What’s on in Madeira, every weekhttps://madeirablog.eu/enhttps://madeirablog.eu/events/nye-fireworks-2026/https://madeirablog.eu/events/nye-fireworks-2026/About eight minutes of fireworks from 58 firing points around Funchal’s bay and Porto Santo.Thu, 31 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/events/noite-do-mercado-2026/https://madeirablog.eu/events/noite-do-mercado-2026/The night before Christmas Eve, when Funchal’s market and the streets around it stay busy late into the night.Wed, 23 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/events/missas-do-parto-2026/https://madeirablog.eu/events/missas-do-parto-2026/Nine dawn masses before Christmas, with breakfast and carols outside the church afterwards.Wed, 16 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/events/christmas-lights-funchal-2026/https://madeirablog.eu/events/christmas-lights-funchal-2026/The lights go on in downtown Funchal and the island’s Christmas and New Year season begins.Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/events/sons-e-sabores-santa-cruz-2026/https://madeirablog.eu/events/sons-e-sabores-santa-cruz-2026/Three days of folk music, dance groups and regional food that open the Christmas season in Santa Cruz.Fri, 13 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/a-month-in-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/a-month-in-madeira/What it is like to stay a month or more in Madeira: where to live, what rent and daily life cost, internet and coworking, healthcare and the practical paperwork.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/adventure-sports-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/adventure-sports-madeira/Madeira beyond walking: canyoning in the mountain streams, tandem paragliding over the south-west coast, coasteering, kayaking, jeep tours, mountain biking and trail running.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/beaches-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/beaches-madeira/The best places to swim in Madeira: sandy beaches, pebble coves, seawater lidos and natural lava pools, with what each is like, when lifeguards are on duty and how to stay safe.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/best-time-to-visit-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/best-time-to-visit-madeira/Madeira is mild all year, but each season is good for different things. When to go for walking, swimming, festivals and quiet, with the real averages for every month.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/cable-cars-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/cable-cars-madeira/All of Madeira’s cable cars in one place: the classic ride from Funchal to Monte, the botanical garden line, and the steep cable cars down to the coastal fajãs.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/buses-in-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/buses-in-madeira/How Madeira’s bus network works: the Funchal city buses, the companies that serve the east and west, tickets and cards, apps, and which sights you can reach by bus.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/atlantic-festival-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/atlantic-festival-madeira/The Atlantic Festival in Madeira: June concerts and the international fireworks contest every Saturday over Funchal bay, with 2027 dates and the best places to watch.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/cabo-girao/https://madeirablog.eu/cabo-girao/Visiting Cabo Girão: the glass skywalk 580 metres above the sea, the €5 fee from 2026, when to go, getting there by bus or car, and the cable car to the fajãs below.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/camara-de-lobos/https://madeirablog.eu/camara-de-lobos/Visiting Câmara de Lobos near Funchal: the harbour and its colourful boats, Churchill’s viewpoint, poncha bars, the best viewpoints and how to combine it with Cabo Girão.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/camping-in-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/camping-in-madeira/Can you camp in Madeira? How camping permits work in the forest parks, the official campsites on Madeira and Porto Santo, and why wild camping is not allowed.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/carnival-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/carnival-madeira/Madeira Carnival 2027: dates of the Allegoric Parade and the Slapstick Parade in Funchal, where to watch, how the samba schools work, and tips for joining in.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/christmas-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/christmas-madeira/How Madeira celebrates the Festa, from the dawn masses and market night to the lights of Funchal, with the key dates for the 2026 season and tips for visiting.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/columbus-festival-porto-santo/https://madeirablog.eu/columbus-festival-porto-santo/Porto Santo’s Columbus Festival recreates the arrival of Christopher Columbus with a historic market, costumes and parades. 2027 dates and how to visit from Madeira.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/car-hire-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/car-hire-madeira/Do you need a car in Madeira? Which car to choose for steep roads, how insurance and excess work, age rules, automatics, and tips for picking up at the airport.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/cristiano-ronaldo-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/cristiano-ronaldo-madeira/Following Cristiano Ronaldo in his home town of Funchal: the CR7 Museum, the statue on the seafront, the airport named after him, and the neighbourhood where he grew up.