Events & Festivals
Find out what is happening in Madeira Island!
Events Calendar
There is always something happening on Madeira Island. Find out what festivals will be going on during your stay, or take a look at some of our recommended annual events!
Note: Due to COVID-19 regulations from Regional Government, events may be postponed or cancelled. Please refer to the event and/or the event host's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding each event.
Annual Events
Distributed throughout the year, Madeira Island is the scene of numerous events and some of them are even known worldwide, as is the case of the Flower Festival or the New Year's Eve Fireworks recognized by the Guinness Record Book as one of the biggest in the world.
Madeira is an island blooming with flowers and events!
Annual Events
Madeira Flower Festival
1-24 de October
Funchal GoogleMaps
The Madeira Flower Festival, with parades and floats through the streets of Funchal, exhibits and perfumes the air with a multiplicity of floral species of the island, spreading a fairy tale ambience all over the city. There are other activities, like the making of flower carpets in the streets, performances of traditional music groups, a flower exhibition, classical and traditional music concerts and a number of variety shows.
Carnival
February/March
Funchal GoogleMaps
Carnival is a popular annual weeklong event that is celebrated in Madeira Island. On the Saturday, numerous fancifully decorated floats and troops of hundreds of people in colorful costumes performing choreographies get together to dance and smile in the great allegoric parade with an overall theme. Carnival Tuesday is the day of the famous "Cortejo Trapalhão", a fun parade filled with imaginative humour and satire with people from all over the island participating.
Madeira Wine Festival
September
Funchal GoogleMaps
The Madeira Wine Festival is one of the island´s main tourist attractions, taking place during the grape harvest in late August, early September, this event aims to recreate the old traditions of Madeira, which were developed over centuries of labour in viticulture. This event begins in Funchal and includes ornamentations, exhibitions and live portraits depicting the wine culture, music performances as well the Wine Harvest Festival in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.
Expomadeira
July
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Expomadeira is the largest business exhibition of economic activities in Madeira, an exhibition that has the participation of about 100 companies from the most varied sectors of activity. This event enables the presentation of new products and services, and boosts the establishment of new business partnerships, an initiative that reconciles the business with the leisure side.
Madeira Dig Festival
December
Calheta GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Madeira Dig Festival is a noteworthy high quality cultural event, held in December, that highlights Madeira as an attractive tourist destination for a young and active segment, taking inspiration from environmental awareness where relaxing in nature and genuine amusement combine with an urban lifestyle. MADEIRADIG was created in 2004, filling a gap in the cultural scene concerning the areas of multimedia and digital arts.
Book Fair
November
Funchal GoogleMaps
Avenida Arriaga is the centre stage of the annual Book Fair, a cultural event held in November, which involves most of Madeira's bookshops and some Portuguese publishing houses. This initiative is being run by the Funchal Municipal Council and includes a diverse range of activities, from conferences, book launches and exhibitions which will take place at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre.
Christmas
December
Funchal GoogleMaps
The arrival of the decorative lights in the streets of the city centre of Funchal, during the month of December, sets the beginning of the Christmas in Madeira Island. These commemorations consist of a rich and extensive programme of cultural, religious, ethnographic and artistic manifestations that take place throughout the entire month of December, an event that culminates on January 6th.
Noite do Mercado
23 December
Funchal GoogleMaps
On December 23rd, the commonly known "Noite do Mercado" (Market Night) is a traditional celebration that lasts all night at the Farmers Market and the streets around it are packed with lively people creating a real festive spirit, singing Christmas songs, dancing, drinking and having fun. All the bars in the area are open throughout the night. During the day, regional fruits and vegetables are exhibited around the market, allowing last-minute shopping for Christmas.
New Year’s Eve
1 January
Funchal GoogleMaps
New Year’s Eve and firework display are considered to be one of the most spectacular in the world and has made it into the Guinness Book of records. The bay is filled with many Cruise ships and fireworks are stretched out around Funchal and as the clock strikes midnight on the 31st December, from the south, west, east and north in a circular pattern, the skies are lit with fireworks making this one of the most magnificent shows ever and a memorable moment for everyone.
