Is Madeira or Malta better?

True, Malta perhaps has the edge in terms of historical drama and Madeira has an altogether grander, rawer feel to its scenery, but neither of these edge-of-Europe getaways are going to leave you feeling short-changed.



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I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.

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Madeira is boasting some of the most accessible biodiversity. It is known for its lush forests, gardens, and parks, which give the island a tropical feel. As a result of the mild temperatures here all year long, a range of exotic plants and herbs can be found in the gardens.

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Its golden, nine-kilometres long, sandy beach has made this small island famous all over world. In 2022, European Best Destinations awarded it the title of 'best beach in Europe 2022'. The recognised therapeutic properties of its sandy beach and its crystal-clear turquoise waters contribute greatly to this.

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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.

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Most of Madeira's nightlife is found in its capital, Funchal, the only city of any size on the island. Outside of Funchal, Madeira has small towns or villages that are totally unlike tourist resorts. So, if you want to go out partying, Funchal is where you need to be.

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Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.

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Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.

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One of the greatest aspects of life in Madeira are its coastal villages. And Ponta do Sol is arguably the most beautiful.

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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.

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The rainy season is between November and February, during which time rolling clouds and frequent rainstorms are typical. Most days during this time will have at least one rainstorm passing through. The months between May and August are the driest of the year.

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Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

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The Canary Islands are probably a safer bet if your top priority is hot weather but that of course can't be guaranteed and the weather in Madeira is generally good too. Madeira is much more beautiful though with lots of things to do. As you enjoyed the Azores, I can see no reason why you wouldn't also love Madeira.

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If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

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Average weather in Madeira
  • May. 19°C. Avg. Rain: 6mm.
  • Jun. 21°C. Avg. Rain: 0mm.
  • Jul. 23°C. Avg. Rain: 1mm.
  • Aug. 24°C. Avg. Rain: 1mm.
  • Sep. 23°C. Avg. Rain: 5mm.
  • Oct. 22°C. Avg. Rain: 31mm.
  • Nov. 20°C. Avg. Rain: 25mm.
  • Dec. 19°C. Avg. Rain: 18mm.


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The southwest is the place to be for more guaranteed sun; Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta boast the best climates on the island followed by Funchal, Camera de lobos and Machico.

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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.

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Madeira is generally windy, with north-easterly trade winds bringing big swells and humidity. Caniçal and Caniço are often the recipients of such weather, while the west coast also receives wind and swells, providing good surf and windsurfing conditions and Jardim do Mar is a popular place for the latter.

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Ponta do Sol This municipality on Madeira's west coast is considered the warmest and sunniest on the island. It is very popular with visitors seeking to enjoy the climate and the warm sea. In addition, Ponta do Sol presents very diverse landscapes, namely the mountain range, the coast and traditional villages.

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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.

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The island of Madeira is one of the best destinations in Portugal and the world for open water swimmers passionate for spectacular landscapes. The temperature, visibility and transparency of the water, as well as the immensity and variety of marine life, make this a unique place for swimming.

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