If you're thinking about going on vacation for this summer – or just wanted to escape from the UK's rainy and windy idea of spring – you might consider going to The Canary Islands — maybe somewhere like Tenerife or Lanzarote.
However, you might want to reconsider, as experts have cautioned that the beloved Spanish vacation destination is 'facing collapse' due to overtourism.
Yes, it seems that too many people have been traveling to the Canary Islands, the picturesque holiday spot consisting of Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
A record number of individuals (48 million) visited the Canaries in 2023, with as many as fifty percent of these visitors being Brits.
Recently, Ben Magec — Ecologists in Action, an organization committed to protecting the environment, issued a warning about the excessive number of tourists and the amount of urban development, stating that the islands are at their limit and 'facing collapse'.
So it's worth finding an alternative place to go, and we believe we've identified the perfect solution: the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Similar to Tenerife and Lanzarote, Madeira is one of four islands comprising an archipelago (Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens) in the autonomous Madeira region.
Apart from being surrounded by deep blue water, the island boasts a pleasant warm climate throughout the year.
TikToker @thechaosdiaries has likened the island to spectacular bucket list destinations like Hawaii, Peru, and Croatia, owing to the rugged cliffs and volcanic landscape, while @destinationinspiration referred to it as the 'Hawaii of Europe'.
And if that doesn't persuade you about Madeira, the explanation from Lonely Planet surely will.
They declare: 'Geologically striking, bursting with vibrant color and warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun, Portugal's most enchanting island is a place that fulfills all its subtropical holiday promises.
'Pearl of the Atlantic, island of eternal spring… Madeira well deserves its fanciful nicknames and the affection visitors and locals alike feel for this small volcanic island that offers so much.'
Sounds delightful, doesn't it?
We're certainly convinced. And if you're contemplating, here's a glimpse of what else you need to know about this lesser-known travel destination…
How to travel to Madeira
A brief Google search tells us that flights from London to Madeira take just under four hours non-stop (3hr 50mins). Prices currently start from £68 if you travel in April, as per Skyscanner.
For those not in London, flights are available from Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Leeds, but these have layovers and are considerably more expensive.
Ideal time to visit Madeira
According to travel experts at TUI, the best time to visit Madeira for the highest temperatures is in August or September, when you can anticipate an average daily high of 27C and lows of 21C.
February is believed to be the coldest month of the year in Madeira, when temperatures decrease to 18C (average daily maximum), or 14C at the lowest.
However, if you want to attempt to avoid getting rained on, you might not want to book a trip in April, which is said to be Madeira’s wettest month. June is the driest.
And if you’re eager to get in the sea, the water temperature stays around 23C or above from June to October. Bliss.
So really, it seems like it’ll be pretty pleasant whenever you go.
Things to do in Madeira
What to do on Madeira?
There are plenty of beautiful things to see and do on Madeira.
The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is extremely popular with visitors, with a winding staircase that leads up the highest mountain in Madeira – expect breathtaking views.
Similarly, Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, is a must visit. The volcanic peninsula has a trail that captures spectacular panoramic views.
A Tripadvisor user named Jen left a five star review, calling it a ‘must’, writing: ‘The whole experience was well worth it and the effort paid off, the views are incredible!’
Another who posts as Wanderlust3483 said: ‘This was our favourite day in Madeira.
‘We had so many hikes planned, but were unable to do them due to weather so this was the only one we were able to do. It’s about 6 miles if you go all the way to the top/end, which you very much should do. There is a lot of up and down and if you are not in great shape like me, you will be pretty sore the next day! It’s very well worth it though. The views are just wild and the terrain is like nothing we’ve ever hiked in before.’
Madeira’s capital city of Funchal is a must-visit with plenty to explore, from cathedrals to museums. The botanical gardens in Funchal are another popular attraction, which can be reached via cable car.
Beach lovers should head to Seixal Beach, which has a stunning stretch of black sand, much like the beaches in Tenerife. Alternatively head to Porto Moniz to swim in natural pools formed by volcanic rocks.
Travellers also recommend heading to the charming seaside municipality of Ponta do Sol, which boasts colourful buildings, palm trees, and of course stunning views of the sea.
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