{"id":1132,"date":"2019-11-13T12:28:59","date_gmt":"2019-11-13T12:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2022-12-08T15:50:15","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T15:50:15","slug":"azores-or-madeira","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/","title":{"rendered":"Azores Or Madeira: Which Island Is Better For A Week?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When seeking an exotic island vacation in the European zone, travelers often end up needing to choose between Azores or Madeira. Both are small groups of Portuguese volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean &#8211; about 900 and 600 miles southwest of Lisbon respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is a four-island archipelago, the largest island being also called Madeira. The Azores is a separate archipelago, about 600 miles northwest of Madeira, composed of 9 smaller islands.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d6620100.931171788!2d-25.765092402504294!3d36.16364358017273!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e4!4m5!1s0xb467f1e11e43b05%3A0xe2911b674bce0c1d!2sAzores%2C%20Portugal!3m2!1d37.7412488!2d-25.675594399999998!4m5!1s0xc5fe9a0f8f92eef%3A0xc77e56774ba5e6f!2sMadeira%2C%20Portugal!3m2!1d32.7607074!2d-16.959472299999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1573574461530!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is in the same timezone as the UK, whereas the Azores are one hour behind.  While Portuguese is the official language in both archipelagos, English is frequently spoken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So which of Azores or Madeira is a better choice for a one-week trip? <strong>Madeira is mostly mountainous with stiff cliffs and rocky shores. The Azores have lush hills and black sand beaches. Madeira has much more tourism and infrastructure, whereas Azores offer more of a rugged nature experience.  The Azores are also more spread out and require flying for traveling between islands. Azores have rainier and slightly cooler weather than Madeira.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I&#8217;ll deep dive into some of the main differences between the Azores and Madeira, with regards to nature, vibe, sights, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65ff74a9905e6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65ff74a9905e6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_what_travelers_say\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: what travelers say\">Azores or Madeira: what travelers say<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_access_transportation\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: access &amp; transportation\">Azores or Madeira: access &amp; transportation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_vibe_people\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: vibe &amp; people\">Azores or Madeira: vibe &amp; people<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_sights_culture\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: sights &amp; culture\">Azores or Madeira: sights &amp; culture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_weather_outdoors\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: weather &amp; outdoors\">Azores or Madeira: weather &amp; outdoors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_food_nightlife\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: food &amp; nightlife\">Azores or Madeira: food &amp; nightlife<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/azores-or-madeira\/#Azores_or_Madeira_lodging\" title=\"Azores or Madeira: lodging\">Azores or Madeira: lodging<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_what_travelers_say\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: what travelers say<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/2735877067_40d2b298fa_c.jpg\" alt=\"Sao Miguel - Azores\" class=\"wp-image-1188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/2735877067_40d2b298fa_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/2735877067_40d2b298fa_c-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Sao Miguel &#8211; Azores (2)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Madeira is a beautiful island with <strong>very rich vegetation<\/strong>. However, the south coast is quite <strong>built up<\/strong>, namely around the capital Funchal. Madeira is often considered a <strong>mass tourism <\/strong>destination and is much more commercialized than the Azores.<\/li><li>The Azores are more <strong>low key<\/strong>, with much <strong>less tourism and development<\/strong> (no big chain hotels). They are more a <strong>nature and active tourism<\/strong> destination, with lots of remote places and more laid back, slower pace. They are also typically more affordable. <\/li><li>Most people both in Madeira and the Azores <strong>speak English<\/strong>, so language is not an issue for travelers.<\/li><li>Both Madeira and the Azores are known for their <strong>hiking and walking <\/strong>sites.  Madeira has better options for mountain-type hiking. Some travelers favor it for hiking activities, while others prefer the Azores.<\/li><li>Madeira is a better choice than the Azores for <strong>fine dining <\/strong>and some nightlife.<\/li><li>The Azores have <strong>less predictable weather<\/strong> than Madeira and much more rain &#8211; which is why they are so green with more cattle.  Madeira has slightly warmer weather although it also rains quite a lot and the island is also green.<\/li><li>The best time to visit the Azores is typically in the Spring when the flowers blossom in the green countryside and many festivals take place.