Top 5 Tips To Make Your Trip To Europe Fantastic

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

Funchal, the capital of Madeira Portugal was recently in the news for hosting the European Aquatics Artistic Swimming Championships from 2nd to 5th June in 2025.  However, Madeira, the Atlantic gem, has always been in focus as the home to a unique culture, history, and a beautiful landscape. Furthermore, it is home to the oldest Laurisilva Forests.  Also, despite being a popular tourism attraction, Madeira Portugal has been able to retain its pristine charm. This archipelago has the main island of Madeira and Porto Santo. These two are inhabited islands of the region.  Furthermore, the other two smaller islands, Selvagens and Desertas, are uninhabited. Moreover, Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is the hometown of soccer giant Cristiano Ronaldo. It can’t be bigger and better than this.  So, as you can see, Madeira is the focus of this Tour and Travel Blog. The key areas we will be talking about are:Where Is Madeira Portugal? Is Madeira Part Of Portugal? How To Get To Madeira Portugal?What To Do In Madeira Portugal?1. Exploring The Iconic Levada Trails: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure 2. Feel The Ancient Connection In The Laurisilva Forest: A Precious Experience In Nature3. Enjoy The Thrill Of Walking On The Cabo Girão Skywalk4. Relax In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools5. Wander Through Funchal’s Mercado Dos Lavradores And Buy Fresh Produce6. Tour Madeira’s Wine Cellars: A Unique Cultural Experience 7. Take A Cable Car To Monte For A Wonderful View Of The Funchal Coastline8. Go Whale Watching Or Dolphin Spotting: How About Some Marine Fun?9. A Food Tour In Madeira: This Is Something You Don’t Want To Miss10. Know About The Rural Heritage Of Madeira At The Town of SantanaWhere To Stay In Madeira Portugal? Madeira Wine Route: The Crown Jewel Of Tourism In Madeira Portugal 1. Between São Vicente And Seixal2. Estreito De Câmara De Lobos3. Experimental Viticulture Station4. Quinta De Santa Luzia5. Fajã Do Barro Viewpoint6. GinjasMadeira Portugal: Some Fun Facts That Truly Make This Atlantic Gem Special 1. The Largest Fireworks Displays In Madeira2. Flower Festival In Madeira Madeira, Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Where Is Madeira Portugal? Is Madeira Part Of Portugal?  Madeira, Portugal, is located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous region of Portugal and a part of the Macaronesia region.  This archipelago has the Canary Islands to the South and Morocco to the east. Furthermore, despite being a part of a European country, it is closer to Africa (450 km) than the mainland of Europe (1000 km). It is also the outermost region of the European Union.  Moreover, you can reach this beautiful archipelago from Lisbon by air in 90 minutes.  How To Get To Madeira Portugal? The Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal is the main access point to Madeira Portugal. It is well connected to major Portuguese cities such as Lisbon and Porto, and other European countries.  Furthermore, you can cruise to the Port of Funchal, the port city of Madeira, for a touch of luxury.  Once you reach Madeira, enjoy a ride in the local buses, rented cars, and cable cars to explore like a local.  What To Do In Madeira Portugal? Clichéd, it may sound! But truly, Madeira has something for every type of traveler. You can relax at the Madeira beaches, enjoy hiking, explore the charming towns, and soak in its unique culture.  Here are some unique things to do in this picturesque paradise.  1. Exploring The Iconic Levada Trails: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure  It is unique when ancient irrigation trails double as the most scenic hiking trails. Yes, I am talking about the “Levadas” network of trails.  Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada dos 25 Fontes are the two most popular trails in this route. Overall, the 2000-kilometer scenic route of Levada trails consists of waterfalls, greenery, and mountain peaks.  2. Feel The Ancient Connection In The Laurisilva Forest: A Precious Experience In Nature You can hike through the Laurisilva Forest and feel ancient times speaking to you. The trails here are suitable for hikers of all skill levels.  Also, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse flora and fauna. So, with some patience, you will be able to spot wildlife here.  3. Enjoy The Thrill Of Walking On The Cabo Girão Skywalk Cabo Girão in Madeira is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Cabo Girão Skywalk is located at a height of 580 meters, and as you walk through this transparent glass platform, you can see the stunning coastline of Madeira.  4. Relax In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Madeira is famous for its volcanic rock formations, and nowhere is this more evident than in Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.  