For an alternative winter sun getaway why not consider Funchal on the island of Madeira. The typical winter sun locations like Malta, Egypt or the Canary Islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are all popular destinations for those seeking to spend a week or two escaping from the UK winter weather, but the island of Madeira is also a great option.

Madeira belongs to Portugal and has many of the conveniences afforded by going to a European destination: the Euro as a currency, simple passport arrangements and the likelihood that someone will speak English if your Portuguese is not up to scratch. February is always a great time to visit the island's capital Funchal, because just like in many Spanish and Portuguese towns, this is the month of the annual carnival.

Funchal is renowned for its cultural celebrations, with its New Years Eve celebration holding a world record for the biggest firework display and its annual wine festival attracting many to the island. This year the Madeira Carnival took place between the 13th and 16th of February and included all the usual carnival attractions: processions, fancy dress, music, fun and celebration.

The theme for the carnival on Madeira this year was "Seas and Oceans", which is fitting considering the island lies 500 miles from the Portuguese mainland, out in the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Santana on the north coast of the island, with its iconic tiny thatched farmer's houses, also hosted a carnival celebration which took place on the 13th and 14th February. Giant figures paraded through the town and a selection of local delicacies were available to try.

Because the carnival coincided with Valentines Day, this made for a wonderful romantic getaway for some travellers.