Boston, MA --- The legendary frigate Constitution was christened with Madeira wine. President Franklin Pierce spent several months on the island after leaving office in 1857. Once the top winter escape for Americans, this Portuguese island sits some 300 miles off the coast of Northern Africa.

Now, at a time many travelers are looking for a new warm weather escape this winter, many are finding an old friend-Madeira.  Warmed by sun and ocean breezes, Madeira is called the pearl of Atlantic with a nearly perfect climate—warm and clear in winter with temperatures in the mid 70s. To get there, Azores Airlines has a great deal from Boston: 

Travel for just $576 with taxes (but not ticketing service fee) between November 4^th to December 13^th, 2017, or January 12^th to March 31, 2018. For more information about booking flights visit http://azoresairlines.pt or call 800-762-9995. Book by October 15, 2017.

What has changed is the broadening of the winter travel market to warm weather destinations that are out of the path of storms, and insect-born illness. And, new flights on Azores Airlines from Boston – the Portuguese carrier has three new weekly flights (via the Azores) to Madeira. This cuts the flying time down, as it is just about 4 hours to the Azores, and then less than 2 hours to Madeira.

Americans are no strangers to Madeira or its wine. George Washington was a great fan of its wine. His inauguration as president of the United States was celebrated with Madeira wine. American patriots toasted the Declaration of Independence with a glass of Madeira. The sun, dramatic landscapes and natural beauty were a big draw. Add to that the island’s affordability, sophistication and European flair.

The island of Madeira looms over the Atlantic Ocean some 750 miles southwest of Lisbon. This is a temperate paradise – always warm in winter, and never too warm in summer. An island of flowers, wine, elegant resorts, fascinating villages and landscapes, Madeira, with its romantic capital of Funchal, has been a travelers’ favorite ever since its discovery in the 15 Century.

Red volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea characterize Madeira’s fascinating landscape. The islands steep rise creates six unique climate zones, each with its own beautiful flora and fauna that contribute to the comparison of Madeira with Hawaii.

Visitors come for the natural beauty, and they stay to experience the ocean, golf, hiking, deep sea fishing, diving, and old world charm of the island and its mountains and seaside towns. Madeira remains an uncrowned and sophisticated pearl of European charm, where a visitors can experience the sea, mountain hiking, or city culture.