10 Things to do in Madeira when it's raining

What activities can you do when it is raining in Madeira?

Madeira gets around 2,438 hours of sunshine a year—that’s an average of 6.7 hours of sun per day! But it all depends on the season. In December, we get about 5.3 hours of sunshine daily, while in August, it jumps to 8.4 hours.

The weather can change from one side of the island to the other. You might find clear skies in the south while it’s cloudy in the north—or the other way around. On cloudy days, you can head up into the mountains and be above the clouds! This happens if it hasn’t rained much, as rain makes the clouds heavier and keeps them lower.

Keep in mind that weather apps aren’t super reliable here—your best bet is checking the online webcams to see what’s happening in real-time.

What about bad weather in Madeira? 

Well, it’s rare, but sometimes an Atlantic cyclone can roll through, usually in winter. Don’t worry, though—it rarely lasts more than 2-3 days, with on-and-off rain. If you’re caught in bad weather, no stress! We’ve got plenty of ideas to help you enjoy Madeira even when it rains. For more info check our article - Madeira Weather.

So ever wondered what to do when it’s raining in Madeira? We’ve got you covered! From whale museums to go-karting, here’s our top 10 list of things to do on a rainy day in Madeira.

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01: Escape Room

Escape the Ordinary! Escape rooms in Funchal promise an experience full of logic, teamwork, excitement, and adventure. 

Picture this: 60 minutes, one immersive storyline, and YOU as the hero. Solve unique puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and unravel mysteries before the clock runs out!

The puzzles are easy to medium difficulty—perfect for families with teenagers, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun challenge. First-timers or experienced players? No problem! Teams of 4-5 work great, but if you've done a few escape rooms before, a team of 2-3 is just as fun.

The rooms are well-decorated, though cozy in size, and the atmosphere is immersive. The staff is always eager to help with clues—just let them know if you prefer to go at it without hints!

For more information, like working hours and the program, check their website. 

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02: Cinema in Madeira Shopping Center

A good movie with some popcorn and soda in good company it’s always fun! You can find the best Cinema in Madeira in Funchal city, in the Madeira Shopping Center, last floor. Most importantly, the movies are shown in their original English language with Portuguese subtitles.

The Shopping Center has an indoor and outdoor Free Parking. 

For more information about the program and address visit their website. 

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03: 3D Fun Art Museum Funchal

A portion of good laughs can be found in the heart of Funchal!

They have about 40 different scenarios, including 3D images and optical illusions, that make us enter the world of fantasy and imagination and believe that anything is possible.

Here, visitors can embody Van Gogh’s doctor, venture out on safari, or even have a dinosaur as a pet. They can also see their world completely upside down, their head being served at a meal table, winging and flying in the cosmos, drinking a wine served by God in Miguel Ângelo’s Creation of Adam, and dancing a Madeira folklore on their way out.

This space combines the science of visual perception with the magic of illusion and makes everything seem possible. You can snap some photos and share them with your family and friends to spread the joy of your vacation!

The price is around €10 per adult, but they offer even better deals for groups and families. For more details, check out their official website.

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04: MAMMA Museum Concerts

The museum is packed with contemporary art featuring touches of eroticism, modernism, and cinema vibes—perfect for impressing even those who aren’t big art fans. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.

The host, who’s the artist behind it all, has a large concert room set up with a bar and cozy tables where you can enjoy wine or your favorite drink while watching live performances. They’ve got a killer lineup of bands and musicians, so there’s something for everyone—you just have to pick your favorite!

Concerts happen almost every day, starting around 18:00. Tickets cost about €20 and include gallery access and a welcome drink. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes early to explore the gallery before it closes at 18:00. The museum is located in center of Funchal.

For the full schedule and more info, check out their official website.

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05: Bowling and Billiards Fun at VIVA Bowling Center

If you're up for some games, head to VIVA Bowling Center at Camacha Shopping! The prices are crazy cheap—around €5 per game, and that even includes rented shoes. They’ve also got pool tables and arcade games to keep the fun going. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and they speak English too.

Feeling hungry? They’ve got you covered with a menu of burgers, hot dogs, toasties, nuggets, cheese bites, onion rings, and fries—all for under €5. Plus, they serve a variety of beers for just €1.50 a bottle. The best part? You can order food and drinks while you play, making it a perfect spot to enjoy your day.

They work every day starting at 14:00 and closing at 22:00, except Friday and Saturday that is 00:00.

If you’re coming from Funchal, grab a Bolt ride—it’ll cost you around €12. As a destination write Camacha Shopping. 

Address: CC Camacha Shopping - Estrada Engenheiro Abel Vieira, Loja 22, Camacha

For more information you can check their Facebook page.

