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.
If you decide to visit Madeira in winter, consider combining this with visits to some of the other top Portugal winter destinations, such as Lisbon, Porto, or even the Alentejo and Algarve to round out your Portugal explorations.
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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.
| Temperatures | The average daytime temperatures hover around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F), creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Nights are cooler but rarely drop below 13°C (55°F). |
| Sunshine and Daylight | The island enjoys around 6 hours of daylight throughout the winter months. While the days are shorter than in summer, there’s still plenty of daylight to explore the island’s natural beauty and attractions. |
| Rainfall | Winter is the wettest season in Madeira, but don’t let that deter you. The rain, often light and intermittent, brings the island’s lush landscapes to life. It’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella. |
| Sea Conditions | The sea temperature in winter is cooler but remains swimmable for most, averaging around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). |
| Madeira’s microclimates | Madeira’s topography leads to diverse microclimates across the island. You might experience warm, sunny weather on the coast and cooler, damp conditions in the mountains on the same day. This unique aspect adds to the charm and variety of experiences in Madeira. |
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.
| By Air | Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) is also known as Funchal Airport, is well-connected with many European cities. For those looking to explore beyond Madeira, there are flights available to the nearby island of Porto Santo. |
| By Sea: Cruise Ships | Cruise ships dock at the doorstep of Old Town Funchal, making for an ideal starting point for your explorations. |
| By Sea: Ferry | There is a seasonal ferry service between Madeira and Porto Santo, operated by Porto Santo Line. This takes around 2.5 hours to get between the islands. |
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
| Car Rentals | We recommend renting a car if you want the freedom of exploring the island at your own pace. We use and recommend Discovercars.com. If you are staying in or visiting Funchal with your car, the streets are narrow and extremely hilly (steep at times). Smaller cars are definitely preferred. Most cars have a manual transmission unless you reserve with automatic. |
| Airport Transfers | The airport is about 13 km from Funchal, the capital city. Reserve your airport transfer in advance. Buses are also available (see below). |
| Buses | Madeira has an extensive public bus network, operated by a number of companies: Horários do Funchal (operating in Funchal and the surrounding areas), SAM and EACL (serving the eastern part of the island), and Rodoeste (serving the western part of the island). Keep in mind that buses do tend to run less frequently in rural areas. |
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
[…] consider combining this with a winter visit to Lisbon, the Alentejo and Algarve, or even the island of Madeira, to round out your Portugal […]
[…] Absolutely, visiting the Algarve in winter is well worth it, especially for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed holiday experience with mild weather. Unlike the summer months, winter in the Algarve offers a break from the crowds and the chance to enjoy its natural beauty without the crowds. The temperatures are comfortable for exploring the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking along the dramatic coastline, strolling through historic towns, or playing a round of golf on world-renowned courses. The season also brings unique opportunities for engaging with local culture, from sampling seasonal gastronomy and wines to joining in the festive Christmas and New Year celebrations. If you decide to visit Portugal in winter, consider also visiting Lisbon, Porto, or even the island of Madeira. […]
[…] Absolutely! Lisbon’s winter is milder than in most European capitals. While days are shorter and there is more rain than in summer, it is an ideal escape from the harsher winter climates of northern Europe and North America. The season brings fewer tourists, which means more space for you to explore at your leisure, from quiet moments in Lisbon’s famed museums to unhurried meals in its top-notch restaurants. Additionally, winter often brings lower prices, from accommodations to activities, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. If you decide to visit Portugal in winter, consider also visiting Porto or heading south to the Alentejo, Algarve, or even to the island of Madeira. […]
I didn’t get to Madeira on my last trip to Portugal, but will on my next!
[…] but in quieter residential areas. This is our personal favorite location to stay when visiting Madeira in winter. The added benefit is easy access to the highways to other parts of the […]
What a lovely place to visit! Now I’m dreaming of a winter escape!
This itinerary seems great with a mix of so many different things to see. I think I’d most enjoy all the beautiful nature!
The nature is the biggest draw for me in Madeira too!
Definitely saving this one! So many great tips and travel info. Thank you!
I live in Spain and I have never visited Madeira in winter! this blog post has given me so many great ideas!
Just a quick trip for you, we’ve really enjoyed our winter visits!
Friends of mine just honeymooned in Madeira! The remoteness plus outdoor activities seems very relaxing.
