The Ultra Skyrunning Madeira (USM) is set to welcome over 400 athletes from around the world, reflecting the event’s growing prestige and international appeal. The race starts on Friday, June 12, and continues until Saturday, June 13, in an edition that has expanded compared to last year. View the programme.
Taking place in the municipality of Santana, on the rugged northern coast of Madeira Island, USM continues to captivate runners with its demanding technical courses and spectacular scenery. Participants consistently praise the event for its thrilling terrain—ranging from ridgelines above the clouds to ancient levadas (irrigation channels) and deep valleys—as well as for the seamless organization that makes every edition feel unforgettable. The island’s unique topography and natural beauty are widely regarded as key reasons many return year after year.
The natural beauty of the island, with its steep trails, mountain peaks, forests, and ocean views, also makes this one of the most exciting and memorable races on the European trail running circuit.
Santana Sky Speed is the newest addition to the trail scene, set in the stunning Serras de Fora, linking the centre of Santana to nearby parishes. It’s part of a larger event featuring five races for all types of runners: the Madeira Sky Race (52km | 4055D+), Santana Sky Race (22km | 1780D+), Furão Sky Race (12km | 760D+), Santana Vertical Kilometre (4.8km | 1003D+), and the latest addition, Santana Sky Speed (1.3km | 370D+).
There are also races designed for young athletes. Each route offers a unique challenge across Madeira’s diverse landscapes.
Registration is open until May 31.A €1.50 entry fee supports the Madeira Regional Centre of the Portuguese League Against Cancer. Lace up and choose your challenge.
It’s June, and that can only mean one thing! Fun, fireworks and magic as the Festival of the Atlantic blasts into action. Throughout the month, the festival “Festival do Atlântico” not only features the Madeira International Fireworks Competition, but also celebrates the start of summer with a range of cultural events, from music and multimedia performances to circus acts, art, and sunset gatherings.
This year, four countries—(to be announced)—will compete for the coveted prize of creating Madeira’s spectacular end-of-year fireworks extravaganza. The displays will light up the skies at 22:30 on each of those nights.
This year, Porto Santo was once again included in the festival celebrations. The fireworks show will take place on the 23rd at 00.00 at the old city pier.
The Funchal Marina and Funchal City webcams will catch all the action as they broadcast these spectacular events live via their webcam streaming service.
On the 5th, 6th, and 7th of June, the town of Machico will be holding its 19th annual 16th Century Medieval Market (Mercado Quinhentista) titled “Gentes do Povoamento”. (meaning: People from the Settlement). The festivities include mounted equestrian tournaments and costumed revelry from some 200 shows including dance, theatre, music and circus acts.
The mounted tournaments will take place at 19:00 each evening while the spectacular fire shows will take place on Friday night at 23:00. Of course, the highlight of the event is the landing of the ship ‘Santa Maria’ in the bay of Machico, which will take place at 16:30 on Saturday 6th June. This lively, fun and entertaining event plays an integral part in the history of Machico and Madeira, making it an unmissable event.
Travelling to Machico couldn’t be easier as Transportes Públicos na Região Autónoma da Madeira (SIGA) bus company runs a regular service from Funchal to Machico via their 20, 23, 53, 78 and 113 bus routes.
Coming hot off the heels of the Flower Festival, June is an action-packed month filled with light, colour and plenty of entertainment.
If you are looking for excitement, the island of Porto Santo celebrates all things Tuna with their Tuna Festival from the 3rd to 6th June at Vila Baleira hotel, Porto Santo Island. There will be food tastings, workshops, and hundreds of innovative ways to cook this delicious fish.
The Medieval Market (Mercado Quinhentista) in Machico will take place on the 5th, 6th, and 7th. This is a superb way to experience Madeira’s unique and vibrant heritage. With the 600 years of the discovery of Madeira and Porto Santo very much in mind, this year’s event promises to be a fun-filled dynamic event with historical re-enactments, street performers, theatre and traditional stalls.
The Atlantic Festival runs from June 5th to 28th. This grand event, which marks the arrival of summer on Madeira and the Porto Santo islands, is more than just fireworks; it also includes concerts, street performances, circus shows, art exhibitions, the International Madeira Fireworks Competition, and summer sunsets, all of which contribute to Funchal’s lively atmosphere. For more information on the event, please refer to the programme. On the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th (all Saturday evenings) the Atlantic Festival Fireworkscontest takes place. Each Saturday night is ablaze with colour as international pyrotechnic companies fight it out to become the winner of this prestigious competition and provide the end of year firework display.
