This beautiful island has a dramatic, rugged coastline, golden beaches, and cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear waters.
If you’re yearning for a winter break where sunshine still kisses your face, there’s no need to jet off to the other side of the globe. Europe boasts destinations where winter feels more like a glorious extended summer. One Portuguese island delivers spectacular, wild coastlines that seem to go on forever, sun-kissed beaches, and towering cliffs that drop dramatically into pristine azure waters.
Whether you’re after thrills, tranquillity, or a balmy Christmas holiday, this destination ticks every box for a toasty winter retreat. Even better, outbound and inbound flights cost just £14.99 with Ryanair – that’s only £30 for your entire journey.
Here’s why Madeira in Portugal should be your next booking.
Why choose Madeira?
According to Visit Madeira, the island delivers the complete package, from “breathtaking natural scenery and crystal-clear waters to centuries-old traditions, genuine flavours, and a great willingness to welcome you”.
Holidaymakers should book a Jeep safari, offering the chance to discover stunning and extraordinary terrain across both Madeira and Porto Santo.
Accompanied by knowledgeable and skilled guides, tourists can immerse themselves in the island’s natural treasures, including the native Laurissilva forest, recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Other pursuits encompass diving, paragliding, kayaking, and coasteering (a blend of walking, swimming, climbing, abseiling, and leaping into the ocean).
Holidaymakers are also encouraged to explore Funchal’s streets, where they’ll encounter historical heritage and distinctive traditions.
Seeking Christmas celebrations?
“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 becomes a Christmas winter wonderland on December 1, when Funchal’s spectacular Christmas illuminations are switched on. Both locals and tourists will relish a range of music, cultural happenings, and scrumptious cuisine throughout the month.
Funchal’s thoroughfares remain buzzing with festivities, generating an ambience that barely rests. The pinnacle arrives on New Year’s Eve, when the globally renowned fireworks spectacular, previously acknowledged by the Guinness World Records, illuminates the bay in a stunning display.
In Ponta do Sol, the enchantment persists, with the complete town bedecked in lights and decorations that draw thousands of guests to savour a lively exhibition of illumination and festive allure.
What’s the cost of visiting?
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 fretting about the chilly weather, Madeira will be toasty enough in the winter for a spot of sunbathing. Madeira boasts warm (but not sweltering) weather throughout the year.
“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,” revealed a spokesperson at Madeira Lovers.
They added: “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.”