New Year CITY BREAKS

Get 2023 off to a flying start on a trip to one of these European gems

Madrid, Spain

On the last day of the year, around 40,000 runners in fancy dress kick off Madrid's New Year celebrations with the San Silvestre Street Race, a 10km run through the city. Afterwards, there's plenty of entertainment to be found before the fireworks start. Book in to see a flamenco at one of the many tablaos in the city: Cardamomo holds shows every evening, including New Year's Eve (cardamomo.com). As midnight nears, crowds gather at the Puerta del Sol Square: the tradition here is to eat 12 'lucky grapes' as the bells strike midnight to ensure a happy year ahead. Then the party really begins, with bars and food stalls opening up and a pyrotechnic show in front of the Madrid City Hall.

* STAY: The apartments at Plaza Espana Skyline can sleep up to six people (skylineplazaespana.com)

Funchal, Madeira