March 23rd 2024.
Are you looking for a new vacation destination this summer? Maybe you're tired of the UK's rainy spring weather or you're just in need of a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, you may have considered heading to The Canary Islands, such as Tenerife or Lanzarote, for a sunny getaway. However, before you book your flights, experts have warned that this popular Spanish holiday hotspot is facing a crisis due to overtourism. It seems that too many people have been flocking to these islands, causing strain on the environment and infrastructure. In fact, in 2023, a record number of tourists visited The Canary Islands, with half of them being Brits.
With this in mind, it might be worth considering an alternative destination for your next vacation. And we think we've found the perfect solution: Madeira, the Portuguese island known for its rugged beauty. Like Tenerife and Lanzarote, Madeira is one of four islands in the autonomous Madeira region. And with its warm climate and stunning blue waters, it's the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday.
TikToker @thechaosdiaries has even compared Madeira to bucket list destinations like Hawaii, Peru, and Croatia, thanks to its stunning cliffs and volcanic scenery. And @destinationinspiration has dubbed it the "Hawaii of Europe". If that's not enough to convince you, Lonely Planet describes Madeira as "geologically dramatic, bursting with exotic color and warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun". It's no wonder it's been nicknamed the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and the "island of eternal spring".
If you're sold on Madeira, here's what else you need to know before booking your trip. Flights from London to Madeira take just under four hours non-stop and prices start from £68 for a trip in April. For those not in London, flights are available from other cities with stopovers, but they can be significantly more expensive.
As for the best time to visit Madeira, travel experts recommend August or September for the highest temperatures, with an average daily high of 27C. February is the coolest month, with temperatures dropping to 18C, but even then it's still a comfortable temperature. Just be aware that April is the wettest month, so you might want to avoid booking a trip then. And if you're planning on swimming, the water temperature is around 23C or above from June to October.
So, what can you do in Madeira? Well, there's plenty to see and explore. The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is a popular activity, offering breathtaking views from the highest mountain in Madeira. And don't miss Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, which has a trail with spectacular panoramic views. For a more relaxing day, head to the botanical gardens in Madeira's capital city of Funchal, which you can reach by cable car. And if you're a beach lover, don't miss Seixal Beach, with its black sand similar to beaches in Tenerife, or the natural pools formed by volcanic rocks in Porto Moniz.
Overall, Madeira offers a unique and stunning experience for those looking for an alternative to The Canary Islands. Have you been to Madeira? Let us know your thoughts!
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