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Europe is not everyone’s first choice for a sunny holiday in the winter, and we can understand why: it is mainly searched for the snowy landscapes, fairy tale magazines, paved villages and lively Christmas markets, but this is a continent with More geographical diversity than it becomes credit for.
Would you believe us if we told you that there is a European island at home for green forests and volcanoes and in December has 70 degrees temperatures?
No, it is not somewhere in Greece, and this is absolutely not another registered article about proven Sicily.
This season, if you are looking for your mind blown up by an alien nature and Alfresco in shorts – even although it is Christmas! – – You should book the first flight to Madeira, or as we like to call it, The Hawaii of Europe:
Is this Europe or … Africa?
Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, in fact closer to Africa than in mainland Europe with around 180 miles, and a Destination all year round Very popular with Europeans for its mild winters and coastal landscape.
Although it is an integral part of Portugal and is culturally predominantly South European, it is not technically part of the European continent –At least geographical-Dus it doesn’t really have well-defined seasons.
Called Land of eternal springIt can be as hot as 70 ° F in January, with lows of 59.0 ° F at night, and that is the average temperature you get regardless of the season, with incidental heat waves in July and very limited precipitation.
Although Madeira’s incredible weather is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws, it is not the main reason why you should add it to your bucket list – this is the Hawaii of Europe, do you remember?
Nature rules here superiorWhile the old world culture takes a rear seat:
Nice walks all -round
Madeira consists of some of the most unique natural landscapes everywhere over the pond: to begin with it is a volcanic island, and it is littered with whimsical peaks, forested valleys between sleeping volcanos and old forests spoken by man.
The long and strenuous one Very rewarding sunset walk From Pico do Areiro to Pico Ruivo visits the most popular points of view of the island, overlooking mountains and sea, and it is the most popular outdoor activity on the island, with pick-up and drop-off costs Only $ 34.75.
If you are afraid of heights and you don’t feel your most athletic self, there are countless softer ‘Levadas‘, Nature paths that follow the course of crystal clear streams and lead to sky -high waterfalls, with this guided walk through the heart of Rabaçal Valley Starting at $ 41 Per person.
In total there are more than 20 hiking trails and No less than 200 Levadas Around Madeira, so if you are a nature lover, you will certainly be spoiled as a choice.
It is very easy to travel around Madeira with tours!
Do you not really feel like renting a car? No problem!
Madeira is very touristy-friendly and there are countless tour companies in operation that operate (almost) all destinations on the island.
This $ 61 Small-Group Jeep Tour Van Northern Madeira is a must-do: it includes a visit to the Cabo Girão Skywalk, An observation deck on the highest sea cliff in EuropeExploring Fanal, an old laurel forest protected by UNESCO, bathed in the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and some beach time.
Expect no long strips of gold sandy beaches, because most coastline is robust and swimming places are usually covered with gravel and shingles, but Seixal Beach, which is part of this tour, is made of warm, black volcanic sand.
As an alternative, this is $ 29.49 Tour by Eastern Madeira starts in the Areeiro Mountains – – no climbing, only a photo leak – before he drives to Ponta de São Lourenço, the most eastern point in Madeira, an area that is rich in fauna and flora.
Along the way you check the Instagramable houses with thatched roof of Santana and the relaxed coastal village of Porto da Cruz, where you can taste traditional spirits easily on the poncha–– As well as a sheltered bay supported by imposing sea cliffs.
A cultural -rich colonial capital
Although the lush character of the greatest asset is, it should not be overlooked as a cultural outing: Funchal, the bustling city that served as the capital, was settled in the 15th centuryAnd it is a typical Portuguese colonial harbor strewn with baroque churches and white -covered buildings.
The most famous milestone is Funchal Cathedral, an age-old religious monument that mixes elements of Gothic and Romanesque, with a cut wooden ceiling, and if you like football, visiting the CR7 museum can be interesting in the case it is not aware , Cristiano Ronaldo was born here.
The historic center as a whole is crossed by pedestrian streets that are paved with golf patterns that suggest the past of Portugal as a maritime force, and there are countless street markets And delicious seafood restaurants to be discovered.
For homemade Portuguese meals in a no-frills environment, we recommend ourselves warmly Restaurant Alta Vista: The fish is freshly caught, the staff is friendly, and Their passion fruit poncha is divine–– Have we mentioned the great prices?
Madeira is not as expensive as you would expect!
Despite his removal, surrounded by a vast ocean and hundreds of kilometers away from the Portuguese mainland, Madeira is not as expensive as you would expect:
In reality, It’s not expensive at all!
From the surprisingly affordable transatlantic flights-you know that you can fly non-stop to Madeira from New York-Jfk this winter for Only $ 266 With Azores Airlines? – – For the reasonable costs of food and accommodation, it is not known to break the bank.
On average, tourists spend $ 413 on food during a Stay of 7 nights in Madeira, on top of an average $ 791 on hotels, which excludes the total costs of a Madeira holiday, flights, to $ 1.204: not exactly cheap, but not expensive either.
That is just an estimate: it can even be much cheaper!
A stay of a week in Pensao Residential Vila TeresinhaIn the outskirts of Sao Pedro near Funchal, it costs $ 347 per adult, while hiring a studio with two single beds in Aparthotel Imperatrizwithin walking distance of the beach Will restore you with $ 400.
This dreamy island can be called the Hawaii of Europe, but they are absolutely not comparable in terms of prices!
It is no wonder it is called the best island in Europe for the 10th time at the 10th time World Travel Awards.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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