Southwest Coast (Ribeira Brava to Calheta)
Warm, sunny coastal strip with agricultural terraces growing bananas and sugar cane. Home to Calheta's sandy beach, charming villages like Ponta do Sol, and transition zone between south's warmth and west's ruggedness.
sunny
Climate
coastal
Terrain
moderate
Crowds
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Best months
About Southwest
Sunny agricultural coast with terraced hillsides and laid-back village charm.
Views From Southwest
Miradouro da Encumeada
Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse Viewpoint
Boa Morte Viewpoint
Fio Viewpoint
Bica da Cana
Achada de Santo Antao Viewpoint
Miradouro Pico da Murta
Miradouro Cascalho
Explore Southwest
When to Visit Southwest
Detailed monthly viability data is being collected. The quick reference above shows known patterns.
Explore Neighbouring Regions
Central Peaks & Plateau
High-altitude wilderness including Pico Ruivo (1862m), Pico do Arieiro (1818m), Paúl da Serra plateau, Curral das Freiras valley, Rabaçal levada trails (25 Fontes, Risco), and Fanal Forest. Cool, often above clouds.
East (Machico to Ponta de São Lourenço)
Historic first settlement (Machico) and the arid, windswept Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. Mix of beaches, coastal levadas (including Vereda do Larano), and lunar-like landscapes contrasting with the island's lush west.
Funchal
Madeira's capital and largest city, offering cultural attractions, botanical gardens, historic old town, marina, and the widest range of accommodation and dining. Main transport hub with cable cars to Monte.
North Coast (São Vicente to Seixal)
Lush, wild coastline with towering green cliffs, black-sand beaches at Seixal, natural pools, and powerful Atlantic waves. Wetter and greener than the south, popular with surfers and hikers, includes São Vicente's volcanic caves.