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With fall just around the corner and temperatures starting to cool, you may be wondering which international destinations are the best to visit, especially if you’ve been avoiding the busy summer season and are using your paid time off saved the right moment.
If this applies to you, then you’re in luck this lesser-known European island is not just the perfect autumn destination, with its balmy subtropical weather, abundant nature and pristine landscapes, but that’s just it incredibly easy for Americans to achieve.
Were talking No stops.
Still don’t know where? Forget Ibiza, Santorini and other busy Mediterranean hotspots: Madeira is what it’s all about.
Portugal’s hidden gem
Madeira is a small, autonomous archipelagic province of Portugal, located about 600 miles South of the Portuguese mainland. In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s closer to Africa than Europe.
The main island is only 450 miles off the west coast of the African continent, which puts it firmly planted in the other continent, even though it is part of Portugal and thus inhabited by the Portuguese.
However, unlike Southern Europe, the weather in Madeira does not strictly adhere to the concepts of summer and autumn, and falls somewhere in between.
Like the Canary archipelago in Spain, which borders it directly to the south, it is known as the Land of Eternal Spring.
Regardless of the season, Madeira is never too hot nor too coldThe country enjoys long hours of sunshine on most days and limited rainfall compared to the mainland. British travel agency TUI reports that the average daily high in October is 75.2°F, and a low of 68°F in the evenings.
Aside from its temperate climate, you might be wondering why exactly it provides such a climate relaxing autumn break:
Madeira is just perfect for relaxing
Madeira may be known for its amazing history, dating back at least to the 15th century when the Portuguese first came ashore and settled on these islands, but its greatest asset is undoubtedly its green, wild nature.
Because two-thirds of the main island – eponymously called Madeira – is a protected nature reserve, there is an abundance of beautiful mountain landscapes, marine parks, pristine sandy beaches and hidden waterfalls to chase.
Although the sea may not be that warm for deep water swimming (you have to remember that Madeira is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and not the Mediterranean), beaches with shallow water are still pleasant enough for an afternoon dip when the temperature what rises.
Being the capital and largest settlement in Madeira, Funchal is the best place to settle as you travel around the main island, but some of the best swimming-friendly beaches are further afield.
These include Seixal, a long stretch of golden sand bordered by clear blue water, Ribeira Brava, where the ocean is turquoise blue, and Calheta, perhaps Madeira’s busiest and best-equipped beach, with a caveat: it is a man-made beach. beach, with sand imported from Morocco.
Yet that is true nothing short of stunning.
Explore Madeira beyond the main island
If you fancy discovering more beautiful places outside the island of Madeira, neighboring Porto Santo, located in the northeast, should be on your list.
A sunny sky, that’s how the main town boasts 9km from Naturally sandy beach.
This may be disputed by some scientists, but the indigenous people believe that the sand in Porto Santo has therapeutic properties, as it is locally known to relieve the painful symptoms of rheumatism.
The other two islands of the archipelago, Deserta and Selvagens, are uninhabited but can still be visited as part of boat trips.
Madeira should be your favorite destination if you are a nature loverand if being in the middle of greenery helps soothe your soul, especially after the last three harrowing years we’ve had.
Naturally, numerous wellness centers and relaxation retreats await you The Telegraph Describe Madeira as a ‘spa-oriented‘ destination.
Madeira is for all budgets
If you’re looking for an exclusive fall getaway and you’ve got money in the bank, some of the top-rated five-star hotels with spas include Hotel De Cliffbaaiwith overnight rates starting at $423 this season, the rustic Quinta Jardins do Lagopriced lower at $393, and Hotel Porto Santa Mariaas cheap as $294.
Travelers on a limited budget are also welcome in Madeira:
If you’re just looking for a place to stay overnight while you spend your days braving nature and exploring ancient cobblestone towns, the cozy Residence Funchalin the heart of the island capital Funchal, will only set you back $57 this fall.
You won’t get free access to the infinity pools overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean, nor any wellness treatments, but you will be right in the middle of the action and within walking distance of some of Funchal’s main attractions, including the Old Town and the Farmer’s Market.
Other attractive offers include the Mimosa Studio Hotelwith rates starting at $114 Booking.comAnd Paraiso Apartment Turisticoavailable for booking for just $97 per night Expedia.com. Regardless of your preference, you will find Awesome offers out of season.
Furthermore, you should expect much smaller crowds in the fall, as the summer holidays are over and Madeira is still considerably less popular than other beach destinations in mainland Portugal, such as the Algarve.
Madeira is easy to reach
Madeira may be a remote destination even for the Portuguese, but it is within easy reach of Americans, especially those living on the east coast.
Azores Airlines, the main airline operating in the autonomous Portuguese regions of the Atlantic Ocean, which includes not only Madeira but also the Azores, offers year-round direct flights from New York-JFK to Madeiraas cheap as $250 one-way, with a flight time of just 7 hours.
You read that correctly.
This fall, it will be cheaper to travel to this paradise Portuguese island than certain domestic destinations in the United States.
The only requirement? Bringing a valid passport.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
