Lively celebrations, warmth and fireworks are three of the main ingredients that make a New Year's Eve party unforgettable. If you want to find them, here are a couple of wonderfully tropical places that have them in spades.
Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy the images of New Year’s Eve commemorations beamed into our homes every year – whether it’s in Rio de Janeiro, with crowds of people partying on Copacabana beach, or in Madeira, where Funchal’s skies provide a canvas for incredible firework displays? Both Rio (aka the Marvellous City) and Madeira (aka the Pearl of the Atlantic) are great destinations for those seeking something unforgettable.
Madeira
This island boasts countless attractions, which ensures that the days in and around New Year’s Eve are ones of enjoyment and contemplation, with gastronomic experiences, stunning trails and trips to places where the view leaves visitors marvelling. In the north, it’s worth visiting the small town of Porto Moniz, famous for its natural pools, Seixal, with its green hillside, and Santana, with its endearing traditional houses. In the south, spend some time at the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, followed by a stop at Cabo Girão and Fajã dos Padres. Another recommendation is Ponta do Sol, where the famous Cascata dos Anjos (Angels Waterfall) is located.
On New Year’s Eve, Funchal city centre is an attraction in itself. This hive of activity includes different parties and firework displays that light up the sky with a multitude of colours. Such lively celebrations attract thousands of visitors to the island of Madeira to enjoy this significant evening. It’s also worth knowing that there are plenty of things to do before and after the commemorations.
When it comes to accommodation, it’s easy to choose a hotel in Madeira. The Pestana Hotel Group has various options to choose from, so you can welcome the New Year in the best way possible.
Rio de Janeiro
Imagine a balcony overlooking Copacabana beach, the famous calçadão (cobblestone promenade) and a view of the neighbouring Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), all in a hotel in Rio de Janeiro. For a perfect New Year’s Eve in the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), take advantage of the Pestana Rio Atlântica’s excellent location and enjoy everything around you, without a worry.
New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro has plenty of parties to choose from, but none can rival the one that takes place every year on Copacabana beach. Concerts, fireworks and a joyful atmosphere attract thousands of people every year on the last night of the year on Rio’s most famous beach. The view from the hotel’s rooftop is sublime, which allows you to experience the festivities with a sense of complete tranquillity.
Before and after the big day, there’s always a lot to see and do in this fascinating city. The Pestana Rio Atlântica’s great location helps you discover some of Rio’s main attractions, such as Corcovado and the super-iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, as well as the Pão de Açúcar mountain. A visit to Ipanema via the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is recommended, as is Pedra do Telégrafo.
At the end of the day, enjoy the lively vibe of the Deck Bar, on the hotel rooftop, which overlooks the promenade and beach.
