MADEIRA OR CANARY ISLANDS: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
When it comes to selecting the perfect island getaway, the choice between Madeira and the Canary Islands often surfaces at the top of the wish list for many travelers. Both destinations boast their unique charms and scenic landscapes, making the decision anything but straightforward.
In 2024, we have been lucky enough to travel to both – allowing us to show and tell for your, based on our experience. For those enticed by the allure of island getaways, each destination offers a distinct blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and recreational activities.
This blog post seeks to compare the two – Madeira and the Canary Islands, helping you to decide which is the best for you to choose?
Is Madeira a Canary island?
No, Madeira does not belong to the Canary Islands. It is an autonomous region of Portugal, whereas the Canary Islands are an autonomous region of Spain.
Madeira is found in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than Europe, yet distinctly European in flair and culture. We were told by locals that those living in Madeira identify as being Portuguese, but make a distinction that they are Portuguese but from Madeira.
Where is Madeira?
Madeira sits southwest of Portugal and north of the Canary Islands, almost hidden in the Atlantic Ocean’s vast blue. This archipelago includes the main island of Madeira, the smaller Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands, rich in natural beauty and ecological importance.
Where are the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, are a rugged, volcanic ensemble of Spanish islands. They are positioned just off the Moroccan coast but belong to Spain, straddling the line between the Atlantic’s wild waves and the calm of Mediterranean culture.
How many Canary islands are there?
The archipelago consists of eight major islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa.
Many people wrongly believe that there are just seven, La Graciosa is the lesser known smaller island without paved roads. Each island flaunts its own personality, shaped by unique landscapes and histories.
Although this travel guide refers to the “Canary Islands” as one, it is important to note that each island is totally different! For this reason, we recommend specific Canary Islands that you might like.
Madeira or Canary islands for hiking
Madeira, often dubbed the ‘island of eternal spring’, is a hiker’s paradise throughout the year. Its renowned levadas (mini-canals) offer over 2,500 km of accessible trails weaving through lush greenery and mist-soaked mountains. There are mountain trails, coastal hikes and many different walks in between.
You could travel to Madeira on a two week vacation and hike a different route every day – and still feel that you haven’t seen everything you want to! I think it’s for this reason that many people choose to return to Madeira multiple times.
You can find our guide to the 10 best hikes in Madeira here.
When it comes to the Canary Islands each island is of course distinctive. We hiked through five of the Canary Islands earlier this year, and fond completely different terrain on each island. For multi-day treks, the Canary Islands are great – the GR131 is a long distance trail that crosses seven of the islands.
The Canary Islands’ diverse landscapes offer everything from the dark lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote to the verdant laurel forests of La Gomera. Tenerife is also very popular with hikers, particularly owing to the majestic Teide mountain, found in the national park of the same name.
VERDICT: Madeira for day hikes, Canary Islands for long distance tails
Madeira or Canary islands for beaches
Madeira’s coastlines are rugged, carved with dramatic cliffs and sprinkled with pebble beaches and natural lava pools, offering secluded spots for sunbathing or a dip in the ocean.
The coastline of Madeira is breathtaking and beautiful. The dark sand beaches are other worldly. That said, you will not find white sand beaches and calm sea water in Madeira. Instead, the waves crash onto the island creating a dramatic backdrop.
The Canary Islands, however, are synonymous with beaches – from the windswept sands of Fuerteventura, ideal for surfing, to the calm, family-friendly shores of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where golden sands meet crystal clear waters.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation predominately, then The Canary Islands are a better bet than Madeira.
VERDICT: Canary Islands – we recommend Fuerteventura
Madeira or Canary islands for foodies
Madeira’s cuisine is a testament to its rich cultural tapestry, heavily influenced by Portuguese flavors. It’s renowned for its Madeira wine and a myriad of local dishes like ‘espada com banana’ (scabbard fish with banana) – a slightly unusual taste sensation in my view.
Madeira has some of the best produce in Europe – it can grow bananas, avocados, sweet potato and they have an abundance of tuna fish too. We took a very fun food tour in Funchal, which showcased a selection of Madeira cuisine, including the famous wine. At latest count, there are nine restaurants in Madeira recommended on the Michelin guide – three of which have Michelin stars.
The Canary Islands offer a palate-pleasing mix of Spanish influences with African and Latin American twists, celebrated in dishes such as ‘papas arrugadas’ (wrinkled potatoes) with ‘mojo pico’ sauces.
In Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is a buzzing city, with lots to offer foodies including three Michelin Star restaurants and many more excellent local tapas joints. Of course, the Spanish wine is plentiful and delicious on The Canary Islands. We visited a vineyard in Tenerife which produced a very pleasing rose wine. There are now vineyards on all of the main Canary Islands and many offer tours and tastings.
If I am totally honest, we weren’t overcome with passion for the every day food in Madeira or The Canary Islands. But, we didn’t have a chance to visit any fine dining restaurants during our visit – which I expect would please foodies more!
