Which is nicer Madeira or Azores?

If you prefer nature, greenery, an off-the-beaten-path adventure and don't mind rain or cooler temperatures, pick the Azores. If you'd prefer sunshine, golden sands, luxury amenities and a quirky cable car/toboggan experience, consider Madeira, including the beachy island of Porto Santo.



People Also Ask

Climate-wise, Madeira is warmer and less wet/rainy. In the Azores, you'll get every season in a single day. You probably won't like that so much. In Madeira, because of the micro-climates, it'll probably always be sunny somewhere on the island - and you can always just go above the clouds.

MORE DETAILS

The Azores islands are a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. and mainland Europe. They're a true hidden gem, but are quickly piquing North American travelers' interests—São Miguel even made our list of stunning islands in Portugal that you need to visit.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, Madeira was just voted Europe's “Leading Island Destination” in the World Travel Awards again (the sixth time in the last seven years). Less than four hours from London and with almost guaranteed sunshine, Madeira is an ideal winter break, or for that matter, anytime destination.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

MORE DETAILS

There is no ferry service between continental Portugal and the Azores.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

In Madeira, there are fewer sandy beaches, but more beaches with pebbles or stones. To access the water, we strongly recommend water shoes. If you are interested in exploring a variety of sandy beaches, the winner is Tenerife ??.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Yes, Madeira is a popular destination and indeed some of the main tourist attractions can get quite busy. But for the biggest part, Madeira is still very quiet and undiscovered.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Every island in the archipelago is different, but generally, it is more affordable than living in most places in mainland Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto. Consumer prices, including rent, are around 17% lower in Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel, than in Lisbon.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS