Forget traditional winter sun destinations with their crowded beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Choose instead an island that surprises you with rugged nature and authentic charm. We’re talking about Madeira, the island of eternal spring. This Portuguese gem is charming year-round. However, winter transforms Madeira into something even more magical and inviting. A December trip to Madeira creates unforgettable memories. It perfectly blends adventure, relaxation and unique Christmas spirit.
Ten Reasons to Visit Madeira in December
We travelled to Madeira last December and discovered ten compelling reasons why this island makes the perfect winter destination.
1. Pleasant Weather
While Britain endures grey skies and biting winds, Madeira enjoys temperatures around 20 degrees. The sun feels warm enough for t-shirts, yet the air remains fresh and pleasant. It’s ideal for staying active. You can hike all day without sweating, while evenings cool down nicely. This comfortable climate enhances every activity, from nature exploration to wandering Funchal’s charming streets.
2. Fewer Tourists
Spring and summer constitute Madeira’s high season, while winter offers peaceful tranquility. No queues for Funchal’s cable car, no crowded restaurants, and plenty of space on levada walks. Explore the most beautiful spots at your own pace and connect with locals. Residents appear more relaxed in winter, offering time for conversation and insider tips.
3. Numerous Special Festivals
Winter months, especially around Christmas, bring countless festivals across Madeira. Your eyes will marvel at the sights. Visit ‘Mercado do Santo’, Funchal’s Christmas market, where local farmers and artisans sell their goods. The smaller villages also host their own celebrations, revealing the island’s authentic traditions.
4. Spectacular New Year’s Fireworks in Funchal
Madeira enjoys worldwide fame for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The hills surrounding Funchal’s bay launch an immense pyrotechnic spectacle. It ranks among the world’s largest fireworks shows. Thousands gather in streets, on rooftops and at the marina to watch. Cruise ships fill the bay, sounding their horns at midnight.
5. Ideal for Surfing
Winter transforms Madeira into a paradise for surf enthusiasts. The island features many surf spots suitable for beginners and experts alike. Northwest coast spots become particularly popular during winter months. Even non-surfers enjoy watching the water athletes display their skills.
6. Winter Whale and Dolphin Watching
Many believe whales and dolphins appear only in summer, but winter offers equal spotting opportunities. Different whale species migrate closer to shore during winter months. The sea typically remains calm, temperatures pleasant, and skies clear for perfect viewing conditions.
7. Winter Blooms
Madeira, known as “the island of flowers,” reaches peak beauty in winter. Flowers that wither in summer heat flourish during winter months. Orange, yellow and red jacaranda blooms appear alongside purple bougainvillea and vibrant strelitzia flowers. Nature displays its greenest hues, creating a stunning colour palette.
8. Traditional and Local Experiences
Winter months return the island to local residents. Restaurants and bars become less crowded, shops grow more atmospheric and locals chat readily. Madeirans show hospitality and pride in their island heritage. They eagerly share tips about hidden restaurants and beautiful hiking trails.
9. Levada Walks
Madeira offers a hiker’s paradise, but summer heat can make trekking challenging. Winter temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the famous levadas. The sunshine feels gentle, allowing hours of comfortable walking. Winter brings lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls. You’ll marvel at magnificent laurel forests and rugged coastline. Read our blog about our levada walk in Madeira.
10. Madeira’s Unique Christmas Atmosphere
Perhaps the strongest reason to visit Madeira in winter is its unforgettable Christmas spirit. The festive period begins on December 1st with decorations adorning streets and squares. Residents make extraordinary efforts to decorate their homes, balconies and gardens. The Christmas lights throughout the island create a magical experience.
The Magical Advent and Christmas Spirit in Madeira
The true reason for visiting Madeira in winter lies in its unique Christmas atmosphere. You’ll feel it immediately upon leaving the airplane. Lights hang everywhere, music plays and the scent of pine and mulled wine fills the air. Madeirans anticipate Christmas with visible enthusiasm.
Christmas in Funchal
Madeira’s capital Funchal transforms into a fairytale during the Christmas period. Central streets gleam with thousands of lights shaped like angels, stars and baubles. Praça do Município features a giant nativity scene with live animals. The beautiful Sé Cathedral displays gorgeously decorated cribs. Christmas concerts and events fill the month with festive music.
