Xmas in Madeira/Algarve/Malta - enough to do?

JustKeepSwimming_2

I'm hoping to go to either Madeira/Algarve or Malta for Xmas & possibly New Year, leaving on 19/12 or 20/12. Flights & hotels are fine, but I was wondering if lots of restuarants, museums/attraction etc. will be closed for the holidays? Thankfully I'm going on my own, so no kids to worry about!

Has anyone been who can reassure me? This will be my first (& last :rolleyes: ) holiday for years, so I want to make the most of it! I'm not after an action-packed time, just like to know that there will be stuff open.... Also curious if anyone has any experience using the public transport systems over the holidays?

Many thanks!

Barter

I've been to Madeira before Christmas, not actually over it, but it is quite a peak season there, so everything is up & running. The Christmas decorations & festivities are magic; so good we went back again! New Year is meant to be great: spectacular fireworks, wish I could go!

The weather there, although it can be changeable, is likely to be much better than the other 2 places. I'd go like a shot!

Good cheap public transport, but mostly Funchal based. I'd stay in Funchal if poss., specially nearer to the old town, rather than out to the west where most of the modern hotels are.

madmara

The fireworks display in Madeira is in the top ten in the world and two years ago it made it in the guinness book of records. There is so much to see and do that you could occupy every day of your holiday. The public transport is very good and from Funchal you can go to any part of the island. Weather wise, Madeira should offer warmer tempratures then any other place in Europe. Have a look at this site for more information on everything about Madeira: http://www.madeira-seekers.com/index.html

meester

madmara wrote: »

Madeira should offer warmer tempratures then any other place in Europe.

Really?

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/POXX0014?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

Says 57-68 F in December

Try

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/SPXX0210?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

Tenerife 61-72

Doozergirl

meester wrote: »

Really?

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/POXX0014?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

Says 57-68 F in December

Try

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/SPXX0210?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

Tenerife 61-72

I've been to both places in the first week of January. The canaries are summer like all year round, yes. I don't really talk in old money although I have a rough feel for it - it would be 25 degrees every day. Madeira wasn't cold by any stretch of the imagination, it was more like May here - around 18-19 degrees. We didn't have to wear coats. It's warmer than most places in Europe. H and my little boy swam in the outdoor pool - I was not that brave! Nice weather uutside yes, outside and wet - No!

They're quite different holidays - Tenerife has it's moments, Madeira is more refined all round. (she says with a rather unrefined husband born to very Madeiran parents!)

We just missed the New Year fireworks which are supposed to be absolutely amazing but all the Christmas lights as you look right up the hills from Funchal are just beautiful. It looks like it's been dressed in tinsel! The main street is full of Christmas displays and nativity scenes.

daveyjp

From our experience Funchal shops close early on Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, Boxing Day and some the day after.

This year 28th is a Sunday, so a lot of shops could be closed for 4 days.

Restaurants will be open every day, some attractions will also be open.

Weather can be changeable, but it was 25 degrees on Xmas day when we went to Madeira for Christmas.

Warrington-Mike

Malta - Loads to do, and as they all speak English it's a lot easier. Even the Cinema has films in English.

As for attractions, IE Museums etc closing, remember these are all very Catholic resorts, and all Municipal attractions will be closed for the holidays, although most tourist based attractions will all be open (Except xmas day) Although restaurants & bars will be open throught.