New Year’s Eve in Madeira

At midnight on 31 December the hills around Funchal light up all at once. Fireworks go up from 58 firing points around the bay and in Porto Santo, and for about eight minutes the whole amphitheatre of the city becomes one stage. Funchal’s show once held the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display, and it is still one of the most spectacular in Europe.

It is also the busiest night of the year on the island. With a little planning it is easy to enjoy.

Where to watch the fireworks

Because the fireworks are fired from all around the bay, you see a good part of the show from almost anywhere in Funchal. The question is whether you want to be in the crowd or above it.

On the seafront

The promenade along Avenida do Mar, the marina and the area around the Pontinha pier put you right in front of the bay. This is where the atmosphere is: music, families, strangers counting down together. It is also the most crowded place on the island that night. Arrive by ten if you want space near the water.

In the hills

From the hillside neighbourhoods above the centre you see the full ring of fireworks around the bay, with the cruise ships lit up below. Viewpoints such as Pico dos Barcelos are popular and fill up early, and many people simply find a quiet street with a view. Roads up the hill get congested, so get there well before midnight and expect a slow drive down.

From a balcony or a terrace

Restaurants and hotels with a view of the bay organise New Year’s dinners. They are often sold out weeks ahead, and prices for the night are well above normal. If you are renting a place, a terrace facing the bay is worth a lot on this one night.

From the water

Cruise ships traditionally anchor in the bay for the night, and some local boat operators run trips to watch from the sea. Book through an established operator and check the weather forecast, as the sea can be rough at the end of December.

Getting there and back

• Don’t plan to drive into the centre. Several streets close to traffic in the evening and parking is almost impossible to find.
• Walk if you can. Most of central Funchal is within half an hour on foot of the seafront.
• Buses. Horários do Funchal usually runs extra services on New Year’s Eve. Check the timetable for 31 December closer to the date.
• Taxis. There are long queues after midnight. Agree a pick-up time and place in advance, or walk away from the seafront before calling one.

What to book in advance

• Accommodation. The nights around New Year are the most in demand of the whole year, and many places have minimum stays. Book as early as you can.
• Dinner. New Year’s Eve menus with a view are often fully booked by early December.
• Flights. Fares to Madeira rise sharply for the last days of December.

More on the last days of the year

• 28 December: the Volta à Cidade do Funchal, an evening road race through the city that has been held for more than 60 years. Good fun to watch from the pavement.
• The Christmas lights stay on into the first week of January, so the centre is still festive after New Year. Our Christmas in Madeira guide has the full season.
• 1 January is a public holiday, and most shops are closed. A walk along the seafront the morning after is a Funchal tradition of its own.

Tips for the night

• Bring a light jacket. Nights at the end of December are mild, often around 14 to 16 °C, but it can be damp.
• Keep your phone charged and agree a meeting point with your group. Mobile networks get slow just after midnight.
• Many Portuguese eat twelve raisins at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, making a wish with each. Pack a small bag of them.
• Check our webcams during the evening to see how busy the seafront is.