What to Do in Madeira in May

May in Madeira is basically a month-long festival. No matter what time you’re coming to the island, there’s always something going on.

The weather is warm but not too hot, so you can hike comfortably, stroll around the villages, and maybe even make time for a beach day. So here’s what you should expect for May in Madeira!

1.Attend a festival in Madeira

There’s no better way to discover local culture than attending an arraial or festival. And if you’re coming to Madeira in May, there’s plenty to choose from:

🌸 Festa da Flor in Funchal, Ongoing

If you’re visiting in May, chances are you’ve already seen photos of the Festa da Flor. Despite what you may have seen, the main action is packed into a couple of parades (“cortejo” in Portuguese) where several community ensembles dance their away down the avenue.

However, there’s also a permanent flower and food market at Almirante Reis, where you can find fresh, hot-out-of-plate bolo do caco, sandwiches, poncha and other drinks, sweets and cane sugar syrup, seeds, flowers and fruits.

Nearby, there’s the Exposição da Flor showcasing award-winning orchids, cacti and succulents, birds of paradise, and other local flowers. Plus, you’ll see flower carpets and installations pop up here and there. If you’re lucky, you may even help making one.

🎶 Calheta Sounds Cool, Paúl do Mar, May 2nd

Calheta Sounds Cool is world music concert in Paul do Mar, by the beach, from 17:00 to 02:00. The idea is to just let the good vibes flow from late afternoon until the wee hours. Tickets cost 10€ but the revenue goes completely to local schools.

Paul do Mar is precisely the kind of place where you go for “just one drink” and end up staying for the whole evening. If you’re not on the island on the 2nd of May, I recommend going to Maktub in Paul do Mar for live music, mojitos, and perfect sunset light.

🎵 Aqui Acolá Festival in Ponta do Sol, May 14th-17th

Ponta do Sol is known as the nomad village, but its artsy vibe is nothing new. Festival Aqui Acolá celebrates art, culture and tradition with concerts, exhibits, workshops, dance, theatre and other open-air performances. You can check this year’s line up here.

There’s no strict schedule you need to follow. You just show up, walk around, and something interesting will happen. Usually concerts are the big highlight, and a great opportunity for you to enjoy the culture without understanding the language.

🧅 Festa da Cebola in Caniço, May 15th-17th

This one actually translates as “Onion Festival” and it delivers. Madeira’s onion producers show off the best they got in a two-day festival with a parade, folk concerts, and a lot of community involvement. It’s not flashy, but it’s real!

🚗 Madeira Classic Car Revival in Funchal, May 22nd-24th

Funchal retains a lot of old school charm, but nothing plays to it quite as well as Madeira Classic Car Revival. There are cars going back to the late 19th century, as well as uncommon models you’ve probably never seen in your life.

Even if you’re not particularly into cars, it’s surprisingly enjoyable. And if you’re really feeling committed to the vintage style, there’s also the Concurso Vestir à Época, where people dress to match the era of the cars.

👑 Monte do Imperador in Funchal, May 23rd

Monte do Imperador is an event that flies under the radar. It takes place in the historical centre of Monte, at Largo da Fonte and Parque Dias Leite Monteiro. It takes its name after Emperor Charles I of Austria, who died in Monte in 1922.

Attendees dress in early 20th century attire and the city council tries to recreate that vintage environment. If you’re already planning to visit Monte (you should), take a peak. Otherwise, if you’re into history and cosplay, it may also be of interest.

🎉 Arraial das Casas do Povo in Funchal, 28th-29th May

Arraial das Casas do Povo is absolutely peak local Madeira. Each parish on the island has its own “casa do povo”, or community centre, and most of them will be represented at this event at Funchal’s pier 8 (the promenade).

Expect a lot of grilled food, live music with accordions, folk music where people diss at each other (despique), dancing, and a lot of people who all seem to know each other. It’s made by locals for locals, so just grab a drink and blend in.

2. Test your limits in Porto Santo

In May, Porto Santo hosts two very demanding sports events. The first is Porto Santo Nature trail, from May 16th-17th, which takes through Porto Santo’s different landscapes. If you like to run, it’s a perfect setting to challenge yourself.

Then there’s MIUS, Madeira Island Ultra Swim, from May 23rd and 24th. It’s an open-water swimming event where you can choose to swim 1.500, 3.000, 5.000, 7.500 or 10.000 kms in Porto Santo’s clear, unpoluted waters.

3.Swim in Natural Pools

I won’t promise you beach weather in May. Madeira tends to have a late Summer, so May is pleasant but the water temp is still on the cooler side, from 19ºC to 20ºC. However, pools may feel warmer. Plus, the crowds aren’t quite at Summer levels yet.

Apart from the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, which I cannot recommend more, there is also a natural pool in Seixal and Docas do Cavacas in Funchal. If you’re trying to decide where to go, just check what the weather looks like on the webcams.

4.Escape for a Day

If you really want to get away from it all, there are a couple of hidden gems you can easily explore now with the warmer weather. If you’re not afraid of heights, there’s Fajã dos Padres, below Cabo Girão, which is only accessible by cable car or private boat.

Another one is Calhau da Lapa (pictured), below Campanário in Ribeira Brava. You need take a steep hike for roughly 20 minutes to reach the bitch, so make sure you have comfortable shoes. The alternative is, once again, using a private boat.

5.Spend a Day in Porto Santo

If you have the time, go. Check the weather forecast before going. If it’s not raining or cloudy, May is already game. It’s warm enough to swim, quiet enough to enjoy. You get a completely different side of Madeira, flatter, slower, and very beach-focused.

6. Go Dolphin Watching

There are dolphins are year-round in Madeira, but the warmer waters bring more variety. From April to October, you may spot different types of dolphins. And since the ocean is not as choppy now, this is definitely something you should sign up for.

So, What Is Madeira Like in May?

Busy, but not chaotic. There’s always something happening, and nature doesn’t meddle with your plans as much. You can dip in and out of festivals, or ignore them completely and go hiking. Now that’s a nice balance!