Latest news with #LondonLutonAirport
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
'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 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@ 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
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hawaii-like island in Europe gets new easyJet flights from the UK
Plus, two Spanish cities will get new easyJet flights from the UK this summer ISLE GO Hawaii-like island in Europe gets new easyJet flights from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASYJET has launched new flights from London Luton Airport to a place that is often compared to Hawaii The airline will be operating the new route to Funchal in Portugal, twice each week throughout the summer season, on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The new easyJet flights will operate twice a week Credit: Alamy 4 The flight will depart from London Luton Airport Credit: Alamy Madeira is known for its stunning rugged volcanic landscapes, including the Laurisilva forest - a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers exceptional hiking opportunities. The island is also famous for Madeira wine and has several local vineyards that can be toured. It is even often compared to Hawaii, with its lush green environment and huge mountains. Travel influencer, Melissa's Travel Addiction, said on Instagram: "We've been to Hawaii at least 15 times so I absolutely had to visit the Hawaii of Europe!" She added: "It's one of the most beautiful places. "We loved experiencing the distinct Portuguese culture and cuisine. "You absolutely need to add Madeira to your bucket list!" Quest Travel Adventures also shared: "Madeira undoubtedly evoke[s] the spirit of Hawaii." In addition to its volcanic landscape, vibrant greenery, and tropical climate, Funchal is home to many different attractions. In the old town, visitors will be able to explore Rua de Santa Maria - a colourful street known for its painted doors and local art. Major UK airline unveils new limited edition 'snail and garlic' ice cream for holidaymakers There is also Mercado dos Lavradores - a lively farmers market with fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. For those who like history, there is a Gothic cathedral too. Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK country manager, said: "Funchal is a fantastic addition to our leisure network from Luton which is popular with holidaymakers next summer whether they're culture vultures or sunseekers, and we can't wait to welcome them on board." EasyJet also offers package holidays to Funchal from £379 per person, including flights and hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach getaways. Or you can book the flights for just £38.99. The airline has also launched new flights from Birmingham Airport to Gibraltar. The route will operate all year round, with a twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays. This adds to easyJet's other flights to Gibraltar from London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol, with 13 flights a week. Plus, two Spanish cities will get new easyJet flights from the UK this summer with tickets from £23. 4 Hawaii (pictured) has been compared to Madeira (below) Credit: Free for editorial use
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Hawaii-like island in Europe gets new easyJet flights from the UK
EASYJET has launched new flights from London Luton Airport to a place that is often compared to Hawaii The airline will be operating the new route to Funchal in Portugal, twice each week throughout the summer season, on Mondays and Fridays. Advertisement 4 The new easyJet flights will operate twice a week Credit: Alamy 4 The flight will depart from London Luton Airport Credit: Alamy Madeira is known for its stunning rugged volcanic landscapes, including the Laurisilva forest - a The island is also famous for Madeira wine and has several local It is even often compared to Hawaii, with its lush green environment and huge mountains. Travel influencer, Advertisement She added: "It's one of the most beautiful places. "We loved experiencing the distinct "You absolutely need to add Madeira to your bucket list!" Quest Travel Adventures also shared: "Madeira undoubtedly evoke[s] the spirit of Hawaii." Advertisement Most read in News Travel In addition to its In the old town, visitors will be able to explore Rua de Santa Maria - a colourful street known for its painted doors and local art. Major UK airline unveils new limited edition 'snail and garlic' ice cream for holidaymakers There is also Mercado dos Lavradores - a lively farmers market with fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. For those who like history , there is a Gothic cathedral too. Advertisement Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK country manager, said: "Funchal is a fantastic addition to our leisure network from next summer whether they're culture vultures or sunseekers, and we can't wait to welcome them on board." EasyJet also offers package holidays to Funchal from £379 per person, including flights and hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach getaways. Or you can book the flights for just £38.99. The airline has also launched Advertisement The route will operate all year round, with a twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays. Read more on the Irish Sun This adds to easyJet's other flights to Gibraltar from London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol, with 13 flights a week. Plus, 4 Hawaii (pictured) has been compared to Madeira (below) Credit: Free for editorial use Advertisement 4 Funchal has a pretty old town with colourful buildings Credit: Getty - Contributor
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
easyJet launches direct flight route to 'paradise' island in Europe
easyJet has announced it will be launching a new direct flight route from the UK to a 'fantastic' island this year New easyJet flights are due to depart from London Luton Airport for Funchal, the capital city of Portugal's picturesque Madeira archipelago. Flights will operate every Monday and Friday throughout summer 2025, supporting the introduction of new holiday packages. According to easyJet's UK Country Manager, Ali Gayward: "We are really pleased to be celebrating the launch of another new route from London Luton Airport this summer." Gayward further praised the addition, stating that "Funchal is a fantastic addition" - likely owing to its subtropical climate, rugged volcanic landscapes, lush forest, and extensive hiking trails. The island is renowned for its famous Madeira wine with numerous local vineyards offering guided tours. According to Lonely Planet, popular activities in Funchal include whale and dolphin spotting and volcanic pools. Tripadvisor highlights top attractions such as Monte Palace Madeira, which boasts serene gardens with wildlife, live music, and an art exhibition, as well as the high-altitude hiking trail of Pico do Arierio, reports the Express. Visitors can soak in scenic views of nature and the city by taking a ride on the cable cars. Other notable attractions include the 3D Fun Art Museum and the vibrant street food market Mercado dos Lavradores. easyJet's holiday offers Seven nights at the 3* Dom Pedro Garajau in Funchal on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £505 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Luton Airport on October 10, 2025. Seven nights at the 3* Vila Ventura in Funchal on a Room Only basis for £353 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Luton Airport on November 22, 2025. Seven nights at the 4* Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel in Funchal on a Room Only basis for £368 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from London Luton Airport on December 6, 2025. This tempting offer is part of easyJet's latest promotion, which is only available until Sunday, June 8, so you'll need to act fast. Climate in Funchal in October, November and December If you're wondering about the weather, Funchal's climate in November typically ranges from a comfortable 23C down to 17C; come December, temperatures hover between a mild 21C and 16C, ensuring a pleasantly warm winter getaway. Gayward remarked: "We continue to provide the seven million customers we fly to and from Luton annually with even greater choice and of course, fantastic value." He also highlighted the airline's commitment to the UK market: "Our continued growth and investment in the UK highlights the importance of the market for us where this year we operated more flying than ever before."
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Second man charged in probe over fires at homes linked to Keir Starmer
A second man was over fires which damaged properties and a car linked to Keir Starmer, the Metropolitan Police said. Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning, the force added in a statement. He is accused of conspiring with Roman Lavrynovych, who has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 at London Luton Airport by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, the Met said. A 34-year-old man was also arrested on May 19 in the Chelsea area on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody. We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news here @MirrorBreaking_ and follow us for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at . See all our social accounts you can follow here:
