Gorgeous European destination with no crowds and highs of 21C in November

If you’re looking to escape the ever-decreasing cold temperatures of the UK, heading for a shoulder season getaway in the sun should be on your radar.

Not only does avoiding the peak holiday season mean cheaper prices on flights and accommodation, it means you won’t have to worry about bustling and burgeoning crowds.

The island of Madeira,  Portugal, offers tourists a peaceful escape from reality by venturing into the middle of the North Atlantic.

But don’t fear, Madeira’s temperatures aren’t like what you’d find at home, boasting an average temperature of 21.7℃ in November, and is one of the last places in Europe to hold on to the warmer weather, which is why its climate is described as “eternal spring”.

According to Statista, Madeira welcomed 1.53 million tourists in 2023, with the majority of visitors being domestic tourists, so you’re getting the best of both worlds.

Overall, almost 476,000 Portuguese tourists visited the archipelago.

Conde Nast Traveller wrote: “This quiet archipelago sits just off the north coast of Africa – a dreamy spot to catch the last of Europe’s warmer weather before the cold kicks in. In November, Madeira is relatively warm (with rainy spells), but this renders it the perfect time for exploring the islands. Spend days going on long hikes across the verdant hills and rocky landscapes, or sipping sweet wine with epic cliffside vistas.”

Winters in Madeira can generally be mild thanks to its mountainous microclimate and currents from the ocean.

The island’s beaches are scattered around the coastline, with its most notable being Calheta. You can find either rocky beaches or expanses of golden sand if you decide to stay on land. But if you do decide to take a dip, the sea is warm, so pack your swimsuit. There are also a number of outdoor seawater pools, such as Porto Moniz and Doca do Cavacas.

Madeira is famously known for its rugged coastline and mountains, making for a wonderfully tropical getaway.

One of the absolute musts is to explore a levada, a feat of engineering recognized by UNESCO, which now doubles up as a hiking route.

Lonely Planet recommends the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, on the island’s west end.

The hike spans a relatively easy 11.8km (7.3 miles) round trip, which passes through a range of scenery that includes a lagoon and waterfall. 

Or find another popular walk on the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, a 7.2km (4.4 miles) round-trip that tackles the island’s dry, rocky easternmost point and includes an opportunity for a dip in the ocean.

To delve into the archipelago’s culture, Madeira’s capital Funchal offers visitors the chance to sample the local island wine, plentiful farmers markets, and the island’s history with Madeiran sugar, which is nicknamed ‘white gold’.

What’s even better is that you can take the Monte Cable Car, where you climb over 1,900 feet for impressive views over the city. At the top, you’ll find the Monte Palace Madeira, a tranquil botanical garden boasting diverse flora, koi ponds and unique African art exhibitions all surrounded by glorious landscapes.

Another hot spot to check out in Funchal is Blandy’s Wine Lodge, a seventh-generation family business, ageing the finest of Madeira’s wine. Sample the likes of Blandy’s 10-year Aercial, Verdelho and Bual.

For football fans, there’s the CR7 Museum, displaying a plethora of replica trophies and memorabilia from Madeira’s most famous sporting export – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madeira has something for everyone, no matter what adventure you’re after or the time of year you visit, but November may be the time to catch some last-minute sunshine.