Cantar os Reis
5 January
Ponta do Sol GoogleMaps
This is one of the oldest and most popular traditions in Madeira celebrated a little all over the island, a ritual that brings together families, friends and neighbours who come out to the streets to "sing the epiphany” or “Janeiras” from door to door, an event which is integrated in Christmas and New Year’s festivity program.
Madeira Nature Film Festival
October
Funchal GoogleMaps
The Madeira Nature Film Festival is an international independent film festival inspired by nature, that brings together various initiatives related to sustainability, art, education, ecotourism, recreation and a tribute to the Laurissilva Forest. This festival is distinguished for its educational component and aims at awakening consciences for the ecological preservation of natural resources.
Art Camacha
August
Camacha GoogleMaps
Organized by the Casa do Povo da Camacha, the Art Camacha Festival is dedicated to the cultural traditions of this parish. For a week, the parish of Camacha becomes a place where people gather, with entertainment, wickerwork and embroidery exhibitions and musical performances by various bands and folk groups from the parish.
Summer Opening Festival
July
Funchal GoogleMaps
This urban music festival, takes place in the unique natural setting of Santa Catarina Park, with the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Funchal as its main background. In previous editions welcomed some of the most prominent names in the world of Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, and Reggae, including the Morcheeba band, Jazznova band , Dengaz, Carlão, Frankie Chavez, Gabriel o Pensador, Richie Campbell, Buraka Som Sistema, Natiruts, among many others.
Madeira Wine Essence
November
Funchal GoogleMaps
Madeira Wine Essence brings together local and national winemakers in one of the biggest wine shows in Portugal. Held at the iconic Centro de Congressos da Madeira, the event comprises of wine tastings, show cooking by renowned chefs as well as plenty of advice, good food and a chance to sample some of the best wines.
Micro International Film Festival
December
Ponta do Sol GoogleMaps
In December, the 80-year-old Art Deco Cine Sol, located in the scenic village of Ponta do Sol, is the setting for the Madeira Micro International Film Festival. The event attracts amateur film directors from all over the world, giving it a truly international feel providing a wealth of film genres to choose from, also with limited screenings per night.
Madeira Classic Car Revival
May
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The "Madeira Classic Car Revival" is an annual automobile event that presents the history of the region's vintage and classic vehicles, in particular cars, motorcycles and bicycles that were manufactured up to 1980. The aim of this initiative is to award prizes to the best and most beautiful models that will be exhibited in the Praça do Povo.
Philharmonic Bands Meeting
May
Ribeira Brava GoogleMaps
The Regional Bands Meeting is an event organised with the aim of publicising and showcasing the region's rich musical heritage and its regional philharmonic bands. This event includes a march through the main streets of the town of Ribeira Brava, as far as the seafront, ending in a cultural event with the participation of all of the bands in a joint performance.
Madeira Piano Fest
November
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Madeira Piano Fest features various pianists performing various combinations of piano concerts, from harmonious and humorous pieces, with great virtuosity and brilliance to nearly orchestral sound effects, to demonstrate this instrument´s almost unlimited potential, a key element for developing the creativity of many composers from a range of different periods, resulting in a vast repertoire.
Atlantic Festival
June
Funchal GoogleMaps
The Madeira Atlantic Festival, an event that set the beginning of the summer season in Madeira, is one of the most recent tourist entertainment events with pyromusical shows on four Saturdays during the month of June, at the pier outside Pontinha. These wonderful and exciting performances, lasting about 20 minutes each, combine fireworks and music in a unique experience for tourists and residents. In these shows, companies will compete for a trophy awarded by public vote.
Maktub Soundsgood
May
Paúl do Mar GoogleMaps
Facebook - Facebook
This reggae music festival is held in Paúl do Mar, thus signaling the beginning of summer in this village, an event with the sounds that fit perfectly in the relaxed and sunny environment by the sea.
Funchal Summer Jazz
July-August-September
Machico GoogleMaps
The Funchal Summer Jazz has become an important event in Madeira with the participation of some of the most prestigious national and international artists and groups of the jazz world, making it a high point in the region’s cultural calendar and which takes over the streets and bars in Funchal, among other activities programmed for the festival. If you are an enthusiast, don’t miss these summer nights full of the unmistakable sound of Jazz.
