With snow, rain and wind battering much of the UK this week, you’re probably easily tempted by a sunny getaway somewhere – but with Christmas and New Years leaving your wallet thinner, you’ll need a strict sunshine budget.
Luckily, there’s a gorgeous region of Portugal with rich rainforests and summer temperatures that you can fly to for under £100 this month.
São Vicente, in the vast area of Laurissilva, is known as the land of valleys and vineyards, with lush vegetation, volcanic caves, and beautiful picturesque villages.
It’s located in one of the most mountainous regions of the island of Madeira and extends down to the Atlantic Ocean via a series of hairpin bend roads.
São Vicente’s centre is intricately preserved and its centuries old cobbled streets are home to plenty of cafes and bars for a midwinter sun drink.
Nestled into the rock at the entrance to the village is the Capelinha do Calhau, a tiny chapel built by villagers in 1692 and dedicated to Saint Vincent who was said to protect them from the harsh ocean.
The baroque facade is carved in a solitary basalt rock and a mosaic made of riverbed stones.
As well as gorgeous streets and churches, São Vicente is also home to ancient volcanic caves that were formed in an eruption 890 thousand years ago.
Sadly, after an earthquake in 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, the caves closed to the public and have yet to reopen. However, there is still a museum on the site you can visit to learn more about these unique rock formations.
For nature lovers, São Vicente is also notable for its Indigenous Garden, a subtropical area covering around 1,500 square-metres that is largely dedicated to the indigenous floral species of the island.
This tranquil space is perfect for an afternoon stroll where you can take in the beautiful nature at your own pace.
Temperatures in São Vicente hover around 19 degrees celsius in January, making it the perfect escape from the gloom of the UK’s winter, and if you want to book a trip Skyscanner is currently selling flights to Madeira for mid-January at just £81 or £163 return.