It is very relaxing. The hikes are incredible too!
Your pictures are fantastic! I went their years ago for a wedding. Thanks for the memories.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to Madeira!
Sounds like a great option for the colder month ahead!
Excellent itinerary for a winter trip to Madeira. Thanks for all the great tips!
Thank you!
Great itinerary! These pictures are stunning. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
I think Portugal woud be a wonderful place to visit, if not just for the weather and the beautiful scenery. Great photos.
Thank you, hope you have a chance to visit Portugal. Madeira is quite a bit further south than the rest of the country, but worth a visit too!
I bet the man who lived near the road on the way to the Funchal Palace had no idea that his house came with requirements to help out stranded tourists! Lucky he was such an awesome guy!
I agree! Also glad my college-aged son was with me, stayed in the car while the guy got it moving…
[…] seconds agoAdd comment Share this article FacebookXRedditPinterestEmail Next article Madeira in Winter: a 4-day Itinerary Home » Blog » beach » Top 10 Things to Do in Madeira, […]
Looks like a beautiful spot! Old Town Funchal looks so cute 🙂
Cable cars with panoramic views are always worth it.
It is a very cute town to explore!
Thank you for the tip about getting to Monte Palace. Getting stuck somewhere high is one my biggest fears lol.
Tha cable car is usually the best way to go, but there are plenty of tuk tuk and bus options too, so you won’t need to get stuck.
[…] of Portugal, sits closer to the coast of Africa. With its warm temperatures, it is a great place to escape the cold of winter and an easy flight from the UK or mainland Europe. The island boasts lush landscapes, […]
[…] Visit Madeira, Portugal to Escape the Cold […]
I’ve heard so many good things about Madeira. Everyone says it’s beautiful and it sounds perfect as a winter escape.
Cosette, it is just wonderful. Feels like Hawaii in some respects, but it has more extreme landscape and many fewer people. Definitely worth a visit.
Madeira is on the top of my Europe Bucket list, but I have never thought of visiting it in winter! Your post gave me some serious wanderlust – now I must travel there asap!
that photo with the fruits look stunning! i imagine it must have a really quaint sight to behold!
Madeira looks so beautiful!! I would love to visit and try some of the wineries and go hiking.
I have only been to the Canary Islands, but Madeira is high on my list! Would love to escape the winter here, I heard the climate is wonderful!
Madeira has been popping up a lot on my radar and been fascinated about it! It looks breathtaking and quiet as well! So beautiful!
Wow Madeira seems wonderful! I had no idea there was so much to do and winter seems like the perfect time to go!
Madeira looks so beautiful. I wish that I had the opportunity to visit when I was in Portugal.
Wow, I hadn’t heard of Madeira before and I definitely wouldn’t have pictured this destination in Europe! It almost reminds me of Hawai’i! It’s chillier than my usual snowbirding destinations, but I love how lush it looks and the afternoon tea sounds very quaint, especially if it’s drizzling outside
I love traveling during the off season so I’ll definitely add Madeira to my list. The Laurisilva Forest and Monte Palace are up my alley of things to do once I go.
I really enjoyed reading this post about Madeira in the winter…this is a strong maybe destination for me in the near future. Your photographs are exceptional.
Madeira is such a stunning island. I love everything from the landscape to the food. Plus the people are so lovely.
Wow! Looks like an amazing place to visit in winter! I’m afraid of snow messing with flights, but would be great place to escape the cold. So many things to do.
Madeira looks very attractive for those stuck in the snow belt. I would love being close to the ocean (no matter where you are on the island). I imagine the seafood must be great. It’s also close to another of my favourite countries to travel in (Morocco).
Madeira looks stunning, no wonder it’s named Europe’s Hawaii! Sadly, even though I’ve been there before, I was too young to remember. Definitely wanna go back!
Thank you for this wonderful share of your experience. I look forward to visiting Madeira.
We have visited Madeira by cruise ship a few times and it was on our travel list to head back for a longer visit. Great to know that a winter visit would be great for a return to Madeira. Less crowds, great weather and lots to do are all great reasons.
Oooooo — Madeira seems SO delightful!
I really didn’t know much about Madeira but it looks like a beautiful place to visit.
Wow Madeira looks absolutely beautiful! I’ve been to Europe many times but never to this stunning location. Adding it to my list for next time!
Thanks for the tips 😊