Madeira in April
Peak hiking + Flower Festival — many visitors' favourite month.
20–22 °C in Funchal, 12–15 °C in the mountains. Sunshine increases noticeably.
Warming to 18–19 °C. Some visitors begin to swim.
April is when many returning visitors plan their trip. The weather is stable, the trails are dry, the Flower Festival kicks off in late April and the Atlantic Festival follows in May–June. Easter weekend is the only time you'll fight for parking.
Why come in April
- +Reliable sunny weather
- +Flower Festival begins (late April)
- +All trails open
- +Daylight until 20:00
Trade-offs
- −Easter weekend prices and crowds
- −Pollen counts can be high if you're sensitive
Events in April
Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT)
One of the world's toughest ultramarathons — 115 km traversing the island from Porto Moniz to Machico over the central massif.
Festa do Limão (Lemon Festival)
Spring lemon festival in Ilha, Santana — lemon cakes, drinks and a parade celebrating the island's citrus harvest.
What to prioritise
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
trailMadeira's most iconic ridge hike, connecting the island's second and highest peaks across exposed ridges, stairs and tunnels.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
trailA classic laurel-forest levada walk from Queimadas to a tall waterfall in a green amphitheatre. Mostly flat with several tunnels — bring a headlamp.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
trailThe arid eastern peninsula. Volcanic colours, dramatic sea cliffs, almost no shade. A complete contrast to the green interior.
Levada das 25 Fontes
trailWalk through Rabaçal's laurisilva to a lagoon fed by 25 springs. One of the most popular routes — go early.
Vereda do Fanal
trailShort walk through the otherworldly Fanal laurel forest — best in fog. Often photographed for its ancient til trees.
Funchal
townMadeira's capital and largest city. Home to the cable car to Monte, the historic Old Town and the cruise port.
Câmara de Lobos
townColourful fishing village just west of Funchal, famously painted by Winston Churchill.
Santana
townNorthern town known for its triangular thatched-roof houses (palheiros) and access to the laurisilva.
Frequently asked
- When does the Madeira Flower Festival start?
- Two to three weeks after Easter — usually late April or early May. The main allegoric parade is on a Sunday afternoon in Funchal.