What is Christmas like in Madeira?

What is Christmas like in Madeira? From the second half of December until Christmas eve, Madeirans get up at the crack of dawn to participate in the masses honoring Our Lady. After mass, in the church square, people share sandwiches of “carne de vinha d'alhos” (pork in wine and garlic), homemade liquors, songs and joy of the Christmas spirit.

Can you swim in Funchal in December?

A warmer winter Madeiran winters are usually very pleasant: in December and January, Funchal enjoys five times as much sunshine hours than London. Daytime temperatures hover just under 20C: mild enough to swim in the sea or a heated outdoor pool, though there's always the possibility of rain.

What is Madeira Funchal like in December?

While most destinations experience plummeting temperatures and far too chilly conditions during winter months, the weather in Madeira offers mostly sunny skies and pleasant temperatures year-round, with the average temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius during December and January in particular.

Is Madeira nice at Christmas?

From 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024 Madeira is an amazing destination all year, but if you are looking for a special place to celebrate Christmas, visit Madeira. The traditions of this island, the climate, the local gastronomy and the main events of this festivity, will surely surprise you.

What is the cheapest month to visit Madeira?

Famous for it's year-round warmth and sunshine – choosing the best time to visit Madeira all depends on the type of holiday you're looking for… Let's start at the beginning of the year – January through to March is the coolest time of the year, but it's also the quietest and the cheapest.

What do Madeirans eat at Christmas?

In Madeira, a typical Christmas lunch dish is diced pork seasoned in wine and garlic. This little treat is accompanied with bread and vegetable migas or a slice of bread fried in lard. The tradition was brought here by settlers from Minho in northern Portugal.

Is all the restaurants open in Madeira all year round?

As we've already mentioned, businesses in Madeira don't tend to close for the winter season, since tourists visit the island all year round. However, there are some activities that are better to do during the cooler months.

Are there Covid restrictions in Madeira?

As of July 1, 2022, passengers entering national territory (including Azores and Madeira) are no longer required to present proof of a test with a negative result for COVID-19.

Is Madeira an expensive holiday?

You should plan to spend around €95 ($101) per day on your vacation in Madeira Islands, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €33 ($35) on meals for one day and €9.87 ($10) on local transportation.

Can you swim in Madeira in December?

Madeira is a popular destination for Christmas. It is a big even with festivities, decorations, delicious food… Temperatures are sea level are very pleasant, around 19/20°C during the day. Water temperature is lower (around 17°C), so it is not the best time for swimming but it is still possible to enjoy a swim.

Is Madeira a cheap holiday destination?

For travellers on a budget Madeira isn't a cheap destination overall, but savvy travellers looking for cheap deals should look at all-inclusive properties in and around Funchal and on Porto Santo that make it easy to stay within budget.

Are there whales in Madeira in December?

Whales and dolphins observed around Madeira in December 2022 December is not a very diversified month in terms of cetacean species around Madeira archipelago but this year things were different and we even got a Humpback whale visiting us for this Christmas month! Join Madeira Wildlife Monthly Newsletter.

What to wear in Madeira?

Throughout Madeira dress is casual. Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable; team with a sunhat, sunglasses and beach bag for a perfect daytime look. Jeans are very popular everywhere but in the hottest months may be too uncomfortable; opt instead for lightweight natural fabrics.

What clothes to wear in Madeira in December?

From November through December, January, February and into March it can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and small travel umbrella. Dressing in layers will help you with the temperature changes. Heavy downpours are common in the afternoons – you can almost set your watch by them.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

Madeira is a pretty small island, and so luckily you don't need very long to see all of the incredible things that this destination has to offer. If you're looking to experience the must-dos then a short four-day break would be fine. However, a week is the perfect amount of time to really make the most of the island.

Are restaurants open in Madeira over Christmas?

There are many restaurants open on Christmas Day. Never ever had a problem finding somewhere to eat over the whole Christmas/New Year period, although on Christmas Eve some restaurants that are open may close early in the evening to allow their staff to enjoy an evening with their family.

Does Madeira have a Christmas market?

From 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024 Madeira, a Portuguese island, celebrates to the fullest the arrival of Christmas season, with a traditional Christmas market, held in Avenida Arriaga central walkways, at the heart of its main capital – Funchal.

Why is Madeira so cheap?

The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.