<\/li><li>Madeira has <strong>mountain peaks <\/strong>and nice <strong>forests <\/strong>to explore. The Azores also have great nature to discover, though flatter, but you have to <strong>fly <\/strong>to move between the islands &#8211; which can be more costly and time-consuming. <\/li><li>In the Azores, <strong>Sao Miguel <\/strong>(the largest island) and Sta Maria (the closest to it) are the most interesting islands. Sao Miguel can be explored fully in a week. Terceira and Faial are the next 2 islands travelers tend to visit on longer stays.<\/li><li>While Madeira has very few real <strong>beaches<\/strong>, its twin island Porto Santo has miles of them. The Azores, though not really a beach destination,  also have quite a few natural black sand beaches.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_access_transportation\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: access &amp; transportation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/6998289150_c947511cd3_c.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira (3)\" class=\"wp-image-1195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/6998289150_c947511cd3_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/6998289150_c947511cd3_c-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption> <em>Madeira (3)<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Madeira is a very popular destination in Europe, there are more cheap flights than to the Azores.  Low-cost flights (EasyJet, Transavia etc) from Lisbon or Oporto to Madeira are easy to find. Discounted direct flights to the Azores islands via TAP (Portugal) or SATA (Azores) can also be found, but the fares are generally higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is about a 1.5-hour flight from Lisbon, 3 hours from Paris or London, under 1 hour from the Canary Islands, 1h30 minutes from Punta Delgada (Azores), and 15 minutes from Porto Santo (the other Madeira island). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landing in both Madeira (Cristiano Ronaldo airport) and Sao Miguel (Azores) can be a rough experience due to bad weather and crosswinds. The airport in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) is much smaller than in Madeira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A car is needed for getting around each of the Azores islands. Madeira, on the other hand, has very good transport around the island.  Reaching some more remote locations for hiking, however, is not always easy. Some travelers choose to hitchhike or take a taxi as a group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_vibe_people\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: vibe &amp; people<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/7813294382_8abcaa487d_c.jpg\" alt=\"azores vibe and people\" class=\"wp-image-1181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/7813294382_8abcaa487d_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/7813294382_8abcaa487d_c-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Azores vibe in Terceira island (4)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Azores and Madeira are <strong>quiet destinations <\/strong>that are visited primarily for the surrounding nature and scenery. Funchal (Madeira&#8217;s capital city) is larger and more lively than Ponta Delgada (capital of the Azores) but is still a small city with a population of about 120.000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sao Miguel (Azores) is not as popular with tourists as Madeira and is more <strong>untouched<\/strong>, with some amazing scenery such as the twin lakes. Madeira has spectacular mountain views while the Azores have primarily green hills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is an <strong>extremely rugged <\/strong>volcanic island, which makes it a good playground for hikers.  It has no volcanic activity, geysers, or fumaroles, however.  Except for Sao Jorge, the Azores are not as rugged and are often described as a mix of Hawaii and Ireland due to its lush green pastures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Azores, unlike Madeira, the <strong>volcanism is alive <\/strong>with the last eruption dating from the 50s. Each island has a volcano turned into a  gorgeous lake. S\u00e3o Miguel has fumaroles and underwater hotspots, resulting in warmer seawater than in Madeira.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> While Madeira is one bigger island, the Azores is composed of <strong>multiple smaller ones<\/strong>. Sao Miguel, the largest, liveliest, most populated island, along with Pico and Terceira, is the busiest tourist area of the Azores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira&#8217;s economy revolves around <strong>tourism<\/strong>, and it has the infrastructure to cope with high number of visitors. Outside the summer vacation months, however, most travelers find Madeira does is not overcrowded with tourists.    From Funchal, most of the island can be visited in just a few days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Madeira has a <strong>subtropical climate  <\/strong>(with a large diversity of exotic fruits and flowers), and a short dry season (July and August).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though Madeira is more expensive than the Azores, prices there remain more reasonable than the rest of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_sights_culture\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: sights &amp; culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3825339675_0fe9df2e5a_c.jpg\" alt=\"Angra do Heroismo - Azores\" class=\"wp-image-1187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3825339675_0fe9df2e5a_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3825339675_0fe9df2e5a_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3825339675_0fe9df2e5a_c-310x232.