Algarve vs Madeira: Which Is Better for Winter Sun and Beaches?

Looking for winter sun in Portugal, or deciding where to spend a beach-and-nature holiday? The Algarve and Madeira are the two favourites, and they’re quite different. Here’s how to choose between them.

Quick answer: choose the Algarve for beaches, boat trips, golf and easy family holidays, especially from May to October. Choose Madeira for year-round mild weather, dramatic hiking, gardens and a city break in Funchal, especially from October to April. In winter, Madeira is usually a few degrees warmer; in summer, the Algarve has the far better beaches.

Weather

• The Algarve: hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters (about 16–18°C by day in December to February), with cool nights. See the Algarve in winter.
• Madeira: spring-like all year (about 18–26°C), slightly warmer than the Algarve in winter, though the mountains are cooler and wetter.

Beaches

• The Algarve: some of Europe’s best beaches, with golden sand, cliffs and coves. See the best Algarve beaches.
• Madeira: mostly pebbly or rocky, with lava pools and lidos; for sand, go to Calheta, Machico or Porto Santo.

Things to do

• The Algarve: Benagil and boat trips, golf, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, villages, water parks and day trips to Seville. See Algarve boat trips and Algarve villages.
• Madeira: levada walks, mountain summits, the Monte toboggan, gardens, whale watching and Madeira wine. See Madeira levada walks.

Families

The Algarve is easier for beach-loving families, with lots of family resorts and water parks (most closed in winter). Madeira suits active families and works year-round. See Algarve family resorts and Madeira with kids.

Getting around

Both are best with a car. The Algarve has a train along the coast; Madeira’s roads are steep and winding. See driving in Portugal.

Where to stay

See where to stay in the Algarve and the best hotels in Madeira.

Also comparing islands? See Madeira vs the Azores.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.