Forget Hawaii, Madeira should be your next island getaway

A direct flight from Newark now links East Coast travelers to Madeira, a Portuguese island with a spring-like climate and volcanic coastline. In May 2025 alone, the Autonomous Region of Madeira welcomed more than 235,000 guests, signaling its growing appeal to international tourists. With ancient forests to explore, Atlantic-front hiking trails to conquer and cliffside cuisine to savor, I would trade my ticket to Hawaii and go back to Madeira with no hesitation.

When I visited Madeira, I drove along winding coastal roads and hiked up rugged mountains. Here's where the real adventure begins, because Madeira rewards short stays with outsized spectacle, flavor and ease.

Madeira is an easy island getaway

Madeira continues to attract travelers seeking a well-rounded island escape that's packed with culture, nature and convenience. If you're drawn to its temperate climate, dramatic scenery or the ease of access from major European destinations, Madeira is a short plane trip within the region. For American travelers, direct flights from Newark now make the journey shorter and simpler, especially for those on the East Coast.

Year‑round spring climate

Madeira's nickname, the Island of Eternal Spring, refers to its year-round mild weather and dependable climate that travelers can count on. Thanks to its North Atlantic location, Madeira enjoys a consistently pleasant atmosphere throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It avoids extreme heat and is outside the hurricane belt entirely, making it a reliable choice for every season and perfect for reducing your packing checklist.

This kind of reliability continues to draw more travelers year after year, especially Americans. In May 2025 alone, Madeira recorded more than 1.15 million overnight stays, highlighting the island's popularity among travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. These increases, up 7.8% from the previous year, indicate a desire for destinations that combine natural beauty with consistent, stress-free experiences, such as Madeira.

Volcanic landscapes and lush laurissilva

Madeira's topography is shaped by jagged cliffs, steep ridgelines and dramatic elevation changes carved by volcanic activity. These features make the island a dream for hikers and sightseers, especially those eager to explore it on foot. I recommend bringing good walking shoes if you want to explore the rugged landscape.

Take a drive inland as I did, where winding mountain roads lead through terraced fields and quiet villages. These routes gradually ascend to panoramic lookouts like Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and a popular spot for glass-floored skywalk views.

Laurisilva Forest is equally captivating. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last surviving laurel forests in the world. Spanning about 20% of Madeira's landmass, this ancient ecosystem dates back to the Tertiary period and thrives in the island's humid, subtropical climate. Its misty canopy and constantly moist forest floor provide a haven for rare species such as the Madeira firecrest and the long-toed pigeon.

Valleys, viewpoints and village traditions

When I ventured further inland, I followed narrow mountain roads that led to some of Madeira's most surprising treasures. I spent my morning walking around Curral das Freiras, a hidden village nestled deep within a valley that resembles a volcanic crater, once used by nuns seeking refuge from pirate attacks. Then I headed to the nearby Boca dos Namorados Viewpoint, where I took in wide-ranging views across the surrounding cliffs and valley below.

Looking to explore even farther beyond the scenic viewpoints, I wandered onto an off-road trail that offers a complete nature experience, where the island's rugged beauty is at its most raw. Midway through, I stopped at a rustic bar for a poncha tasting, sampling Madeira's famous regional drink traditionally served in typical local taverns. Of course, I had to have my coffee to go with it.

Luxury launchpad: Savoy Palace in Funchal

Begin your trip with comfort, elegance and convenience at Savoy Palace. Its bold architecture and contemporary luxury set the stage for a relaxing and refined stay. From the moment you arrive, everything is designed to ease you into the island's way of life.

Prime location

Centrally located in Funchal, Savoy Palace gives guests front-row access to the city's cultural and commercial heart. The hotel sits along Avenida do Infante, a scenic boulevard lined with upscale boutiques and breezy cafes, just steps from the waterfront. From here, it's easy to reach landmarks like the Mercado dos Lavradores, the CR7 Museum or the cable car that climbs to Monte's lush gardens.

The hotel's interiors boast old-world opulence with sleek, contemporary detail. Palm-frond chandeliers, botanical wallpaper and plush velvet textures draw inspiration from Madeira's flora, creating a refined sense of place. Whether visiting nearby museums or simply enjoying a drink on the terrace, guests experience comfort and connection to the island.

Galáxia Skyfood on the 16th floor

At the top of the Savoy Palace, Galáxia Skyfood invites diners into a space where every detail is thoughtfully designed to showcase Madeira's cuisine. Curated by Executive Chef Celestino Grave, the 7 Moments tasting menu blends Madeira's culinary traditions with global techniques. As the chef puts it, "Galáxia Skyfood is one of our flagship restaurants, a place where gastronomy comes alive through authenticity, rooted in local and seasonal ingredients. Our menus follow the natural rhythm of the seasons, celebrating each product at its peak."

He continues, "We draw inspiration from contemporary and avant-garde cuisines, always pursuing the most refined culinary technique, but never at the expense of the ingredient's essence or our local identity. Our mission is to position Galáxia Skyfood as a gastronomic reference on Madeira Island. That means an unwavering commitment to freshness, quality and creativity, executed with rigor and passion."

Pair your meal with wines from boutique Portuguese vineyards, each pour introduced by the sommelier through thoughtful storytelling. I loved hearing about the story behind every bottle, which linked each ingredient to Madeira's regional roots. As the flavors build course by course, it all unfolds against a sunset from the 16th-floor dining room.

A fresh kind of island story

Between Madeira's volcanic trails, European flair and dramatic coastline, the island quietly delivers everything a traveler could ask for without the usual crowds or generic experiences. It's the kind of place that rewards curiosity with depth, and a long weekend with memories that feel much bigger. For travelers looking to swap routine for wonder, this island getaway feels anything but ordinary.

Zuzana Paar, a co-founder of Food Drink Life, is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured on Fox News, New York Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on Chicago's WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she's not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.