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/cruise-stop-funchal/https://madeirablog.eu/cruise-stop-funchal/How to spend a cruise stop in Funchal: where the ships dock, how to get into town, what you can do in a few hours, and how to avoid the queues on busy days.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/curral-das-freiras/https://madeirablog.eu/curral-das-freiras/Visiting Curral das Freiras, the village in a deep volcanic valley, and the Eira do Serrado viewpoint above it: the story, the chestnuts, the walk down and how to get there.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/desertas-islands/https://madeirablog.eu/desertas-islands/A boat trip to the Desertas Islands, home of the monk seal: how trips work, what you can see and do, the rules of the reserve, and how sea conditions affect your plans.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/diving-snorkelling-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/diving-snorkelling-madeira/Where to dive and snorkel in Madeira: the Garajau marine reserve, the Caniço coast, Porto Santo’s wreck and the Desertas, with marine life, seasons and how to choose a dive centre.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/driving-in-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/driving-in-madeira/What driving in Madeira is really like: the fast VR1 and its tunnels, steep mountain roads, how Portuguese roundabouts work, speed limits, parking in Funchal and fuel.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/drones-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/drones-madeira/Can you fly a drone in Madeira? The EU drone rules that apply in Portugal, registration, height limits, no-fly zones around the airport and Funchal, protected areas and aerial photography permissions.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/eating-on-a-budget-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/eating-on-a-budget-madeira/How to eat well in Madeira without spending much: lunch menus, snack bars, bolo do caco, markets and supermarkets, plus the couvert and other small charges to watch for.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/easy-levada-walks/https://madeirablog.eu/easy-levada-walks/The gentlest levada walks in Madeira: short, mostly flat routes with big views or waterfalls, suitable for children, older walkers and anyone new to hiking.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/fanal-forest/https://madeirablog.eu/fanal-forest/Fanal, on the Paul da Serra plateau, where twisted centuries-old laurel trees appear out of the mist. How to get there, when the fog comes, the PR13 trail and how to visit responsibly.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/festa-do-monte/https://madeirablog.eu/festa-do-monte/Madeira’s biggest religious festival on 14 and 15 August: the pilgrimage up the steps to the Monte church, the procession, the arraial and how to visit.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/flower-festival-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/flower-festival-madeira/Madeira’s Flower Festival 2027: dates, the Great Allegoric Flower Parade, the Wall of Hope, flower carpets and exhibitions in Funchal, and tips for seeing the parade.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/funchal-gardens/https://madeirablog.eu/funchal-gardens/Which of Funchal’s famous gardens to visit and how: the Monte Palace tropical garden, the Madeira Botanical Garden, the Palheiro Gardens, and the free city parks.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/getting-to-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/getting-to-madeira/How to fly to Madeira, how long the flights take, which airport you land at, what happens if the wind closes it, and how to get on to Porto Santo.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/hiking-safety-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/hiking-safety-madeira/How to walk safely in Madeira’s mountains: checking weather and closures, what to wear and carry, timing, tunnels, heights and what to do in an emergency.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/healthcare-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/healthcare-madeira/What to do if you get ill in Madeira: emergency numbers, the hospital and health centres, pharmacies, EHIC and insurance, mosquitoes and dengue, sun and tap water.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/history-of-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/history-of-madeira/Madeira’s story in brief: the Portuguese discovery in the 1400s, the sugar boom, the wine trade with Britain, the first tourists, autonomy and the modern island.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/laurisilva-forest/https://madeirablog.eu/laurisilva-forest/Madeira’s laurisilva, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world: what it is, why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plants and birds, and the best walks to see it.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/is-madeira-safe/https://madeirablog.eu/is-madeira-safe/Madeira has very little crime. The real risks are natural: the sea, mountain weather, rockfalls and summer wildfires. What to watch for and the numbers to call.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/levada-25-fontes-risco/https://madeirablog.eu/levada-25-fontes-risco/Madeira’s most famous levada walk from Rabaçal to the 25 Fontes pool and the Risco waterfall: route, the shuttle and parking, booking, timing and how to avoid the crowds.