The Atlantic archipelago of Madeira, often dubbed the 'Hawaii of Europe', has secured the coveted title of the world's top trending destination for 2026. This prestigious recognition comes from the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which analysed millions of reviews from globetrotters throughout 2025.
Why Madeira Topped the Global Rankings
In the awards, which are based on twelve months of consistently strong traveller feedback, Madeira led the global ranking, surpassing other trending hotspots like Quy Nhon in Vietnam, Recife in Brazil, and Puerto Escondido in Mexico. The island's unique selling points were highlighted across reviews of its hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
Praised for its striking architecture, year-round mild climate, and dramatic scenery, Madeira offers a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Its landscapes are a distinctive mix of deep valleys, dramatic mountains, and lush Levada walking trails. The coastline boasts both golden and remarkable black-sand beaches, a testament to its volcanic origins.
Easier Access and Year-Round Appeal for UK Travellers
This accolade coincides with improved accessibility from the UK. Data shows a 17 per cent increase in flight capacity between March 2025 and March 2026, making the island more reachable than ever. London remains a key hub with regular services from Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted.
Connectivity is also expanding across the UK, with flights from regional airports including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle. With three-and-a-half-hour flights from London starting at just £43 with Ryanair, a subtropical escape is increasingly affordable.
Located just over 600 miles from mainland Portugal and closer to Africa, Madeira enjoys a stable, subtropical climate. Temperatures range from a pleasant 25C in summer to 17C in winter, making it an attractive destination throughout the year.
From Volcanic Beaches to World-Class Gastronomy
Visitors can enjoy whale and dolphin watching before relaxing on popular golden sands like Calheta Beach. The north coast is home to the stunning Praia do Porto do Seixal, famed for its volcanic black sand, turquoise waters, and waterfall-draped cliffs.
The island's culinary scene is another major draw. Beyond its famous wine culture, Madeira offers world-class gastronomy blending fresh Atlantic seafood with unique specialities like Espetada. It's also one of the few places where banana trees grow alongside vineyards.
A varied cultural calendar, featuring Carnival, the Atlantic Festival, and the Madeira Wine Festival, ensures there's always something happening. Meanwhile, in a related award, London was named 2026's best food city in the world by Tripadvisor, which analysed eight million reviews to compile its 'best of the best' lists.
