TAKE a look at the tropical spot that has dramatic landscapes and a stunning natural outdoor pool carved from volcanic rocks. The beautiful Portuguese region of Madeira is just three hours and 50 minutes from Dublin Airport and would make the perfect sunny gateway. Ryanair offers flights to Funchal from €15.
99 and it only takes minutes to reach the gorgeous coastal city by public transport. The city is situated on the island, one of the most popular Portuguese regions for tourists, and it's the perfect destination for relaxing and escaping the miserable Irish weather. The area is known for its high cultural and historical value and the beautiful harbour port, fabulous shops, restaurants, cafes, food markets and bakeries.
There is a wide variety of food options with lots of freshly caught fish and local Portuguese dishes, you won't go hungry. The beaches in Funchal are absolutely stunning - and there's one right beside the old town. Barreirinha Beach offers a small pebble beach, and there's a pier that provides a jumping area into the sea.
The beach provides services including changing rooms, lockers, parasols, sun beds, a snack bar and a car park. The set of two sunbeds with an umbrella and a table are priced from €10 for the day. Minutes from the beach, you will find cafes, restaurants, bars and local shops.
The venues near the beach often provide local cuisine and products that represent the city and the country, meaning a lot of yummy espetadas, bolo do caco and desserts to try out. Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €13. However, for people who want to travel a bit out and still want to swim in the crystal clear blue waters, there's also the Doca do Cavavas.
It is a small bathing complex with natural pools formed by volcanic rocks and direct sea access by the small cliff with stunning landscapes. Services provided include a shower, a WC, changing rooms and restaurants with a bar area. The nightlife in Funchal is superb as it offers many varieties of music, bars and clubs that open until late.
There are many music events held in the coastal city, expressing the culture of the Portuguese at the local pubs, clubs and beach venues. Large events such as the Atlantic Festival and Rum Festival take place each year. Locals often urge visitors to explore the beautiful island, including the Valley of the Nuns.
It is a small village situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, which has kept its 16th-century Santa Clara Convent, where the nuns used to hide from pirates attacking Funchal. It's one of the places that offers breathtaking views of the mountains as a small village surrounded by high-peak mountains - and it's almost identical to Hawaii. There are shuttle buses that run frequently from Funchal to the valley.
For hiking enthusiasts, visiting the Pico do Areeiro mountain is a must - its altitude of 1,818 metres makes it one of the highest peaks on the island and provides out-of-this-world views. On a clear day, you get to see the whole island of Madeira including the island of Porto Santo. There are a number of bargain hotels in the area - with the average price per night from €83.
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