Undoubtedly one of the archipelago’s most iconic events, the Atlantic Festival fills the Funchal night sky with light, colour and music in June.
With its fabulous combination of spectacular fireworks and great music, the Atlantic Festival takes place over four weekends and transforms the island’s atmosphere. It also signals the start of summer and a good excuse to visit the place at this time of year. Here’s a shortlist of three reasons why you should go.
- International fireworks competition: Every Saturday in June, pyrotechnic companies from different countries compete to create the most remarkable spectacle of fire and sound, lighting up the Funchal sky with their creativity.
- Music: Outdoor concerts on the island feature local and international artists that provide the soundtrack for the month of June.
- Regional arts week: A cultural event that highlights Madeiran talent in the fields of music, theatre and the visual arts.
The Atlantic Festival attracts visitors from all over the world, making this time of year one of the liveliest in Madeira. The electric atmosphere in the streets is contagious, with restaurants buzzing and viewpoints transformed into stages with panoramic views, perfect for watching the light and sound shows.
If you want to enjoy the Atlantic Festival in complete comfort, we recommend the new Pestana Quinta Perestrello. This four-star hotel close to Funchal center and housed in an old manor house on a traditional and charming Madeiran farm – the perfect setting for a cosy and authentic experience.
A mere 15-minute walk from the centre of Funchal, the hotel is close to the festival’s main attractions, which allows guests to enjoy the festivities, while not having to sacrifice tranquillity. With 37 fully renovated rooms, the Pestana Quinta Perestrello combines historic elegance with modern features. Guests can enjoy the enormous garden, the outdoor swimming pool, the library for quieter moments, not to mention the terrace with bar service, the perfect spot for a cocktail. Many of the facilities at the neighbouring Pestana Miramar and Pestana Village hotels are also available to guests staying at the new Pestana Quinta Perestrello: these range from the gym to the sauna, from the Turkish bath to the jacuzzis, the indoor pool, as well as the two outdoor pools that are surrounded by over 700 different types of plants in the hotel’s tropical garden.
