The start of 2023 has been cold and grey, but we have the perfect destination to brighten up the the winter months. The Portuguese islands are a great place to start the year, perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer break in the winter sun. Both Madeira and the Azores are known for their stunning natural beauty, including rugged landscapes, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches, as well as being popular destinations for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing. But which is better to visit: the Azores or Madeira? To help you decide and plan your trip, these are our recommendations and some of the key spots to visit while you escape the cold. Take a look, start packing now and prepare your first trip of the year to Madeira or the Azores.
The island of Madeira
Located in the North Atlantic, Madeira is known for its stunning natural beauty. Some people call it the island of four seasons, as you can enjoy winter (to the north) and then summer (further south) all in the same day, passing through autumn and spring in the most central area. The island has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and mild winters, which makes it a popular destination year-round.
For all these reasons, Madeira is ideal for escaping the cold at the beginning of the year. And to make the most of the island's charms there are some spots that you simply must visit:
- Cabo Girão;
- Curral das Freiras;
- Casas de Santana.
The island's capital, Funchal, is a popular destination for tourists, with many museums, galleries, and shops, but beyond the capital there are also many small villages and towns on the island, each with its own unique character and history. The island's landscape is diverse, with beautiful landscapes, from rocky cliffs and black-sand beaches to lush green forests and terraced gardens.
Book your accommodation now on the Rentalia website and start the year on the right foot and with a much more pleasant climate. Or maybe you're remote working and would like to enjoy living on the island for a longer time. In that case, take a look at the properties available in Madeira on idealista.
The Azores Archipelago
The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean and are also an autonomous region of Portugal. Agriculture is the main economic activity on the Azores, with most of the population engaged in farming, fishing, or forestry. The Azores are therefore known for their dairy products, particularly cheese, and for their traditional festivals, such as the Festas dos Rapazes and the Festas de Nossa Senhora das Dores
In the Azores, the climate is a little more uncertain than in Madeira, although this destination remains an excellent option when the aim is to escape the cold. Although rainy and cloudy days are characteristic of the archipelago, winter temperatures still average around a respectable 13ºC.
Here, the secret is in the island you visit, since from island to island the climate varies. In the colder months, we recommend taking a trip to São Miguel, Terceira, or Corvo, where you'll find the mildest temperatures.
Island of São Miguel
Among the islands with the best climate in the Azores is São Miguel, which in January usually has a pretty high average temperature of 17ºC. If this is the chosen destination for your getaway to escape the cold, you should add to your list the following places to visit:
- Sete Cidades Lagoon;
- Fogo lagoon;
- Furnas de São Miguel.
Terceira Island
Just like São Miguel, Terceira is among the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. And, when it comes to climate, Terceira is not behind the "capital" either and offers you an average of 16ºC at the beginning of the year.
As must-visit places, you should add to your itinerary:
- Angra do Heroísmo;
- Porto Martins natural pools;
- Império do Divino Espírito Santo da Caridade, in Santa Cruz.
Corvo Island
To visit Corvo, the best way is to go by boat from the island of Flores. The cheapest trips cost about 30 euros per person and include a visit to the caves and to the northeast coast of the island of Flores.
Upon arrival, the island of Corvo will welcome you with a temperature of around 16ºC at the beginning of the year, ideal for escaping the cold and making the most of your getaway. Among the places to visit, you should include:
- Caldeirão do Corvo;
- Moinhos de Vento (Windmills).
If the Azores Archipelago looks like the right destination for your getaway, then it's time to start searching for your holiday accommodation available on the different islands.
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