If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway where the sun still warms your skin, you don’t have to travel halfway across the world to find it. Europe itself is home to regions where the winter months feel more like a mild and beautiful summer. One Island in Portugal offers dramatic, rugged coastlines that stretch far and wide, golden beaches, and cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear waters.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a sunny Christmas getaway, this region has everything you need for a warmer winter escape. And what’s even better, direct flights outbound and inbound cost £14.99 via Ryanair, that’s a mere £30 just for travel. Discover why you should visit Madeira in Portugal below.
Why visit Madeira?
According to Visit Madeira, the region has everything to offer, from “breathtaking natural scenery and crystal-clear waters to centuries-old traditions, genuine flavours, and a great willingness to welcome you”.
Visitors should take a Jeep tour, which allows them to explore beautiful and unique landscapes in both Madeira and Porto Santo. With the help of experienced and professional guides, visitors can experience the natural wealth the Island has to offer, including the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Other activities include diving, paragliding, kayaking, and coasteering (a combination of walking, swimming, climbing, rappelling, and jumping into the sea). Tourists are also advised to visit the streets of Funchal, where they will experience historical heritage and unique traditions.
Looking for Christmas festivities?
“In Madeira, the month of December is all about celebration. Every day, there are events in the streets of Funchal imbuing locals and visitors alike with that special Christmas spirit,” shared the travel experts at Visit Madeira.
Madeira transforms into a Christmas winter wonderland on December 1, when Funchal’s dazzling Christmas lights are switched on. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy a variety of music, cultural events, and delicious food throughout the month.
Funchal’s streets stay alive with celebration, creating an atmosphere that hardly sleeps. The highlight comes on New Year’s Eve, when the world-famous fireworks display, once recognised by the Guinness World Records, lights up the bay in a breathtaking show.
In Ponta do Sol, the magic continues, with the entire town adorned in lights and decorations that attract thousands of visitors to enjoy a vibrant spectacle of light and festive charm.
How much does it cost to visit?
A flight to Madeira only costs £14.99 each for inbound and outbound flights via Ryanair at Stansted Airport. In total, this will cost you £30 if you travel on December 6 and return on the 13. Discover more here.
For those worried about the weather, Madeira will be warm enough in the winter that you can even sunbathe. Madeira enjoys warm (but not stifling) weather all year round.
“The temperatures you can expect along the coast are around 19C (66F) to 20C (68F) during the day and 13C (55.5F) to 14C (57F) overnight,” said a spokesperson at Madeira Lovers.
They continued: “This makes it one of the warmest places in Europe in winter. However, if you decide to explore the mountains, such as Pico do Arieiro at 1818m, remember to take a light sweater, as temperatures will be lower.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