VERDICT: Canary Islands – Gran Canaria
Madeira or Canary islands for families
Madeira offers a tranquil retreat with educational and leisure activities that appeal to families seeking a quieter holiday, while its welcoming cafes and pathways are perfect for catching up with friends. I think that Madeira would very much suit a family looking for an active holiday, with a mix of nature, hiking and some relaxation.
Madeira not really a “resort” holiday, which may be challenging for families with smaller tots. To see the best of Madeira, you will want to explore the island. Ideally, having a hire car and driving around Madeira is best.
Conversely, The Canary Islands with their plethora of resorts, water parks, and easy nightlife, provide endless entertainment options for families. For a family with small children, travelling to The Canary Islands certainly represents an easier option.
You can settle into a resort with calm water and a range of family friendly hotels. You don’t necessarily have to spend time exploring the island, but it is a delightful option.
Fuerteventura offers a lot for families – especially the fantastic coast line of Costa Calma. Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca is also a very popular choice for families.
VERDICT: Madeira for adventure & Canary Islands for relaxation.
Madeira or Canary islands for groups/ friends
Madeira could be a fantastic vacation for groups. Particularly for friends who enjoy hiking and nature activities, as well as exploring. You could hire a few cars and journey around the entire island.
For groups visiting Madeira, we would recommend staying in Funchal as the best base if you want nightlife, or booking a larger villa somewhere more remote. Do keep in mind that there isn’t a huge amount of accommodation for groups on the island – so it’s best to book ahead.
If you’re going away for a shorter break with friends or a group, The Canary Islands are a good bet. Cities like Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, or Santa Cruz in Tenerife, offer fun activities by day like kayaking, para-sailing and surfing – as well as good nightlife.
Having organized many a group trip, I personally think the Canary Islands are ideal – low effort, but high reward! Plus, you can find plenty of accommodation to suit a group, and you don’t need a hire car.
VERDICT: Madeira for hiking groups & The Canary Islands for chilling out/ night life (Tenerife or Fuerteventura).
Madeira or Canary islands for solo travellers
Solo travellers could enjoy either Madeira or The Canary Islands. Both are safe locations, with plenty to offer solo travellers.
Much depends on what exactly you want to do during your vacation time. For example, we met many solo walkers in Madeira, enjoying the hikes on offer. However, Madeira isn’t really an island with “resorts” – personally, I love this about the island. A visit to Madeira offer solo travellers solace and tranquility, but keep in mind that you may need a hire car to see the island properly.
If you’re a solo traveller looking for the R&R offered by a resort, then I would recommend The Canary Islands. The city of Las Palmas would also suit solo travellers – a sociable, buzzing city with hostels and an accessible beach.
VERDICT: The Canary Islands
Madeira or Canary islands for couples
As a couple, we have traveled to The Canary Islands and Madeira this year. We really enjoyed aspects of both.
On Madeira, couples might find romance in its secluded hikes, beautiful waterfalls and sunset viewpoints. I can’t think of a more ideal vacation spot for couples who enjoy adventure, outdoors and exploring.
On our first day in Madeira, I vowed to return. It is the type of place where tension just leaves your body as soon as you arrive. There’s so much to see and do on Madeira, but the island has a tranquil and relaxed ambience. In Funchal, the capital, the nightlife is also very fun but not overbearing. Romantic restaurants and bars are found in quiet alley ways for you to hunt out.
The Canary Islands can also be romantic. Personally, I would recommend La Gomera for couples looking for a break. A quieter island, close to Tenerife, it benefits from less tourists.
That said, there is still plenty to see and do to keep you entertained on La Gomera. Or, if you wan to relax, there are beach resorts too. Unlike some of the large islands, the beach resorts hark back to the 1970s, offering a few quiet taverns and not much else.
VERDICT: Madeira
Which is more expensive, Madeira or Canary islands?
Madeira generally presents a slightly higher cost due to its remote location and the importation of goods, which influences the prices of accommodations and services.
In particular, we found accommodation quite pricey in Funchal – even out of season. That said, because of the price, this does limit over-tourism in Madeira, making it feel less crowded.
The Canary Islands, offering a broader range of budget to luxury options, can cater to all wallets. For budget travellers, we would recommend The Canary Islands.
Which has better weather, Madeira or Canary islands?
The Canary Islands are famed for their year-round pleasant climate, making them an ideal choice for sun-seekers.
Madeira enjoys a mild, subtropical climate that is perfect for those who favour temperate weather over hot summer days. Even in the height of summer, Madeira does not often experience temperatures over 30 degrees centigrade.
Which is most accessible, Madeira or Canary islands?
The Canary Islands boast several international airports with frequent connections to mainland Europe and beyond, making them highly accessible.
Madeira, while serviced regularly by flights from Europe, is slightly less accessible due to fewer direct flight options.
From the UK, a flight to Madeira or The Canary Islands is around 4 hours.
Find out more
You can find our detailed guides to Madeira here and our travel guides for The Canary Islands here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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