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What to Do in Madeira in March 2026
March is a wonderful time to explore Madeira. With spring beginning to appear across the island, the days are longer, the landscapes are lush, and several exciting events bring energy to the streets of Funchal and beyond. From sporting challenges to cultural celebrations and environmental initiatives, here are some of the highlights happening in Madeira in March 2026.
– Porto Santo Half Marathon
On March 14, runners head to the golden island of Porto Santo for the Porto Santo Half Marathon. Participants can choose between the classic 21 km half marathon or the 10 km mini marathon.
This race is well known for its scenic route, where athletes run alongside the Atlantic Ocean and across the island’s famous golden beach landscapes. Whether you’re competing or simply cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fantastic sporting event with spectacular coastal views.
More information about the race can be found here or here.
Even if you’re not planning to run the marathon, Porto Santo is still well worth visiting. The island is famous for its nine-kilometre golden beach, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful viewpoints.
If you’re looking for a great outdoor experience while visiting the island, one of the most rewarding hikes is the Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã, which leads to the second highest peak in Porto Santo and offers incredible panoramic views of the island.
👉 Read my guide to this trail here and a Porto Santo Itinerary here.
– Discover the Funchal Book Fair
Avenida Arriaga
From March 20 to 29, the heart of Funchal comes alive with the annual book fair along Avenida Arriaga.
The fair features book launches, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural activities throughout the week. Book stalls line the avenue, inviting visitors to browse new releases, discover local authors, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in one of the city’s most iconic locations Avenida Arriaga.
You can find more details about the event here. Here is the full program
While visiting the book fair, take time to explore the historic streets around the city centre. If it’s your first time visiting the capital, you might enjoy discovering some of the highlights of Funchal.
– Join Earth Hour Across the Island
Machico city
On March 28, Madeira joins thousands of cities worldwide for Earth Hour. Between 20:30 and 21:30, lights will be switched off across key locations on the island to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Several municipalities take part, including Machico, Santa Cruz, and Câmara de Lobos. Activities planned for the evening include yoga sessions, night walks, birdwatching, and community runs, encouraging people to reconnect with nature while reflecting on the importance of protecting our planet.
Learn more about this initiative here.
– Experience the Sugar Cane Fair
Also taking place on March 28 and 29 is the traditional Sugar Cane Fair in Canhas, in the municipality of Ponta do Sol.
This lively festival celebrates Madeira’s historic connection to sugar cane cultivation. Visitors can enjoy live music, entertainment, regional food and drinks, and even participate in the traditional sugar cane harvest on Saturday morning. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience Madeira’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. The full program can be found here.
While visiting the fair, it is also worth exploring Ponta do Sol, one of the sunniest and most charming towns on the island. The town offers a lively cultural scene, with regular events such as Purple Fridays, weekly electronic music gatherings, the L concerts in summer, as well as music and arts festivals throughout the year. Ponta do Sol also has a cultural centre and a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
If you’re planning where to stay in Madeira, you can explore options here:
https://frommadeiratomars.com/category/madeira/where-to-stay-madeira/
March in Madeira
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or traditional festivals, March offers something for everyone in Madeira. With events spread across the island, it’s a perfect time to explore, discover local traditions, and experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes Madeira such a special destination.
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