New Year Lights in Madeira

There are many great places to see New Year’s Eve fireworks, and one of the most popular destinations is in Portugal, most precisely Funchal, in the Madeira Island. The Guinness World Record Book as considered it as the biggest fireworks show in the world for quite some years. 

Funchal

R. João de Deus 10, 9050-027 Funchal, Portugal

But it's not only a long fireworks show (it can last to almost ten minutes), it is also quite stunning. If you manage to be on the Island in time for the show you will she the fireworks come from almost forty different locations in Funchal. Some of them are even located in the ocean, right in front of the bay. But with so many different spots it can get confusing to know where is the best spot to see them. And there are about two distinct options, or you see it from the top, on the highest peaks of Funchal, or you see it right in the bay or even at sea. 

The hill option, while it offers a great view, is at it's best if you stay in someone's house, or in an hotel, but even then you will probably want to go to the bay and enjoy the party below. But, doing so, you will waste a lot of time to get there.

To see it in the ocean doesn't mean you'll have to be swimming in the water, actually I meant to see it from a cruise ship. The port is filled with cruises, some of the best in the world! They stay for the New Year’s Eve in Madeira, so if you come in one of those cruises you will have the best “seats” for the show. Another marine option is Lobo Marinho, the ferry that connects Madeira to the neighboring island, Porto Santo. The ferry will also allow you to see the fireworks and enjoy a party. 

Porto Santo Line (Lobo Marinho)

Funchal, 9000 Funchal, Portugal

If being aboard a ship is not for you, then the closest you can get to that kind of view is in the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva, which is a high-positioned restaurant/gallery, located near the port and it hosts a party which also includes dinner.  

Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva

Funchal, Portugal, 9000 Funchal, Portugal

Tip: If you want to book a ticket to stay at New Year’s Eve at Madeira do it with some time in advance, plane tickets get ridiculous expensive during December.

Cover photo by Nuno Miguel Delgado.