24 Horas a Bailar
July
Santana GoogleMaps
In the city of Santana, the “24 Horas a Bailar” folklore festival features several folklore groups from the Island and from all over the country. The flower trays, dresses and typical costumes, the fruit and flower stalls and the traditional folklore music during 24 hours of entertainment, are the reasons why this is one of the most striking events in Madeira Island.
Semana do Mar
July
Porto Moniz GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
This is one of the most outstanding events of the northern municipality of Porto Moniz, an initiative comprised of a wide program of recreational and sports activities. Apart from some musical performances, several competitions, boat rides, canoe races, cultural and sports activities will be held, as well as the Sea Games that include the participation of teams from various municipalities of the island.
Madeira Fashion
November
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
This is an initiative organized in partnership with the Madeira Young Entrepreneurs Association and aims to affirm the importance of Madeiran Embroidery as a differentiated product of excellence, with historical roots, but also with the potential to contribute to the contemporary fashion industry. In addition to parades by stylists from Madeira, mainland Portugal, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and the Azores, this event includes a competition for young Madeiran stylists.
Medieval Market
June
Machico GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Machico hosts the 16th-century Market", an event that evokes the historical period of the discovery of the island, which has gained a prominent cultural status. Organized by the Municipal Council of Machico and partnership with the Elementary and Secondary Schools of Machico, this initiative takes place in Machico downtown at Largo da Praça and offers a number of cultural and musical activities.
Porto Santo Harvest Festival
August
Vila Baleira - Porto Santo GoogleMaps
Porto Santo Island annually hosts in late August this event to promote the various types of wine produced in this municipality, with a programme that includes wine tastings, the assemblage of a wine presser, as well as various demonstrations on the wine making process and an exhibition of the equipment used in the wine industry. There is also musical entertainment with traditional singing groups.
Columbus Festival
October
Vila Baleira - Porto Santo GoogleMaps
The Columbus Festival takes place in Porto Santo and is a festival dedicated to Christopher Columbus, with lots of music, shows, exhibitions and a procession based on his life in Madeira and on the Portuguese discoveries. There is also an impressive representation of his arrival in Porto Santo in 1478 where he lived in a house that can still be visited today with his wife Dona Felipa Perestrelo, daughter of Bartolomeu Perestrelo, governor of Porto Santo.
Arraial (Religious Festivals)
The summer months in Madeira are marked by the traditional religious festivals, where many emigrants also visit the homeland to reconnect with their families, reliving the island's traditions.
The Arraial is organized by groups of parishioners or by "Festeiros" (party planners) where the entire surrounding area is decorated in detail with colorful flags placed on wooden poles ornamented at the base with laurel or boxwood. Paper flowers made by the local population for long nights were replaced over time by decorative plastic flowers mounted on wire and then placed in the streets where the fair takes place.
Main Arraial Festivals:
Arraial de N. Sr.ª do Monte
14-15 August
Monte - Funchal GoogleMaps
This feast of devotion to Our Lady of Monte begins on the night of August 14, with thousands of visitors climbing the stairs to Monte Church. Between eating and drinking, music and dancing, the party lasts the whole night. The next day, after the 11 a.m. Mass, there is a procession that runs along the paths of Monte. Often people are seen doing penances for their sins on their knees or holding wax candles as gratitude.
Arraial de São Vicente
Last weekend of August
São Vicente GoogleMaps
The Arraial de São Vicente happens on the last weekend of August and it is one of the local’s favourite party, especially the younger ones. The streets around the Church of São Vicente close to traffic, to receive thousands of visitors. You’ll find dozens of stalls selling food and drinks, and music all night long; from “traditional singing contests”, to popular concerts and parties with electronic music.
Arraial do Bom Jesus
First weekend of September
Ponta Delgada GoogleMaps
Thousands of pilgrims travel along the island to Boaventura to celebrate the devotion to Bom Jesus, justified by the legend about a woman who saw a life-size crucifix floating in the sea, with a large image representing Jesus Christ and where is located now the Church of Senhor Bom Jesus in Ponta Delgada. Today is one of the most typical “arraiais”, a feast of spirituality, faith and togetherness.