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3825339675_0fe9df2e5a_c-140x105.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Angra do Heroismo &#8211; Azores (5)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Azores island, the island of Sao Miguel is the most visited.  It hosts <strong>Ponta Delgada<\/strong>, the archipelago&#8217;s capital, beautiful volcanic lakes, Europe&#8217;s only tea plantation, and several steaming fumaroles and furnas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ponta Delgada has a few cultural sights such as the <strong>city gates<\/strong>, the <strong>main square <\/strong>and town hall, and the quaint historic cobblestoned streets. The scenic <strong>harbor <\/strong>and the <strong>Sao Bras fortress <\/strong>are worthwhile sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sao Miguel also has the scenic and unspoiled <strong>Lagoa do Canario<\/strong> lake, and the stunning <strong>Sete Cidades <\/strong>lake which is one of the island&#8217;s main attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each Azores island has something different to offer. <strong>Santa Maria<\/strong>, the furthest south, is the sunniest with warm seas with few tourists around. The <strong>Terceira <\/strong>island has the scenic historic city of <strong>Angra do Heroismo<\/strong>. Sao Jorge has high cliffs and a Madeira-like rugged landscape.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pico <\/strong>has the biggest mountain of Portugal.  <strong>Faial <\/strong>is both the name of the island and main city, whose port is well-known for its role in past transatlantic sailing competitions. Faial also hosts the <strong>Capelinhos Volcano<\/strong>, worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Flores island <\/strong>is extremely green with numerous waterfalls and is sometimes considered the Westernmost point of Europe. <strong>Corvo<\/strong>, the island next to it, is the most secluded with 400 inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Travelers generally feel the Azores combine adventure and culture. It&#8217;s a great destination for whale and dolphin watching with many worthwhile organized tours.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Madeira, one of the main tourist attractions is the island&#8217;s irrigation system, <strong>the levadas<\/strong>, man-made aqueducts on the side of the mountain. The island has numerous <strong>mountain peaks <\/strong>with stunning views, sometimes with clifftop observation decks for hikers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/37716815541_eabb0220f1_c.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira mountains\" class=\"wp-image-1183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/37716815541_eabb0220f1_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/37716815541_eabb0220f1_c-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Madeira mountains (6)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira&#8217;s capital <strong>Funchal <\/strong>has a picturesque old town and <strong>Cathedral<\/strong>,  and a beautiful <strong>harbor <\/strong>fronted by the 17th-century <strong>Sao Tiago Fortress <\/strong>and Contemporary Art Museum.  Travelers also visit the Madeira <strong>botanical gardens <\/strong>which include an exotic bird park and a Natural History Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travelers can take a cable car to reach <strong>Monte<\/strong>, an elevated posh neighborhood which offers panoramic views over the city and hosts the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Museum.  Around Funchal are also several popular peaks, nature parks, and trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_weather_outdoors\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: weather &amp; outdoors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/39000072215_7b0f020ea1_c.jpg\" alt=\"Azores lakes\" class=\"wp-image-1184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/39000072215_7b0f020ea1_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/39000072215_7b0f020ea1_c-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Azores lakes (7)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Azores islands is at the latitude of mainland Portugal, while Madeira is further south at the latitude of central Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Azores,  temperatures range from 68 to 85\u00baF (20 and 28\u00baC) in the summer and from 60 and 65\u00baF (15 and 18\u00baC)  in the winter. Temperatures are generally <strong>lower than Madeira<\/strong>. The weather is quite variable and unpredictable, from day to day but also during the same day.  The Azores also get many storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira generally has <strong>more sunshine <\/strong>with the <strong>warmest <\/strong>winter of all Portugal.  However it can get <strong>sudden rains <\/strong>on certain parts of the island, namely on the North coast and in the valleys, while the sun shines in other parts.  In the winter, temperatures commonly hover around 20\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Madeira, <strong>trekking <\/strong>is done either along the levadas or in the mountains with magnificent views. Examples include the path from Areiro (3d highest peak) to Ruivo (the highest) and the trail from Encumeada to Curral de Freiras.  