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Originally Posted by CFrance
Fewer hours on a plane: Madeira. it's a beautiful mountainous island off the coast of Portugal. Funchal is the main city, and that's where you should stay. The whole city puts on the most amazing Christmas Light display I've ever seen, with a miniature Christmas village down the middle of one of the main streets. It's moderate temps year around--70s. The port is great, salties coming in and out, lots of shops & cafes. There is a teleferico that goes up the mountain to a restaurant. Fantastic view of the city up there.
On New Years Eve we booked a harbor excursion on The Albatross (very funny fiasco, a story we still laugh about, being longtime sailors), which cruised the harbor during the fireworks display that were set up all along the harbor. (BTW, interesting to walk along the harbor during the day and watch them setting up the fireworks.)
We had our young adult children with us, and they found plenty to do, including some kind of live band thing in one of the squares on New Year's Eve. The city is safe to let them roam around. There's a (dry--no snow) toboggan ride you can take down the mountain that kids would like.
There's offshore islands you can take ferry to. I don't know about snorkeling. I'm not sure about fishing, but it is an island, so I imagine there's fishing. We rented a car and drove over the mountain, dodging cattle on the road, to a place on the opposite shore that had rock grottoes. You can drive up the mountain and hook up with a system of trails that go all over the place.
Really, it was one of the most interesting, different trips we have ever taken. We've talked about going back recently. So many places; so little time.
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Madeira is a great suggestion. We were there a couple of years ago and could not believe how laid back and happy go lucky it is. Almost no crime (it's too small because everyone knows everyone and are probably related), food is exceptional and the wine is inexpensive and oh so good. Every night there is dancing in the streets, the youngsters dance and the oldies sit and watch! Very family oriented island, on Sundays and holidays (after church) the whole family goes out into their allotments and works their crops. Great place and so much fun. And, yes, there is fishing, they practically live on fish on the island. Makes me want to be there right now. Plus the weather is in the mid to high 70s all year long. Also, it is probably the least expensive place we have visited. I purchased tee shirts for my husband and grandson for 5 euros each, they wash and come out of the dryer better than some of our $50 shirts, and their linens are incredible, but then Portugal is known for it's linens.