TAKE a look at the winter sunshine spot just 4 hours from Ireland with dramatic landscapes, rainforest trails and €33 Ryanair flights.
Madeira is one of Europe’s most appealing year-round summers, situated in the southwest of Portugal.
Madeira blessed with a mild climate year-round with highs of 19C in the winter[/caption]
The area also has fabulous shops, restaurants, cafes and local Portuguese dishes[/caption]
And the beaches in Madeira are absolutely stunning[/caption]
And it is perfect for relaxing and escaping the miserable Irish weather.
The capital Funchal is blessed with a mild climate year-round with highs of 19C in the winter.
The vibrant green island is just three hours and 50 minutes from Dublin Airport.
And Ryanair flights start at €33.99 this January.
Madeira is renowned for its high cultural and historical value and the gorgeous harbour port.
The area also has fabulous shops, restaurants, cafes, food markets and local Portuguese dishes.
The beaches in Madeira are absolutely stunning – and there’s one right beside the old town.
Barreirinha Beach offers a small pebble beach, and there’s a pier that provides a jumping area into the sea.
The beach provides services including changing rooms, lockers, parasols, sun beds, a snack bar and a car park.
Irish holidaymakers can also explore the coastline and its rainforest-covered mountains, lush and native species such as the near-extinct La Gomera laurel tree.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurissilva is a perfect spot to visit because its ancient forest has an almost mystical feel.
The nightlife in Funchal is superb as it offers many varieties of music, bars, and clubs that are open until late.
There is live entertainment every night in many establishments, especially at the harbour close to the old town.
Large events such as the Atlantic Festival and Rum Festival take place each year.
For people who want to explore the beautiful island, the Valley of the Nuns is a must.
It is a small village situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, which has kept its 16th-century Santa Clara Convent, where the nuns used to hide from pirates attacking Funchal.
It’s one of the places that offers breathtaking views of the mountains as a small village surrounded by high-peak mountains – almost identical to Hawaii.
There are shuttle buses that run frequently from Funchal to the valley.
For hiking enthusiasts, visiting the Pico do Areeiro mountain is a must – its altitude of 1,818 metres makes it one of the highest peaks on the island and provides out-of-this-world views.
On a clear day, you get to see the whole island of Madeira, including the island of Porto Santo – and it’s the perfect area to get the best sunrise view of Madeira.
Madeira is renowned for its high cultural and historical value and the gorgeous harbour port[/caption]
