Milton Quintal

3 Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Madeira

Avoid the most common mistakes first-time visitors make in Madeira. From weather changes to hikes and driving times, here’s how to enjoy the island smoothly.

Madeira Named World’s Leading Island Destination for the 11th Consecutive Year

Beyond Madeira News Madeira Once Again Named the World’s Leading Island Destination For the 11th consecutive year, the Region receives the world’s top award for island destinations at the World Travel Awards gala in Bahrain. Awards & Recognition Madeira once again took the stage at the World Travel Awards to receive a familiar, but never guaranteed, title: World’s Leading Island Destination. The award was announced at the 32nd global gala, held at Exhibition World Bahrain, and brings the archipelago back into the spotlight of international tourism. This is the 11th consecutive year in which the Region has received this distinction, reinforcing a path of continuity and consistency. Few destinations manage to maintain such a high level of recognition for so long in an industry that is both highly competitive and constantly changing. This global award comes after Madeira was once again recognised as Europe’s Leading Island Destination at the European World Travel Awards gala on 22 October. Together, these two distinctions consolidate the Region’s image as a global reference for island holidays. An award contested by some of the world’s most desirable destinations The title of World’s Leading Island Destination was disputed by 14 internationally renowned destinations, including Bali (Indonesia), Barbados, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, Seychelles, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, Tahiti, the Philippines and Zanzibar. Madeira’s selection in such a competitive context underlines how the destination has asserted itself among travellers and professionals in the sector. In an official statement, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, Eduardo Jesus, highlighted that this continued recognition since 2015 is the result of consistent work carried out in partnership with the industry and with everyone who promotes and believes in the Region. Since 2013, the Destination Madeira has already collected 25 awards at the European and global World Travel Awards galas, often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism”. More than just a number, this track record reflects a strategy that combines preservation, investment, service qualification and focused international promotion. Being named, year after year, the World’s Leading Island Destination shows that Madeira manages to maintain a rare balance between preserved nature, modern tourism infrastructure and a genuinely warm sense of hospitality. For those who live in the Region, the award validates the efforts of many public and private teams over the last decade. For those who visit, it acts as a seal of trust: confirmation that they are choosing a destination recognised worldwide for its overall quality. What this recognition means for visitors to Madeira Although it is an institutional distinction, this award has a direct impact on the experience of those who choose Madeira for holidays, short breaks or longer stays. In practice, it translates into several assurances for travellers. Confidence in the destination: the World Travel Awards are voted on by tourism professionals and travellers, serving as independent validation of the destination’s quality. Preserved and accessible nature: levadas, trails, viewpoints and protected areas, including the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, remain one of the destination’s main strengths. Mild climate all year round: Madeira remains a four-season destination, ideal both for those seeking rest and for those who prefer outdoor activities. Diverse accommodation offer: hotels, guesthouses and local stays cater to different traveller profiles, from the simplest to the most demanding. Regular air connections: the international airport offers frequent connections to several European cities, making short and medium-length trips easier. Identity and authenticity: despite its international profile, the Region maintains traditions, festivities, gastronomy and its own rhythm, helping to distinguish the experience from other island destinations. Source: JM Madeira. How Beyond Madeira can help turn this award into your next trip At Beyond Madeira, we work every day with people who are taking the next step after reading news like this: moving from “World’s Leading Island Destination” to the concrete planning of a trip to Madeira. The goal is simple — to make the process clearer, more organised and more relaxed. If you are just starting to plan, you can use the Beyond Madeira Travel Guide to understand which areas make the most sense for your stay, how many days to reserve and how to combine city, nature and sea. For those who like to prepare their itinerary in detail, our interactive map helps connect viewpoints, levadas, natural pools, beaches and small villages. Before heading out to explore, you can check conditions in different parts of the island through our live webcams, especially useful in mountain areas. And for those who want to include walks and trails in their plans, the Levada Walks Guide brings together suggestions organised by difficulty level, duration and location. To move around more freely, you can also book a rental car with trusted local partners, or explore our experiences and activities, ranging from boat trips to land tours designed for different types of travellers. Ultimately, if Madeira continues to be recognised as the World’s Leading Island Destination, Beyond Madeira exists to help turn that recognition into well-spent days on the island — with clear information, local support and calm, well-informed decisions.