These pools are filled with crystal-clear seawater and surrounded by dramatic black lava rocks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 5. Wander Through Funchal’s Mercado Dos Lavradores And Buy Fresh Produce Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, or the Farmers’ Market, is a place of bustling energy with exotic fruits, fresh produce, local cheese, and Madeira wine.  Don’t forget to buy specialties such as custard apples and passion fruits.  6. Tour Madeira’s Wine Cellars: A Unique Cultural Experience  Don’t miss a visit to the Madeira wine cellars and see the process of making fortified wine. You can even taste the best ones brewed and be a part of the guided tours conducted by some cellars.  7. Take A Cable Car To Monte For A Wonderful View Of The Funchal Coastline You can go for a cable car ride from the City Center to the town of Monte. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Funchal and the surrounding coastline.  The Monte Palace and Church of Our Lady of Monte are two notable attractions on this route.  8. Go Whale Watching Or Dolphin Spotting: How About Some Marine Fun? Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for marine wildlife spotting. April to October is the best time for these marine wildlife spotting tours.  Funchal is the main hub of these tours, and you can spot the adorable animals on a catamaran trip, sailing trips, and fast boats.  9. A Food Tour In Madeira: This Is Something You Don’t Want To Miss The local food of Madeira stands out with the use of exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and rich flavors. Try grilled meat on skewers or Espetada, salted cod or Bacalhau, and Madeiran flatbread such as Bolo do Caco.  Like Moroccan food, food in Madeira also has bread as a staple. Moreover, Madeira Cake is something that gives you a taste of the famous Madeira wine. It’s a dessert.  10. Know About The Rural Heritage Of Madeira At The Town of Santana The rural areas in Madeira still follow a lifestyle that speaks of the island’s history. The town of Santana is especially a place that preserves the rural heritage of the island at its best.  The houses here are triangular and they have thatched roofs. They are also colorfully painted.  Where To Stay In Madeira Portugal?  The best place to stay in Madeira Portugal depends on the kind of experience you want. Have a look at the table below to decide where to stay in Madeira.  Places to Stay in MadeiraExperience You Will Get Funchal• Vibrant Nightlife• Bustling Market• Cultural Exploration in the Historic Old TownPonta do Sol• Resort Experience• Beaches And Coastline• Ideal for RelaxationMachico• Local Experience• Peaceful and Ideal for Family Vacations• Conveniently Located for the Island ExplorationSão Vicente• Rural Experience• Traveling through the Central TunnelsSeixal• Natural Setting• Picturesque View of the North Coast Madeira Wine Route: The Crown Jewel Of Tourism In Madeira Portugal  The Wine Festival in Madeira in August-September is the pride of the local ethnographic and cultural identity. You never know when a wine cellar or brewer in rural Madeira will present you with a century-old elixir.  Nevertheless, irrespective of the time of your visit, you can visit the following places for a delightful wine tour in Madeira. 1. Between São Vicente And Seixal It is an iconic route filled with vine trails by the sea. So, it is ideal for a mixed experience of a coastal getaway and wine tourism.  2. Estreito De Câmara De Lobos Estreito de Câmara de Lobos covers an area starting from the coast to Jardim da Serra, which is at a height of 600 meters.  It is the largest vineyard area in Madeira.  3. Experimental Viticulture Station Located in Arco de São Jorge, the Experimental Viticulture Station is the best location to learn about wine production and the heritage of Madeira wine.  It has a vine and a wine museum. 4. Quinta De Santa Luzia Quinta de Santa Luzia belongs to the Blandy family, who still follow the traditions of Madeiran farms.  They still produce some grape varieties, which were used in the Madeira Wine Company’s wines.  5. Fajã Do Barro Viewpoint This viewpoint in Porto Moniz will present a never-ending stretch of vineyards in front of you. Moreover, from here you will see the vineyards of Fajã de Manuel and how the Atlantic embraces the coastal landscape of Arrudal da Ribeira da Janela.  6. Ginjas Enjoy the most fascinating view of the São Vicente valley from Ginjas. Here, you will notice vineyards on both sides of the mountain.  Madeira Portugal: Some Fun Facts That Truly Make This Atlantic Gem Special  Madeira has one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world, and during the springtime, it hosts one of the most vibrant flower festivals.  1. The Largest Fireworks Displays In Madeira Madeira celebrates New Year’s Eve with great pomp. Also, it once held the Guinness World Record for hosting the biggest firework display.  It took place at Funchal.  