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/levada-dos-balcoes/https://madeirablog.eu/levada-dos-balcoes/A short, flat walk from Ribeiro Frio to a balcony viewpoint over Madeira’s central mountains, with birds that come to your hand. Distance, booking and tips.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/levada-caldeirao-verde/https://madeirablog.eu/levada-caldeirao-verde/The classic north-side levada from Queimadas near Santana to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall: distance, the four tunnels, booking, getting there and what to bring.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/machico-canical/https://madeirablog.eu/machico-canical/Visiting Machico, where the first settlers landed, and Caniçal, the old whaling village with its excellent Whale Museum, plus the beaches and the walk to Ponta de São Lourenço.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/levada-walks/https://madeirablog.eu/levada-walks/What levadas are, the best walks by difficulty, how booking and trail fees work since 2026, what to wear, and how to stay safe on Madeira’s famous water channel paths.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-airport-to-funchal/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-airport-to-funchal/All the ways to get from Madeira airport to Funchal and the rest of the island: the airport bus, taxi fares, Uber and Bolt, transfers and hire cars.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-airport-wind/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-airport-wind/Why strong wind stops planes landing at Madeira, when it happens, what your airline must do if your flight is diverted, and how to plan so a windy day doesn’t ruin your trip.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-embroidery/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-embroidery/Bordado da Madeira, the island’s famous hand embroidery: how it began, how it is made, how to recognise certified pieces, and where to see and buy it.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-april/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-april/Madeira in April: spring in full swing, long days, great walking weather, the start of the Flower Festival and Easter in some years.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-food/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-food/A guide to Madeiran food: espetada on bay-leaf skewers, bolo do caco, limpets, black scabbard fish with banana, milho frito, honey cake, tropical fruit and what to drink with it.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-august/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-august/Madeira in August: the hottest month around 27 °C, the warmest sea, the Monte pilgrimage on 15 August, the rally and the start of the Wine Festival.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-december/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-december/Madeira in December: Christmas lights and dawn masses, market night, the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, and mild days around 21 °C.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-february/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-february/Madeira in February: Carnival parades in Funchal, around 20 °C by day, the coolest sea of the year and the first signs of spring.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-january/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-january/Madeira in January: mild days around 20 °C, the quiet after New Year, Epiphany songs and Santo Amaro, and good value for walking and winter sun.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-july/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-july/Madeira in July: hot and dry around 25 °C, warm sea, Madeira Day on 1 July, summer music festivals and village arraiais.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-june/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-june/Madeira in June: dry, sunny weather around 24 °C, the Atlantic Festival fireworks every Saturday, popular saints’ festivals and the start of summer swimming.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-march/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-march/Madeira in March: spring arrives, the island turns green, days get longer, Easter can fall this month and the sugar cane harvest begins.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-may/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-may/Madeira in May: the Flower Festival parades, settled weather around 22 °C, long days and some of the best walking of the year.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-october/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-october/Madeira in October: warm sea, long sunny spells and the first autumn rains, the Nature Festival and quieter trails.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-the-rain/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-the-rain/Where to find sun when it rains in Funchal, and the best indoor and covered things to do in Madeira on a grey day, for adults and kids.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-september/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-september/Madeira in September: summer warmth without the crowds, the warmest sea of the year, the Wine Festival grape harvest and the Columbus Festival on Porto Santo.