Christmas Holiday Ideas - Algarve / Madeira?

[thetapeworm]

Me and my other half want to go away for Christmas, a cheap week or two at the end of December - she's suggested the Algarve or Madeira as options.

I've been to Cyprus and Tunisia at Christmas, Cyprus was nice enough, still things open and places to go, Tunisia was a little bit more restricted to staying in the hotel resort if you wanted food etc. I fancy a change though and want to visit other places.

Have any of you been to the Algarve or Madeira at Christmas? Any advice or feedback on your trip? Any resorts better than others at this time?

Any other suggestions for places to consider? Basically looking to spend around £400pp, B&B, somewhere where it's not necessarily boiling hot but not cold and raining and where there is a bit of culture and things to see while still chance to go out and have food & drink without everything being closed for the season.

[Zippee]

I can't help with the suggestions I'm afraid but am in a similar boat to you wanting to go away first week of Jan. What was Cyprus lik when you went in terms of weather/temps? Are the bars & restaurants pretty much open all year and where abouts did you go?

[thetapeworm]

Zippee said:

I can't help with the suggestions I'm afraid but am in a similar boat to you wanting to go away first week of Jan. What was Cyprus lik when you went in terms of weather/temps? Are the bars & restaurants pretty much open all year and where abouts did you go?

Hi, Cyprus was great, quite a few old folk there and the big bars and clubs in Paphos were closed over Christmas but plenty of others were open and there was no shortage of restaurants. Weather was nice enough for a t-shirt every day, the locals were in jumpers and coats but I found it nice enough, late teens, early 20s, bit cooler at night but nothing a few local spirits couldn't solve.

I've been to Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos and driven through most other major areas and everything seemed to be open as normal, on Christmas day I was down in a cafe on the beach, can't remember doing that in the UK

It's a relaxing break, slower pace, good car hire rates though so you can explore a fair bit and then go out at night without being surrounded by rowdy fools. The cockney lottery touts were still out with santa hats on but I'm guessing there were less than there would be in the summer.

I'd go back in the blink of an eye, still might if nobody tells me about alternatives

[blackcab]

Madeira is fabulous - if you like fancy food especially fish - its full of newly wedds and nearly deads - no rowdy crowds, loads to see and do

[Not Ideal]

I've done the Algarve at xmas a few times. Is all dependant on the weather - if its sunny then its brilliant to play golf etc. It can rain solidly for 2 weeks though and if that happens and all the restaurants are closed etc it can be a bit boring and depressing.

[thetapeworm]

I think we might end up playing it safe and going with the Cyprus option this year but thanks to those of you who have replied, info noted for next time

[anonymous-user]

blackcab said:

Madeira is fabulous - if you like fancy food especially fish - its full of newly wedds and nearly deads - no rowdy crowds, loads to see and do

+1 on this, hire a car at the airport and explore the island. The roads and scenery are fantastic.