Madeira’s Funchal is the biggest-inflation busting destination of recent times. Unlike many popular spots for winter sunshine, it has become more affordable to visit over the last few years
A sun-drenched island in Portugal has emerged as the top destination for beating inflation over the past four years.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is nestled amidst a verdant, mountainous landscape on an island far out in the Atlantic Ocean, off Morocco’s coast. It has long been a favoured alternative to the Canary Islands, boasting a similarly dramatic landscape and balmy winter climate.
Unlike many popular spots for January and February sunshine, Funchal has become more affordable to visit over recent years. Late January flights from the UK to the island have seen a 20 per price drop over this period.
The stunning archipelago offers breathtaking mountainous landscapes, quaint towns with vibrant buildings, a rich history, enticing wine routes, botanical gardens, and more.
History enthusiasts will want to set aside time to explore Funchal’s Old Town, with its intricate architecture and colourful buildings, while art lovers may be drawn to Rua de Santa Maria, where doors and walls have been transformed into street art.
Other must-visit spots include the Madeira Botanical Gardens with its stunning floral exhibits, the historic Funchal Cathedral, and the Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling market brimming with everything from vibrant flowers to fresh produce. Don’t forget to carve out time for a ride on the Funchal Cable Car that links the city to Monte, offering breathtaking views along the way.
If you’re partial to a tipple, you’re in luck. Madeira boasts a 600 year old tradition of wine production, dating back to when it first started exporting the beverage to Portugal.
Today, you can follow this rich history with visits to the terraced vineyards, interspersed with numerous wine bars and shops where you can book tastings and delve into the past.