January 30th 2024.
Are you in need of a sunny winter getaway? If so, you may have considered heading to the popular destination of The Canary Islands, such as Tenerife or Lanzarote. However, before booking your trip, it may be worth considering the warnings from experts about the negative effects of overtourism on the beloved Spanish holiday spot.
It seems that too many people have been flocking to The Canary Islands, a picturesque destination made up of Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, and El Hierro. In fact, in 2023, a record number of visitors traveled to the islands, with a significant portion being Brits. However, according to Ben Magec - Ecologists in Action, an organization dedicated to environmental protection, the islands are facing collapse due to the overwhelming number of tourists and the rapid urban development.
But fear not, as we have found the perfect alternative destination for you - Madeira! Like Tenerife and Lanzarote, Madeira is one of four islands that make up an archipelago in the autonomous Madeira region. With its azure blue waters and warm climate all year-round, Madeira offers a similar holiday experience without the negative consequences of overtourism.
In fact, Madeira has been compared to bucket list destinations like Hawaii, Peru, and Croatia by travelers on TikTok and dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe" by others. If that doesn't convince you, Lonely Planet's description of Madeira as a geologically dramatic and exotic island, surrounded by the Atlantic sun, surely will. And with its nickname as the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and "Island of Eternal Spring," it's no wonder that both visitors and locals have a deep affection for this tiny volcanic island.
Ready to plan your trip? Here's what you need to know about this lesser-known travel destination. The flight from London to Madeira takes just under four hours and can be as low as £71 with Ryanair in February, according to Skyscanner. Other airlines, such as EasyJet, also offer flights to Madeira. However, if you're not in London, be prepared for a longer flight with stopovers and higher prices.
Wondering when the best time to visit Madeira is? According to TUI, August and September offer the highest temperatures, with an average daily high of 27C and lows of 21C. However, even in the coolest month of February, temperatures rarely drop below 14C. Just be sure to avoid the wettest month of April if you don't want to risk getting rained on. And for those who enjoy swimming, the water temperature hovers around 23C or above from June to October.
So, what can you do in Madeira? There are plenty of options, such as hiking the popular Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail for breathtaking views or visiting the easternmost point of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço, for panoramic views of the volcanic peninsula. And for a more relaxed day, you can visit the botanical gardens in Funchal via cable car or head to Seixal Beach, a stunning black sand beach similar to those found in Tenerife.
If you're a fan of colorful buildings and charming seaside views, be sure to explore the municipality of Ponta do Sol. And for those interested in history and culture, Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, offers cathedrals, museums, and more. With so much to do and see, it's no wonder that Madeira has been named an ideal alternative to the Canary Islands.
So, whether you're looking for a sunny winter getaway or simply want to avoid the negative effects of overtourism, consider visiting Madeira for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
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