthouses, or something in between, Madeira has it all. For a four day winter stay, we’d recommend staying in one place, taking day trips to explore the far reaches of the island. The North side tends to be rainier than the South side in winter–keep this in mind when choosing Porto Moniz or São Vicente. We enjoyed staying just outside of downtown Funchal, as it let us stay in a local neighborhood with parking, all just an easy walk from town. Here are a few recommended places to stay in and around Funchal, while you can find our full set of recommendations on where to stay in Madeira here.

• Luxury hotel zone: Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, sits in on a cliff with 10 acres of subtropical gardens. In addition to the direct ocean access, Reid’s offers 3 pools, an oceanfront spa, and numerous restaurants. Reserve well in advance to secure your spot at high tea overlooking the gardens and ocean.
• Unique location away from the crowds: OurMadeira Barbosas Village sits within the Monte Gardens, offering stunning views over the city, and easy access to the Monte Gardens and the cable car into town.
• Boutique old town location: the Barceló Funchal Old Town offers air conditioned rooms directly in the heart of old town, with pool and fitness center.

Getting to Madeira

Madeira is more accessible than you might think. Here’s a guide on how to get to this enchanting island, whether you’re traveling from within Europe or internationally.

Insider Tip: The approach by plane to Madeira Airport is known for being visually spectacular but can be a bit challenging due to the island’s topography. The runways are right on the shoreline, so it may feel like you are landing on the water until the last minute when land comes in sight. It’s a unique experience for sure!

Getting Around Madeira in Winter