bailinho da madeira, a traditional madeiran dance where its dancers wear traditional clothes, a tradition that is very much representative of madeiran culture

Cultural Activities

Madeira is a true treasure for anyone looking for a diverse and rich cultural experience. With a history that goes back centuries, the island offers a wide variety of cultural activities ranging from museum visits to festivals and historical landmarks.

whale museum in caniçal madeira island, a famous fisherman town in madeira

Museums

Visit the Sacred Art Museum, the Quinta das Cruzes Museum and the Whale Museum to learn about the island's history and culture.

flower festival in madeira island, a group of women dances dressed for the ocasion in funchal main avenue

Festivals

Enjoy the Flower Festival, Madeira Carnival and Wine Festival, which celebrate local culture with music, dancing, parades and tastings.

Historic Landmarks

Explore the historic center of Funchal, the Cathedral, the Fort of São Tiago and the Levadas, examples of Madeiran architecture and history.

bordadeira da madeira, an old women user her hands and needles to craft a beautiful tablecloth

Crafts and Traditions

Discover traditional crafts such as Madeira embroidery and enjoy Madeiran folklore at events and festivals.

Santana typical houses in madeira island

Typical Houses of Santana

Visit the picturesque triangular houses of Santana, with their thatched roofs, which reflect traditional Madeiran architecture.

santa church in madeira island, a traditional catholic church in madeira

Churches and Chapels

Explore Madeira's beautiful churches and chapels, such as Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, Capela dos Reis Magos and Igreja do Colégio.

a beautiful theather in the city of funchal, centuries old

Cultural Centers

Visit cultural centers like Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas and Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias to enjoy art exhibitions and live shows.

Open Door Art

Discover urban art in Funchal's Old Town, where local and international artists transform old doors into vibrant works of art.

arraial são vicente in madeira island a popular party with a huge crowd

Arraiais

Enjoy the arraiais, popular festivities that take place mainly in the summer, celebrating Catholic patron saints with music, dances, food and typical drinks in villages and parishes of Madeira.

fachos tradition in machico where they draw a boat with fire torches

Secular Commemorations

Enjoy events such as the Quinhentista Market in Machico, the Festa dos Fachos in Machico, which recalls the tradition of lighting bonfires to warn of the arrival of pirates, and the Columbus Festival in Porto Santo.