Madeira or Tenerife and the Canary Islands? Where to go?

If you're thinking of visiting either the Canary Islands or Madeira for the first time, you might be wondering which destination might be the best for you. Is Madeira better than Tenerife or the Canary Islands in general?

Whether Madeira or Tenerife is "better" depends on your personal preferences, interests, and priorities for your vacation. Both destinations have their own unique charm and appeal, so it's worth considering what experiences you value most when making your decision.

Madeira climate vs the Canary Islands climate 

Madeira climate

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, has a subtropical climate that is influenced by its oceanic surroundings. Here are some key features of the climate of Madeira:

• Mild Temperatures: Madeira enjoys relatively mild temperatures throughout the year due to its maritime location. Average temperatures range from around 17°C (63°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.
• Limited variation in temperatures: Thanks to its maritime climate, Madeira experiences limited temperature fluctuations between day and night and throughout the year. 
• Rainfall: Madeira receives a significant amount of rainfall, especially during the winter months (November to March). The northern and mountainous regions tend to receive more precipitation than the southern and coastal areas.
• Trade Winds: These winds contribute to the pleasant climate of Madeira and make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
• Microclimates: The southern coast tends to be warmer and drier, while the northern coast and higher elevations experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall.

Canary Islands climate

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, enjoy a subtropical climate characterized by mild temperatures, little seasonal variation, and low precipitation. Here are some key features of the climate in the Canary Islands:

• Mild Temperatures: The Canary Islands experience mild temperatures throughout the year, making them a popular destination for travelers seeking winter sun. Average temperatures typically range from around 20°C (68°F) in winter to 29°C (84.2°F) in summer, with only slight variations between day and night.
• Limited variation in temperatures: Due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the trade winds, the Canary Islands have minimal seasonal variation, which is why they are known as the "islands of the eternal spring". Summers are warm but not excessively hot, while winters are mild and pleasant.
• Trade Winds: The Canary Islands are influenced by northeast trade winds, known locally as the "alisios," which help moderate temperatures and humidity levels.
• Low Precipitation: The Canary Islands are relatively dry compared to mainland Spain and other European destinations. However, the western and northern parts of some islands, such as Tenerife and La Palma, receive more precipitation due to orographic effects.
• Microclimates: Coastal areas tend to be warmer and drier, while higher elevations experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall. 

Overall, both the Canary Islands and Madeira offer favorable climates for tourism all year round, as well as for outdoor activities. The Canary Islands tend to be drier and warmer overall, so they are a popular destination for beach holidays, with many beach resorts and all-inclusive hotels, while Madeira receives more precipitation, resulting in a greener and more lush environment.

Best beaches - Madeira or Tenerife / Canary Islands?

While Madeira is not typically known for its extensive sandy beaches like some other tropical destinations, it does offer a few nice beach areas where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea: Praia Formosa, near Funchal, Calheta Beach, one of the few beaches with golden sand, which was imported to create this artificial beach and Machico Beach, one of the oldest beach resorts on the island. 

While these beaches may not rival those found in more traditional sun destinations, they still offer opportunities for relaxation and swimming in Madeira's unique landscape.

Tenerife and the Canary Islands in general are far superior to Madeira in terms of beaches, as the Canaries are a popular beach destination with many tourist resorts located especially in the south of the mountainous islands.

The most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands are Grandes Playas and Cofete in Fuerteventura; Playas Papagayo in Lanzarote; Las Canteras, Amadores Beach, Anfi del Mar, in Gran Canaria;  Playa del Duque, Playa Las Vistas, Playa Las Teresitas in Tenerife, just to count a few of them.

There are many beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands, so in this respect, we prefer the Canary Islands in favor of Madeira.

Activities in Madeira vs the Canary Islands

Madeira - best things to do 

Madeira is famous for its network of levadas, which are irrigation channels that crisscross the island. Walking along these levadas provides excellent opportunities to explore Madeira's lush landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
Madeira is also a paradise for hikers and trekkers. Popular routes include the Vereda do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and the challenging but rewarding trek from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

Scenic Drives in Madeira: Renting a car or joining a guided tour allows you to explore the island's picturesque villages, coastal cliffs, and panoramic viewpoints, such as Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliff in the world.

Madeira is also known for its rich flora and fauna, and visiting botanical gardens and parks is a great way to experience the island's natural beauty. Don't miss attractions like the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the Botanical Garden of Madeira, and the Madeira Theme Park.

Tenerife - best things to do 

Tenerife is home to Mt Teide, the highest volcano in the Canary Islands and the highest peak in Spain, so visiting the National Park is a must when holidaying on the island.

Enjoying the beaches and the sun is also one of the top activities for holidaymakers in Tenerife. The tourist resorts like Costa Adeje, Las Americas, are located in the south of the island, with the exception of Puerto de la Cruz. There are many beaches in the south with facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, toilets and lifeguards on site, so sunbathing is one of the main attractions for visitors in Tenerife.

Loro Parque and Siam Park are also big attractions in Tenerife, and visiting each park will take up one full day, as they are both extremely popular and offer many activities for both adults and kids.

Tenerife and the Canary Islands in general are also a paradise for hikers and people looking for active holidays. There are a lot of trails in Teide National Park, as well as in Anaga and Teno Rural Park. Staying in the north of Tenerife might be best if you're interested in the best hiking trails the island has to offer.

In terms of activities, both Tenerife and Madeira have their own unique features and it depends on what your interests are and what you want to do while on holiday there. If you want to spend most of your time at the beach, then Tenerife and the Canary Islands are the best choice. If you're looking for green lush landscapes with endless hikes, then Madeira might be best.

All-inclusive holidays in the Canary Islands vs Madeira

Although there are all-inclusive hotels in Madeira, they might not be as prevalent as in some other tourist destinations like the Canary Islands. Madeira is better known for its boutique hotels, guesthouses, and smaller accommodations, so travelers who prefer the convenience and value of an all-inclusive stay are better.

So which one is best: Maidera or Tenerife (Canary Islands)? 

Both Madeira and Tenerife offer unique experiences and attractions, but Madeira is known for its lush greenery and mild, subtropical climate, while Tenerife, on the other hand, boasts diverse landscapes that include volcanic terrain, sandy beaches, as well as the amazing Mount Teide, with a subtropical climate that can vary a lot depending on the region.

Both Madeira and Tenerife are known for having great hiking trails, which is not the same for all the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote don't have a lot of greenery, nor a lot of hiking trails, so if you want to do some hiking in the Canary Islands, stick to islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or La Palma, as well as the smaller El Hierro and La Gomera.

Madeira has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites, museums, and traditional villages showcasing its Portuguese influence, while Tenerife has a blend of Spanish and Canarian cultures, with historic towns like La Laguna or La Orotava.

Tenerife is a more established tourist destination with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options, including all-inclusive resorts. Madeira, while still popular with tourists, may offer a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, particularly in its smaller towns and villages.

Conclusion

There's not one definitive answer that can satisfy everyone looking to plan a holiday in one of these two destinations. But in short, if you're looking for a beach holiday, go for Tenerife or any of the other Canary Islands. If you're looking for an active holiday, with fewer tourists than in the Canary Islands, then go for Madeira. Both Madeira and Tenerife are beautiful places to visit,