Arraial da N. Sr.ª da Piedade
Third weekend of September
Caniçal GoogleMaps
On the third weekend of September, there is a party at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. According to legend, some fishers in distress, in the bay of São Lourenço, promised to build this chapel if they survived. The procession is by sea on board of the fishermen's boats, followed by food and drinks. On Saturday, devotees reach this chapel to collect the image of Our Lady of Mercy and take it to Caniçal church. It remains there until Sunday, when the image is placed back again in the chapel.
Arraial da N. Sr.ª do Loreto
7-8 September
Loreto - Arco da Calheta GoogleMaps
This "Arraial" was once considered one of the largest in Madeira, however, over time the enthusiasm diminished, which is now more attended by people from that area and by many emigrants. During the day the party takes place with musical shows and fireworks. The chapel was built in the 16th century and is one of the oldest in the west of Madeira. At the end of the Eucharist, the procession is commonly carried out by commanders and by aircraft pilots, as N. Sr.ª do Loreto is the Universal Aviation patron.
Arraial dos Lameiros
1-2 August
Lameiros - São Vicente GoogleMaps
The feast of Our Lady of Health, takes place at the site of Lameiros, in São Vicente, better known as Arraial dos Lameiros, scheduled for the 1st and 2nd of August. This is a typical Madeira "arraial" which in recent years has been growing and is already one of the biggest summer festivals in Madeira. The religious part of this camp consists of novenas and masses inside the church. Outside there are food and beverage stalls, and lots of entertainment provided by DJ's in a live disco, folklore groups and other musical groups.
São Pedro
28-29 June
Ribeira Brava GoogleMaps
The municipality of Ribeira Brava, organizes the traditional popular marches in tribute to Saint Peter, a popular event, characterized by the traditional night crossings by decorated boats culminating at midnight with a fireworks show that lights up the skies of this town located by the sea. There are stalls distributed throughout the city center, where the traditional Madeira Espetada with bolo do Caco is made and served.
São João
23-24 June
Vila Baleira - Porto Santo GoogleMaps
The "São João" is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island of Porto Santo, an event integrated in the Festas do Concelho whose commemorations take place from the 23rd to the 24th of June. The high point of these festivities culminates with the Popular Marches, in which various groups of costumed extras parade through the main streets of the city, surrounded by the sound of popular music and the characteristic smell of basil and bonfires.
Arraial da N. Sr.ª da Graça
14 August
Vila Baleira - Porto Santo GoogleMaps
This "Arraial" takes place on August 14th, and it is mandatory to go up to the chapel for a meeting of faith and tradition. The lighting runs down the mountain for approximately 500 meters. On the cobbled road, tents with traditional food and drinks are joined. This festival brings together not only the residents, but also the hundreds of people who are on vacation on the island in August. The following day the Eucharist is celebrated followed by the Procession.
Festas (Fairs)
There is an interesting "Festa" almost every month to delight both tourists and the local population that aims to showcase the regional cuisine specialties at dedicated stalls, selling local food and drinks. Along with lots of entertainment, and at the same time, highlighting the diversified scenery of majestic landscapes offered by the island.
Festas (Fairs)
Festa do Peixe Espada Preto
August
Câmara de Lobos GoogleMaps
The "Festa do Peixe Espada Preto" held every year, aims to showcase the culinary potential of the Black Scabbard fish, and at the same time, highlight the traditional fishing activity while enjoying the astonishing scenery of the bay of Câmara de Lobos. Alongside the Black Scabbard fish you will have the opportunity to taste other gastronomical specialties, such as Poncha, the most known drink on Madeira Island which origins are from Câmara de Lobos.
Feira do Gado
July
Porto Moniz GoogleMaps
Since 1955, Porto Moniz has hosted the famous Feira do Gado, with the aim of promoting livestock development in the region. Products and materials related to agricultural and livestock activities are highlighted at this annual fair where, in addition to the cattle exhibition, you can participate in a popular fair. Here, groups and bands participate, taste the famous "espetada" and the wine of the region.
