Festa do Vinho da Madeira — a 3-day weekend in Madeira

The weekend, day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Funchal

   Land at Madeira Airport (FNC), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.

2. Day 2

   Festa do Vinho da Madeira

   Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: Skip the crowded Funchal waterfront tastings and head to Câmara de Lobos where producers pour from their own quintas—you'll taste 20+ year-old Tinta Negra and Bual directly from family cellars. The volcanic terroir tastes completely different when you're standing in the vineyards where it's grown.

3. Day 3

   Wine country day in Madeira

   Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.

Where to stay

Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.

• Hotels in Funchal

  Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.

• 4–5 star options near Funchal

  Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.

• Apartments in Funchal

  Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.

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Where to eat

Practical

Nearest airport

Madeira Airport (FNC)

Mid-range daily budget

~€120/day for two

Festival site

Visit official site