Biggest 'trending' spot of the year looks like Italy but has far fewer tourists
With cute villages, vivid blue oceans, traditional culture, unique food and rugged mountains, this nation could be anywhere in Europe.
But isn't packed with crowds or even on the itinerary for most Euro holidays.
However, it has been named by experts as one of the top the places having a moment this year.
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Panoramic view of the capital of Madeira island Funchal, Portugal. Madeira Getty
Review site TripAdvisor picked Madeira as its number one trending spot in its Travellers Choice Awards Best of the Best list for 2026.
It might be Portuguese but the four islands which make it up Madeira are actually closer to the coast of Africa.
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"If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway without the crowds, Madeira delivers," TripAdvisor says.
"The under-the-radar island is the perfect escape for outdoorsy families, with whale-watching, volcanic hikes, and plenty of natural pools to dive into. Bonus: The standout namesake wine for the grownups."
The island only gets two million visitors a year compared with tourism hotspots like Italy, which gets 60 million.
Here's everything you need to know about visiting.
Land meets ocean in Seixal, Madeira, Portugal Getty
How to get to Madeira
Madeira is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas.
You'll need to fly to Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport. It takes around 90 minutes from mainland Europe.
While cruise ships sometimes visit, there are no ferries to get there.
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The beautiful fishing village of Camara de Lobos on the Portuguese Island of Madeira. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Is Madeira cheap or expensive?
Madeira uses the Euro, so for Aussies the exchange rate can sting a bit.
Bloggers Marvellous Madeira say it's a 'medium budget' saying car hire can make it more expensive if you want to go further from the main places.
You can stay in hostels from around $100 and basic hotels from $175 a night.
What is a must do in Madeira?
The capital, and where half the population live, is Funchal.
If culture is your thing there are museums including the Sacred Art Museum and the Madeira Story Centre.
Traditional Houses on Madeira during a Sunny Day, Portugal Getty
However the most popular is the CR7 museum, dedicate to soccer star, Cristiano Ronaldo who was born there.
Sampling the local food is high on many visitors' lists (as well as the Madeira wine and rum).
Must-trys include espetada, hunks of beef roasted on a bay laurel stick, and black scabbardfish.
Sampling the local food is high on many visitors' lists (as well as the Madeira wine). Getty Images/iStockphoto
They're also known for their especially sweet bananas as well as Bolo de Mel (Madeira Honey) cake and Broas de Mel biscuits.
However, getting out into nature such as going hiking, is a reason many travellers are going.
About two thirds of the island is protected area, with multiple nature reserves on land and at sea.
The island is famous for its unique 'levadas', World Heritage listed irrigation channels or aqueducts. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The island is famous for its unique 'levadas', World Heritage listed irrigation channels or aqueducts.
Visit Madeira says the North Coast, home to the Laurissilva Forest a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has some of the most spectacular scenery.
Natural pools and waterfalls and cute villages will likely fill your camera roll here.
The east coast, where the airport, is where 1419 Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira set ashore.
Visitors can also check out historical towns and scenic beaches.
There's a central mountain range, with Pico do Areeiro at 1800m one of the highest peaks.
The rugged Madeira landscape. Getty
The island is also known for wildflowers such as Madeira violet and birdlife.
It also has what are dubbed bathing complexes which include saltwater swimming pools on the shore, a bit like Aussie rock pools.
The more adventurous can try canyoning, climbing and coasteering.
There are also plenty of festivals on offer. The Columbus Festival celebrates the explorer while there's the Flower Festival, Wine Festival and Carnival.
How many days are needed in Madeira?
A short trip of a few days would get you round Funchal but a week or longer would offer better chance to see more of the countryside.
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
Tourism bosses boast the weather in Madeira is mild all year round.
The islands are subtropical, with highs around 15 degrees in the winter to 25 degrees in the summer.
