Madeira is known for its lush landscape, charming cities and beautiful beaches. But did you know, it’s also got a chock-full events calendar to suit everyone, from active types to wine buffs and nature lovers? Without further ado, here are a few of Madeira’s most exciting events in 2024.

Madeira Flower Festival

2 May to 26 May

Come May, the whole of Funchal looks bloomin’ lovely, as the city celebrates spring with its annual flower festival. Although the whole island will dabble in the celebrations, the main bulk of the events take place in the capital, Funchal.

Don’t miss the Allegoric Flower Parade, a huge affair where those adorned in their flowery finery spill out onto the floral-studded streets for music and festival fun. With daily celebrations and a wonderful aroma in the air, there’s nowhere better to enjoy some flower power in the sun.

Atlantic Festival

31 May to 23 June

Start your summer in style at Madeira’s Atlantic Festival! Every Saturday in June, the skies light up with fabulous fireworks above Funchal’s Bay and music fills the air. Each unique display is entered into a competition, with the winner being awarded the honour of creating the New Year’s Eve firework display at the end of the year.

Throughout the rest of the month, there’s also a diverse programme of cultural events, including concerts, ballet performances and painting competitions. And in true festival style, there will also be plenty of music, food and drink.

Madeira Wine Rally

1 to 3 August

Calling all sports enthusiasts! Get ready to feel the need for speed at the famous Madeira Wine Rally, one of the most charismatic races of all the European rally circuits. It draws renowned drivers from all over the world, so you can expect plenty of familiar faces.

Madeira Wine Festival

25 August to 15 September

Get ready for a whole festival dedicated to this top-notch tipple! The event is held during the grape harvest, right at the end of summer, across the streets, vineyards and rural wine cellars.

It’s a great opportunity to try different variations of Madeiran wine and learn about the long-standing traditions on the island. From grape stomping to wine tasting, there are winemaking celebrations to suit every vino lover. So, sit back and sip or get stuck in!

Columbus Festival – Porto Santo Island

19 to 22 September

If you want to venture to a festival further afield, why not enjoy a short stay on the nearby island of Porto Santo? Every September, Porto Santo devotes a long weekend to commemorate the world-famous navigator, Christopher Columbus’ stay on the island, and the beginning of the age of great discoveries.

The 16th century-style celebrations will take you back in time, in an attempt to recreate life on Porto Santo as it was at the time of his arrival. Expect music, street entertainment and parades. Porto Santo is known as the ‘golden island’, so it’s also a great opportunity to enjoy a few days on the beach before summer comes to an end.

Madeira Nature Festival

1 to 6 October

The Nature Festival is a relatively new addition to Madeira’s ever-growing entertainment calendar, and it’s already proving to be increasingly popular. It aims to promote a wide range of active pursuits that combine the island’s love of adventure and natural beauty.

There’s an action-packed programme of activities on offer and something to suit everyone. Why not trace the cliffs and leafy mountainside with walks along the famous levadas? How about a cycling adventure through the island’s colour-popping landscape? Whatever you choose, you’ll find ample activities that will showcase the best of Madeira’s beauty.

Madeira Street Art Festival

7 to 9 November

At this exciting event, Funchal’s streets transform into an open-air art gallery, with events scheduled from 10am all the way through to 10pm! Expect a range of creative demonstrations, based on street and circus arts, that bring together several national, regional and international artists.

New Year’s Eve firework display

31 December

Ring in the New Year with this dazzling display of light! It takes centre stage down by the harbour in Funchal, and even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest pyrotechnic performance in the world. It’s best to head out early and enjoy an evening meal in one of the local eateries, before securing the perfect spot to see the grand display when the clock strikes 12.