The crown jewel is Avenida Arriaga, the main street. Here stands an impressively lit Christmas tree alongside the famous Christmas market. Stalls offer handmade items from scarves to ceramics and local pastries. We sample ‘poncha’, a local drink made with rum, honey and lemon.
We stroll through the city, absorbing the atmosphere with wide eyes. It feels like stepping into a Christmas film. Only snowflakes are missing, but nobody minds. People gather to celebrate, with smiling faces everywhere.
Village Christmas Traditions
Christmas magic extends beyond Funchal into every village with unique traditions. We hire a car to seek authentic Christmas spirit. Driving into the mountains, we discover small villages maintaining cherished Christmas customs.
One tradition is ‘Missas do Parto’ (birthing masses). These early morning services occur between December 16 and 24. The masses honour Mary giving birth to Jesus. Afterwards, people gather in village centres to share local specialties and sing carols.
We discover Curral das Freiras, known as “the valley of nuns”. Steep, rugged mountains surround this deep valley village. Christmas feels pure and authentic here. Residents decorate homes and gardens with Christmas lights and small nativity scenes.
We also visit Camacha, famous for wickerwork. Christmas spirit permeates this village too. Handmade baskets and nativity scenes adorn the streets. Locals sing and dance together. We enjoy witnessing community celebrations and traditions passed through generations.
Christmas Gastronomy in Madeira
The Christmas table in Madeira creates its own special celebration. ‘Bolo de mel’, a honey cake, features prominently. Every family maintains their own special recipe. We watch women queuing at grocers with ingredients lists, patiently awaiting their turn.
Codfish features heavily in various preparations during pre-Christmas days. Christmas Eve traditionally serves dried fish dishes. First Christmas Day offers ‘Carne de Vinha d’Alhos’, pork marinated in wine, garlic and vinegar.
Mercado dos Lavradores provides the perfect shopping venue for Christmas meal ingredients. This covered market in Funchal always delights visitors. Vendors in traditional dress, colourful fruit displays and vibrant atmosphere make it worth visiting year-round. December brings special activity days to enhance the experience.
Visiting Madeira in December
A December visit to Madeira offers more than just winter sunshine. It transports you to a world of lights, traditions and unforgettable Christmas spirit. The island’s beauty and warm hospitality will captivate your heart. You’ll dream about returning for another winter trip.
Practical Information About Visiting Madeira in December
Madeira comprises a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal. It lies about 600 kilometres west of Morocco, at North Africa’s latitude. This location creates a mild, subtropical climate. The archipelago includes the main island Madeira, smaller Porto Santo, and several uninhabited islands.
Madeira offers several exploration options depending on your preferences. Car hire provides the most popular choice. A car allows easy access to mountains, coastal roads and villages. You’ll enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace. Remember that Madeira’s roads often prove narrow, winding and steep.
Public transport offers another option. Buses connect major towns and villages like Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Santana. Services run less frequently to remote areas but provide affordable travel.
Taxis or organised tours work well for short distances around Funchal. Many companies offer jeep tours across the island.
Madeira welcomes visitors year-round thanks to its mild, subtropical climate. Temperatures typically range between 16-25 degrees, never too hot or cold. Different seasons suit different activities.
Spring and early summer (April through June) benefit walkers and nature lovers. The island bursts with colourful blooms during this period. May hosts the famous flower festival.
Summer months (July through September) appeal to sun-seekers and swimmers. The sea reaches pleasant temperatures with minimal rainfall.
Autumn and winter attract those escaping cold, grey days in Britain. The island feels quieter while maintaining mild climate. This period suits beautiful walks, including many levada hikes.
December possibly offers the best time to visit Madeira. Events happen throughout the island, with each village maintaining unique traditions. Funchal dazzles with festive lights and spectacular New Year fireworks all month.
December offers the perfect month to visit Madeira for several unique winter attractions. First comes the weather. While much of Europe suffers cold, snow or rain, Madeira enjoys spring-like temperatures around 20 degrees. This creates ideal conditions for activities like hiking without extreme heat.
The Christmas atmosphere provides another compelling reason. Madeira famously displays spectacular Christmas lights and unique traditions. From December 1st, streets and squares throughout Funchal and surrounding villages shine with decorations. Festive spirit pervades everything from traditional Christmas markets to early ‘Missas do Parto’ services.
