'Hawaii of Europe's' breathtaking capital gets new £39 easyJet flights from UK
If you're someone who struggles to pick between a city break and a green getaway with plenty of nature, then we've got just the destination for you.
Madeira, an archipelago in Portugal is often hailed as the 'Hawaii of Europe' thanks to the beautiful weather, dramatic scenery and volcanic origins.
Its capital city, Funchal, offers the best of both worlds for those who enjoy cosmopolitan city living, but also want to be awed by beautiful beaches, mountains and parks.
And the great news is, Brits just got another way to travel to the fascinating spot as easyJet has launched cheap new direct flights from London Luton Airport, with prices starting from just £38.99.
The new route from London Luton will operate twice each week throughout the summer, with flights available on Mondays and Fridays. However, in 2026, this will change to Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Got your attention? Keep reading to find out more about the breathtaking city that could be your next holiday spot…
As well as the new flights from London Luton Airport, the budget airline also offers flights to Funchal from Bristol, Gatwick and Manchester airports.
The flights from London Luton to Funchal take three hours and 55 minutes.
According to easyJet, it can by pretty foggy in Funchal first thing in the morning, but this clears up by the afternoon so the sun can shine through.
In the summer months, the sun doesn't set until 9pm, so you've got plenty of time each day to make the most of the glorious weather.
The Met Office explains that the city experiences year-round warmth, but like any holiday hotspot, the summer months are the best time to go if you're looking for hot temperatures.
The weather experts say: 'The summer months are perfect if you are looking for sunshine and temperatures which are hot, but not too hot. July and August are the warmest, sunniest and driest months.
'During the winter, temperatures drop slightly although they are still very warm by UK standards during this time of year. Weather systems occasionally affect the island, mainly outside of the summer months; bringing cloudier skies and some rainfall from time to time.'
The average daily maximum temperature in July is 25.5C and in August it's 26.4C.
This drops to a daily average maximum temperature of 19C in January and 18.8C in February.
You certainly won't struggle to find things to fill your time during a trip to Funchal, from enjoying pretty beaches, to taking cable car rides up the mountains, picnicking in the parks, shopping in the city, perusing food markets and tucking into delicious delicacies.
The most popular beaches are Praia Formosa and Calheta. The former is the largest public beach the city offers and is actually a complex made up of four beaches.
Located in west Funchal, a 10-minute drive from the city centre, you'll find a mixture of pebbles and dark sand here and it's a good option for those who want to go swimming or surfing. Nearby, you'll also find the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools and lidos.
For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails to follow, with the Levada trails being the most popular. Levadas are irrigation channels, so you'll follow along these as you walk. The 4.3 km long Levada das 25 Fontes takes around three hours and Tripadvisor users claim it's a 'beautiful' walk with lots of waterfalls and stunning viewpoints.
Some of these trails will cross through the Laurissilva Forest, an UNESCO heritage site, which is a subtropical rainforest that's about 20 million years old.
For those seeking more of a thrill, you can take a cable car ride and there are two options – the botanical garden cable car and the Funchal to Monte ride. At the parish of Monte, those looking to get back down into the city quickly can take a toboggan ride in one of the Monte sledges, made from wicker and wood. The route spans around two kilometres and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Funchal is also home to beautiful gardens, including the aforementioned botanical garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden home to thousands of exotic plants. More Trending
Culture lovers will have plenty to absorb, with an abundance of art and history to explore in the city itself. There are monuments and various museums including the Natural History Museum of Funchal, the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal, the A Cidade do Açúcar Museum, and the Funchal Electricity Museum. There's even a museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo's football trophies.
Gastronomy is taken very seriously in Funchal, with around 1,000 restaurants in the capital, with 11 of these being in the Michelin guide and several having stars. Be sure to check out a food market while you're there.
Local specialities include Espetada which are skewers of beef, marinated and grilled over laurel wood. Bolo do Caco, a round flatbread made with sweet potato, often served with garlic butter, is also popular, as well as Lapas (grilled limpets) and Espada, a black scabbardfish, often served with banana.For something sweet, order honey cake or Malassadas, a type of sweet donut.
