Madeira Events 2026: Carnival, Flower Festival & Atlantic Festival dates (+ tips)
Published on Jan 13, 2026
Madeira Events 2026: Carnival, Flower Festival & Atlantic Festival (dates + guide).
7-Day Madeira road trip by car
If you’re thinking of visiting Madeira in 2026, there are 3 events that usually set the tone for the island and the kind of trip you’ll have: Carnival (February), Flower Festival (April/May), and the Atlantic Festival (June).
Here’s the practical part: these periods attract more visitors, so flights, accommodation, and car rentals tend to get more expensive and sell out faster the closer you get to the dates. If you want the best value for money, the smart move is to plan ahead.
Confirmed dates for the main 2026 events
Madeira Carnival 2026: February 11–22
Flower Festival 2026: April 30–May 24
Atlantic Festival 2026: June 5–28
Which event should you choose? (the “type” of trip each one creates)
1) Carnival (Feb): energy, city vibes & nights in Funchal
Carnival is perfect if you want a more urban trip, focused on Funchal, dinners, bars, and that festive atmosphere. You can still mix in viewpoints and short drives, but the city center gets busier on key days.
2) Flower Festival (Apr/May): spring, color & easy-going days
The Flower Festival is ideal for families, couples, and anyone who wants to explore Madeira at a calmer pace: gardens, decorations, markets, beautiful streets, and a very “Madeira” vibe.
➡️ Full guide Flower Festival HERE
3) Atlantic Festival (Jun): road trip by day + show at night
June is great for doing daytime road trips (north/west/mountains) and coming back to Funchal at night for the festival atmosphere. It’s the “full day + beautiful night” format tourists love.
➡️ Full guide: /blog/festival-do-atlantico-madeira-2026-guia
Where to stay (a simple rule that prevents regrets)
If your main goal is to see the event and be right in the middle of the action:
Stay in Funchal (or very close).
If you want to rest and only go into Funchal when you feel like it:
Stay in the surrounding areas and plan for commuting.
Either way, a car gives you the freedom to do:
sunset viewpoints
the north coast and Porto Moniz
less touristy areas
easy levadas (without relying on tours)
Car rental during event periods: a practical strategy
Book early (more choice + better prices)
Choose airport pickup (FNC) if you’ll be exploring the whole island
Confirm deposit, fuel policy, and insurance before you arrive
Rent a car in Madeira without a credit card
Quick itineraries to fit around the event (stress-free)
3-day itinerary (classic)
Day 1: Funchal + a sunset viewpoint
Day 2: Event + Funchal city center
Day 3: North OR West (choose only one side)
7-day itinerary (to “really see Madeira”)
Base 2–3 nights in Funchal + 1–2 nights in the north/west (if you want to avoid long drives back)
FAQ
What are the dates for Madeira Carnival 2026?
February 11–22, 2026 (VisitMadeira)
When is the Flower Festival 2026?
April 30–May 24, 2026 (More info here)
What are the dates for the Atlantic Festival 2026?
June 5–28, 2026 (More info here)
Can you visit Madeira without a car during these periods?
Yes, but you lose freedom. If you want viewpoints and the north/west coast without tours, a car helps a lot.
