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If you feel like a small cultural expedition, you know, part of that charm in the old world that you can’t easily use on our side of the pond, Europe is probably at the top of your list this summer, but before you go on and book the first flight to France, wait until you come over.
The best destination in Europe for the summer of 2025 is not Paris with its sparkling Eiffel Tower, the Amalfi coast and the rugged coastal drives, much less London and the timeless Big Ben:
A Less well -known island in Portugal Has taken that coveted crown and, also surprising for some, it offers not only rich history and miracles made by man, but one of the most beautiful nature that you can find anywhere in the Atlantic Ocean.
Plus, you can fly there non -stop:
Welcome to the Land of Eternal Spring
A whole 430 miles from the Portuguese mainland, Madeira is A small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean Characterized by an epic nature it has rain forests and serrated, volcanic peaks as far as the eyes can see and relax atmosphere.
Racing for old favorites such as Lisbon and Porto, it was named ‘Best European Destination’ in the 2025 edition of the 2025 edition Premio de Los lectoresA price of the Spanish price spotted by the reader National geographical.
Unless you are familiar with Madeira, it may be surprised that it has taken the top of the list: let’s be honest, it is not like most people are super appropriate about less well -known European destinations, and that is not an excavation.
It’s just how it is, so Allow us to get acquainted with MadeiraOr as the Portuguese like to call it, the land of eternal spring:
A charming historic capital that radiates the old world charm
All trips to Madeira start at Funchal, his compact, 16th-century capital, a short drive of 18 minutes from the only international airport of the island.
Only in the 15th century, when the Portuguese first landed in a previously uninhabited Madeira, is this port city famous for its colonial architecture, with white -covered walls, red tiles roofs and baroque churches in abundance.
Funchal One of the most lively cultural destinations in PortugalWith an abundance of sights and activities that can keep you busy for days: it is Séor Cathedral, is one of the oldest buildings on the island, with a Mudéjar-Inspired wooden ceiling.
The Oude Town is a maze of pedestrian lanes covered with family -run bakeries, where you can gap cakes for less than $ 2 on custard, and bustling street markets where everything can be seen from tropical fruit to freshly hit fish.
On a hill overlooking Funchal, and accessible via a short cable car ride, Monte Palace Tropical Garden Houses Lush Vegetation, Japanese style ponds visited by pink flamingosAnd striking art installations.
Oh, and if you are a football fan, you should know that the most famous player of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, was born here and if you are very welcome to visit CR7 Museum while walking the Zeepromenade.
Epic walks waiting
As beautiful as Funchal can be in itself as a city break, the true charm of Madeira is in its pristine nature: the entire island is a flourishing reserve, and that is there A big Choice of walks and Levada walk (Tourist-friendly paths that run past mountainside runnels).
Taking at least 6 hours to complete and with steep climbs, the mountainous piece from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is often described as the most picturesque walk in Europe:
You will cross long tunnels, drilled centuries ago by Madeira’s earliest settlers in their attempt to reach the then inaccessible hinterland of the island, dizzying stairs that go up and even hanging bridges over deep ridges.
For slightly less challenging, the 7-Mile out-and-back 25 fountains Levadacrossing a piece of Madeira’s UNESCO-GESTENTE, old Laurisilva ForestWill pass by, as the name says, 25 small waterfalls, culminating in the historic Risco waterfall.
Our third choice would be the 3 hours Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Cliff-Side Walk, Commander View of the Azure Atlantic and colorful volcanic formations-in contrast to the LevadasThere are no trees to shade, so bring sunscreen and lots of water.
The only big problem is the beaches … or lack thereof
Because of the mountainous character and the volcano-designed land mass, Madeira is Not exactly the best island for beachesIf you know what we mean.
Most beaches here, although indisputably beautiful, are Pebbly, such as those in Ponta do Sol, or even Funchal’s popular Praia FormosaAnd the seas are not special turquoise, so keep it in mind when you dream instead of soft sand and crystalline water.
In that case we recommend that you go to Porto Santo instead, an even smaller island on a short boat trip away from Madeira with golden sand that extends for miles in succession.
But hey, it’s not as if Madeira does not fail the test like a coastal outing: Seixal Beach, located on the north coast, is One of the few sandy strips of the island (Except that it is dark in color), and Porto MoniZ distinguishes itself by its natural, volcano -made Polish.
A final disclaimer:
Madeira is called land of eternal spring thanks to having a moderate climate all year round, with temperatures rarely fall under 64.4 ° F on the coast (it is usually much colder in the mountains), but this is still the North Atlantic OceanNot the Mediterranean Seafinally.
In other words, even if it is a burning day in the countries, don’t go straight into the water without first immersing your toes, or you might have a cold shock.
Fly Non -Stop to Funchal from Newark this summer
Perhaps surprising for some, Lisbon and Porto are not the only Portuguese destinations within the easy reach of Americans this summer.
Madeira Island is one Equally handy non -stop flight away from Newark. United Airlines operates flights three time a week In and out of Funchal Airport (FNC), using a 166-seat places Boeing 737 Max 8.
That would be 16 first class seats, 54 in Economy Plus and an extra 96 in economy.
The route is operational from 7 June to 23 September and outgoing flights are planned for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Back home, you can choose to fly out on a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.
Finally start return rates from About $ 1,012 in economicsWhich is reasonably affordable, given the status of Madeira as a secondary hub, and more than $ 7,076 in the first class.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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Ready for your trip? Check the latest input requirements for your destination here
✈️Become a member of our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like -minded travel buddies!
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
Opinions here are only the author, not those of a bank, credit card emitting, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been assessed, approved or otherwise approved by one of the entities that are included in the post.