2. Flower Festival In Madeira  With its mild climate and volcanic terrain, Madeira gets an abundance of flowers such as orchids, bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, etc.  The local markets also gear up during this festival, and traditional performances by children and adults celebrate the Madeiran tradition.  Madeira, Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Madeira, Portugal.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira, Portugal? April to June is the best time to visit Madeira. Along with being the season of the iconic flower festival, it is also the ideal time for spotting whales and dolphins.  2. How Far Is Madeira From Lisbon? It takes around 90 minutes to reach Madeira from Lisbon. There is no road connectivity. However, you can take a luxury cruise ride to the port city of Funchal.  3. Is Maderira Cheap or Expensive? Madeira is a more budget-friendly destination compared to other European cities and countries. There are many budget-friendly hotels, and local food here is also affordable. However, car rentals and short-term vacation rentals here can be a little expensive. A package for a person for a Madeira trip for 3 nights and 4 days can be around $1000.  4. Which Is Better, the Azores Or Madeira?  Your choice between Madeira and the Azores will depend on the kind of experience you want. The Azores, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, is more ideal for outdoor adventures. From a protected marine sanctuary to the hot springs, it also shows a massive geological diversity. Madeira, on the other hand, despite being a dolphin and whale spotting hub, has a more relaxed vibe. It is great for wine tasting, urban experiences, and cultural exploration.  Read Also: Lisbon To Porto Distance: Different Ways To Travel, Accommodation Options, And More “Winter Is Coming!” Where Is Hot In October? Explore Places To Visit In Europe Lisbon to Algarve Distance: Know The Best Ways To Travel And More

BY  Sibashree Jul 22, 2025

Winter is coming, and a transition always brings cold and uncertainty, whether it is in life or the weather. Are you not a winter person as well? What if I tell you that you can enjoy the genial warmth of summer for a few more days? While the rest of the world shivers in the cold of October, you and your family can enjoy traveling to the top six destinations in Europe, where you will find warmth in October. So, let’s find out where is hot in October in Europe. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Top 6 Places In Europe To Visit From Rome to Madeira, the places to visit in Europe in October are as diverse as it can get! Here are our top six favorites. 1. Rome, Italy You may feel confused about the relevance of starting the list with a city when they were expecting beaches. October provides the most suitable time for tourists to visit the city of Rome. The crowds of people are lower down as it is the off-season. On the other hand, people do not have to face the scorching heat of summer. The 14- to 26-degree temperature during that time of year, throughout the day, provides the perfect climate for traveling around. The tourists should enjoy sightseeing during this time, as the conditions provide the ideal conditions for traveling. The ambience offers the most suitable conditions for walking through the ancient streets of Rome. This time of the year in Rome provides the perfect conditions to enjoy vino and carbonara while dining in the open air in a rooftop cafe. Tourists should visit the museums of Rome on the first Sunday of the month, as it provides free entry to the museums. 2. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Dalmatian Coasts In Croatia The Dalmatian Islands of Croatia remain warm and comfortable during the times of the month that are considered some of the most beautiful places to visit. The area offers pebble beaches and charming port towns. Therefore, the ocean lovers enjoy the place during this time of the year. The town also offers a variety of seafood options. Therefore, seafood lovers should try the available seafood in the ocean. The place offers beautiful, rugged mountains alongside the coasts, which make it even more attractive. The place is full of islands that tourists can explore. Tourists get to see islands like Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. The tourists should explore the charming towns and beaches, which are the best suited for visiting in October. The temperature in the area ranges from 15 to 26 degrees, making the weather neither too hot nor too cold. Therefore, this makes it ideal for exploration.  The tourists can indulge in a plethora of activities, which include hiking, snorkeling, and swimming along the most beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Moreover, the coastline is lined with lush green forests, which are ideal for enjoying during the evening. 