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06: Madeira Whale Museum

The Madeira Whale Museum is the place to dive into the island’s whaling past and incredible marine life. The first exhibition takes you back in time to when whaling was a way of life, with original boats, old photos, and interactive displays showing how it all worked. Then, fast forward to today, where you’ll find life-size models of whales and dolphins, 3D films, and cool interactive exhibits about the ocean and marine conservation. With info in five languages, it’s a fun and fascinating stop for anyone curious about the sea!

For more information check the official website

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07: Karting in Madeira Under the Airport Runway

As surprising as it sounds, Madeira’s airport runway is built on a bridge that hides a whole world underneath! Beneath this impressive structure, you'll find the Água de Pena Sports Park, which includes a karting track, a skate park, a boat club, restaurants, and more. It’s a hidden gem that not many people know about, but on rainy days, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Located in Machico, Indoor Kart Madeira is a thrilling karting track tucked beneath the Cristiano Ronaldo Airport runway. The track is about 400m long and 5 to 7 meters wide, offering a constant adrenaline rush. Their kart fleet features RIMO Karts, a top German brand known for rental karts, powered by 270cc Honda engines for maximum safety and comfort.

The track is lined with SAFEBLOCKS, allowing the circuit to be reconfigured for a fresh challenge every time you visit.

They offer:

Go Karts for Adults

Go Karts for Children

Two-Seater Go Karts (perfect for sharing the thrill!)

For bookings and the latest price list, visit their website, available in English, German, and Portuguese. Reservations can be made via email or phone.

If you’re driving, there’s free parking available, making it easy to visit by car. If you’re coming from Funchal, grab a Bolt ride—it’ll cost you around €15 - €20. 

Which bus lines stop near Parque Desportivo Da Água De Pena?

From Funchal City you can take the bus number 56 that leaves from Centro C Bom Jesus. 

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‍08: Madeira Banana Museum (BAM) in Ponta do Sol!

Something fun to do on a rainy day in Madeira is visiting the Madeira Banana Museum (BAM) in Ponta do Sol!

This modern museum is all about the famous Madeira banana, with cool interactive displays that show its history, how it’s grown, and why it’s so good for you. You can explore the experimental plantation fields, see innovative ways they transport bananas, and even visit high-tech greenhouses.

Don’t miss the BAM Bar, where you can try banana snacks like banana chips and even banana beer! Plus, the gift shop has some fun souvenirs to remember your visit.

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed on Mondays

Ticket Prices:

Adults: €9

Seniors: €7

Kids (6-14 years): €5

Kids under 6: Free

Getting there is easy! If you’re in Funchal, you can hop on a Rodoeste bus to Ponta do Sol. Just check their website for the latest schedule.

It’s a fun and unique way to spend a rainy day—perfect for the whole family!

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09: Wine Tasting

Tour Blandy’s Wine Lodge

Rainy days are perfect for diving into Madeira's rich wine heritage! Head over to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, where you can explore the historic wine lodge and learn all about the island's famous Madeira wine. The friendly guides will walk you through the old cellars, share the secrets of wine production, and, of course, let you taste some delicious samples.

They offer tours in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Prices start at €12.60 for a 30-minute tour and can go up to 90 minutes for a higher price, which includes a wider variety of wines. For detailed prices, schedules, and available tours (even private) in different languages, check their website.

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10: SPA in Madeira

Rainy Day = Spa Time in Madeira!

When the rain starts pouring in Madeira, there’s no better way to relax than by hitting up one of the island’s amazing spas. You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy these spots—just pay an entrance fee and you’re good to go!

We recommend The Views Hotel Baía Spa in Funchal for a chill day with gorgeous views of the sea. Or, if you want something a bit more iconic, check out Pestana Casino Park Spa. It’s been recognized with the Best Luxury Casino Hotel Spa award by the World Luxury Spa Awards 2019, so you know it’s top-notch. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the luxury vibes.

And hey, if you fall in love with the Pestana Hotel, we can show you how to become a Pestana Vacation Club member!

So, the next rainy day—treat yourself to a spa day in Madeira! 

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Bonustip: Visit a 5-Star Hotel

Don't let a rainy day ruin your plans! Instead, visit the Pestana Vacation Club and enjoy a fun, personal tour of their fantastic hotels and have a chance to see their amazing apartments. I mean think about it, befor you stay in the hotel room wouldn't it be smater to get a tour of a five star hotel, get treated like a VIP and regardless if you like the offer or not get a free gift like "Jeep Safari" or "Whale Watching tour"?

This sounds to us like a double win. For more information check the web page.