Dubbed the “pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira — an island located about 670 miles (1078 km) off the Portuguese coast — has plunging green valleys and tranquil ocean bays that help it live up to the name.
Sun-chasing Europeans flock there year-round thanks to the subtropical climate — 70°F (21°C) on average, all year — but this beautiful island may soon be seeing more new visitors. Starting on November 3, travelers from the US will be closer to experiencing island life on the Portuguese archipelago as SATA Azores Airlines launches a 7-hour direct daily flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the main city of Funchal.
Why the Azores are Europe’s secret islands of adventure
Forget everything you think you know (or might have heard) about Portugal – Madeira is a world apart. It beckons outdoor enthusiasts – hiking alongside the levadas (small irrigation canals) is a unique experience – and experienced athletes.
There’s also plenty to keep visitors busy in November. The trail-running competition ADN Race will take over Ponta do Sol on the southwest coast. Cultural travelers also have many events and festivals to choose from all year long, with the Madeira Fashion kicking off in late November.
Fresh fish, tender beef skewers and the thought of homemade melting garlic butter on a warm piece of bolo do caco (a local flatbread made with sweet potatoes) should give foodies enough motivation to book that direct flight. And if you need to dig deeper into the gastronomic history of Madeira, piece together your trip around the Madeira wine (a fortified, sweet wine that has been exported from the island since the 1400s) or the locally produced rum (a byproduct of the Madeiran sugar cane plantations established in the 15th century).
And for those who don’t fit into any travel category and just want to wind down admiring dramatic vistas after a great meal paired with exquisite local wine, keep Madeira in mind as your go-to destination for a relaxing escape.
Eat
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