What to do in Madeira on a rainy day?
Madeira Island is known for its year-round pleasant weather, but sometimes even paradise gets a little rain. Don’t worry, though! There’s plenty to do on this stunning island even when the skies are gray. Besides all the official events and festivals of Madeira, we have a list of activities that will keep you entertained and dry, whether you’re visiting Funchal, exploring the countryside, or enjoying a cozy day indoors.
Due to the altitude of the mountains it never rains all over Madeira, usually just in some parts, and you can check the actual weather conditions in a specific spot on the island through the various public webcams feeds.
Here are two examples of external websites offering access to webcams all over the island:
1. Wine & Rum Tasting
When it’s wet outside, what better way to warm up than with a glass (or several) of Madeira wine? Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal offers guided tours where you can learn about the history of Madeira wine production and, of course, enjoy a tasting session. The cozy, rustic atmosphere of the wine cellar makes it an ideal spot to escape the rain.
Engenhos do Norte Rum Factory located in Porto da Cruz (north of the island) is a testimony to the importance sugarcane had and still has on an economic and cultural level in Madeira. A visit to the mill is like taking a journey through time, visitors can walk the original circuit that goes from the collection of sugar cane, through to the various stages of production and ending in a visit & rum tasting in the Rum House.
The oldest Poncha Bar on the island: Taberna da Poncha , not far from Castelo - for those who want to try the famous rum-based cocktail of Madeira!
2. Relax at a Spa
Madeira is home to several luxury spas, offering the perfect escape from rainy weather. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or full-body treatment while listening to the sound of raindrops outside. Popular choices include:
The Vine Hotel Spa: Known for its wine-based treatments, this spa offers a unique experience.
Belmond Reid's Palace Spa: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while indulging in a relaxing treatment.
Savoy Palace Spa: A modern and extensive spa with a range of therapies to help you unwind.
3. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores / Daily fruit and vegetable market in Funchal
The Farmers’ Market in Funchal is a vibrant indoor space where you can soak up local culture without getting soaked. Wander through stalls filled with fresh produce, exotic fruits, colorful flowers, and freshly caught fish. It's a great place to sample local delicacies like passion fruit and bolo do caco (Madeiran flatbread). You probably won't know the names of all these extraordinary fruits! What is even more relaxing: sit down and relax in one of the cafes and order a bica (Madeiran word for espresso) and observe the island life happening around you.
4. Experience Madeira’s Culinary Delights
Rainy days are a great excuse to indulge in Madeira’s culinary scene. Book a table at one of Funchal’s cozy restaurants and enjoy a leisurely meal. Here are some local specialties to try:
Espetada Madeirense
The “Espetada“, made with beef cubes in a laurel skewer and grilled on wood or charcoal. Many restaurants have tables with iron structures applied in the center, to hang long laurel skewers in which broil the meat pieces. To accompany the dish, the locals suggest the Fried Maize “Milho Frito” and Bolo do Caco, traditionally baked on a tile or slab over fire. The restaurants “Polar”, “Lagar” or “Santo António” in Câmara de Lobos are some of the most popular restaurants to eat a good espetada.
Lapas (Limpets)- a Madeiran specialty, much appreciated by locals and visitors. The limpets “Lapas” are cooked upwards in a frying pan of their own and their taste increases when splashed with fresh lemon and butter. The typical Bolo do Caco is a great accompaniment to this snack. We can suggest some Restaurants around the island to try these “Lapas” such as “Barqueiro” (Funchal), “Portinho” (Jardim Do Mar), “Muralhas” (Caniçal), “Poita” (Madalena do Mar), “Maré Alta” (Machico) or “Many” (São Vicente).
Espada (Scabbard Filet)
The most typical fish of Madeira Island is the black scabbard fish “Espada“, which swims in deep waters and has a fearsome appearance, at least when viewed in the market. However, it is also very tasty, especially when prepared the “Madeiran Way”, with passion fruit and banana sauce. The restaurant “Casa Madeirense “, “Classico” or “Doca do Cavacas” in Funchal and also the Restaurant “Preia Mar” in Madelena do Mar (Ponta do Sol) or “Maré Alta” (Machico) are some of the most popular restaurants for a great “Espada”.
Cozido Madeirense
The famous Madeiran stew (Cozido Madeirense) is a dish based on salted pork, sausages and whole vegetables, among them sweet potatoes. It is cooked over a wood fire, which gives a great taste and flavor, the ingredients are all mixed in a large pot, and all cooked at the same time. To accompany all this meaty goodness, couscous. The restaurant “Cantinho da Serra” in Santana is a nice spot to try this typical dish.
For other restaurants/cafés/bakery we recommend- click here
5. Try your luck at Casino da Madeira
Located 5 minutes from the center of Funchal, the Casino da Madeira offers a varierty of entertainment- in addition to the game room, there are two restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a multifunctional space and a congress center with an auditorium and a conference room.
Enjoy international shows at their Bahia restaurant, accompanied with a fine meal. The Madeiran night only starts then, at the Copacabana casino's nightclub, with their famous themed parties.
*Note: they have an age restricion 18 & older, you'll need an ID, and there is a dress code (no beach footwear, no sports clothes).
