Is Madeira the Hawaii of Europe?

Honestly, Madeira is essentially the European version of Hawaii. It's cheaper (WAY cheaper), closer and a lot less touristy. If you're dreaming of Hawaii, I'd seriously consider Madeira. Stay anywhere other than the capital of Funchal and you'll feel like you have the whole island to yourself.



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Breathtaking Scenery. It may surprise you to hear that Madeira is actually quite often compared to North America's dream destination of Hawaii. We'd have to agree that the Portuguese island does bear many resemblances to the Aloha State, among which include its lush landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery.

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Madeira is boasting some of the most accessible biodiversity. It is known for its lush forests, gardens, and parks, which give the island a tropical feel. As a result of the mild temperatures here all year long, a range of exotic plants and herbs can be found in the gardens.

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The favorable climate of the island also contributed to the land thrive, and wheat production has become one of the greatest wealth of the island. This cereal was exported on a large scale for the Portuguese possessions on the African coast, giving thus the first cycle of Madeira economic history.

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The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

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Many emigrated illegally to escape military service and avoid the wars in the colonies (Angola and Mozambique), and also because they could not afford the high cost of the emigration process by legal means.

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Which European island is like Hawaii without tourists? Madeira, the tropical-like island, has a strikingly different landscape than the mainland, looking more like Hawaii or the Caribbean than a European destination.

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In fact, they are not. Azores and Madeira islands tend to be quite different from each other, but are also similar in many aspects.

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Although Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than Europe. Sitting 434 miles west of Morocco and 528 miles southwest of Portugal and mainland Europe.

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Indeed, the Madeira Islands are closer to the African Continent than to the European Continent itself:
  • 700 km (434 miles) west of Morocco, Africa;
  • 850 km (528 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal and the European mainland;
  • 1000 km (621 miles) southwest of Lisbon, Portugal.


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In fact, Madeira was just voted Europe's “Leading Island Destination” in the World Travel Awards again (the sixth time in the last seven years). Less than four hours from London and with almost guaranteed sunshine, Madeira is an ideal winter break, or for that matter, anytime destination.

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Natural Beauty: Madeira is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush green valleys, rugged coastlines, and majestic mountains. The island's diverse scenery offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a high quality of life for nature enthusiasts.

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Funchal – Madeira Island's capital A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,943.8€ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 542.5€ without rent. Funchal is 13.1% less expensive than Lisbon. Rent in Funchal is, on average, 32.4% lower than in Lisbon.

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Domestic travel was responsible for the highest number of visitors in Madeira in 2022. Overall, almost 470 thousand Portuguese tourists visited the archipelago.

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Funchal is usually a very safe city. However, as in any other places you go, common sense is required. Probably the unsafest place to go in Funchal is Zona Velha (near the cable car) at night, because it usually gets very crowded because of the nightlife.

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In fact, Madeira has officially been chosen as among the safest European destinations for traveling in 2021 by European Best Destinations (EBD).

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To that end, travelers who have had the good fortune of journeying to both the Aloha State and São Miguel can't help but find commonalities between the untamed topography and eco-oriented tourism that thrives in both places — hence the nickname the Hawaii of Europe.

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