The Desertas Islands are a small archipelago of three islands located off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 11 miles southeast of the city of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The islands are composed of the main island, Deserta Grande, and two smaller islands, Bugio and Ilhéu Chão.
Deserta Grande is the largest of the three islands, measuring approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is home to the Desertas Nature Reserve, a protected area that is home to a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The island is also home to a lighthouse and a small settlement of fishermen.
Bugio is the second largest of the islands and is located to the north of Deserta Grande. It is home to a large colony of Cory’s Shearwater, a species of seabird that is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Ilhéu Chão is the smallest of the three islands and is located to the west of Deserta Grande. It is home to a small settlement of fishermen and is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, snorkeling and diving.
The Desertas Islands have a rich history and have been inhabited since the 16th century. The islands were used as a base by the Portuguese Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and were the site of a famous naval battle in 1808. In the 19th century, the islands were used as a prison and a quarantine station for immigrants.
Today, the Desertas Islands are a popular tourist destination and are home to a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and swimming. The islands are also home to a variety of endemic species and are an important part of Portugal’s natural heritage.
Experience Desertas Islands with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Desertas Islands. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
The Desertas Islands in Portugal have a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In the winter months, temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit, while in the summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s and even the low 90s. Precipitation is low, but winter months tend to bring more rain and fog. Spring and autumn are usually mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Summer is the driest season, with very little rainfall. Overall, the climate in the Desertas Islands is mild and pleasant throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Desertas Islands helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: 19.0 °C min: 18 °C |
46.8 m/s 68.8 m/s |
58.6 % 24.1 m |
62.1 % 1,029 hPa |
08:04:43 18:05:15 |
|
| Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: 19.2 °C min: 16.9 °C |
31.0 m/s 45.0 m/s |
75.1 % 22.9 m |
76.4 % 1,025 hPa |
08:05:11 18:05:47 |
|
| Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: 19.2 °C min: 16.5 °C |
22.7 m/s 31.7 m/s |
82.5 % 23.5 m |
76.5 % 1,020 hPa |
08:05:37 18:06:21 |
|
| Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: 20.2 °C min: 18.7 °C |
23.8 m/s 32.8 m/s |
99.3 % 24.0 m |
75.2 % 1,018 hPa |
08:06:02 18:06:56 |
|
| Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: 19.9 °C min: 19 °C |
37.1 m/s 46.8 m/s |
69.7 % 21.0 m |
75.1 % 1,019 hPa |
08:06:25 18:07:33 |
|
| Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: 18.9 °C min: 18.1 °C |
32.4 m/s 33.8 m/s |
41.8 % 23.8 m |
70.3 % 1,023 hPa |
08:06:46 18:08:11 |
|
| Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: 18.1 °C min: 17.6 °C |
31.3 m/s 32.4 m/s |
11.7 % 23.8 m |
70.4 % 1,023 hPa |
08:07:06 18:08:50 |
|
| Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: 17.9 °C min: 17.3 °C |
28.8 m/s 28.8 m/s |
40.4 % 23.4 m |
65.1 % 1,023 hPa |
08:07:24 18:09:31 |
|
| Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: 17.9 °C min: 17.4 °C |
28.7 m/s 29.5 m/s |
31.7 % 23.3 m |
64.8 % 1,023 hPa |
08:07:41 18:10:12 |
|
| Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: 18.1 °C min: 17.6 °C |
30.6 m/s 33.5 m/s |
11.8 % 23.2 m |
67.1 % 1,023 hPa |
08:07:56 18:10:55 |
|
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: 18.9 °C min: 18 °C |
21.2 m/s 23.8 m/s |
65.3 % 24.1 m |
70.6 % 1,023 hPa |
08:08:09 18:11:39 |
|
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: 19.6 °C min: 19 °C |
25.9 m/s 42.1 m/s |
100.0 % 24.1 m |
81.1 % 1,019 hPa |
08:08:21 18:12:24 |
|
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: 19.8 °C min: 19.4 °C |
24.1 m/s 29.9 m/s |
100.0 % 24.1 m |
79.9 % 1,017 hPa |
08:08:30 18:13:10 |
|
| Jan. 4th 2025 Jan. 4th 2025 | max: 19.6 °C min: 19.4 °C |
31.0 m/s 40.2 m/s |
100.0 % 24.1 m |
84.9 % 1,013 hPa |
08:08:38 18:13:57 |
Would you like to travel to Desertas Islands on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Desertas Islands.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr. 7th 2025 Monday, 7th of Apr. 2025 | HANSEATIC spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Funchal - Madeira in Portugal | 48,01 km |
| Porto Santo in Portugal | 61,78 km |
| Big Wild in Portugal | 274,50 km |
