Madeira New Year: fireworks over Funchal Bay

Madeira welcomes the New Year with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world, launched around Funchal Bay. The hillside city forms a natural amphitheatre, and cruise ships anchor in the harbour to join the show, all in mild subtropical weather.

Fun facts

• In 2006 Madeira's New Year display was recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest fireworks show.
• Funchal is decorated with Christmas lights from early December until early January.
• Madeira wine has been produced on the island for centuries and was prized on long sea voyages.

What to see

• The midnight fireworks from the seafront or a hillside viewpoint.
• The Mercado dos Lavradores, full of tropical fruit and flowers.
• The painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria in the Old Town.

What to taste

• Poncha, made with sugarcane spirit, honey and lemon juice.
• Bolo do caco, a flat bread served warm with garlic butter.
• Bolo de mel, a dark spiced honey cake traditionally made for Christmas.

What to do

• Take the cable car up to Monte.
• Ride down in a traditional wicker toboggan steered by two drivers.
• Walk an easy levada trail along the island's irrigation channels.

💡 Tip: The Aerobus connects Madeira airport with central Funchal. Accommodation fills up months in advance for New Year, so book as early as possible.