Madeira is considered an exceptionally attractive travel destination for people who want to experience unforgettable holiday moments with their dog. The Portuguese Atlantic island captivates visitors with its subtropical climate, spectacular landscapes, extraordinary flora, and impressive coastline. Especially during the off-season in winter, Madeira offers numerous advantages for a relaxed and nature-oriented holiday with your dog , far from the summer hustle and bustle and with ideal conditions for active walks, extended levada hikes, and relaxing days by the sea.
Table of contents
- Why a holiday with your dog in Madeira is particularly worthwhile in winter
- Climate & nature experience for dogs on Madeira
- Activities & excursions during a holiday with a dog in Madeira
- Arrival & formalities for a holiday with a dog in Madeira
- Top 5 exclusive, dog-friendly hotels for a holiday with your dog in Madeira
- Regions & dog-friendly places for a holiday with your dog in Madeira
- Tips for planning and mindfulness on a holiday with your dog in Madeira
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key take-aways
- Mild winter temperatures: Madeira offers pleasant temperatures and less rainfall even in winter.
- Nature & tranquility: Ideal for relaxed walks, levada hikes and relaxation without high season stress.
- Dog-friendly infrastructure: Many accommodations accept dogs, often free of charge or with a moderate surcharge.
- Better availability: Winter often means better hotel availability and quieter beaches and paths.
- Activities for everyone: Promenades, parks and dog-friendly hiking trails make traveling together especially worthwhile.
Why a vacation with your dog in Madeira is particularly worthwhile in winter
Moderate climate & pleasant temperatures
Madeira boasts a mild climate year-round, offering pleasant day and night temperatures even in winter. This mild weather makes winter a perfect time to travel with dogs: the summer heat is absent, and walks along the levada paths or through the botanical gardens are particularly enjoyable for you and your four-legged companion. The lower humidity ensures that even longer walks become a positive experience.
Less hustle and bustle, more relaxation
During the traditional high season – typically in summer – Madeira is a very popular travel destination. Many tourists use the island for their summer holidays. In winter, however, the number of visitors drops significantly. This means for you and your dog: fewer people on hiking trails, more space on promenades, a more relaxed pace of life, and an overall quieter, more tranquil atmosphere. This is especially valuable if you want to prioritize peace, mindfulness, and a connection with nature during your holiday.
Lower prices & flexible planning
Off-season often means lower prices for flights and accommodations. Many hotels and vacation rentals adjust their prices during the winter months, allowing you to benefit from more attractive rates. At the same time, there's a wider selection of dog-friendly accommodations due to lower demand – a real advantage when planning your vacation.
Climate & nature experience for dogs on Madeira
Mild winters on the flower island
Madeira isn't called the "Island of Flowers" for nothing: its lush vegetation provides an ideal setting for long walks with your dog. Even in winter, nature offers a wealth of colorful and fragrant impressions. The temperatures are so mild that your dog will suffer neither from extreme heat nor extreme cold – perfect conditions for hiking and exploring nature.
Levada paths & hiking trails – ideal for active dogs
Madeira is known for its network of levadas – historic irrigation channels with accompanying paths that wind through spectacular landscapes. Many of these routes are ideal for walks with dogs: shady sections, varied perspectives, and safe paths that you can explore together.
Promenades & Coastal Paths
Even along the promenades of Funchal or in Santa Cruz, a holiday with your dog on Madeira becomes a special experience: Here you can enjoy walks with sea views, and the paths are usually pleasant and easily walkable even in winter. Dogs on leashes are welcome in some freely accessible areas of the shoreline, making experiencing the Atlantic coast together particularly enjoyable.
Activities & excursions during a vacation with a dog in Madeira
Levada experiences for nature lovers
Hiking along the levadas is a highlight of any holiday with your dog in Madeira . Especially in winter, when temperatures are mild, longer hikes become a truly memorable experience – with breathtaking views over green valleys and lush landscapes.
Botanical Gardens & Parks
Numerous botanical gardens on the island not only offer a diverse array of colors and plants, but also invite visitors to enjoy relaxing strolls. Many of these gardens or adjacent parks are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore Madeira's flora together with your canine companion.
Experience the coast & promenades
Strolls along the promenades of Funchal or Santa Cruz offer a refreshing experience with Atlantic air and sea views. After a long hike in the mountains, this is the perfect opportunity for a relaxing walk with your four-legged friend.
Arrival & formalities for a vacation with a dog in Madeira
Entry requirements for dogs
Before departure, you should prepare all the necessary documents for your dog. Madeira belongs to Portugal and is subject to EU regulations for pets: an EU pet passport, valid vaccinations (especially rabies), and a microchip are mandatory. It is advisable to make an appointment with your veterinarian well in advance to ensure all documents are complete and correct.
Arrival by plane or ferry
Many travelers choose to fly to Madeira. Pet-friendly policies vary depending on the airline. Plan ahead, as some airlines require special reservations for animals on board or in the cargo hold. For a particularly stress-free journey, it's advisable to arrive at the airport early and ensure your dog has a comfortable spot.
