Algarve vs Madeira

Algarve

The Algarve has the sunniest climate in continental Europe — 300 days of sunshine annually, warm dry summers, and mild winters. The sea is warm enough for swimming from May through October (17-24°C). The western Algarve around Sagres and Lagos receives more Atlantic wind and cooler temperatures than the sheltered eastern Algarve around Tavira.

Madeira

Madeira's weather is the island's greatest paradox: it can be simultaneously sunny on the south coast (Funchal) and completely overcast in the mountains. The island creates its own microclimates — the north is wetter and cooler than the south, and the high peaks above 1,000m are frequently in cloud. Overall, the "Island of Eternal Spring" title is well-earned.

Algarve

A rental car is the most practical way to explore the Algarve — the coast and inland areas are spread over 200km east-to-west, and many of the best beaches and villages are only accessible by car. The IP1/EN125 main coastal road links all major towns. Public buses (Eva Transportes) connect coastal towns adequately, and the Faro-Lagos/Faro-Tavira rail line is useful for town-to-town travel.

Walkability: Individual towns — Lagos Old Town, Tavira, Silves, and central Faro — are pleasant and very walkable on foot. The Fishermen's Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is a superb multi-day clifftop walking route from Odeceixe south to Burgau. The coast road is not walkable end-to-end; a car or bus is needed between destinations. Albufeira and Vilamoura resort areas are bikeable but not particularly interesting for walking beyond the beach.

Madeira

Madeira has a decent bus network and an excellent motorway tunnel system, but the island's mountainous topography means a rental car gives access to many trailheads and viewpoints that buses don't reach. Funchal is walkable in the center; everywhere else requires transport.

Walkability: Good in central Funchal (Zona Velha, city center, waterfront). Moderate on the Monte Cable Car route. Low everywhere else — the island's steep, mountainous terrain and spread-out attractions make a car effectively necessary for serious exploration.