Festas da Sé
May
Funchal GoogleMaps
The streets surrounding the Funchal Cathedral come alive at the end of May. Tourists enjoy a night in which they experience a rich variety of typically Madeiran food and drinks on discount. However, the festival is not just about eating and drinking, each night there is a great variety of entertainment with live music, performances of philharmonic bands and folk dances.
Festa do Panelo
January
Chão da Ribeira GoogleMaps
This is a famous and old Madeira tradition, held on the last weekend of January, taking place at Chão da Ribeira, Seixal, on the first Sunday after the religious feast of St. Antão, an occasion where families come together to prepare the "Panelo”, a culinary dish made of vegetables and blood sausage, very similar to Portuguese stew. This occasion also features stalls, selling local food and drinks, along with lots of entertainment.
Machico Gastronomic Fair
July-August
Machico GoogleMaps
The Machico Gastronomic Fair takes place in the city of Machico in late July and early August. It is an appetizing way to promote the regional cuisine where visitors can enjoy the food, enjoy outdoor concerts and many other activities.
Festa dos Fachos
August
Machico GoogleMaps
The Festa dos Fachos or torch festival in Machico is one of the oldest celebrations on the island. It originated back in the 16th Century when the islanders used torches to warn the population of attacks by pirates. This tradition is associated with the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament that occurs on the last weekend of August.
Caniço Gastronomic Week
August
Caniço GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The city center of Caniço is the main stage for the Gastronomic Festival, which takes place every year and has the presence of several stalls representing various restaurants, whose objective is to promote local and regional cuisine. In addition to good food, music and street entertainment are also present in this cultural event that every year attracts thousands of visitors, being considered one of the main posters in the parish.
Beer Festival
October
Caniço de Baixo GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Promenade dos Reis Magos, at Caniço de Baixo, host the popular Madeira Beer Festival. In this event, more than 30 bottled and draught beer references are available, as well as a gastronomic offer associated with the brewing tradition.
Festa dos Compadres
February/March
Santana GoogleMaps
For about 50 years, Festa dos Compadres has symbolised the start of the Carnival festivities in Madeira, taking place on the weekend before the Carnival. Held in Santana, the town celebrates the occasion with a parade of decorated floats, troupes in traditional costumes and musical entertainment. Actors perform comic sketches about social and political issues, while giant figurines are publicly ridiculed, judged and cheerfully burned.
Chestnut Festival
October
Curral das Freiras GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Chestnut Festival is an opportunity for the numerous visitors to taste the various delicacies and products made from this fruit, namely: roasted chestnuts, liqueurs and cakes. This occasion also offers a chance to promote a gastronomic competition held amongst some of the village´s typical restaurants.
Cherry Festival
June
Jardim da Serra GoogleMaps
The village of Jardim da Serra, located in the upper areas of Câmara de Lobos, hosts the Cherry Festival, a popular event that promotes the local tradition of this parish, an event that takes place in June. This festivity offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities that culminate with an ethnographic parade in a tribute to the harvesting of this delicious fruit.
Custard Apple Exhibition
March
Faial GoogleMaps
Being held in the parish of Faial, the event aims to support the production of the Custard Apple and its derivatives, such like liqueurs, puddings, ice cream and milkshakes, in an environment with a lot of entertainment, music and contests.
Lemon Festival
May
Ilha GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The parish of Ilha, in the municipality of Santana hosts the annual Lemon Festival. This event arose in order to honor the main local production, the lemon, and also serves as a pretext for a great popular animation.
Apple Festival
September
Ponta do Pargo GoogleMaps
This is an event of a rural character that brings together many farmers from various neighboring locations, held annually, in September, in the parish of Ponta do Pargo. The farmers gathered in Ponta do Pargo, transform the pear production into a very lively and high-profile party, accompanied by the usual food and beverage stalls.
Limpet Festival
July
Paul do Mar GoogleMaps
Casa do Povo do Paul do Mar annually promotes this important popular event, that intends to promote the cultural heritage of this parish located in the municipality of Calheta, an event that takes place in July. This festivity promotes a kind of shellfish very popular in Madeiran gastronomy, the limpet (Lapa).
