Madeira.Vacations

What to Do in Madeira When It Rains

Rain on one coast usually means sun on the other. Here's how to use that.

By Madeira.Vacations · 5 min read · Last checked 15 July 2026

Misty laurel forest in the Madeiran interior
Photo: Sebastian from the EU · CC BY 2.0

First: change coasts

Rain in Funchal frequently means clear weather over the north-east, and cloud over São Vicente often means blue sky at Câmara de Lobos. Forty minutes of driving solves most weather problems here.

Places mentioned above

Things that are better in the wet

Fanal forest, Ribeiro Frio, the Balcões levada and any waterfall on the north coast. The laurel forest is a cloud forest — the mist is the point.

Places mentioned above

Genuinely indoor options

Madeira wine lodges, the Mercado dos Lavradores, CR7 museum, the Whale Museum in Caniçal and the Madeira Story Centre.

Places mentioned above

Also worth your time

More places nearby

Every place has its own page — times, parking, cost and when to go.

All places to see
Narrow lane of painted doorways on Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal's old town
Funchal2–3 hoursFree

Zona Velha (Old Town)

Rua de Santa Maria and its painted doors — Funchal's best evening.

Do it guided

Tours that cover this

Booked through Viator — the price is the same as going direct.

  • Colourful produce stalls at Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores
    3.5 hours Funchal

    Madeira Wine & Food Tour

    A guided walk through Funchal's old town tasting Madeira wine, local dishes and market produce, with the stories behind each stop.

    from €95

    Check availability
  • Funchal waterfront and old town at golden hour
    2 hours Funchal

    Funchal Old Town & Monte Toboggan Tour

    A private tuk-tuk through the painted doors of the Zona Velha, up to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down.

    from €80

    Check availability
  • Signature Wine Tastings, Skywalk, Nature 4x4 Open Roof Expedition in Madeira
    7.5 hours Madeira 4.9(192)

    Signature Wine Tastings, Skywalk, Nature 4x4 Open Roof Expedition

    We drive to Serra d'Água on our way to São Vicente, with fantastic views over the north of the island including an amazing off-road in the heart of nature, enjoying beautiful panoramic views.

    from €89

    Check availability
  • Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk with Dolphin Watching in Madeira
    8 hours Madeira 4.9(34)

    Wines Tasting Experience and Skywalk with Dolphin Watching

    "Enjoy the famous vineyards at São Vicente, the amazing skywalk at Cabo Girão and the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board of a catamaran" From Funchal we will go to Serra d'Agua, a valley at the center of the island, before going off…

    from €109

    Check availability
  • Madeira West Coast: Old West Road Private Vintage Sidecar Tour in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(232)

    Madeira West Coast: Old West Road Private Vintage Sidecar Tour

    Indulge in a private 3-hour coastal and hillside adventure in Madeira aboard a classic sidecar motorcycle. Explore historic roads and visit some of Madeira’s most breathtaking viewpoints, including Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

    from €165

    Check availability
  • Private Tour West Madeira in Madeira
    7 hours Madeira 5.0(74)

    Private Tour West Madeira

    The west Tour begins in the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos. Then we journey up to Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe and the second in the world.

    from €190

    Check availability

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