If you are planning a holiday to Madeira in October, you could be arriving just in time for one of the island’s most inspiring annual events: the Madeira Nature Festival. This week-long celebration is dedicated to outdoor activities, sustainable tourism, and authentic contact with the island’s exceptional landscapes and biodiversity.
Held each year in early October, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore the natural side of Madeira — not just in one location, but all across the island, from sea level to mountain peaks. Even if you are not travelling during the official dates, the experiences it promotes are available all year round.
In this guide, you will discover what the festival is about, what kind of activities you can expect, how to plan a 14-day nature escape in Madeira, and how to avoid common mistakes made by first-time visitors.
Why October Is the Perfect Month to Visit Madeira Nature
October in Madeira is a hidden gem. While summer attracts the largest crowds, early autumn is when the island reveals its true beauty — quieter trails, cooler temperatures, and a renewed green landscape after the first autumn rains.
The weather is generally mild on the coast, with daytime temperatures around 22–25 °C, and cooler mornings and evenings in the mountains. Swimming is still possible, and sunny days are the norm. However, due to the island’s microclimates, conditions can vary within the same day, especially between the north coast, Funchal, and higher altitudes — so packing layered clothing is essential.
If you’ve been searching for terms like “Madeira in October weather” or “Madeira October holidays”, you will be pleased to know that this is one of the best months for hiking, sightseeing, wine tours, and nature-based travel.
What Is the Madeira Nature Festival?
The Madeira Nature Festival is an official event promoted by the Madeira Tourism Board to highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage through activities in nature.
Unlike traditional festivals, it is not a single-site event. Instead, it consists of various experiences taking place across the island — in the mountains, by the sea, on hiking paths, in vineyards and botanical gardens. The focus is on eco-tourism, well-being, sustainability and active living.
The programme includes a wide variety of options for different ages and levels of fitness, such as:
- Guided levada walks and panoramic hikes
- Sunrise tours to iconic peaks like Pico do Arieiro
- Canyoning and climbing for the adventurous
- Dolphin and whale watching excursions
- Private wine tours with vineyard lunches
- Visits to botanical gardens and nature reserves
While some activities are specially promoted during the festival week, many are available throughout the year — and can be booked privately with local guides.
For full details and up-to-date information about the event, you can visit our dedicated programme page:
A 14-Day Nature Escape in Madeira: What to Include
If you are considering a two-week holiday in Madeira with a nature-focused itinerary, the following suggestions will help you build a balanced and enriching experience:
Day 1 – Welcome to Madeira Nature & Coastal Walks
Start your holiday gently with a scenic walk along the coast near Funchal or Câmara de Lobos. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after travelling and take in your first Atlantic views. Consider an easy cliffside trail such as Promenade do Lido for a relaxing introduction to the island’s coastal beauty.
Day 2 – Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Begin your day above the clouds with a guided sunrise tour to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks. The pre-dawn drive is rewarded with panoramic views over the volcanic ridge, often rising above a sea of clouds. This early start sets the tone for the nature-focused experiences ahead.
Day 3 – Levada Walk in the Laurissilva Forest
Dedicate your third day to a guided levada walk in the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. Popular routes include Levada do Rei or 25 Fontes, depending on your fitness level. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, endemic plant species and the peaceful atmosphere of Madeira’s mountain valleys.
Day 4 – Scenic Winery Tour with Regional Lunch
Slow the pace with a visit to one of Madeira’s wine-producing regions. Our private winery tour includes a vineyard walk, scenic views over the island’s cultivated terraces, and a relaxing countryside lunch featuring local specialities. Ideal for combining culture and nature.
Day 5 – Gardens of Funchal
Spend the morning exploring the Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden, both rich in biodiversity and historical landscape design. Take the cable car up to Monte for panoramic views over Funchal, and enjoy a peaceful stroll among exotic plants, lakes and endemic species.
In the afternoon, visit the lesser-known but equally beautiful Palheiro Gardens, located in the Palheiro Estate above the city. Once part of a private hunting ground, this refined garden blends British and Madeiran horticultural traditions and is especially enchanting during spring and early autumn. It’s a quiet and elegant escape for garden lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Day 6 – Madeira Nature Whale & Dolphin Watching
Join a boat trip for a marine wildlife observation tour along Madeira’s southern coast. With over 28 species of cetaceans known to frequent these waters, the chances of encountering dolphins or even whales are high. It’s an unforgettable experience set against the dramatic coastal backdrop.
Day 7 – Free Day or Sunset Tour
Take a day to relax at your accommodation or explore at your own pace. In the evening, consider joining a sunset boat trip or sunset excursion to a west-facing viewpoint such as Ponta do Pargo or Ponta do Sol, where you can witness the Atlantic sun dipping below the horizon.
Day 8 – Canyoning in Madeira’s Waterfalls
Ready for an adrenaline boost? Join a canyoning tour to explore Madeira’s hidden waterfalls, narrow ravines and forested terrain. Suitable for different skill levels, this activity is both challenging and deeply connected to the island’s geological history.
Day 9 – Traditional Villages & Cultural Routes
Venture inland or along the coast to visit traditional villages such as Santana, Porto da Cruz and Machico. A guided cultural tour can offer unique insight into local architecture, agricultural traditions, and regional crafts, often overlooked by the average visitor.
Day 10 – Cloud Forests and Natural Pools
Explore the western side of Madeira Nature on a journey through varied landscapes. Visit Câmara de Lobos and the glass platform at Cabo Girão before heading up to the Paul da Serra plateau. Walk among the ancient laurel trees of Fanal and finish the day with a refreshing swim in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz.
Day 11 – Rock Climbing in Madeira Nature
Experience Madeira’s volcanic cliffs with a guided rock climbing session. Adapted to different levels, this outdoor activity combines physical challenge with breathtaking scenery. A unique way to connect with the island’s wilder side.
Day 12 – Madeira Nature Reserves & East Coast Drive
Explore the eastern part of Madeira, including Ponta de São Lourenço, a protected nature reserve known for its arid volcanic cliffs and wind-sculpted views. A guided walking tour here contrasts sharply with the lush Laurissilva forest.
Day 13 – Mountains, Valleys & Viewpoints
Take a scenic journey through Madeira’s volcanic heart. Begin at Pico dos Barcelos for sweeping views over Funchal and its ancient volcanic cones. Continue to Eira do Serrado to overlook the dramatic valley carved by erosion, and discover Curral das Freiras — a village shaped by, and nestled within, nature’s raw contours. A relaxed day to connect with the island’s geological beauty.
Day 14 – Departure or Short Madeira Nature Escape
If time allows before your departure, take a short morning walk in a local park or along the waterfront. Reflect on your time in Madeira and consider taking a final photograph of the landscape that has followed you throughout these 14 days of discovery.
Every October, the official Madeira Nature Festival also offers a variety of free or low-cost public events — such as live concerts in natural settings, sunrise music performances, nature-themed film screenings, silent yoga sessions, and awareness workshops on biodiversity and sustainability. These activities are announced annually and may vary, but they are always a unique opportunity to experience the island’s culture in harmony with its natural beauty. See the full programme here →
This 14-day itinerary is just one suggested route. The order of the days may be adjusted according to your travel dates, interests, or energy levels. We encourage you to combine your nature tours with selected events from the official festival programme for a richer and more personal experience.
🌐 For more information about official tourism sites, visit Visit Madeira and Visit Portugal.
