For most Britons, the first weeks of autumn bring grey skies, cooler mornings and the creeping return of heavy coats. But a short flight south into the Atlantic offers an entirely different scene.
On the Portuguese island of Madeira, October means warm seas, pleasant sunshine and the chance to stretch summer a little longer. With daytime highs around 25C at the start of the month, it’s no surprise that this green, mountainous isle has become a favourite with retirees seeking both relaxation and gentle adventure.
While much of Europe is cooling down, Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate that keeps temperatures mild all year round. In early October, the island’s average highs still hover around 25C before slipping slightly to 23C by the end of the month.
Nights are comfortable too, with lows rarely falling below 18C. That makes it warm enough for evening strolls along Funchal’s waterfront or al fresco dinners in the island’s many family-run restaurants.
The Atlantic Ocean also plays its part. The sea temperature remains at a swimmable 23C in early October, dipping only slightly to 22C by the close of the month. For holidaymakers, that means swimming, snorkelling and even dolphin-spotting cruises remain firmly on the cards.
It isn’t hard to see why Madeira appeals so strongly to pensioners. Flights from the UK take just under four hours, the island uses the euro, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Beyond its scenic landscapes, Madeira offers retirees a surprisingly affordable cost of living and an attractive real estate market. Daily expenses, from groceries to dining out, are lower than in many Western European countries, with a basic lunch in Funchal costing around €10 and monthly expenses for a single person averaging about €1,447.
Healthcare and well-being further enhance Madeira’s appeal. The island offers a comprehensive system combining public and private care, ensuring residents have access to high-quality services at reasonable prices. The public Serviço Regional de Saúde (SESARAM) provides subsidised treatment, particularly for those over 65, while private healthcare offers shorter waiting times and a wider choice of specialists. Many medical professionals speak English, easing any communication issues for expats, and health insurance plans are accessible and affordable.
Madeira is also a top choice for retirees due to its pleasant year-round climate, stunning scenery, and friendly community vibe. Organised coach tours, gentle walks and cultural excursions are tailored to suit different levels of mobility. Resorts around Funchal cater well to retirees, with promenade access, adapted rooms and easy links to cafes and attractions. Yet the island also offers independence for those who prefer to explore at their own rhythm.
The island is famed for its network of levadas – historic irrigation channels that now double as scenic walking paths. Some routes are long and challenging, winding high above valleys and waterfalls, but there are plenty of shorter, flatter options.
These paths reveal Madeira’s lush interior, from banana plantations to the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, one of the few remaining examples of subtropical rainforest in Europe.
For those less keen on hiking, the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz provide a more restful way to enjoy the outdoors. Formed by volcanic rock and filled with clear seawater, they are accessible by promenade and offer shallow areas for gentle dips.
Funchal, the island’s capital, offers plenty of attractions without demanding too much walking. The Mercado dos Lavradores is a lively spot, where locals sell flowers, exotic fruits and handmade crafts. Just a short stroll away, Rua Santa Maria has become an open-air art gallery, with brightly painted doors along its narrow lanes.
Madeira also has quirks that delight visitors of all ages. The wicker toboggan ride from Monte, where two men in straw hats steer a wicker sled down polished streets, remains a must-try experience. For football fans, the CR7 Museum celebrates the island’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. And for those with a sweet tooth, traditional honey cake and a glass of Madeira wine are an irresistible pairing.
Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, has a glass-floored skywalk looking out from 580 metres above the waves. Meanwhile, a drive to Ponta de São Lourenço on the island’s eastern tip reveals rugged volcanic scenery and sweeping Atlantic vistas, with benches and rest stops along the way.
For beach lovers, neighbouring Porto Santo – reached by ferry or short flight – is a serene escape. Its nine-kilometre stretch of golden sand and calm waters contrast with Madeira’s pebbled shores, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Cultural life doesn’t pause in autumn. Madeira hosts food fairs and harvest festivals throughout October, showcasing local produce from chestnuts to wine. In villages, visitors may stumble upon folk dancing or music performances in small squares.
From London Gatwick, easyJet operates frequent direct services to Funchal, with return fares often as low as £40 if you book early, though most travellers pay closer to £100–£170 with luggage.
From Manchester, Jet2, Ryanair and easyJet compete on the route, with prices typically ranging between £80 and £220 in October. Regional airports also keep the island within easy reach: Birmingham to Funchal flights usually cost £110-£230, while fares from Edinburgh and Glasgow are commonly £100-£190 depending on the season.
Travellers heading out this week will find conditions typically mild. Early October brings a blend of sunshine and light showers according to Tempo.com, with daytime highs holding steady between 22C and 25C and nights a comfortable 18C-21C. Light rain is in the forecast on several days, but the amounts are small – often less than a millimetre – and interspersed with brighter spells.