As the nights draw in and the cold embeds itself for the winter, many of us around the UK are dreaming of a holiday to get away from the bleakness of the next few months, if only for a while.
Usually, this involves a bit of winter sun, perhaps a beach, certainly some good food. Well, look no further, because this island has been dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ and it’s a stone’s throw from the UK.
Winter sun
The place has it all, incredible wildlife, brilliant food, stunning beaches – the lot.
And there’s also a certain famous footballer who hails from the island who you may have heard of.
The island of Madeira, located just off the coast of Morocco, is a veritable paradise for those looking for some winter sun.
Funchal, the capital, boasts some of the best local cuisine, and the island is known the world over for its fortified wine.
Volcanic island
It’s not just for foodies though, if you like a beach holiday or would rather get up and go for a hike in the mountains, Madeira has you covered.
Madeira is a volcanic island that is home to the volcanic talent that is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Remember that terrible statue of Ronaldo that got rightly rinsed online? Well that was in Madeira.
And if you’re a Ronaldo superfan, or are trying to convince someone who is to splurge out on a winter holiday, there’s a dedicated museum for CR7 on the island.
Weather
And if you’re worried about the weather, don’t be. The island enjoys a temperate climate all year long.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s not even a time difference between Madeira and the UK, so need to worry about that pesky jet lag after a few days over there.
Sounds like the ideal winter hols spot to me.
Related: The historic city that is home to the cheapest pint in Europe