What to do in Madeira when it rains

Saber what to do in Madeira when it rains is something that can save your trip. That’s why we’ve decided to bring you some useful tips to make the most of this rainy weather, which is so common on the island.

Although Madeira has a mild and balanced climate, it experiences sporadic rainfall for most of the year. And if this happens during your stay, you might end up losing precious travel time if you don’t know what to do.

Fortunately, all is not lost, and there are many activities that can be enjoyed even in the rain. We’ve put together a list that can help you. Come discover exactly what to do in Madeira when it’s raining.

Visit Museums

Firstly, if there’s one thing in abundance on the island of Madeira, it’s museums. In fact, we can tell you that there are over 10 incredible places to explore. Each with its own unique history and collection.

Among the most famous, we can mention the CR7 Museum, which displays various trophies, Golden Balls, and information about the famous Portuguese football star. Now, if you’re not interested in football, that’s perfectly fine, as there are many other options that delve into history, culture, and how the island used to operate.

Book your CR7 Museum ticket online here (includes private tour) >

Mercado dos Lavradores

The Mercado dos Lavradores is a historic building inaugurated in the 1930s in the centre of Funchal. At the time, the main purpose of its construction was to make it the city’s primary supply hub.

The venue boasts an extensive two-story covered area, where on the first floor, you can find products like fish and meats for sale. Meanwhile, the upper floor offers tropical fruits, vegetables, and a wide array of spices.

Indeed, this is an excellent activity to do in Madeira on rainy days and an important way to learn more about the local gastronomy. It’s also a great place to find the best ingredients, should you wish to cook during your stay at your accommodation.

Convento de Santa Clara

The Convento de Santa Clara is the oldest continuously operating convent in Madeira. With approximately 500 years serving the same purpose, the site holds a wealth of history waiting to be told.

However, since 2020, the site has been undergoing restructuring works.

Colégio dos Jesuítas do Funchal

The Colégio dos Jesuítas is famous for its historical importance, and it is also one of the most emblematic places in the city of Funchal.

Over 400 years, the building has housed various occupants, from the Jesuits who built the complex, to English invaders, and then military personnel who resided there for over 100 years. Finally, we arrive at our current era, where it now serves as the headquarters of the University of Madeira.

Although it is a university headquarters, there are self-guided tours of the exterior or guided tours inside the building, allowing you to discover the signs of history up close.

Casino da Madeira

Firstly, if you’re an adult looking for fun, be sure to visit the Casino da Madeira. With iconic architecture, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the venue offers various activities geared towards adult entertainment.

The most common activities include games of chance such as roulette, poker, keno, blackjack, and 21. Additionally, you can enjoy the other supporting facilities like the “Palm Bar,” the “Copacabana” nightclub, and the “Bahia e Rio” restaurants.

This is definitely one of the liveliest places in Madeira, and it’s perfect for rainy days.

Blandy’s Wine — Vinho Madeira

First and foremost, if you are a true wine connoisseur, you need to know that you are in the land of one of the world’s finest wines.

Blandy’s Wine has been featured numerous times on “top 50” lists. And when visiting Madeira, you can have the opportunity to explore the 200-year history of this wine.

During this activity, you can have a specialized guide who will explain everything about the wines. You can taste wines and other regional products, and even purchase a fine wine directly from the winery.

Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias

This theatre was built in 1888 and stands out for its elegance and grandeur. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium, with its numerous tiers and a ceiling painted with elements from the Romantic era, is particularly striking.

Madeira Film Experience

Do you want to learn about the history of Madeira in an educational, simple, and direct way? Then be sure to visit places like the “Madeira Film Experience.”

The venue offers its visitors a chronological and interactive journey through 600 years of the history of Madeira island.

Located in the Marina Shopping Centre, the place invites visitors to travel back in time through a unique, incredible, and immersive audiovisual experience.

São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUMoYq7B4x8

The São Vicente Caves were formed from a volcanic eruption that occurred in Paul da Serra over 890,000 years ago, and it was one of the first caves opened to the public in Portugal.

The site features an underground route of over 1000 m and caves 5 to 6 metres high, filled with sparkling stones and crystal-clear waters.

Finally, at the end of the route, visitors can visit the Volcanism Centre, where they can watch videos that recreate the eruption that gave rise to the Madeira Archipelago.

Shopping Centres

Firstly, if there’s one thing almost everyone enjoys doing when it’s raining, it’s visiting a shopping centre. Therefore, we’ve put together some shopping centre options you can visit in Madeira.

Shopping Anadia Shopping Centre

This shopping centre is located in the centre of Funchal. Although not very large, it’s a great help. It’s also close to other attractions like the Mercado dos Lavradores and the Historic Centre of Funchal, making it a potential short itinerary.

In total, there are 48 shops, a hypermarket, and a car park with 355 spaces.

Arcadas de São Francisco Shopping Centre

This small shopping centre, next to the Jardim Municipal, houses a good selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants. It has a small car park for 69 vehicles.

Fórum Madeira Shopping Centre

Located right in the heart of Funchal’s tourist area, the venue boasts 20,000 m², 61 shops, and 800 parking spaces. Additionally, the site also features cinema screens and an open-air cinema for warmer days.

Without a doubt, this place can give you plenty to do in Madeira on rainy days.

La Vie Shopping Centre

Similar to Fórum Madeira, La Vie is also located in the centre of Funchal. The building is charming and modern, featuring 70 shops, a food court, a hypermarket, a health club, and 900 parking spaces.

Madeira Shopping Centre

In contrast to the two centres mentioned above, the Madeira Shopping Centre is located away from the central area of Funchal, in Santa Quitéria. However, it is by far the largest shopping centre in the region, with 106 shops, cinemas, a vast food court, a space of 26,600 m², and 1060 parking spaces.

Thus, this is also a place worth visiting, and it can save a rainy travel day.

As a result, after our list, we can affirm that there are many things to do in Madeira, even on the rainiest days. Furthermore, there are leisure options for the whole family, some more suited for adults and others more flexible.

Finally, be sure to explore as many tourist attractions as you can. After all, the island of Madeira is incredible and offers so many options that you won’t want to miss any.

Other activities in Madeira