If you're someone who finds it difficult to choose between options, city break And for an escape into lush natural surroundings, we have exactly what you’re looking for. destination for you.
Madeira , an archipelago in Portugal is frequently celebrated as the 'Hawaii of' Europe 'thanks to the lovely weather , breathtaking landscapes with volcanic roots.
Its capital city, Funchal provides the perfect blend for those who relish urban sophistication while longing to be enchanted by stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and serene parks.
The exciting news is that British travelers now have an additional option for visiting this captivating destination. easyJet has introduced budget-friendly new direct flights departing from London Luton Airport, priced at only £38.99 onwards.
The updated route from London Luton will run biweekly during the entire summer season, specifically on Mondays and Fridays. Starting in 2026, though, these flights will be scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays instead.
Subscribe to The Getaway mailing list
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here .
Caught your interest? Continue reading to discover more about the stunning city that might just become your next vacation destination...
What is the best way to travel from the UK to Funchal?
In addition to the newly launched services from London Luton Airport, this budget carrier provides routes to Funchal departing from Bristol, Gatwick, and Manchester airports.
The journey time for flights from London Luton to Funchal lasts around three hours and fifty-five minutes.
How would you describe the weather in Funchal, and what is the optimal period for visiting?
easyJet notes that it might be quite foggy in Funchal early in the morning, but this usually lifts by the afternoon, allowing sunlight to penetrate.
During the summer months, the sunset does not occur until 9 pm, giving you ample daily opportunities to fully enjoy the beautiful weather.
The Met Office states that the city enjoys consistent warmth throughout the year; however, similar to popular vacation destinations, the summer months offer the highest temperatures, making them ideal for visits.
Weather experts state that "the summer season offers ideal conditions for those seeking sunlight and comfortably warm temperatures. Among these months, July and August stand out as the hottest, sunniest, and least rainy periods."
'In wintertime, the temperature decreases somewhat but remains quite mild compared to typical conditions in the UK for these months. Occasionally, weather systems impact the island mostly beyond the summer season, leading to more overcast days and intermittent precipitation.'
In July, the typical highest temperature during the day averages 25.5°C, whereas in August, it reaches an average peak of 26.4°C.
The daily average maximum temperature falls to 19°C in January and 18.8°C in February.
Activities to Enjoy in Funchal
Certainly, you'll have plenty of activities to keep yourself occupied when visiting Funchal; think about relaxing at charming beaches, riding the cable cars up the mountain slopes, having picnics in lush parks, exploring shops within the city, browsing through local food markets, and indulging in delectable treats.
The top beaches include Praia Formosa and Calheta. Praia Formosa is notable as the biggest public beach in the city, comprising essentially a cluster of four separate beaches.
Situated in western Funchal, just a short 10-minute drive away from downtown, this beach offers both pebble and black-sand areas perfect for swimmers and surfers alike. Closeby attractions include the natural pools known as Doca do Cavacas and nearby lido facilities.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are numerous hiking paths to explore, with the Levada routes standing out as particularly favored. These levadas are essentially water conveyance systems, and your hike will involve walking alongside them. The 4.3-kilometer-long Levada das 25 Fontes typically takes about three hours to complete, and according to TripAdvisor reviewers, it offers a 'magnificent' journey filled with cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.
Several of these paths traverse the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a subtropical rainforest estimated to be around 20 million years old.
If you're craving an adrenaline rush, consider riding the cable cars; there are two choices—the Botanical Garden Cable Car and the Funchal to Monte trip. Upon reaching Monte Parish, visitors eager for a swift descent into the town might opt for a toboggan ride using traditional wicker-and-wood sleds known as Monte sleds. This thrilling course covers approximately two kilometers and typically lasts around ten minutes.
Funchal boasts stunning gardens as well, such as the mentioned botanical garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which houses myriad tropical flora.
Enthusiasts of culture will find much to appreciate, with a wealth of artistic and historical attractions within the city limits. Among them are numerous landmarks and museums such as the Natural History Museum of Funchal, the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal, the A Cidade do Açúcar Museum, and the Funchal Electricity Museum. Additionally, there is a museum showcasing Cristiano Ronaldo’s football awards.
Gastronomy is treated with great importance in Funchal, where approximately 1,000 eateries can be found in the city, including 11 establishments that stand out. Michelin guide And many featuring stars. Make sure to visit a food market during your stay.
The local specialties feature Espetada, consisting of marinated beef cooked on skewers over laurel wood. Another beloved dish is Bolo do Caco, a round flatbread crafted from sweet potatoes, typically enjoyed with garlic butter. Also notable are Lapas, which are grilled limpets, along with Espada, a black scabbardfish usually paired with bananas. For dessert, consider trying honey cake or Malassadas, similar to sweet doughnuts.
In Madeira, wine holds significant importance, featuring over 30 types — among which Serral, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia stand out as favorites, along with Terrantez and Tinta Negra. After spending your day swimming, hiking, or sightseeing, enjoy a glass under the sun’s glow, gazing at the ocean vista; you deserve this moment of relaxation.
Would you like to share a tale?
Reach out via email MountaintravelLifestyleTeam@Mountaintravel.co.uk .
To receive weekly must-see travel news, features, and inspirations directly in your inbox from Mountaintravel’s The Getaway newsletter, subscribe now.
Posting Komentar