6. Indoor Activities at Shopping Centers (all have parking)
If you prefer to stay indoors but still want to keep busy, head to the malls for a fun afternoon with friends or family. Shopping, restaurants and cinema, with the latest movie releases, including in English (cinemas only at Forum & Madeira Shopping). All movies for 12+ are in English with Portuguese subtitles. The price for cinema is 12,- EUR for a family or 5,- EUR per adult.
- MadeiraShopping is our favorite with its cinemas, perfect quality restaurants where you can try Mexican (Taco Bell) and also traditional Portuguese dishes, but also Burgers (Burger King and McDonalds) and Pizza (PizzaHut).
- Forum Madeira has more or less the same size like shopping Madeira but on 4 floors, also with cinemas on top floor.
- "Plaza" Central Parking and Shopping mall : Beware of December/Christmas rush hour: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
- Anadia Shopping to get a feeling for Portuguese life. If you buy something over 15/30,- EUR at Pingo Doce you get a better price for parking.
7. Explore Funchal's Museums and Galleries
Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is packed with fascinating museums that are perfect for a rainy day. Here are a few to check out (for a full list of all museum of Madeira click here):
- 3D Fun art museum- especially recommended for families with kids, guaranteed fun for everybody!
- Museum of Sacred Art: This museum is home to a beautiful collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts dating back to the 15th century. *Tip: they have a nice little cafe in the back, for a delicious snack or drink.
- CR7 Museum: Love soccer? Visit the museum dedicated to Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s filled with memorabilia, trophies, and even a life-sized statue of the football legend. They offer parking. If you ask... what's CR7 standing for? Christiano Ronaldo number was no 7. And by the way, Christiano's mother is still living on Madeira...
- The Madeira Museum of Photography - Atelier Vicente's is based on a nineteenth-century photography studio, which has gone through four generations of the same family. Originally acquired in 1865 by Vicente Gomes da Silva (1827-1906), survives complete with all his equipment, cameras, books, sets, furniture and with a unique photographic heritage. It also presents the history of photographic processes, from the daguerreotype to the first color photographs, including the magic lantern devices and stereoscopy. And by the way, the museum also holds jazz jam sessions on Fridays from 20:30.
- Museum of Natural History- housed in the old residence of the Count of Carvalhal, this museum's mission is to collect and store important information about the flora and fauna of Madeira through its wide collection of many marine-type species and geological samples from the region.
- MAMMA - Museum of Modern Art in Madeira- an innovative and daring museum, unique in the panorama of the cultural offer of Funchal. It contains about 300 artworks, including paintings and various types of installations, distributed over 14 thematic zones, in which creativity is the motto, and it challenges visitors to discover a new prespective of great visual and intrusive impact. *Tip: check out their page for events, they host weekly concerts & bands.
- The Whale Museum of Madeira- holder of a valuable museographic collection, this space rigorously documents the history of whaling in Madeira. Through stereoscopic 3D movies and among models of whales and dolphins in full size, visitors can learn about the life of these fantastic creatures and their marine environment in a fun and interactive way. The Whale Museum also promotes research on cetaceans and its preservation and study of the history of whaling in Madeira.
- Sugar Cane Mill and Museum - located in the municipality of Calheta, on the southwest coast of the Island of Madeira, the Sugar Cane Mill and Museum focuses on one of the most important productive activities in the History of the archipelago. Sugar, which was once called 'white gold', continues to be a product of great relevance to the region.
8. Take a Scenic Drive
Rainy weather often enhances the beauty of Madeira's landscapes, with mist-covered mountains and lush greenery. Take a scenic drive through the island's winding old coastal roads, and the old tunnels hammered out of stone. Stop at viewpoints like Cabo Girão (one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe) or the Encumeada Pass (towards north coast) to admire the dramatic scenery. One of our favorites- driving through the old tunnel from Ponta do Sol towards Madalena do Mar, passing the old prison, and driving through the Angels Waterfall (you can stop to take a photo or even get soaked under he waterfall). There is also the old road towards Paul do Mar. The dramatic cliffs on the north coast, around Ribeira do Inferno or Sao Jorge. Just be sure to drive carefully on the wet roads!
9. While in the north coast...
Check out the Porto Moniz Aquarium . It's a small but interesting place that features species native to the waters around Madeira, giving you a glimpse into the local marine life without getting wet. 90 species live in a total of 12 water basins. It is particularly unusual that you can do short dives in the aquarium with the local diving center.
10. Play under the Madeira airport's runway!
Numerous covered activities are offered directly beneath the airport's extended runway, which went into operation in 2000. One of them is karting on a 420 meter long track. The karts have Honda engines with 9 HP from 270 cm³. An artificial climbing wall was also built in the Água de Pena sports park under the runway. It offers 10 routes on approx. 150 m² of climbing area. Abseiling can also be practiced and there is a 70 meter zipline. The complex offers all kind of sports, children's area, restaurants, bars etc.
Final Thoughts
Rain doesn't have to ruin your vacation in Madeira. With its rich culture, delicious food, and breathtaking indoor attractions, there are plenty of things to do when the weather isn't cooperating. So grab an umbrella, put on a smile, and enjoy everything that this beautiful island has to offer—even when it's raining!