Seaside treks include Boca do Risco and Porta de Sao Lourenco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Azores also offer very scenic hiking options around the volcanic craters, along the coastline, and through the green hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4536301806_f603744068_c.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira cliffs\" class=\"wp-image-1192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4536301806_f603744068_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4536301806_f603744068_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4536301806_f603744068_c-310x232.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4536301806_f603744068_c-140x105.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Madeira cliffs (8)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira only has two white sand beaches, Machico and Calheta, and a few ones with volcanic sand.  The Azores has many more sand beaches, though with basalt dark sand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Madeira and the Azores have great <strong>scuba diving and snorkeling <\/strong>(e.g. in the Garajau Marine Nature Reserve in Madeira), sailing, horseback riding, fishing, and whale\/dolphin watching.  Madeira is also popular for canyoning and paragliding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_food_nightlife\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: food &amp; nightlife<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9458754325_d0e70e56a1_c.jpg\" alt=\"funchal\" class=\"wp-image-1186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9458754325_d0e70e56a1_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9458754325_d0e70e56a1_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9458754325_d0e70e56a1_c-310x232.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/9458754325_d0e70e56a1_c-140x105.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Funchal (9)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira&#8217;s capital <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-2166199&amp;aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Funchal<\/a> has a lot more activity and animation than Ponta Delgada (Azores), being Portugal&#8217;s 7th biggest city (2.5 larger than Ponta Delgada).  However, none of the two cities are party places &#8211; unlike the Spanish Canary Islands and Balearic Islands with their streets full of bars and big youth-filled nightclubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many <strong>nice restaurants <\/strong>in Funchal, including a couple of Michelin-starred ones.   Most restaurants are located at the marina, near the main church, or in the old town.  Some restaurants in rural areas also offer great local dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is famous worldwide for its <strong>sweet wine <\/strong>produced at the island&#8217;s many vineyards and wineries &#8211; there&#8217;s a popular Wine Festival in September.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to its green pastures, Azores&#8217; Sao Miguel island is well-known for its <strong>world-class beef meat <\/strong>and <strong>cheese <\/strong>which can be sampled e.g. at Restaurant da Associa\u00e7\u00e3o Agr\u00edcola.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Funchal&#8217;s old town has many <strong>cafes and music bars<\/strong>, e.g. at the casino hotel, and wine places e.g. the Wine Hotel. The city also has a few popular dance clubs, such as Vespas, Marginal and Jam, all close to the main port, mainly catering to the locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3991291328_96bae9520f_c.jpg\" alt=\"Funchal Madeira\" class=\"wp-image-1191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3991291328_96bae9520f_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3991291328_96bae9520f_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3991291328_96bae9520f_c-310x232.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3991291328_96bae9520f_c-140x105.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Funchal (10)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-2172835&amp;aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ponta Delgada<\/a>, there are fewer bars and clubs for going out at night, most of them relatively quiet. Hotel bars such as at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/azor.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Azor Hotel<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/acores-atlantico.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Grand Hotel<\/a> are among the best options for having a drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Azores_or_Madeira_lodging\"><\/span>Azores or Madeira: lodging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/22874607774_a8d3e28e06_c.jpg\" alt=\"lodging in Azores\" class=\"wp-image-1182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/22874607774_a8d3e28e06_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/22874607774_a8d3e28e06_c-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Ponta Delgada lodging (11)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Azores, travelers recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/marina-atlantico.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hotel Marina Atlantico<\/a><strong> <\/strong>in Ponta Delgada and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/caloura-resort.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hotel Caloura<\/a> in the picturesque fishing village of Caloura 5 miles outside Ponta Delgada. The hotel has scenic location with great sea views and a pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some travelers choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=-2164965&amp;aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Faial<\/a> as their base at it allows them to easy get to the neighboring islands Sao Jorge and Graciosa. A recommended place in Horta (Faial&#8217;s main city) is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/sao-francisco.