Ryanair is offering flights from Edinburgh Airport to the Portuguese island of Madeira for £29.99 this August, providing an affordable escape to a destination often called the 'Hawaii of Europe'. The budget airline, which introduced new summer routes to Funchal Airport from the Scottish capital last year, operates flights twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Flight Details and Dates
As of Monday, June 29, 2026, one-way tickets are available for £29.99 on three weekends in August: Saturday, August 8, Saturday, August 15, and Saturday, August 22. The flight duration is approximately four hours from Scotland.
Why Madeira Is Called the 'Hawaii of Europe'
Madeira is known for its tropical beauty, dramatic coastlines, and ancient laurel forests. The island offers world-class hiking routes, such as the Pico de Arieiro hike above the clouds, and stunning roadside waterfalls. In the capital, Funchal, visitors can explore colourful botanical gardens, sample local fruits at the market, and enjoy poncha, a traditional alcoholic beverage. Football fans can visit the Museu CR7, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, which houses some of his trophies.
August Weather and Wine Festival
In August, Madeira experiences average daytime highs of 26°C and overnight lows of 20°C. The flight dates coincide with the 2026 Madeira Wine Festival, running from August 27 to September 13. Centred in Funchal and the coastal village of Câmara de Lobos, the festival celebrates the grape harvest with live music, street entertainment, folklore shows, and local wine tastings.
Ryanair flights to Madeira currently run until the end of October 2026. The airline has not yet announced its 2027 summer schedule to the island.