Finally, December brings the famous fireworks. Funchal hosts one of the world’s largest firework displays on New Year’s Eve. This spectacular event attracts thousands, providing an unforgettable year-end celebration. Pleasant weather, magical Christmas atmosphere and spectacular fireworks make December perfect for visiting Madeira.
The Missas do Parto (literally ‘pregnancy masses’) represent one of Madeira’s most special Christmas traditions. Nine masses take place early morning from December 16th to 24th across all island parishes.
These masses symbolise the Virgin Mary’s nine pregnancy months and prepare communities spiritually for Jesus’s birth. Their unique character combines religious devotion with local festivities.
After mass, people gather in church squares to share food and drink. Traditional dishes include ‘carne de vinha d’alhos’ (pork marinated in wine and garlic). The atmosphere feels joyful and festive with traditional music, singing and dancing.
December transforms Funchal into a vibrant festival city. Most striking is the grand Christmas illumination traditionally lit on December 1st. This signals the festive month’s beginning, with beautiful lights adorning streets, squares and parks.
Another highlight is ‘Mercado do Santo’, the traditional Christmas market on Avenida Arriaga. This market offers local delicacies, handicrafts and Christmas decorations.
Christmas concerts and performances fill the squares throughout December. Live music and folklore create a buzzing atmosphere. The month culminates in the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Funchal Bay. This ranks among the world’s largest shows.
Madeira offers diverse culinary experiences from refined Funchal restaurants to hidden countryside gems. Here are some special restaurants worth visiting:
In Funchal:
- Il Vivaldi: An elegant restaurant combining traditional Portuguese flavours with modern twists. Perfect for luxurious dining with excellent wines.
- Kampo: A trendy establishment focusing on high-quality ingredients and creative presentation. The open kitchen shows your meal’s preparation.
- Forte Sao Tiago: Located in a historic fort overlooking the sea. Mediterranean dishes with Madeiran flair.
- Chalet Vicente: A charming wooden chalet-style restaurant serving traditional Madeiran dishes with excellent service.
- Nini Design Centre: Enjoy refined dishes in a modern design centre overlooking Funchal Bay. Art and gastronomy unite here.
Outside Funchal:
- Quinta do Barbusano (São Vicente): Set among vineyards in northern Madeira, offering dishes perfectly paired with local wines.
- Quinta do Furão (Santana): Part of a charming hotel, serving authentic dishes made with local ingredients. Breathtaking cliff and ocean views.
Madeira offers accommodations ranging from luxury hotels and large resorts to charming boutique options.
Hotels in Funchal:
- Porto Mare Hotel: A beautiful Funchal resort with spacious rooms, tropical gardens and multiple pools. Ocean views make it popular with couples and families.
- Hotel Cajú: A hip boutique hotel in central Funchal with sleek, modern design. Perfect for stylish, central accommodation.
- Barceló Funchal Oldtown: This new hotel in Funchal’s old town offers modern rooms and a rooftop pool. Ideal for combining culture with relaxation.
- Castanheiro Boutique Hotel: An elegant, charming hotel in Funchal’s historic centre with a beautiful rooftop terrace and pool.
- Belmond Reid’s Palace: This iconic luxury hotel stands on a cliff with spectacular ocean views. It offers unparalleled service, spa facilities and refined gastronomy. Winston Churchill and Empress Sissi of Austria once stayed here.
Hotels Outside Funchal:
- Quinta do Furão (Santana): This charming hotel perches on a cliff with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Guests praise its peaceful atmosphere and excellent restaurant.
- Hotel Solar de Boaventura (Boaventura): An intimate hotel in Madeira’s green north. Perfect for nature and tranquility lovers.
- Aqua Natura Bay (Porto Moniz): A modern hotel overlooking Porto Moniz’s natural swimming pools. Comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
- Estalagem da Ponta do Sol (Ponta do Sol): This design hotel sits on a cliff with beautiful sea views. Minimalist interiors and infinity pool attract peace-seekers.
- Pestana Churchill Bay (Câmara de Lobos): Located at Câmara de Lobos’ charming harbour, combining modern decor with traditional elements.
We visited Madeira in December at Madeira Promotion Bureau’s invitation. We independently compiled this blog’s content based on our own impressions
The Best Tours and Activities on Madeira
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