Wine is also a big deal in Madeira, with more than 30 varieties – the most popular are Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasia – as well as Terrantez and Tinta Negra. Sip a glass in the sunshine, while looking out over the sea after a day swimming, hiking or exploring. You've earned it.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Peru should be your next travel destination – and not for Machu Picchu
MORE: Europe's 'nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17
MORE: TUI relaunches UK flights to forgotten year-round sunshine destination after 3 years
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ibiza's 'hidden gem' overlooked by tourists despite its crowd-free beaches
Ibiza draws in millions of British visitors every year but there's one part of the island that often gets overlooked, despite boasting some ridiculously pretty villages and beaches Ibiza is famous for its party towns, clubs and golden sandy beaches, but there's one gorgeous region on the Balearic island that's often overlooked by tourists despite its amazing coastline. Els Amunts is a nature reserve that covers a large part of the northern side of the island, but because it isn't host to those world-famous pool parties, the island often gets overlooked by the crowds of tourists that descend on Ibiza every summer. However, intrepid explorers who venture into the wild forests will be treated to quieter beaches, breathtaking hikes, and plenty of quaint villages. Highlights include the picture-perfect Cala d'en Serra, a secluded bay that's surrounded by dense greenery, and boasts azure waters that look like the stuff of postcards. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the water or even have a go at snorkeling, or lay out a towel and bask in the sunshine without having to fight off other tourists to get beach space. There aren't many amenities at this hidden beach, but there is a snack bar for some refreshments if you need them. Be warned that some tourists were caught off guard by the steep path that leads to this coastal spot, so pack some sturdy shoes if you want to visit! Another hidden beach that's well worth having on your radar is Cala Xarraca, which is so beautiful you'll often find photographers here trying to capture the ridiculously pretty views; think golden sands, pine forests and eye-catching red cliffs. This beach is a little easier to reach as you can drive and use the nearby car park, or there are even bus routes available from Ibiza Town. Those who like to go off the beaten path will also find countless villages nestled across the landscape, boasting whitewashed homes, historic defence towers and impressive fortified churches; but the medieval village of Balàfia remains one particularly popular spot with adventurers thanks to its gorgeous surroundings and ancient buildings. READ MORE: Beautiful underrated city has gorgeous beaches and 'no tourist price hikes' The great thing about the region is that although it's quieter than the rest of the island, it's not completely remote. For example if you want a good base from which to explore that also has some of that hustle and bustle, the nearby town of Puerto de San Miguel is worth having on your radar. It boasts a small sandy beach with swim-friendly waters, as well as plenty of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. There's still plenty of opportunity for adventure though courtesy of the town's impressive Can Marça cave network. Getting to Ibiza from the UK is easy - it is a holiday hotspot after all. There are heaps of direct flights with airlines including easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2 and TUI, from a wide array of UK airports. The centre of Els Amunts is about a half hour drive from Ibiza airport itself, or an hour if you use public transport, so it's easy enough to visit if you'd rather stay at one of the island's busier resorts, and enjoy a day trip to the quieter side of Ibiza!
