What to do in Madeira in November

November is still a great time to visit Madeira. By the seaside, you can walk around in a t-shirt most days, and maybe throw on a light jacket at night. In the hills it gets colder, of course, but it’s perfectly manageable with a sweatshirt and a jacket. That said, November can be a rainy month, and the ocean gets moodier, so you need to check on weather conditions before venturing into the levadas or heading to the beach.

However, apart from the mild weather, there are plenty of reasons to visit Madeira in November. Tourism calms down, which means you can avoid the crowds and the queues at popular spots. Low season kicks in until Christmas, so you can find better deals for accommodation. Plus, there are chestnuts, events, and great hikes that become even more lush with the rain. And did I mention chestnuts?

Things you Must Do in madeira in november

Visit Curral das Freiras and Have some chestnuts

November is when chestnuts come into full season. In fact, we celebrate the Dia de São Martinho (St. Martin’s Day) on November 11th with a magusto, eating chestnuts around a bonfire. And there’s no place in Madeira better known for chestnuts than Curral das Freiras, where chestnut soup, numerous cakes and broas are traditional. The “Festa da Castanha” goes on from October 31st to November 1st, but you’ll find delicacies any day.

I usually recommend Curral das Freiras as a half-day trip from Funchal (and you won’t even need to rent a car!). However, you can also make it a part of a larger plan. There’s a tour that goes around some of the best viewpoints over Funchal and then on to Curral das Freiras. And another that leaves from Funchal and stops in Câmara de Lobos too, whose scenic bay inspired Winston Churchill himself.

If for some reason you can’t go to Curral de Freiras, you’ll also find roasted chestnut vendors in Funchal, both at the Promenade and at Rua Fernão Ornelas. Usually, a dozen goes for 3€. At Curral das Freiras, head to Sabores do Curral (Caminho da Igreja Nº1) or Nabiers (Estrada da Capela, Nº 20) for a meal, and Padaria Pastelaria Curral das Freiras (Estrada Cónego Camacho, 33A) for bread and snacks. All are within the village center.

Go for a Hike while everything’s green again

After the first rains, the levadas turn lush. Trails like Caldeirão Verde, 25 Fontes, Balcões, and Queimadas are beautiful at this time of year, with moss and waterfalls coming back to life. In fact, the cooler weather may even help you withstand longer hikes, especially in places like Ponta de São Lourenço that offer no shade.

And then, of course, the trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo has just reopened — it’s a challenging one, and not for those who’re afraid of heights, but incredible in the mornings. Despite being only 7 km long, it takes almost 4 hours to complete. You’ll need to enrol online and pay a 3€ ticket.

Just keep in mind that the weather can change quickly, so make sure to double check the forecast before you start hiking. Also, tell people where you’re headed and try to hike in groups. When in doubt, the trails in Balcões and Queimadas are de safest, and usually stay open even under less favourable weather conditions.

Visit the gardens in bloom (Yes, even if it rains)

Madeira’s gardens don’t really do “off-season.” Most of the trees are evergreen, and the rain makes the gardens bloom again in November. The island never goes into pumpkin spice, fallen leaves, let’s-get-cosy mode. I suggest you enjoy Monte Palace Tropical Garden away from the Summer crowds, and take shelter at the several pavillions with gemstones, African and contemporary art if it starts to drizzle.

Likewise, the Botanical Garden is another great option in Funchal. With an advantage viewpoint over the bay, you can see the city’s coppery sunset. If it starts to rain, there’s a small natural history museum where you can take shelter for a few minutes.

Try a wine tasting (maybe with chestnuts)

Madeira wine is a year-round thing, but the old saying goes “No São Martinho, come castanhas e prova o teu vinho” (On S. Martin’s Day, eat chestnuts and try your wine.”) All to say that it’s a good time to have a wine tasting. And, of course, Madeira’s sweet, fortified taste feels especially right at this time of the year with chestnuts or bolo de mel.

Besides, this is a perfect activity for a rainy day. You can book a guided tour to a local wine lodge in Funchal, like Blandy’s, Pereira d’Oliveira, or H.M. Borges. Alternatively, you can take a 4×4 wine tour that mixes scenic routes with a wine tasting at an historical winery. The jeep tours run even if it rains, and that’s the best way to experience the mountains.

Go dolphin and whale watching

Dolphin and whale watching boats go out through the winter, as long as conditions allow. While the sea can be a little choppy, there are also plenty of days with calmer waters where it’s safe to go out or even dive. Dolphin sightings are still good at this time of the year. Just dress warm(er) and bring layers, because the Atlantic breeze can be tricky!

November in Madeira isn’t about beach days or tropical weather. It’s about green mountains, chestnuts and wine, and the kind of quiet you only get between seasons. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, you’ll probably love it.