DUBBED the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, the beautiful island of Madeira has never been easier to get to.
With black sand beaches, time-capsule villages and unique swimming spots, Madeira should be the holiday destination on everyone’s lips – and there are even more flight routes from the UK this summer.
The European island has been compared to Hawaii in the US[/caption]
There are over 20 official hiking trails on the island[/caption]
Madeira is the main island of the Madeira archipelago which includes Porto Santo and the Desertas.
Madeira has been called the ‘Hawaii of Europe‘ because of its volcanic landscapes, natural beauty, and subtropical climate – which all draw parallels to the Hawaiian Islands.
With a flight time of just under four hours, Madeira is one of the best places for Brits to enjoy a summer break.
The even better news is that since last year, there has been a 12 per cent increase in flights from the UK.
The newly released flight schedule shows that weekly flights for the summer period will rise from 349 in 2024 to 390 in 2025.
Jet2 has introduced a weekly flight from Bournemouth commencing in May.
The flight will leave every Thursday and will be a 3-hour 40-minute connection between Bournemouth and Funchal.
From Edinburgh, Ryanair will operate twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.
At Luton, both easyJet and Jet2 are expanding their services to Madeira. Jet2 already offer a weekly Monday flight to Madeira which will continue throughout the year.
easyJet will launch two additional services from June, with departures on Mondays and Fridays. The flight time from Luton to Funchal is also four hours.
Funchal is the capital of Madeira[/caption]
The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is on the south coast of the island and has plenty to offer.
There’s so much to see on the island, including a village in Santana that looks like it’s been frozen in time.
The Santana Houses, locally known as “Casas de Colmo” are small and triangular with distinctive thatched roofs and are often painted in vibrant red, white and blue.
These were built by early Portuguese settlers in the 16th century. Found on the northern coast, the houses have been preserved as an open-air museum.
The island is the perfect place for any keen hikers with over 20 official trails.
There are plenty of natural beauty spots to see too like the Piscinas Naturais do Aquário.
It’s a natural volcanic rock pools for swimming, with loungers, a bar and changing rooms which is open year-round.
There’s also The Risco Waterfall that is found in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra, it’s considered one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Madeira.
For anyone looking for the best views, head to Cabo Girão where there’s a clifftop viewpoint and glass-floored skywalk.
When it comes to beaches, you’re spoiled for choice in Madeira.
Seixal Beach and Ribeira Brava beach are particularly renowned for their unique black volcanic sand and calm waters.
As for the weather, the best time to visit Madeira is between June and October as temperatures reach highs of 20C.
Plus, what Sun Travel thought of Madeira when we visited Funchal.
And the Portuguese seaside resort named one of the ‘best villages to visit’.
Our Top Five Things To Do In Madeira
1) Hike in the Laurel Forest
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Laurel Forest (or Laurissilva Forest as it is also known) is a must-do.
The subtropical forest, located on the northwest side of the island, is perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing.
2) Brave a toboggan run
Dating back to the early 19th century, toboggan rides have become the basis of any tourists’ Madeira to-do list.
Initially used by residents of the upper village of Monte as a quick way to travel down to the city of Funchal, toboggan rides have become a much-loved tourist attraction.
3) Stroll the sleepy streets of Funchal
After flying down a slope on a toboggan, you may want a laid-back day in Funchal.
The capital city of Madeira, Funchal sits on a slope that faces the Atlantic Ocean, offering amazing views.
4) Explore the explosive tastes of Madeira’s food and wine scene
If you have not heard of the island of Madeira, you have probably heard of Madeira’s wine, which can be found in almost any UK supermarket.
It is no wonder then that food and wine-tasting tours are so popular on the Portuguese island.
5) Get jaw-dropping photos from the Funchal Cable Car
While not for those afraid of heights, Funchal’s cable cars boast some of the best sights of the city.
Trawling from Funchal to Monte and back in only 15 minutes, the cable cars are the perfect way to snap pictures of the orange-roofed capital and the hills surrounding it.
Madeira has been compared to Hawaii because of its beautiful beaches[/caption]