Camacha Apple Festival
October
Camacha GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Parish Council of Camacha annually promotes the Apple Festival, an event that aims to promote one of the most popular agricultural products of this parish, where the locals and tourists in general are invited to participate in the treading of the apples, in a rudimentary way. The program contemplates a set of diversified activities with emphasis on the ethnographic apple parade.
Trout Festival/Cider Route
June
Santana GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Cider and trout are two culinary elements little-known by visitors, who will thus have the opportunity to savour these products during this festival, through visits to the Ribeiro Frio aquaculture station; participation in trout fishing contests; presentations and food tastings based around trout and cider; and exhibitions that demonstrate the handmade cider production process, a drink that is very appreciated by the people of Madeira.
Tuna Festival
June
Porto Santo GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
This event aims to present the countless ways to cook tuna in the several countries invited, an initiative which shall culminate in a gala dinner. This festival’s programme also includes a range of initiatives, such as tasting workshops and gatherings, music and dance, fishing arts and craftsmanship, photography exhibitions, urban art and humour shows.
Sport Events
Madeira is and has been home to several sport events including the Madeira Open Golf Championship, Madeira Wine Car Rally, Madeira Island Ultra Trail, Extreme Sailing Series and the World Surfing Championships and many others. Sport plays a significant role in Madeira, with the Liga Portugal football games from professional teams such as Club Sport Marítimo and Clube Desportivo Nacional.
Clearly the range of sporting activities available is wide, varied and accessible, from football, trail running, surfing, paragliding, mountain biking, Enduro and so much more.
Sport Events
Rali Vinho Madeira
August
Madeira Island GoogleMaps
The Rali Vinho Madeira, taking place in August, is an international motor sport competition and one of the main events on Madeira Island, attracting famous runners from all over the world. One of the most interesting aspects of this rally is the unpredictable weather in the mountains: it can be foggy and rainy at a moment and then everything shines in the sun. Spectators should remember this as the rain makes the ground very slippery for drivers.
Madeira Classic Car Rally
September
Madeira Island GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Madeira Classic Car Rally is one of the most interesting historical rallies of vintage and classic cars, organized by the Clube de Automoveis Classicos da Madeira, is a special event that is part of the Portuguese Federation for Automobiles and Karting. The event provides its participants the chance to experience the symbiosis between sport and nature in a competitive race known for being both a cultural and also a social event.
Rampa dos Barreiros
December
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Rampa dos Barreiros, held for the first time in 1965, is a classic and antique vehicles controlled speed competition on a closed circuit, with an extension of approximately 2.5 km, starting in front of the Madeira Regional Assembly, along the southern lane of Avenida do Mar and ending next to Quinta Magnólia.
Ecotrail Funchal
October
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Funchal is one of the cities that encloses the concept of the Ecotrail, which was originated in Paris in the last decade. Funchal is the fourth European city out of the seven capitals to have such an event. There are various challenges of 15, 30, 45 or 85 km. This competition concept is gaining more fans in the international world of Trail running.
Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting
October
Porto Moniz GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The purpose of this event is to promote the practice of mountain biking while getting to know the Island. Based on Porto Moniz, the one-week itinerary includes visits to various locations, water sports, themed workshops, lots of fun and socializing. Participants will have the opportunity to practice mountain biking on several trails, with impressive views. On the last day of the week, they can also participate in a round of the Madeira Enduro Series.
USM - Ultra Skyrunning Madeira
October
Santana GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The race places the island of Madeira in the Skyrunning world, as part of a restricted range of races in the Ultra distance which constitute the World Tour of the modality. The event will promote the potential of the natural areas of Santana for sports practice, particularly for the technical race of high difficulty, including the touristic potential of footpaths, fauna and flora, culture and traditions of the municipality.
Funchal Marathon
January
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Madeira Athletics Association (AARAM) promotes this major international sporting event, consisting of three main races, the Funchal Marathon (42.195,00 meters), the Funchal Half Marathon (21.097,50 meters) and the Mini marathon (8.850 meters). This race is run on a flat course, almost entirely on a closed, attractively landscaped circuit, offering the perfect setting for healthy competition between athletes from different nationalities.
