Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.
Year-round warm weather, volcanic landscapes, easy from Europe.
A steep, green volcanic island in the Atlantic — spring-like all year and built for walkers.
Read our full guides about Canary Islands and Madeira.
Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.
| Canary Islands | Madeira | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | Most of the year | April–October |
| Climate | warm | mild |
| Budget | Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day | Budget · $35–65/day |
| Trip length | 1–3 wks | 1–1 wks |
| Visa | Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). | Portugal (Schengen) — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). Verify before travel. |
| Currency | EUR (€) | EUR (€). |
| Language | Spanish. English in tourist areas. | Portuguese; English widely spoken in tourism. |
| Tap water | Tap water safe. | Tap water is safe. |
| Safety | Very safe. | Very safe; ordinary precautions only. |
General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.
Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.
Paris is only the opening act — wine country, the Alps, and two coastlines.
The benchmark for food, history, and beauty.
Ruins in the morning, a swim by noon, taverna until dark.
The ski and alpine benchmark — every other mountain range is measured against this.
Dubrovnik, the Adriatic coast, ancient cities. Compact and beautiful.
Prague earns the crowds. The rest of the country is the bonus.
Geysers, glaciers, northern lights, hot springs.
The best value city in Western Europe.
Still undecided
Three matches. Often answers comparison questions for you.
Start the quiz