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-itinerary/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-itinerary/How long to stay in Madeira and how to split your days between Funchal, the levadas, the north coast and the west, with ready-made plans for short and longer trips.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-winter/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-winter/What winter in Madeira is really like from November to March: temperatures, rain, sea, daylight, what’s on and how to plan walks and beach days.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-tourist-tax/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-tourist-tax/How Madeira’s tourist tax works in 2026: the €2 nightly charge, the seven-night limit, who is exempt, which municipalities charge it and how you pay.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-trail-fees/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-trail-fees/Since January 2026 Madeira’s classified walking trails need a booked time slot and a fee. Prices, who is exempt, how to book on SIMplifica, passes, fines and what to do if a trail closes.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-trip-cost/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-trip-cost/What things really cost in Madeira in 2026: food, coffee, transport, car hire, activities and fees, plus easy ways to spend less without missing anything.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-november/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-in-november/Madeira in November: mild and changeable around 23 °C, a still-warm sea, chestnut and São Martinho festivals, and the first Christmas lights.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-viewpoints/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-viewpoints/Madeira’s most spectacular viewpoints: mountain peaks above the clouds, sea cliffs, valley rims, the western lighthouse and the best places for sunrise and sunset.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-wine/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-wine/A short guide to Madeira wine: why it is heated and aged, the four classic grapes from dry to sweet, age labels, and how to visit the lodges in Funchal and around the island.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-weather-warnings/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-weather-warnings/How IPMA’s weather warnings work in Madeira, what each colour means for your plans, and what closes when there is an orange or red warning.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-with-kids/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-with-kids/A family guide to Madeira: the best activities for children, sandy beaches and safe pools, easy walks, rainy-day options, where to stay and practical tips for steep streets and car seats.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-with-a-baby/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-with-a-baby/Travelling to Madeira with a baby or toddler: flights, getting around steep streets, strollers versus carriers, baby supplies, where to stay, pools and beaches, and health care.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/mobile-internet-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/mobile-internet-madeira/Staying connected in Madeira: EU roaming, local SIM and eSIM options, mobile coverage in the mountains and on trails, Wi-Fi, and offline maps for walks.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/mercado-dos-lavradores/https://madeirablog.eu/mercado-dos-lavradores/A guide to Funchal’s farmers’ market: opening times, the fish hall, the exotic fruit, what to buy, and how to avoid the overpriced tasting trap.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/money-and-tipping-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/money-and-tipping-madeira/Practical money tips for Madeira: paying by card, which cash machines to use, how much cash to carry, tipping in restaurants and taxis, and tax-free shopping.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/monte-toboggan/https://madeirablog.eu/monte-toboggan/Madeira’s wicker toboggan ride down from Monte: 2026 prices, how long it takes, where it drops you, how to get back to Funchal, and combining it with the cable car.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/new-years-eve-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/new-years-eve-madeira/Where to watch Funchal’s famous New Year fireworks, how to get there and back, and what to book in advance for 31 December 2026.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/packing-list-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/packing-list-madeira/A practical packing list for Madeira: layers for the mountains, shoes for the levadas, what to bring for the sea, and what changes between summer and winter.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/pico-do-arieiro-sunrise/https://madeirablog.eu/pico-do-arieiro-sunrise/How to plan a sunrise at Pico do Arieiro: when to leave, sunrise times through the year, how cold it gets, parking, and how to tell if the sky will be clear.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/2010/01/27/poncha-da-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/2010/01/27/poncha-da-madeira/What poncha is, how it’s made with sugar cane rum, honey and lemon, the different flavours, where to drink it and a recipe to make it at home.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/ponta-de-sao-lourenco/https://madeirablog.eu/ponta-de-sao-lourenco/The coastal walk across Madeira’s bare eastern peninsula: route, distance and time, booking, the lack of shade, wind, the bus from Funchal and the best time of day.