3. Madeira, Portugal Madeira is an Island located off the coast of Africa, but it is part of Portugal. The place is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Therefore, the Island stands remote from the mainland of Portugal. Travelers should take a short ferry ride from Spain's Canary Islands. The Island features coastlines lined with palm trees and offers ideal waters for water sports and activities, including surfing. The volcanic islands stand tall on the ocean, which, therefore, provides some of the unique climatic conditions for grape harvesting.  October marks the grape harvesting season on Madeira; therefore, it is an ideal time to visit the islands. The Island also provides diverse eateries. Food lovers can visit various dining establishments on the island. The small Island offers two Michelin-star restaurants, as well, Il Gallo d'Oro and William Restaurant. Thus, the Island serves as a paradise for all food lovers. October brings various festivities to the Islands. The Island hosts the famous Madira Wine Festival. The locals trade wine during this festival.  You should visit the place during October and taste some of the most famous wines of the year. 4. Ibiza, Spain This October, travel to Ibiza in Spain. Ibiza offers the finest luxury accommodations for its visitors. Ibiza has established itself as a prominent luxury tourism destination.  The luxury accommodations on the Island constitute a whopping 84% of the Island’s entire GDP. The Island avoids over-tourism despite the sector’s immense contributions to the Island’s GDP. Therefore, this makes it ideal if you are willing to avoid crowds. Travelers who prefer to avoid crowds should visit Ibiza in October. The temperature of Ibiza ranges between 16 and 23 degrees. The temperature is ideal for exploring Ibiza, and you can take in the turquoise blue waters of the Island. People should spend time on the beaches. Staying at the luxury villas provides tourists with an incredible experience they can never have. For example, the luxury villas Ibiza Le Collectionist offer the guests the opportunity to spend time in a beautiful orchard with olive and almond trees. 5. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Costa Del Sol, Spain The name Costa del Sol suggests “Coast of the sun”; therefore, the place receives sunlight throughout the year. Many tourists prefer the place, and it is incredibly loved by the people who are willing to make sure that they are in the place. The tourists find some of the best-quality restaurants, which helps people get the best food in the region. The lack of tourists after October allows people to enjoy peace more, as they can stay far away from the crowds. The temperature of the place ranges between 19 and 24 degrees during October. Therefore, the place serves as the perfect winter destination for you. You should visit Marbella. The town offers golden beaches, making it an ideal winter retreat. The Sierra Blanca mountains make the place even more beautiful. You should also visit Puerto banus, offering several coastal boutique resorts. The resorts give you an incredible experience of staying there. Adventure lovers should go hiking and participate in other activities. Cultural activities such as visiting the pueblos or the villages and meeting the locals allow the people to ensure cultural exploration. Moreover, walk through the pine forests, which will provide them with the most peaceful experience of their lives. 6. Kalkan, Türkiye Kalkan is not a recognized country; however, Türkiye is a transitional country between Europe and Asia. While 97% of Türkiye falls within Asia, the rest of it can be found in Europe. Kalken falls on the European side of Türkiye. Kalkan is located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye and is one of the most beautiful places to visit right before winter. The beaches of Kalkan offer stunning coastlines and turquoise waters. The tourists should experience a massage in the Hammams. Every travel enthusiast knows that Türkiye is a food heaven. Travelers should try the most incredible food the region has to offer. The street food especially provides a very exotic experience to the travellers. People who love adventure should visit the Kalkan beaches. The beaches of Kalken offer wonderful opportunities for adventure sports. The temperature of Kalkan ranges from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. Where Is Hot In October In Europe, And Things To Keep In Mind While Travelling Most of the places on the mentioned list offer sunny and mild weather in October. However, people often experience odd thunderstorms in certain regions. Kalkan in Türkiye, for instance, has sudden thunderstorms at certain times of the year. The chances of receiving rain in Kalkan increase in the later part of October. Spain typically receives relatively little rain in October. However, tourists often face occasional sporadic rain. Therefore, while visiting the Costa del Sol, you should check for the rain in the region. Ibiza has little chance of rain in October.

