Sunny island paradise is ‘unfairly beautiful’ | Europe | Travel

A gorgeous sunny paradise has been called “unfairly beautiful” by visitors who can’t stop gushing over its unique and varied beauty.

Bursting with vibrancy, colour, and culture, this sunshine island is warm all year round, making it the ideal tropical haven for travellers.

Often called the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ this tiny Portuguese volcanic island deserves its glowing nickname, living up to all its promises of being a tropical paradise.

Dramatic geography, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery are just a few of the highlights of this idyllic wonderland.

With 20C highs throughout February and March, this little Portuguese haven is the perfect winter retreat for UK residents looking to escape the cold and unending wetness of the chillier months.

Likening it to other places of unmatched beauty, one Reddit user has called it “Europe’s Hawaii”, while another said the island was “both Bali and Thailand… a place of amazing beauty.”

An autonomous region of Portugal — one of only two alongside the Azores archipelago — Madeira is a breathtaking destination offering a ton of activities and experiences for visitors to indulge in.

Getting to the island couldn’t be easier — a direct one way flight from London Luton Airport to Madeira Airport on both February 23 and March 2 is for merely £33, with one cabin bag included. The cherry on top of this (already affordable and delicious) cake? The average cost of a pint of beer in Madeira is around £2.10.

Situated roughly 805 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal, Madeira is considered to be the southernmost point of Portugal and sits on the African Tectonic Plate. The Madeira Archipelago is made up of Madeira and Porto Santo (the only inhabited areas) along with the uninhabited Desertas Islands and Savage Islands (Selvagens).

A Reddit user called Madeira “an unfairly beautiful island, such a great place to explore”, while another wrote, “Madeira is the most beautiful place in Europe.” Yet another impressed traveller said of this tropical paradise, “Madeira is spectacular and worth it,” while another shared, “Visited in the fall and I think about this place every day.”

Things to do on this unique island paradise

Packed to the brim with pristine beaches, Madeira is a beach lover’s dream come true.

Calheta Beach, one of two artificial golden sand beaches in Madeira with sand imported from North Africa, is one of the island’s most popular. Located on the southwest coast and featuring two protected bays — it’s ideal for a spot of swimming and watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The other renowned artificial sand beach in Madeira is Machico Beach, a large sandy retreat perfect for those looking to kick back and relax.

The Natural Pools of Porto Moniz are another jewel in this Portuguese island’s crown, very often believed to be the main attractions of the north coast of the island. With a dramatic volcanic origin, these natural pools were formed by the cooling of lava over millennia, their natural physiognomy allowing for the constant entry of fresh seawater into the pools. With an admission fee of three euros (£2.62) per person, visitors have called it “a truly unique experience”. 

A Tripadvisor review of the natural pools explains: “Wow factor, The water is crystal clear and you can see the volcanic surface and there are colourful tropical fish everywhere, really beautiful pool.”

Another must visit Madeira destination is Seixal Beach — a jaw-dropping natural black sand beach renowned for its dramatic lush green backdrop, vertical cliffs and the cascading waterfall, Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, which spills directly into the ocean and is an exquisite sight to behold.

Funchal, the historic vibrant capital of the island of Madeira, is another area travellers would be remiss to explore, with the Old Town (Zona Velha), Monte Cable Car & Toboggan Ride, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Mercado dos Lavradores market hailed as top attractions within the charming city. 

Practically unchanged from when it was discovered more than five centuries ago in 1419, the Laurissilva of Madeira is a 20-million-year-old forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast biodiversity, endemic flora and fauna, and its ancient, misty and evergreen landscape which serves as a vital ecological water source of the island.

It’s situated within the Madeira Natural Park which is a protected area covering roughly two-thirds of the island’s territory. A walk inside the forest is a truly unique experience for travellers.

Pico do Areeiro — Madeira’s third-highest peak and a premier sunrise destination on the island — is another must visit if you make your way over to this tropical paradise, especially if you love hiking. In fact, the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo makes for a thrilling mountain walk in Madeira, connecting the island’s three highest peaks while offering once-in-a-lifetime views.

A mention of Madeira’s namesake wine is inevitable, with Funchal, the town of Câmara de Lobos, and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo ruled as the top spots to enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours.

In fact, travellers can always hop on over to Porto Santo via one of the ferries that operate daily from Madeira and enjoy a night or two on Madeira’s sister island that’s equally packed with exciting activities and stunning vistas.

Madeira is a sparkling gem hiding in plain sight and has something for every type of traveller to enjoy.

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