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Residencial Sao Francisco<\/a>, which has some nice history from the island&#8217;s transatlantic past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Madeira, Funchal has the best and easiest transportation to the rest of the island and nice promenades along the Marina.  Travelers typically stay in one of the city&#8217;s three main areas, the Old Town, the City Center, and the\u00a0Lido area. the latter is quieter with less traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4732623913_d7a840c1bd_c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4732623913_d7a840c1bd_c.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4732623913_d7a840c1bd_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4732623913_d7a840c1bd_c-310x232.jpg 310w, https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/4732623913_d7a840c1bd_c-140x105.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>Funchal (12)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Travelers often recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/castanheiro-boutique-funchal2.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Castanheiro boutique hotel<\/a><strong> <\/strong>in the center, located on a quiet side street. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/madeira-funchal.en.html?aid=7904760&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hotel Madeira<\/a><strong> <\/strong>is a recommended cheaper alternative, also conveniently located in the center though noisier &#8211; ask for a room in the back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">***<br><em>Photo credits:<br><\/em>(1) Featured:  &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/picapau17\/8294170651\/\" target=\"_blank\">Funchal<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/picapau17\/\" target=\"_blank\">Picapau17<\/a> <br>(2) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jsome1\/2735877067\/\" target=\"_blank\">Azores<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/jsome1\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jsome1<\/a><br>(3) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/jodastephen\/6998289150\/\" target=\"_blank\">Madeira<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/jodastephen\/\" target=\"_blank\">jodastephen<\/a> <br>(4) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nebulux\/7813294382\/\" target=\"_blank\">Azores_7030<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/nebulux\/\" target=\"_blank\">Luca Nebuloni<\/a> <br>(5) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/julen-iturbe\/3825339675\/\" target=\"_blank\">Imperio da Caridade en Angra do Heroismo<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/julen-iturbe\/\" target=\"_blank\">Julen Iturbe-Ormaetxe<\/a> <br>(6) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/lplewnia\/37716815541\/\" target=\"_blank\">Madeira<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/lplewnia\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lukas Plewnia<\/a> <br>(7) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/107521854@N05\/39000072215\/\" target=\"_blank\">Fogo lake &#8211; S.Miguel island &#8211; Azores<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/107521854@N05\/\" target=\"_blank\">Luis Ascenso<\/a> <br>(8) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/sjdunphy\/4536301806\/\" target=\"_blank\">Madeira<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/sjdunphy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dunphasizer<\/a> <br>(9) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/greg_men\/9458754325\/\" target=\"_blank\">Funchal<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/greg_men\/\" target=\"_blank\">Greg_Men<\/a> <br>(10) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/hilmil\/3991291328\/\" target=\"_blank\">Funchal, Madiera Portugal<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/hilmil\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hilmil1<\/a> <br>(11) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ravisarma\/22874607774\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ponta Delgada, S\u00e3o Miguel Island, Azore<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/ravisarma\/\" target=\"_blank\">@ravi<\/a> <br>(12) &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/mgaylard\/4732623913\/\" target=\"_blank\">Funchal<\/a>&#8221;&nbsp;(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>)&nbsp;by&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/mgaylard\/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Gaylard<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When seeking an exotic island vacation in the European zone, travelers often end up needing to choose between Azores or Madeira. Both are small groups of Portuguese volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean &#8211; about 900 and 600 miles southwest of Lisbon respectively. Madeira is a four-island archipelago, the largest island [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[42],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1132"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1132"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1940,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1132\/revisions\/1940"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}