It’s official: the secret is out, and the world has fallen in love with Madeira.
TripAdvisor has just announced its highly anticipated “Best of the Best” Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026, and the Pearl of the Atlantic has claimed the top spot. Beating out tropical heavyweights and famous metropolises across the globe, Madeira has been elected the #1 Trending Destination in the World.
Why Madeira? Why Now?
Often affectionately called the “Hawaii of Europe,” this Portuguese archipelago offers a landscape so dramatic it feels otherworldly. From the prehistoric Laurisilva forest (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the towering sea cliffs of Cabo Girão, every corner of the island is a postcard waiting to be captured.
Unlike other destinations that rely solely on beaches, Madeira offers a unique blend of adventure and culture. Visitors are flocking to the island to hike the famous levadas (irrigation channels turned hiking trails), swim in the volcanic natural pools of Porto Moniz, and slide down the streets of Funchal in the traditional wicker toboggans.
A Feast for the Senses
It’s not just the views that are turning heads. The island’s culinary scene is a major draw. Whether it’s sipping on world-class Madeira Wine, enjoying a skewer of Espetada grilled over laurel wood, or tasting exotic fruits you won’t find anywhere else in Europe, the flavors here are as vibrant as the scenery.
The award highlights a shift in global travel trends: travelers are no longer just looking for a place to sunbathe—they want authenticity, nature, and experiences that leave a lasting mark. Madeira delivers all of this with a spring-like climate all year round.
How to Experience It
To truly discover the hidden gems of the “Hawaii of Europe”—from the peaks of Pico do Areeiro to the sunny shores of Ponta do Sol—mobility is key. The best way to explore the island at your own pace is by car. For the smoothest experience, travelers often recommend This is Madeira Island, widely recognized as the best car rental and activities choice in the region by thousands of satisfied visitors on social media.
TripAdvisor’s Top Trending Destinations for 2026:
2026 is the year of Madeira. Are you ready to explore the world’s top trending destination?
The iconic trail connecting Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, one of Madeira’s most sought-after hiking routes, is set to undergo significant rehabilitation work. The intervention aims not only to improve safety but also to reclaim the trail’s history. Alongside the improvement works, the trail’s alignment will recover its original route, just as it was first created in the 1960s. One of the main additions from the project will be...
Update for Tomorrow, March 3rd Please be advised that due to severe weather conditions forecast for tomorrow, all recommended hiking trails and levadas across Madeira will be officially closed. Safety is the top priority for everyone on the island. The anticipated weather makes these routes highly unpredictable and dangerous. Heavy rain and high winds significantly increase the risk of landslides, falling rocks, and rapid, unexpected flooding along the levada channels....
Authorities in Madeira have stated that there is no suspicion of criminal activity in the death of a Polish tourist whose body was found in the Santana area. The Judiciary Police (PJ) conducted an inspection of the body on Sunday. The 31-year-old man, identified as Igor Holewiński, had been reported missing on the island for one week. He was found in the Ribeira Grande area, in Faias, by a Madeiran...
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