Azores or Madeira: Which to Choose
Choose São Miguel, in the Azores, if you want volcanic lakes and whale watching from Ponta Delgada. Choose Madeira if you want to combine levadas, summits and coastal routes from Funchal.
Compare the trips
São MiguelWhale watching from Ponta Delgada
A trip out into the Atlantic to look for whales and dolphins.
Details and link
Civitatis reviews as of .
https://www.civitatis.com/en/ponta-delgada/whale-watching/?aid=10795&cmp=fajanda-en-escolha
MadeiraScenic tour of western Madeira
Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz.
Details and link
Civitatis reviews as of .
https://www.civitatis.com/en/funchal/west-madeira-tour/?aid=10795&cmp=fajanda-en-escolhaWhat do you feel like doing?
São Miguel, Azores
Combine Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo in one day from Ponta Delgada.
See Sete CidadesMadeira
Start with Rabaçal and 25 Fontes if you want to walk beside a water channel and waterfalls.
See RabaçalAzores and Madeira
From Ponta Delgada, the boat lists an English-speaking guide. From Funchal, the sunset trip lists English and Portuguese.
Compare departuresThe Azores, based on São Miguel
From Ponta Delgada you can split your time between Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas and a whale-watching trip. For Terceira or Pico, arrange transport between islands separately.
Madeira, based in Funchal
From Funchal you can give one day to the west and Porto Moniz and another to a levada or the east. Compare the trail you want to walk and the guide language before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Which island should I pick for a first whale-watching trip?
If you are staying on São Miguel, the trip from Ponta Delgada fits into a morning and lists an English-speaking guide. In Madeira there is a sunset trip from Funchal.
Which destination should I pick for walking beside water?
Madeira has levada routes, such as Rabaçal and 25 Fontes. São Miguel has routes around calderas and lakes if you prefer a volcanic landscape.
Which tours have an English-speaking guide?
Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada and the western scenic tour from Funchal list an English-speaking guide. Check each listing if you switch activities.
Are Ponta Delgada and Funchal in the same archipelago?
Ponta Delgada is on São Miguel, in the Azores. Funchal is on Madeira. Plan each destination from its own base.