São Silvestre Race
December
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Best known for São Silvestre Race, held since 1958, it is considered the oldest race of San Silvestre road in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. With approximately 6km, the proof through the main streets and avenues of the city, allowing you to enjoy the unique setting of the Christmas decorations that adorn Funchal at this time of year.
New Year Madeira Plunge
January 1st
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Madeira Plunge aims to be a fun event to start the new year in Madeira, both for locals and visitors, whilst raising funds for a charitable cause - Acreditar. Locals often have an "end of year" swim on the last day of the year and start the year with a "new year swim". Average sea temperatures in Madeira make the destination a great location for a "new year plunge"..
Triathlon and Parathriathlon Cup
October
Funchal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
This competition is aimed at 300 elite athletes representing national teams from Europe and the rest of the world. The regional competition is being held alongside the Portuguese Cup. The Triathlon is a sport that pushes athletes to their limits in three different stages: swimming, cycling and running. Each stage requires the athlete to be in peak physical condition. The triathlon consists of a 1500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run carried out consecutively.
Trans Madeira
June & September
Madeira Island GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Trans Madeira is an adrenaline-filled Enduro mountain bike adventure, one of the events of the year on the international mountain bike scene. Five days of racing, more than 200 kilometers covered, more than 25 special stages and 120 competitors, who will cover the four corners of Madeira, in a unique event, from east to west, from north to south, experiencing different types of terrain and enjoying the opportunity to explore unique mountain bike trails.
MIUT - Madeira Island Ultra Trail
November
Machico - Porto Moniz GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
This is the major competition of trail running in Madeira. Year after year, this competition brings not only a vast selection of elite ITRA athletes as well as hundreds of other runners, gathering over 2000 participants. It’s a race of 115km and 7200 D+, challenging athletes to cross the island from one end to another, being described by many as a truly remarkable lifetime experience.
Madeira Big Game Fishing Championship
July
Madeira Island GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Madeira Islands hosts this well-known event in the panorama of world sport fishing, which takes place simultaneously in various parts of the world. This is an initiative directed at the sport fishing lovers, whose challenge is to capture the largest specimen of blue marlin. The great marine biodiversity of Madeira is considered one of the best geographical spots of the world for big game fishing.
Madeira Canyoning Meeting
October
Madeira Island GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
Madeira Canyoning Meeting is an event organized by the Sailing Club of Seixal and the Mountain Camping Federation of Portugal. During this event, participants have the opportunity to go through several canyons in various areas, most of which are located in the north and inland parts of the island. It includes workshops and lectures open to the participation of people of various nationalities.
Sandokan Enduro
November
Calheta GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Sandokan Enduro Madeira Island race, is a MTB sport competition, held in the municipality of Calheta. This competition has increasingly attracted a large number of international athletes to Madeira, such as Joe Barnes, Matti Leikonen and Fabien Barel, among others.
Madeira Surfski LifeSaving
October
Seixal GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Madeira Regional Canoeing Association, in collaboration with the Portuguese Canoeing Federation organizes the Madeira Surfski LifeSaving. This competition is open to both male and female athletes who compete in the Absolutes K1 category. This sports event consists of an initial stage that takes place on the beach of Seixal. Participants must cover a 500 meter course, in a sport event which is comprised of multiple stages.
Porto Santo Nature Trail
May
Porto Santo GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Porto Santo Nature Trail, consists of four races covering the island from one end to the other. The main race being 42,3 km; the second, 21.9 km; a shortest relay, 8.9 km and an extra race - " Porto Santo Kids Trail (KTPS), destined for younger athletes. The competition integrates the Regional Trail Championship, in the distance Half Marathon and Marathon.
Porto Santo Half/Mini Marathon
October
Porto Santo GoogleMaps
Website - Facebook
The Half Marathon main race covers a route with a distance of 21km, starting at Avenida Manuel Gregório Pestana Júnior (Marginal Road) near the Pier, and arriving at the starting point. In addition the Mini Marathon covers a short distance of about 10km. This competition is integrated in the Regional Half Marathon Championship, in the Half and Mini Marathon distances.
Check out the complete calendar with events and thematic programs during your stay in Madeira Island.