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/pico-do-arieiro-pico-ruivo/https://madeirablog.eu/pico-do-arieiro-pico-ruivo/Madeira’s most spectacular hike, from Pico do Arieiro to the island’s highest peak: route, difficulty, booking and the €10.50 fee, the shorter PR1.2 alternative, and safety tips.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/2010/01/30/poco-da-neve-well-of-snow/https://madeirablog.eu/2010/01/30/poco-da-neve-well-of-snow/The Poço da Neve, a stone ice house built in the early 1800s near Pico do Arieiro, where snow was packed into ice for Funchal. Its story and how to see it.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/porto-moniz/https://madeirablog.eu/porto-moniz/Visiting Porto Moniz’s natural lava pools and nearby Seixal: swimming, when the pools close, the aquarium, the north coast road and the Véu da Noiva waterfall.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/porto-santo-ferry/https://madeirablog.eu/porto-santo-ferry/How to get from Madeira to Porto Santo: the Lobo Marinho ferry, sailing times, taking a car, seasickness tips, and the short flight alternative.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/porto-santo/https://madeirablog.eu/porto-santo/A guide to Porto Santo: the nine-kilometre beach, when to go, day trip or overnight, what to do beyond the sand, Columbus’s house, and getting around the island.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/2007/12/01/the-principality-of-the-pontinha-breaks-away-from-portugal/https://madeirablog.eu/2007/12/01/the-principality-of-the-pontinha-breaks-away-from-portugal/The story of the Principality of Pontinha, a small fort on a rock in Funchal harbour whose owner declared it an independent state in 2007, and how to see it today.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/public-holidays-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/public-holidays-madeira/Madeira’s public holidays for 2026 and 2027, including the regional holidays, plus normal opening hours for shops, restaurants, museums and pharmacies.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/rainy-day-with-kids-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/rainy-day-with-kids-madeira/Indoor and covered things to do with children in Madeira when it rains: museums, the aquarium, play centres, cinemas, bowling and how to find the sun on another coast.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/madeira-island/regional-festivities-calendar/https://madeirablog.eu/madeira-island/regional-festivities-calendar/The festivals of Madeira through the year: Carnival, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival, the Wine Festival, Christmas and New Year, plus the village and harvest festivals.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/sao-vicente-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/sao-vicente-madeira/What to see in São Vicente on Madeira’s north coast while the volcanic caves are closed for safety works, plus nearby Ponta Delgada, Boaventura and the Encumeada pass.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/santana-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/santana-madeira/Visiting Santana on Madeira’s north coast: the triangular thatched houses, the Madeira Theme Park, the Rocha do Navio cable car and the nearby trailheads.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/surfing-windsurfing-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/surfing-windsurfing-madeira/Madeira’s surf spots and seasons, why the island suits experienced surfers best, where to windsurf and kite (mostly Porto Santo), and how to read wind, waves and tides before you go.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/taxis-uber-bolt-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/taxis-uber-bolt-madeira/How taxis work in Madeira, typical fares, using Uber and Bolt, and when a taxi is the smartest way to reach a trailhead or a viewpoint.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/things-to-do-in-funchal/https://madeirablog.eu/things-to-do-in-funchal/What to see and do in Funchal, Madeira’s capital: the old town, the market, Monte and the toboggan, gardens, museums, wine lodges and where to watch the sunset.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/whale-watching-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/whale-watching-madeira/When and where to see whales and dolphins in Madeira, which species you can meet in each season, how to choose a responsible operator, and what a trip is like.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/2011/08/08/what-is-an-arraial/https://madeirablog.eu/2011/08/08/what-is-an-arraial/What happens at an arraial, Madeira’s traditional village festival: the procession, the decorations, the food and drink, the music, and how to find one during your stay.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/where-to-stay-in-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/where-to-stay-in-madeira/Funchal, Caniço, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, the north coast or Porto Santo? How the areas differ in weather, transport and atmosphere, and which suits your trip.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://madeirablog.eu/wine-festival-madeira/https://madeirablog.eu/wine-festival-madeira/The Madeira Wine Festival 2027: dates, the live harvest in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, events in Funchal, and how to join a grape-picking and treading experience.Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT