This is officially the best island in Europe to visit this summer - YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Sign in Welcome!Log into your account Forgot your password? Password recovery Recover your password Search Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Home Travel This is officially the best island in Europe to visit this summer By You Magazine - June 12, 2019 Given the rainy, overcast June that we’re all enduring, it’s easy to get distracted by the prospect of sunny holiday locations and making wishful travel plans. So, when Madeira was named Europe’s best island at the prestigious World Travel Awards it provided us with a great excuse to find out as much as we could about the destination so we can all pretend that we’re there until we actually get the chance to visit. Getty Images Part of the Portuguese archipelago made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the Desertas, Madeira is beloved for its year-round subtropical climate which attracts rare butterflies, seals and dolphins. It’s also one of those rare destinations that caters for both those who are keen to get out and explore and those who prefer to take things at a slow pace and unwind – making it an ideal compromise for family holidays where you have to cater to the masses. Little wonder it’s come out on top of the list, hey? Getty Images An ideal escape from the everyday, the Atlantic island is a favourite of hikers with scenic trails and routes which are said to rival those of both the Cornish coast and Hawaii, as well as breathtaking mountainous free cycling routes to keep thrill seekers entertained. There’s also a beautiful botanical gardens – think towering cactus gardens and meticulously manicured lawns set against a panoramic sea view – which will provide plenty of content for your Instagram feed (don’t forget to pack your broderie dress and straw hat!) Getty Images If you’re considering booking a spontaneous break to the official best island in Europe, you’ll be pleased to discover that non-stop flights to Madeira start from just £166 each way. When it comes to hotels the views (and pool!) at the Bela Vista Madeira come highly recommended as do the unique homes available to rent on the island through AirBnB. Happy holidaying! Words by Sarah-Rose Harrison RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Hotel review Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje National Trust is giving away free tickets this autumn Hotel review Una St Ives Cornwall DON' T MISS Fiona Bruce Sometimes I struggle not to cry November 14, 2021 17 beautiful 2021 diaries to help you to look forward to December 4, 2020 Why women leave men for women What’ s fuelling the rise of April 28, 2019 Hollywood veteran Laura Linney on plastic surgery friendship and her stellar July 3, 2017 You can shop the khaki jumpsuit from Holly Willoughby’ s new M& S July 17, 2019 The secrets and lies behind this happy family photo April 11, 2021 It’ s cocktail hour Olly Smith’ s cocktail recipes and Eleanor Maidment s canapé November 14, 2021 BBC One has revealed its Christmas TV schedule and there’ s lots December 2, 2020 YOU Beauty Box August Reviews August 1, 2017 Rome has been named the cheapest major city to visit in August 7, 2019 Popular CategoriesFood2704Life2496Fashion2240Beauty1738Celebrity1261Interiors684 Sign up for YOUMail Thanks for subscribing Please check your email to confirm (If you don't see the email, check the spam box) Fashion Beauty Celebrity Life Food Privacy & Cookies T&C Copyright 2022 - YOU Magazine. All Rights Reserved