Top 5 exclusive, dog-friendly hotels for a vacation in Madeira
| Hotel name | region | Special features | Dog-friendly | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Funchal | Historic luxury hotel with sea view | Dogs are welcome on request, according to guest reviews. | https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/portugal/madeira/belmond-reids-palace/ |
| Three House Hotel | Funchal | Boutique hotel, centrally located and dog-friendly | Pets welcome (bookable via platforms) | https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/collection/pet-friendly-hotels/madeira/three-house-hot el |
| Saccharum Resort & Spa | Calheta | Sea view, modern amenities | Pets allowed | https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/collection/pet-friendly-hotels/madeira/saccharum-reso rt-spa |
| Melia Madeira Mare | Funchal | Located directly on the promenade, high-quality rooms | Pets allowed according to hotel reports. |
https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/portugal/madeira/melia-madeira-mare/index.htm |
| Estalagem da Ponta do Sol | Ponta do Sol | Design hotel on a cliff with infinity pool and spa | Dogs allowed, no extra charge (no cats) | https://www.pontadosol.com/ |
This selection showcases some of the most popular and highly-rated accommodations suitable for a holiday with your dog in Madeira . Dog-friendliness can vary depending on the season and capacity; therefore, we recommend contacting the hotel directly for current policies and any applicable additional costs before booking.
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel – Funchal
Ideal for: leisurely strolls, well-kept gardens, quiet proximity to the city
Activities with a dog:
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Strolls through the gardens and promenades of Funchal – especially peaceful in winter
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Coastal path towards Câmara de Lobos for longer, steady walks
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Early morning hours in Santa Catarina city park: little activity, plenty of space
Calm-Travel-Moment: An early morning stroll overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while the city is still asleep.
Three House Hotel – Old Town Funchal
Ideal for: small-scale urban living, design, proximity to everyday life
Activities with a dog:
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Strolls through the old town alleys outside of cruise ship times
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Strolling along the harbor promenade towards Barreirinha
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Short trips to the residential areas located above with less traffic
Calm-Travel-Moment: Slowly arriving in the everyday life of the island – without tourist staging.
Saccharum Resort & Spa – Calheta
Ideal for: Open spaces, architecture, sea & structure
Activities with a dog:
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Walks along the Calheta marina – flat, open, windless
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Coastal roads towards Madalena do Mar (banana plantations, little traffic)
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Short levada sections above Calheta, ideal in winter
Calm travel moment: long distances, a steady rhythm, sea air without heat.
Meliá Madeira Mare – Lido Zone
Ideal for: Sea views, structure, long walks
Activities with a dog:
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The Lido promenade towards Câmara de Lobos – perfect for long walks
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Morning walks along the coast in calm seas
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Small cafes with outdoor areas, especially relaxing in winter.
Calm-Travel-Moment: Movement without a destination – simply walking, looking, breathing.
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol – Ponta do Sol
Ideal for: retreat, nature, architectural tranquility
Activities with a dog:
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Coastal paths around Ponta do Sol – dramatic cliffs, hardly any people
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Walks through the village and along old paths above the sea
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Short, sparsely frequented levada sections in the hinterland
Calm-Travel-Moment: Absolute silence, only wind, sea and movement.
Why these activities are perfect for winter
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No heat: Dogs move more relaxed and with greater stamina.
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Fewer people: More space, fewer stimuli.
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Consistent temperatures: Ideal for longer walks
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Natural rhythm: Days are structured by light, not by programs.
A holiday with a dog in Madeira in winter does not mean "less", but more conscious : less distraction, more presence.
Regions & dog-friendly places for a vacation with your dog in Madeira
Funchal – Capital city & cultural center
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, impresses with its blend of urban flair, botanical gardens, and seaside promenades. Many dog-friendly hotels and restaurants make a stay with your four-legged friend easier.
Calheta – Sea & Tranquility
Located in the southwest of the island, Calheta offers a quieter place for nature and dog lovers. Here you will find promenades and paths along the coast, as well as relaxing walking trails away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Santa Cruz – Between Sea & Tradition
Santa Cruz invites you to take relaxing strolls along the promenade, where you can experience the Atlantic coast together with your dog. The tranquil atmosphere makes this place an idyllic destination, especially in winter.
Tips for planning and mindfulness on a holiday with your dog in Madeira
Consideration & Safety
When exploring the levada trails and hiking paths, always be mindful of your dog's needs: sufficient water, breaks, and appropriate equipment are essential. It is also advisable to observe local leash laws.
Health & Wellbeing
Dogs react individually to climate and environment. Especially on longer walks in winter, you should always have enough water and a small first-aid kit for dogs with you.
Local offers for dogs
Madeira has local veterinarians, pet shops, and some dog grooming salons. A little research before departure will help you find competent help quickly if needed.
Conclusion: vacation with a dog in Madeira
A holiday with your dog on Madeira reveals its true potential not during peak season, but in the quieter winter months. When the island slows down, space opens up – for unhurried movement, for nature without its backdrops, and for quality time together without distractions. It is precisely in this reduction that true luxury lies.
The mild climate, the vastness of the landscape, and the palpable serenity of winter make Madeira a place where traveling with a dog isn't organized, but rather felt . Walks become longer, paths quieter, encounters more conscious. Your dog can move freely, safely, and relaxed – and you travel with the comforting feeling of being in the right place at the right time.
Those who experience Madeira in winter with a dog are not choosing against something, but for more : more peace, more presence, more connection to nature – and to what travel is really about.
