When October rolls around, much of the UK turns grey, wet and cold, leaving many Brits dreaming of a late burst of sunshine. The good news is that autumn is often the cheapest time to book a holiday, and with schools back in session, the crowds are smaller too.
While most European beach destinations start to cool down, there’s one stunning little island that stays warm and sunny, and it’s closer to Africa than the continent it technically belongs to. This beautiful volcanic island in the Atlantic enjoys average daily temperatures of around 22C in October. And although it’s a Portuguese territory, it sits more than 300 miles west of Morocco and over 600 miles from Lisbon.
The island is Madeira – a lush, mountainous paradise that has everything from stunning tropical scenery to charming towns and warm hospitality.
Often described as the “Hawaii of Europe”, it’s an ideal escape for travellers looking for reliable sunshine without flying too far.
Flights from the UK to Madeira take just under four hours, with direct routes available from London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and other cities. Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, and TUI all offer direct services to the island’s capital, Funchal.
Madeira is best known as the birthplace of football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal in 1985.
The island celebrates his legacy with a dedicated museum and even a statue on the harbourfront.
But there’s much more to see and do beyond that. For anyone who loves hiking, there are plenty of famous levada trails to explore.
These are narrow walking paths that follow the island’s old irrigation channels through valleys, cliffs and forests.
One of the most popular routes is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which passes through lush laurel woods with stunning waterfalls.
What’s more, the capital Funchal has cobbled streets, colourful markets, and pretty botanical gardens.
Visitors can also take a cable car ride up to Monte, then ride a traditional wicker toboggan back down.
Whale and dolphin watching tours are also available year-round, and October is still warm enough for a swim or sunbathe by the sea.
Madeira’s food scene is another big draw. Local specialities include black scabbard fish with banana, espetada (beef skewers), and of course, the world-famous Madeira wine.
Those who have visited the island say it has a peaceful atmosphere, mild weather, and stunning scenery.
One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “It’s absolutely breathtaking, the views are out of this world.” Another added: “We visited in October and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, just right for walking and relaxing.”
The only thing to keep in mind is that the island’s weather can be unpredictable, as it sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Planes are sometimes unable to land due to strong winds and have to be diverted to mainland Portugal.
And while there aren’t many sandy beaches, the island is home to some incredible volcanic rock pools, which are a popular spot for swimming and relaxing.