Flights to Madeira possible for north-west holidaymakers

Increasing numbers of Brits are expected to travel on cheap flights to Madeira now that direct services operate to the Portuguese archipelago from Manchester Airport.

Low-cost airline Jet2.com began services to the Atlantic holiday destination on Monday (May 3rd) in what is the first service of its kind from the north-west.

Flights to Madeira are already in operation from London, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Miguel Perestrello, the Portuguese National Tourist Office's director, said the archipelago has plenty to offer tourists, including the bustling streets and squares of Funchal, its capital, and the fantastic Portuguese cuisine.

"Madeira is a fantastic holiday destination and we are delighted that the new flight route from Manchester will make the destination even more easily accessible for British customers based in the north-west," he commented.

The island destination boasts year-round sunshine and is famed for its stunning beaches, volcanic caves and rugged coastline.

Madeira is also noted for its culture and boasts a number of quintas, which used to be the homes of princes and aristocrats.