Budget airline easyJet has launched a Black Friday sale, with dozens of routes available at low prices. However, for those looking for a winter sun escape, there’s one particular destination that’s likely to catch your eye, and flights in January start at just £15.99 each way.

Madeira, which lies just north of the Canary Islands, is becoming increasingly popular in the winter months thanks to its microclimate that gives it mild weather. January is a particularly pleasant time to visit, with daytime highs hovering around 19C. The month of January 2025 was particularly warm, with historic data showing temperatures reached up to 23C.

Madeira has been dubbed ‘Europe’s Hawaii’ due to the islands having similar volcanic terrain and lush greenery. Like Hawaii, the Portuguese island of Madeira also has some spectacular beaches to explore.

Many beaches on Madeira are pebble or black sand, due to its volcanic nature, so be sure to bring your flip flops. But there are some manmade sandy beaches such as Praia da Calheta, a popular area with clear blue seas and piers that create calm swimming zones.

If you want to swim and relax by the sea, another option is to visit the stunning Complexo Balnear do Lido – a lido complex in Funchal. Made up of two seawater pools that overlook the ocean, you can either take a dip or just grab a sunlounger and enjoy the weather.

Madeira is a hugely popular destination for hiking, and the winter months are a great time to explore the trails while it’s quieter and the days are mild. 

One popular hike is the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço on the easternmost tip of the island. This hike is just under four miles in total, taking about 2.5 hours overall down some uneven paths. But persevere and you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the north and south sides of Madeira. 

The trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the highest points of the island, with an altitude of 1,818 metres. There is a challenging seven hour trail for seasoned hikers, which gives you plenty of time to appreciate the lush green mountain scenery. If you prefer a hike that’s slightly less wearing on the knees, you can opt to walk one way and take a shuttle bus back. 

There are lots of options when it comes to places to stay. The capital of Funchal is a popular choice, especially around the historic Zona Velha which has narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese homes, and independent shops. It’s also a lively spot to visit at night, with lots of bars and restaurants to choose from, many with outdoor terraces where you can watch the sun go down.

Machico on the southeast of the island is also a great place to stay, boasting a sandy beach with mountain views, popular hiking trails by the coast and in-land, and a popular golf club. There are also many tours from Machico that take you whale and dolphin watching. While the summer months are the best time to try and spot these amazing creatures, people visiting earlier in the year have reported sightings of them. 

Browse easyJet’s Black Friday flight deals here. £15.99 price is based on departures on selected dates in January from London Gatwick, or you can fly from Bristol from £18.99 one way.