BY  Barsha Aug 18, 2023

Cumbria is a stunning region in the northwest of England, renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and picturesque Lake District. With wild moorlands, immense mountain ranges and beautiful lakes, Cumbria provides a wealth of experiences that make it one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK. Whether you are looking for an action-packed holiday or just want to relax in some stunning countryside scenery, Cumbria has something for everyone. From ancient villages steeped in history to modern cities brimming with culture, there's plenty to explore here. There are numerous activities available such as hiking and biking through breathtaking landscapes or taking part in water sports at Lake Windermere. History Of Cumbria The Lake District National Park, covering most of Cumbria, offers visitors some truly breathtaking views due to its mountainous terrain interspersed with picturesque lakes – making it one of England's most popular tourist destinations since Victorian times! Originally a rural area largely untouched by industry or modernisation, it has evolved significantly over time yet managed to retain much of its original charm thanks to efforts made by conservationists and locals alike – meaning that those looking for peaceful walks through stunning landscapes will not be disappointed when visiting this unique corner of Northern England! Places To Visit Cumbria is home to many stunning and historic villages that are well worth visiting. The village of Windemere, which was first established in the 12th century, is one such example; here you can stroll through its cobbled streets while admiring the quaint cottages and Georgian buildings or take a boat ride across the lake for some stunning views. Other popular places include Grasmere with its picture-perfect waterfalls and Keswick with its wonderful mountain scenery – both excellent spots for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Last but not least Cumbria offers visitors sites that showcase incredible natural beauty too! From tranquil lakeside scenes in Ullswater or Coniston Water to towering peaks at Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak) – there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights waiting around every corner here! For those wanting a more relaxed experience then why not try one of Cumbria's many nature reserves? These special areas contain some rare species including red squirrels, otters, and ospreys – perfect if you want to get close up with wildlife without disturbing it too much! Things To Do Hiking and adventuring in the Lake District is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, Cumbria is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The region offers a wide range of trails for both experienced hikers and those looking for a stroll around the landscape. There are scenic routes through forests and riverside paths leading up to breathtaking summits – perfect for taking in panoramic views over the National Park! For those looking for something more challenging, there are also plenty of difficult climbs available which require technical skills such as scrambling or rock climbing. Exploring local markets and cultural centers is another great way to immerse yourself in Cumbrian life during your stay here. From vibrant street markets like Keswick's Saturday Market where you can pick up unique souvenirs or try delicious local dishes made with fresh produce from nearby farms; to historic towns like Ambleside with their abundance of indie shops selling locally crafted goods - these places offer visitors an insight into everyday life in this beautiful corner of England that cannot be found anywhere else! Finally, no visit to Cumbria would be complete without taking time out just to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer here! Whether it’s spending time peacefully fishing on one of its many lakes or simply sitting back admiring views from one of its many viewpoints – there’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by natural beauty while breathing clean air far away from any hustle & bustle. So make sure you take some time out during your trip here so you can truly appreciate what makes this part of England so special! Accommodation Accommodation in Cumbria is as varied as the landscape itself, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Campsites and caravan parks in Cumbria offer a great way to immerse yourself in nature while still having access to modern amenities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. Cumbria also offers other accommodations, including a wide range of hotels to suit your budget, holiday cottages to let, and traditional camping sites for tents and touring caravans. If you do choose to camp, take note of our camping tips. Conclusion In conclusion, Cumbria is a wonderful location to visit for a truly enjoyable vacation. With its stunning views and abundance of outdoor activities, it's perfect for individuals, couples, or families looking to experience the beauty of nature firsthand. The region also has an incredibly rich culture and history that can be explored through its folk songs, quaint villages, and historic sites. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation this part of England really does have something for everyone – so don't miss out on the chance to explore all that Cumbria has to offer! Planning a journey overseas? Take a look at more of the best places to travel in August. Read Also: Top 4 Ways Of Preparing An Enjoyable Retreat Celebrate Your Happiness With Family Friendly Gites South Of France Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park