While prices continue to rise in the UK due to the cost of living the good news is you may still be able to afford a summer holiday in the sun and it doesn’t need to break the bank
If sunshine, scenery and saving money sound like you’re kind of scene then booking a summer holiday in Madeira might just float your boat. More and more Brits are becoming aware of this ‘hidden gem’ with searches for ‘Madeira holidays’ soaring by +370% in the last three months in the UK.
Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ due to its tropical climate and volcanic landscape. It may be famous for its luscious landscapes and year-round warm climate, but Brits also love it because it has 16 British pubs serving cheap pints of beer.
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Maderia has been named one of the best holiday destinations for Brits abroad, according to Travel Republic who say it’s a tropical paradise thanks to its lovely climate with temperatures averaging between 16C and 25C and sea temperatures between 18C and 24C even in the winter.
While the average pint costs £4.79 here in the UK, the island’s capital Funchal offers surprisingly affordable beer – at around £2.28 for domestic beer and £2.90 for imported. And if you don’t want to miss the game while you’re abroad, there are 16 British and Irish pubs in Funchal.
Some 2.2 million Brits visited the island in 2024 and there are some great restaurants and bars in the city of Funchal with plenty to choose from if you’re looking to taste the local cuisine. And you can also treat yourself to a variety of classic British pub grub dishes such as fish and chips, a full English breakfast and even a Sunday roast.
To work up an appetitite you can explore Funchal’s Old Town, hike the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail and swim in Porto Moniz Natural Pools. It’s not for the fainthearted but you could also check out the view or go paragliding near the Cabo Girão Skywalk – one of the most famous suspended glass platforms and cliff viewpoints in Europe. Travel addict Sophia Toomb recently took to Instagram to hail the popular destination of Madeira. “Walked off the plane into paradise,” she said in a video.
Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the island is home to one of the most impressive hikes in the world – Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra, which takes walkers above the clouds on Madeira’s highest point. Or you could just chill on one of the island’s many secluded beaches – the perfect place to sunbathe with a cocktail, and cool down with a dip in crystal clear waters.
We found a flight from Edinburgh on Sunday May 11, returning on Wednesday May 14 for £29.99 or you can fly from London, Manchester or Bristol.
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