The perfect time to visit Madeira is now!
Although Madeira is widely known for its Carnival, the island’s cultural life truly unfolds in the months that follow. From late February onward, Madeira enters a long and particularly pleasant season marked by mild temperatures, flowering landscapes and a carefully paced programme of events. Spring and early summer 2026 therefore offer an excellent opportunity to experience the island not only as a scenic destination, but as a living cultural setting shaped by tradition, sport and community celebrations.
- Madeira Rum Festival — Funchal | approximately 14–18 April 2026
Held on Funchal’s seafront, the Madeira Rum Festival celebrates one of the island’s historic industries: sugarcane cultivation and the production of traditional agricole rum. Regional producers present tastings and demonstrations, accompanied by live music and local gastronomy. The event retains an authentic atmosphere, attracting both residents and visitors, and serves as a gentle introduction to Madeira’s spring calendar. - MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail — Island-wide (Porto Moniz to Machico) | 25–26 April 2026
The Madeira Island Ultra-Trail is an internationally recognized mountain race crossing the island from the north-west coast to the eastern shoreline. Participants traverse high peaks, forests and coastal paths over day and night stages. Along the route, villages gather to welcome runners, creating a unique shared experience that highlights Madeira’s natural landscape and strong sense of community. Even spectators find it one of the most memorable events of the year. - Madeira Flower Festival — Funchal | 30 April – 24 May 2026
Considered the island’s signature celebration, the Flower Festival transforms Funchal into a city of colour and fragrance. Streets are decorated with intricate floral carpets, public spaces host exhibitions and performances, and the symbolic Wall of Hope ceremony involves local children placing flowers in a message of peace. The Grand Allegorical Flower Parade, featuring floats entirely covered in blossoms, forms the central highlight and draws international attention. This period is widely regarded as Madeira’s most visually striking season. - Madeira Classic Car Revival — Funchal | 22–24 May 2026
Late May introduces a different tone with the Classic Car Revival. Historic vehicles parade through Funchal and participate in scenic hill climbs along the coastal roads. The event combines elegance and nostalgia, attracting enthusiasts from across Europe while offering visitors an additional cultural dimension between spring celebrations and the beginning of summer festivities. - Atlantic Festival — Funchal Bay | 5–28 June 2026
June marks the transition into summer with the Atlantic Festival. Each Saturday evening, Funchal Bay hosts an international fireworks competition choreographed to music. Concerts, open-air events and extended evening activity animate the waterfront, creating a lively atmosphere and signaling the start of the island’s summer season.
Madeira’s terrain is mountainous and many accommodations are located away from the airport on winding coastal roads. During festival periods, taxis and public transport may be limited, particularly for late arrivals and early departures. For convenience, many travellers arrange airport transport in advance through Low Cost Transfers Madeira, a fixed-price, door-to-door service operating across the island. Pre-booking allows visitors to begin and conclude their stay smoothly while focusing on the events themselves.
From April’s cultural traditions to June’s fireworks displays, Madeira’s post-Carnival season presents a sequence of distinctive celebrations that reflect the island’s identity and landscape. Visiting after 23 February 2026 means arriving at the beginning of this progression, when Madeira gradually moves from quiet spring retreat to vibrant summer destination. Together, these events offer not a single festival, but a continuous cultural experience set against the Atlantic’s dramatic scenery.
