A European country that’s four hours away from the UK has been named the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ with more flights being introduced as the summer approaches, with prices starting from £60.
A stunning European island that’s not too far from home has been named the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ and new flights have been launched just in time for the summer.
The ‘Hawaii of Europe’ is just four hours away from London and next to the beloved Spanish archipelago. Located in Portugal, Madeira is said to be the new hotspot for British holidaymakers looking to get away, especially in light of the anti-tourist sentiment across mainland Spain, the Canaries and the Balearics.
Besides being the home of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is a destination known for its gorgeous landscapes and year-round warm climate. It’s also a popular place for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring nature.
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Portugal’s gastronomy is rich in flavours, with Mediterranean and Atlantic influence and its historical spice trade. Famous dishes include the Bacalhau, which is salted cod, as well as the traditional Pastel de Nata, a delicious and creamy custard tart. But the best Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea.
There are a lot of things to do and see in Madeira, suitable to all ages and preferences.
- Hiking : Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo are the best places to explore nature. Porto Moniz allows locals and visitors to swim in the volcanic rock pools.
- Cabo Girao: Europe’s highest cliff viewpoint with panoramic views.
- Ponta de Sao Lourenco: Known for its rock formation and shocking cliffs.
- Laurissilva Forest: A UNESCO World-Heritage site.
- Funchal: The capital city of Madeira. Rich in history, food and culture. Its name comes from the abundance of fennel, which translates to ‘funcho’ in Portuguese.
- Beaches: Enjoy the crystal clear waters, including the black sand beaches of Seixal and Praia Formosa, as well as Porto Santo, known for its golden sand beach.
Where best to fly from in the UK
Starting from May, every Thursday, Jet2 will add flights to Madeira from Bournemouth. Ryanair will also operate flights every Wednesday and Sunday from Edinburgh.
For those who live in London, there are direct flights from London to Madeira with easyJet and Jet2, with flying increasing more often as the summer approaches. The cheapest flights are via London Stansted Airport, with flights costing from £60 depending on the month and the time of purchase.
Alternatively, flights operate from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Luton Airport at higher fares and layovers in between.
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Madeira tends to get busy during the summer months, specifically from June to August, with the average temperatures being around 26C . According to latest reports, Madeira welcomes around two million visitors per year.
For those holidaymakers looking for a new holiday destination that’s not too far away, look no further – Madeira is the perfect place to add to your list of ‘Eurosummer’ destinations.