Although most European tourists traditionally choose Greece, Italy or Spain during the summer, some British In recent months, travel agencies have increasingly promoted the Portuguese island of Madeira as an attractive alternative on the continent. In promotional materials, they emphasize that the island offers breathtaking nature, less crowded places and significantly lower prices compared to many popular Mediterranean destinations.
The beach in the north of the island received special attention, which was nicknamed “European Hawaii” on social networks thanks to its black volcanic sand, green cliffs and waterfalls flowing into the ocean. The photos and videos are so impressive that some users doubted their authenticity and asked if they were shots created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Unlike many popular summer resorts, Madeira does not have vast hotel complexes along the coast or crowded beaches lined with sunbeds, according to British promoters. That is why the island has been attracting tourists in recent years who are looking for a quieter vacation and natural scenery.
The prices are not too high
British travel company First Choice reports that prices on the island are relatively affordable. According to their estimates, a local draft beer costs around 2.5 euros, a simple meal in a restaurant around 12 euros, and a three-course dinner for two in a medium-quality restaurant costs on average 50 euros.
Apart from the beaches, Madeira’s biggest asset is its rich nature and many activities outside the sea. They recommend visitors to visit natural pools formed in volcanic rocks, walk through ancient laurel forests, go on off-road trips through mountain villages and vineyards and taste traditional specialties such as espetada (meat on a skewer), fresh Atlantic fish or the famous local drink poncha.
First Choice points out that many travelers automatically associate volcanic countries with Hawaii or other far-flung exotic destinations and they are surprised to find that similar scenery is only a few hours’ flight from most European cities. Of course, these are the promotional claims of the travel agency that supports this particular destination and should be seen in this context. Whether Madeira becomes the best choice for a holiday, or whether most tourists remain faithful to the Mediterranean, will depend mainly on personal preferences, budget and the type of rest required.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