Creativity knows no bounds during the Regional Arts Week as some 4,000 students exhibit their work and provide live entertainment throughout Funchal from 8th to the 14th.
One of the highlights of the month is the Festival of the Popular Saints (Festa dos Santos Populares). The event takes place all over the island from the 10th of June to the 1st of July and celebrates the lives of St. Anthony (Santo Antonio) 12-13, St. John (São João) 24-25, and St. Peter (São Pedro) 26-29. As with all Madeiran festivals, there is plenty of good food, wine and live entertainment as well as homages to the saints themselves. This includes parades, marches (12, 13, 23, & 29), the occasional jumping over bonfires and live music. The celebrations take place in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Santa Cruz, Caniçal, Porto Santo, Calheta and Ribeira Brava.
From June 10th to 13th, Madeira Island celebrates its first popular saint, St. Anthony (Santo Antonio), in Santo Antonio parish. The festivities feature vibrant music and dance, including a line-up of regional artists, with the highlight being the famous parade marches (Marchas Populares) on the 12th. The parishes of Raposeira (Fajã da Ovelha) and Santo António da Serra (municipality of Santa Cruz) celebrate from the 12th to the 14th, with Ponta do Sol celebrating on the 14th.
Ultra Skyrunning Madeira returns to Santana, June 12–13, featuring five races: Madeira Sky Race, Santana Sky Race, Furão Sky Race, Santana Vertical Kilometre, and new addition Santana Sky Speed. Set in the stunning Laurissilva Forest, the event draws 400+ international athletes to one of Europe’s premier trail running destinations.
The Ribeira Brava Rally Race takes place on June 12-13 as part of the Coral Madeira Rally Championship. Organized by the Automóvel Clube Concelho de Santacruz (ACCS), the event promises two thrilling days of motorsport excitement.
Global Wellness Day on 13th June celebrates balance of mind, body, and soul. This year’s edition encourages connection through activities like meditation, yoga, walking, and dancing. It invites us to reconnect with Mother Nature by embracing the outdoors, and reconnect with family and friends by sharing meaningful moments and creating joyful memories together.
Entertainment suddenly takes on a more homespun appeal as Boaventura hosts its traditional and delicious Soup Fair (Soupa do Campo) from the 13th to the 14th. The soups were initially created to sustain busy workers and are substantial, tasty and include the islands renowned Açorda da Madeira.
The island of Porto Santo will be hosting the very popular St. John’s Festival (Festa de São João) between the 14th and 24th, with the parade marches (Marchas Populares) taking place on the 23rd.
The Monte Regional Ramp Race – Municipality of Funchal promises thrilling motorsport action on June 19–20, featuring top drivers, fierce competition, and enthusiastic crowds along the scenic route for an unforgettable racing experience.
Over the weekend, Jardim da Serra will be holding its famous Cherry Festival with plenty of entertainment including a parade to celebrate the new harvest from the 19th and 21st.
The Regional Bread Fair is held between the (to be announced) at People’s Square (Praça do Povo), an event organised by the Lions Clube do Funchal for over 20 years, and brings together a heavenly selection of local homemade bread and cakes that will whet any appetite.
If extreme fitness is your thing, the Madeira Cross Games, a three-day CrossFit training competition, will be held in Funchal’s city centre (Praça do Povo) from (to be announced).
From the 20th to the 24th, Funchal celebrates St. John’s Altars (Festa dos Altares de São João). Local businesses in the areas of Largo do Carmo, Rua da Conceição, Rua da Figueira Preta, and Travessa dos Reis prepare and display their traditional altar creativity, which is followed by a gastronomic show, great musical entertainment, and popular marches.
The island widely celebrates Saint John’s Day (São João), the most popular saint and the one that is celebrated all over Madeira Island. On the night of June 23rd, locals gather for St. John’s supper with bonfires on the pebble beaches of Praia do Vigário and Praia Formosa in Funchal. Popular marches also mark the celebration of St John’s Supper in Santa Cruz on the 23rd (15:00-23:20).
Between the 26th and the 28th, the Madeira Classic Car Rally brings together vintage car enthusiasts for a thrilling race along the island’s scenic roads. It’s a celebration of automotive history amidst Madeira’s stunning landscapes.
St. Peter’s Day will be celebrated in Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava from June 26th to July 1st, and in Santa Cruz from June 28th to 29th. Ideal for anyone who enjoys a good party, as there is plenty of food, live entertainment, and a fireworks display.
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