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    • A tropical island paradise where you can escape the winter blues
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    A tropical island paradise where you can escape the winter blues

    Pabio Posted on

    You can fly to the island directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

    Breathtaking landscapes in Madeira
    Breathtaking landscapes in Madeira(Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

    In just a few hours, you could escape the winter gloom and be transported to an earthly paradise. The Portuguese island of Madeira is known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful, rugged coastline with crystal clear waters. Inland, you’ll find lush green valleys, spectacular mountain views and a diversity of flora and fauna. It is not for nothing that it is called the Hawaii of Europe.

    Madeira is the largest island in the Portuguese archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Africa. With a subtropical climate, the island enjoys temperatures reaching 20°C in January, making it the ideal destination to visit to enjoy the winter warmth. Best of all, you won’t experience jet lag when traveling because you’re in the same time zone as the UK.

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    Anyone who loves the great outdoors will love Madeira. There are some great hiking and hiking routes offering stunning views of this volcanic island. One of its most magical places is the 20 million year old Laurissilva Forest. Here you can hike to the summit of Pico Ruivo, which is 1,862 m above sea level. The island is also popular for mountain biking, canoeing and coasteering.

    For those a little less adventurous, Funchal, the island’s capital, has several stunning gardens that celebrate the flora of Madeira. In the hilltop suburb of Monte, accessible by cable car, are the Monte Palace Gardens, a magical place filled with exotic plants from around the world and intriguing follies hidden among them.

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    You could spend a few hours exploring the botanical garden, set on the cliffside and offering beautiful sea views. A little further away are the Palheiro Gardens, built in the early 19th century. It is famous for its collection of camellias and the best time to see them in full bloom is between November and April.

    But Funchal is not only famous for its stunning gardens. The town offers a rather unique way to descend steep slopes: via a wicker slide. It sounds a bit ridiculous but it’s incredibly fun, the sled is guided by two runners so you don’t have to worry about steering – or stopping for that matter – and it’s a quick and easy way to efficient way to go back down to Funchal.

    The Funchal cable car
    The Funchal cable car(Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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    For those feeling even more adventurous, visit Cabo Giroa, just outside of Funchal. At 580m high, it’s one of the tallest cliffs in Europe, and there’s a glass-bottomed viewing panel from where you can look down at the ocean below – just watch out for so your legs don’t turn to jelly.

    If walking and hiking are your cup of tea, Madeira has several beautiful trails you can try. You can climb the 1,862m peak of Pico Ruivo or admire the spectacular cliffs of Ponta do Sao Lorenco. Another popular activity is hiking the levadas, the island’s irrigation system, where canals have been dug into the hillside, although it is best to book a guided tour as some routes are not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

    The island also has several rock pools. Spread along its coastline, the best are found in Porto Moniz, in the north of the island.

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    These rock pools were shaped with concrete to make them smooth-sided and perfect for swimming. Liverpool John Lennon Airport said it was “the perfect place to feel the raw power of the Atlantic.”

    Foodies can also have fun in Madeira. You can taste the famous Madeira wine and local cheeses, and immerse yourself in the fantastic local produce. The locally grown fruits are delicious and seafood lovers will be in culinary heaven.

    The average flight from Liverpool to Madeira takes around four hours. You can fly direct from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with Jet2.com.

    Pabio
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