The charming little European island just off Africa’s coast that enjoys 22°C temperatures in October

When October arrives and the UK turns cold, wet and gloomy, many people start dreaming about escaping to somewhere sunny.

The good news is that autumn is often one of the cheapest times to go abroad, and with schools back, popular holiday spots are much quieter too.

While most European beaches begin to cool down, there’s one small island that stays warm and sunny, and it’s actually closer to Africa than to mainland Europe.

This beautiful volcanic island in the Atlantic enjoys average daytime temperatures of around 22°C in October. Although it’s part of Portugal, it sits over 300 miles west of Morocco and more than 600 miles from Lisbon.

That island is Madeira, a green, mountainous paradise full of tropical scenery, friendly people and peaceful coastal views.

Often nicknamed the “Hawaii of Europe”, Madeira is perfect for travellers who want sunshine, beautiful nature and a touch of adventure without having to fly too far.

Flights from the UK to Madeira take just under four hours, with direct routes available from cities like London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham. Airlines including Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet and TUI all fly directly to Funchal, the island’s lively capital.

Madeira is also famous as the birthplace of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal in 1985. Fans can visit the CR7 Museum or see his statue overlooking the harbour.

But there’s far more to Madeira than football. The island is a dream destination for walkers, with hundreds of scenic trails to explore.

Many of these follow the island’s old irrigation channels, known as levadas, winding through green valleys, cliffs and forests.

One of the most popular walks is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a route that takes you through misty laurel woods and past dramatic waterfalls.

Back in Funchal, visitors can enjoy strolling along cobbled streets, browsing colourful markets and relaxing in the city’s famous botanical gardens.

You can also ride a cable car up to the hilltop area of Monte, then glide back down in a traditional wicker toboggan, one of Madeira’s most unique and fun experiences.

Discover more hidden gems with our interactive map!

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 12,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!

Click to view Hidden Gem Finder!