This Gorgeous Archipelago Was Just Named the Best Island Destination in Europe

Portugal is getting plenty of buzz these days — and plenty of visitors, too.

According to data from one of Spain’s largest financial institutions, CaixaBank, overnight stays in Portugal reached 77.1 million in 2023 thanks to the 30 million travelers that came for a visit. “This latter figure is approximately twice that recorded 10 years ago and demonstrates the rapid growth that the sector is enjoying,” the bank said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “… Among non-residents, the growth of tourists from the U.S. was exceptional, surpassing the pre-pandemic level by 70 percent, which made it the third largest issuing market.” 

And while all of Portugal is fantastic (take it from me, as many of you already know, I live here), there is one spot that belongs high on your radar: the Madeira Islands. And it won an award to prove it. 

The archipelago took home the prize as Europe’s Leading Island Destination 2024 in the World Travel Awards. However, this wasn’t the first time it took the prize. Nor the second. Nor third. It was the 10th.

“This recognition reaffirms Madeira’s status as a top travel destination, with previous wins in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023,” Madeira Web reported. “The autonomous region of Madeira has consistently impressed travelers with its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This year’s win further solidifies Madeira’s reputation as a must-visit island destination in Europe.” 

If you’re looking to go, you should know that there are two main inhabited islands — Madeira and Porto Santo. (There are also two small island groups, the Desertas and Selvagens, but they are uninhabited.) In October, United Airlines announced plans to launch direct flights from the U.S. to Madeira, making it easier than ever to explore the island. 

Once you’re there, you can enjoy its fantastic beaches, walk through its capital city, Funchal, and explore its azure waters via boat. One staple activity is taking a ride down the famed Madeira Toboggans that travel between ​​Monte and Funchal at heart-stopping (and giggle-inducing) speeds in hand-made wicker and wood sledge-cars. You can then hop on a ferry to make your way to Porto Santo, where even more outdoor adventures abound. 

And if you do happen to have some time for a layover, try to tack on a few days on the mainland in Faro, Lisbon, or Porto, which will round out your Portuguese adventure and leave you saying, “I could live here” over and over again.