Uploaded January 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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When you think of bucket-list island destinations, you probably don’t think of Madeira first, yet the archipelago was named Europe’s Best Island Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2013 and 2014.

Although Madeira is a small island, it packs a lot of punch with plenty of things to do: hiking, surfing, whale watching, exploring charming European towns or simply hanging by the pool drinking Madeira wine.

I knew I needed to visit this Portuguese island when the Boston Globe said it resembled “the exotic landscape of Hawaii” and the “lush green of Ireland.” Now I’m back to tell you why you should add this beautiful island to your bucket list.

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