Incredible island is 23C in January and dubbed 'Hawaii of Europe'
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As whispers of snow and freezing temperatures grow louder, it's no wonder many are fantasising about fleeing to sunnier destinations - without the peak-season crowds. Those with the means and annual leave to spare might consider Cancun or the Canary Islands, but there's a hidden gem closer to home: an island dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe", just a four-hour flight from London.
Located 500km off Africa's coast and 450km north of the Canary Islands, Madeira is famous for being Cristiano Ronaldo's birthplace - not, confusingly, the English cake that shares its name. This Portuguese archipelago comprises four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens. It's an ideal winter escape, boasting average temperatures of 20C in January.
According to the Met Office, the island group typically enjoys six hours of sunshine during winter, with average highs of 21C. However, the climate varies greatly in mountainous regions, depending on altitude. Despite being off-season, the densely populated island can still feel crowded, especially after its social media popularity surge as a stunning oceanic getaway rivaling tropical destinations, reports the Express.
As an added bonus, Madeira shares the UK's timezone, ensuring you won't waste precious days off battling jet lag. Madeira, the capital island, is a treasure trove of sights and activities packed into its modest size, perfect for those who want more than just sunbathing and making their mates back home green with envy.
