Celebrating the end of another year is always a moment of joy and some nostalgia, but getting off on the right foot can dictate a particularly motivating start to the year. So leave apathy aside and plan a New Year's Eve in the Azores or Madeira. We promise it will be unforgettable! To do so, take a look at All About Portugal's New Year's Eve choices in Madeira and the Azores, islands with so much to discover: from their natural wonders (see suggestions for São Miguel here, here for Madeira and here for Porto Santo), to the Christmas Markets that will still be open, ending, of course, with the well-known fireworks and good food to go with it. In the end, you can go home saying “I want to go back to the island”, but we are sure that it will be a very positive and invigorating kick-start to the new year.

Fireworks in Funchal - Funchal Bay

Fireworks in Funchal - Funchal Bay

It is impossible to talk about New Year's Eve in Madeira and the Azores without immediately remembering the famous fireworks display in Funchal, the region's tourist attraction par excellence. This grandiose and impressive pyrotechnic show has already been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the greatest show in the world. The Funchal Bay is one of the privileged spots to watch this unique show, lasting about eight minutes.

Espectáculo Musical en la Avenida Arriaga - Funchal

Espectáculo Musical en la Avenida Arriaga - Funchal

During the Christmas and New Year festivities, most of Funchal's central streets receive Christmas-themed light and sound shows, one of the main ones being at Avenida Arriaga. Here, you can watch daily varied musical shows, the highlight being, of course, New Year's Eve. Be sure to visit, on this avenue, the Christmas Market, where you can taste and buy various regional products.

New Year's Eve on a boat - Funchal's Marina

New Year's Eve on a boat - Funchal's Marina

During the New Year festivities, the whole Madeira Island is a party, but if you want an even more exclusive and special experience, with privileged views over the superb New Year's Eve fireworks show, we advise you to book a program on board a boat. You can inquire at the various companies in Funchal Marina about this unique and unforgettable experience!

Fireworks in Porto Santo - Pontoon at Praça do Barqueiro

Fireworks in Porto Santo - Pontoon at Praça do Barqueiro

The grandiose fireworks display in Madeira is also distributed, in addition to the firing stations located in the Funchal amphitheater and at sea, by two more stations on the Porto Santo Island. The Pontoon at Praça do Barqueiro, located right in the center of the city, is one of the privileged places to observe these fireworks display on the so-called Ilha Dourada (Golden Island).

Musical Show at the Gates of the City of Ponta Delgada

Musical Show at the Gates of the City of Ponta Delgada

If you spend New Year's Eve in the Azores, you'll have plenty to choose from, starting with the magnificent São Miguel Island. The mythical Portas da Cidade of Ponta Delgada, for example, are a great choice to spend New Year's Eve. With lots of music, from more traditional bands to guest DJs, and a fireworks festival worthy of note, you will have lots of fun on Ilha Verde (Green Island)!

Traditional New Year's Eve Ball at Coliseu Micaelense

Traditional New Year's Eve Ball at Coliseu Micaelense

After a few years, the traditional Great New Year's Eve Ball of the Coliseu Micaelense returned to Ponta Delgada. This event, which contains a certain mysticism, allows you to start the new year off on the right foot, dancing in the biggest and most beautiful venue in the Azores. It features bands on the main stage and DJs in the hall and lounge area. As it is a gala, don't forget to dress up.

Fireworks and Ball at Portas do Mar - Ponta Delgada

Fireworks and Ball at Portas do Mar - Ponta Delgada

Still in Ponta Delgada, since the green island is full of surprises and activities, you can choose Portas do Mar, where concerts by well-known bands take place, and it is also a great spot to let yourself be amazed by the traditional fireworks display, as it offers privileged views over the sea. Is there a more beautiful image than a fireworks show with the ocean as a backdrop?

New Year's Eve at Praça Velha - Angra do Heroísmo

New Year's Eve at Praça Velha - Angra do Heroísmo

We couldn't end our New Year's Eve suggestions in Madeira and Azores without mentioning the beautiful Terceira Island, more specifically New Year's Eve in Angra do Heroísmo. It is in Praça Velha that most of the entertainment takes place, from the Christmas Village, which you can visit throughout the month, to almost daily concerts, which culminate with concerts on New Year's Eve, with bands and DJ's, and with the typical fireworks dotting the skies.