BBC News
6 hours ago
- BBC News
How budget airline baggage confusion triggered EU legal row
Determined to avoid baggage fees for his holiday to Pisa, Benjamin Till trawled several different shops armed with a tape measure in search of the right suitcase. Eventually, he found a case within the dimensions EasyJet allows for a free underseat bag - or so he thought. When Mr Till arrived at London Gatwick Airport in December 2023, he discovered those measurements included wheels, meaning his bag was deemed slightly too protested, but eventually paid £48 to bring the bag on board. He says he was told to remove the wheels for the way back - which he at the gate on his way home, he was told the suitcase was still too large, so he sat on the floor, unpacking his dirty underwear and souvenirs into a bin bag."I don't mind admitting that I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating," he says. An EasyJet spokesperson told the BBC its ground crew had to ensure non-checked bags were within maximum dimensions "to safely and securely fit", and that rules were made clear to customers when they booked. Stories of passengers caught out by baggage rules they feel are inconsistent or confusing are common, with many customers complaining or seeking clarity from budget airlines on social media. Different airlines have varying rules on the acceptable size and weight of an underseat personal item or an overhead cabin bag, with some charging customers to bring the latter. For people who fall foul of these rules, some airlines charge hefty fees to upgrade a bag from a free personal item to an overhead cabin bag at the airport gate, or to stow an oversized cabin bag in the confusion has prompted the European Union's largest consumer group to push for fairer and more consistent hand luggage rules, and caused one government to start cracking down on airlines over bag EU is now looking at changing its laws - changes which would also affect UK passengers who are travelling to or from an EU destination using an EU-based airline. On Thursday, EU transport ministers proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines, among other air travel and passenger rights' changes - meaning this could become EU law if their position is accepted by the European airlines say their baggage policies comply with the law while keeping fares low, but they have been facing mounting pressure and calls for change. What could change, or not, for hand baggage? EU transport ministers proposed that passengers should be guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) - or which could reasonably fit under a plane rules would apply to EU-based airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet), including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa, but not third-party rules would add clarity to an EU court ruling from 11 years ago, which stated hand baggage should not be subject to an extra fee, provided it met "reasonable" weight and dimensions, but did not say what reasonable Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while EasyJet's dimensions for a free bag are a more generous 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and ministers' proposal was silent, however, on the issue of whether airlines could charge for overhead cabin bags – meaning that if their proposal was adopted into law, the current situation would not change and airlines could keep charging for that kind of hand baggage, which some in Europe have lobbied to European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, an umbrella group for 45 independent consumer organisations from 32 countries, believes Thursday's proposals do not go far enough, and legitimise "charging for reasonably sized hand luggage".In November, five airlines were fined a total of €179m (£150m) in Spain for "abusive" practices, including charging for hand luggage. Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry said at the time that it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage and other airlines had said they would appeal the decision. Regarding charges for overheard cabin bags, Ryanair said it fully complied with EU law in its policy, which allows one small bag on board free of charge."If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers," the airline group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage "allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs". What do customers want? Hand luggage dimensions should be universal, says Jane Hawkes, a consumer expert specialising in travel."I don't really see why it can't be, and why they can't come to a voluntary agreement as to what those requirements should be for your baggage," she tells the BBC."There have to be restrictions, obviously, but a one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers," she said policymakers should define what "reasonable" size and weight was "to avoid surprises at the airport and ultimately reduce the number of disputes costing consumers and airlines time and money".Ms Hawkes suggests passengers make sure they measure their bag after it is packed, as it may expand when it is full and go over the limit. She adds that consumers should not just be swayed by the fare price, as "if you've got an airline that encompasses [baggage] without you having to pay extra costs to start with, then that might be more of a better option for you". Mr Till would welcome a one-size-fits-all approach to underseat bags. "It's just really, really unfair and ridiculous and there should be one size that goes across all of the airlines," he also criticises the permitted size of underseat cabin bags, saying "it was such a tiny, tiny size of luggage that you were allowed that it had taken me so long to find something that was so small".Still, he was grateful for the inexpensive air fare, and the place he had to stay in Italy, because "otherwise I wouldn't be able to come to this beautiful country".
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba, just off the south coast of Tunisia Credit: Getty 8 Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast Credit: Shutterstock 8 Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and restaurants Credit: Getty Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 The Sun's Lisa Minot exploring Credit: Supplied 8 The fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century Credit: Getty 8 Our base, the 5-star Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Credit: Supplied With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars Credit: Getty 8 Fans can visit locations from smash-hit franchise Star Wars Credit: Rex Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise on the tour, including the Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada, an other-worldly Berber granary store that served as a key setting in The Phantom Menace. LISA MINOT
