Visit Madeira, Portugal to Escape the Cold

As the winter months roll in, I find myself looking for ways to escape the cold. I live in a wonderful location in Colorado, and truly enjoy the mountains year round. Like many though, I need a mid-winter getaway each year to break up the long winter. I’ve detailed the ideal four-day Madeira, Portugal winter itinerary.

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Madeira, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is part of Portugal, though it sits closer to the African coast. Madeira offers a unique winter experience unlike any other. Here’s why you should visit Madeira, Portugal as your winter destination:

1. Visit Madeira Portugal, Escape the Cold

Unlike many European destinations, Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate. Winter here is mild and pleasant, with high temperatures averaging around 17-20°C (63-68°F), and low temperatures averaging around 14-15°C (57-59°F). This lovely weather is perfect for outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

2. Lush Greenery and Beautiful Landscapes

Winter is when Madeira’s greenery is at its most vibrant. The rainfall during this season nurtures the island’s exotic plants and flowers, and has waterfalls flowing at their peak, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Hiking through Madeira’s lush landscapes in winter is a truly refreshing experience.

3. Festive Celebrations

December in Madeira is magical, with its famous Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The streets of Funchal are illuminated with dazzling lights, creating a festive atmosphere.

4. Unique Wine Experience

Madeira is renowned for its namesake wine, and winter is an excellent time to explore its rich wine culture. Visit local vineyards, and enjoy tastings of different varieties of Madeira wine, a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts.

5. Whale and Dolphin Watching

The waters around Madeira are home to a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins. Winter offers one of the best times for whale and dolphin watching, as the sea conditions are ideal for spotting these magnificent creatures (for a smaller group option, check out these luxury tours).

6. Less Crowded, More Authentic

Traveling to Madeira, Portugal in Winter means fewer tourists and a more authentic experience. You’ll have the opportunity to interact more closely with locals, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the island, and experience the true essence of Madeiran culture. You won’t have to worry about finding parking at trailheads or other top sites.

7. Adventure Sports and Activities

For the adventurous, Madeira offers a plethora of activities like paragliding, mountain biking, and surfing. The milder winter conditions are perfect for enjoying these sports comfortably.

8. Relaxation and Wellness

Madeira’s winter is also a time for relaxation. The island’s natural thermal pools and spas offer a serene environment to unwind and rejuvenate.

Madeira in winter is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect blend of mild weather, natural beauty, cultural festivities, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a winter escape, Madeira, Portugal offers something special for your visit. If you’d like to learn more about when to Visit Madeira, you might enjoy Best Time 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.

Furthermore, don’t miss also 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.

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.

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. 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.

The best way to get to know the place you are traveling is to walk around! Slow down, look around, and get to know the people.

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	Winter in Madeira, Portugal sees pleasantly mild temperatures, a welcome escape for those coming from colder climates for their visit. 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), ensuring comfortable evenings.
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. The showers are usually quick to pass, leaving fresh, clear skies in their wake. Keep in mind that, while it’s raining on one side of the island, the other side may have sun.
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). It’s ideal for those who enjoy brisk ocean swims or snorkeling.
Unique Weather Phenomena	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.

The winter weather in Madeira, Portugal is one of the many reasons it’s perfect to visit year-round. While slightly cooler and wetter than other seasons, it offers a refreshing and verdant experience of the island, ideal for those seeking a winter getaway without the harsh cold.

Tips for Traveling to 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. Here’s a guide to help you decide where to stay in Madeira:

1. Funchal – The Vibrant Capital

• Funchal, the bustling capital, is the heart of Madeira. It’s ideal for those who enjoy city life, with easy access to restaurants, shops, museums, and gardens. Some of our top recommendations:
• 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.

2. Porto Moniz – For Nature Lovers

• Situated in the northwest, Porto Moniz is famous for its natural swimming pools. It’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
• Aqua Natura Bay offers a sustainable resort choice with an indoor and outdoor pool, Turkish bath, gym, sauna, and on-site dive center. This would be a great place to base yourself to explore the natural swing pools and all that the north shore has to offer.

3. São Vicente – The Rural Retreat

• São Vicente, in the north of Madeira, is known for its beautiful landscapes and rural charm. It’s ideal for hikers and those looking to escape the tourist crowds. Here, you can find traditional quintas (country estates) converted into boutique hotels, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts. Quinta Vale Vitis is a top choice for a sustainable farm stay typical of this area.

4. Calheta – Sunny and Serene

• Overview: On the southwest coast, Calheta is favored for its sunny weather and sandy beaches. It’s a great choice for beach lovers and families. On the luxury end of the spectrum, the Saccharum Resort and Spa Savoy Signature offersa full service resort with indoor and outdoor pools, conference rooms, and more. For a unique alternative, check out the Calheta Glamping Pods. They offer air conditioned rooms, sea view, and are equipped with kitchenettes.

5. Caniço – The Quiet Corner

• Caniço, just east of Funchal, offers a quieter alternative to the capital. It’s close enough to enjoy the city’s amenities while providing a peaceful retreat. The area has a range of hotels and self-catering apartments, many with spectacular sea views and access to the coast.

6. Ribiera Brava – The Central Hub

• Centrally located, Ribeira Brava is a convenient base for exploring the entire island. It has a charming town center and lovely seaside promenade. You’ll find a selection of hotels and guesthouses here, catering to travelers who prefer a more central location.

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): The primary way to reach Madeira is by air. The airport, also known as Funchal Airport, is well-connected with many European cities. It offers both regular scheduled flights and seasonal charters. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, EasyJet, British Airways, and Lufthansa operate regular flights to Madeira from various cities including Lisbon, London, Frankfurt, and more.
• Connecting Flights: If you’re traveling from outside Europe, the most common route is to fly to a major European hub like Lisbon, Porto, or London, and then take a direct flight to Madeira.
• Inter-Island Flights: For those looking to explore beyond Madeira, there are flights available to the nearby island of Porto Santo.
• Prepare for the Landing: The approach 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!

By Sea

• Cruise Ships: Madeira is a popular stop for cruise ships. This can be a luxurious and scenic way to arrive on the island, offering an alternative to air travel. Cruise ships dock at the doorstep of Old Town Funchal, making for an ideal starting point for your explorations.
• Ferry Services: 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.

How to Get Around the Island

Car Rentals

I strongly recommend renting a car if you want the freedom of exploring the island at your own pace. Many international and local car rental agencies are available at the airport. Our recommended booking site is 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. If you are not truly comfortable with this, Madeira with its hills is not the place to master driving a manual car. Most car rental companies have automatic cars available as long as you reserve in advance.

If you prefer driving a scooter, we recommend renting through BikesBooking.

Airport Transfers

Once you land at Madeira Airport, there are several options to reach your accommodation. These include taxis, buses, and car rentals. The airport is about 13 km from Funchal, the capital city.

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). Buses connect key tourist attractions, hiking trailheads, and coastal towns, providing a convenient way to explore the island. Keep in mind that buses do tend to run less frequently in rural areas.

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