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Voted the best island in the world 11 times, Madeira Island combines ancient forest, volcanic landscapes, famous wines, and attractions related to Cristiano Ronaldo.
About 900 kilometers from the Portuguese mainland coast, there is a volcanic island called Madeira Island that has achieved something rare in world tourism: being voted the best island in the world for 11 consecutive years in one of the main international awards in the sector.
Located in the North Atlantic, it occupies only 737 km², but combines a difficult-to-find mix in any other European destination: dramatic mountains, prehistoric forests, mild climate almost all year round, and a direct connection with one of the most famous athletes in history.
In recent years, Madeira Island has also increasingly attracted Brazilians in search of nature, safety, gastronomy, and pleasant temperatures during all seasons. The territory is part of Portugal, but the feeling for many visitors is of being in a separate world, surrounded by the ocean and landscapes that seem straight out of a documentary.
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A volcanic island in the Atlantic that conquered world tourism for over a decade and was considered the best island in the world
The island is part of the Madeira archipelago, discovered by Portuguese navigators in the early 15th century. Despite being relatively small in territorial area, it has become one of the most awarded tourist destinations on the planet.
The international recognition did not happen by chance. The combination of steep mountains, coastal cliffs, deep valleys, panoramic trails, and lush vegetation has turned the region into a reference for tourists interested in nature and adventure.
Another differentiator is the climate. Even during the European winter, temperatures tend to remain mild, a factor that helps explain the growing presence of visitors from different parts of the world, including Brazil.
The forest that survived for millions of years and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Among the most impressive attractions of the island is the Laurisilva Forest, considered one of the most important natural treasures in Europe.
UNESCO recognized the area as a World Heritage Site due to its ecological importance and the fact that it preserves characteristics of ancient subtropical forests that covered large parts of southern Europe millions of years ago.
Paleobotanical records indicate that formations of this type have existed in Madeira for at least 1.8 million years, while studies on the ecosystem associate its origin with much older forests, remnants of subtropical environments that dominated the Mediterranean region before the major climate changes of the geological past.
Today, trails cross areas covered by centuries-old trees, mosses, lichens, and species that have practically disappeared from other parts of the European continent.
Historic wines helped transform the island into an international reference
Long before becoming a famous tourist destination, the island was already known for another reason: wine. The so-called Madeira Wine became one of Portugal’s most emblematic products and gained international fame over the centuries.
The beverage was exported to various continents and was even consumed by important historical figures during the European maritime expansion.
The tradition remains alive to this day. Wineries, historic cellars, and gastronomic tours are part of the experience offered to visitors, complementing the nature tourism that dominates the region.
The birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be one of the main attractions
Besides the natural landscapes, the island is known worldwide for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The star was born in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, in 1985, and the relationship between the player and the island remains extremely strong to this day.
The presence of Ronaldo can be felt in various tourist spots. The archipelago hosts the CR7 Museum, dedicated to the athlete’s career, as well as statues, themed spaces, and even an international airport that bears his name.
For many tourists, especially football fans, visiting the island also means exploring places connected to the journey of one of the most famous players in the history of the sport.
Mountains, cliffs, and trails help explain the fascination of visitors on Madeira Island
Although international fame is often associated with wine or Cristiano Ronaldo, the main star remains the landscape of Madeira Island itself.
The volcanic origin created impressive scenery, with high mountains, slopes covered with vegetation, and cliffs that plunge directly into the Atlantic.
The trails known as “levadas” traverse different parts of the island and allow visitors to walk through forests, tunnels, mountains, and virtually untouched valleys. This set of features has made Madeira a reference for ecotourism and adventure tourism.
At the same time, cities like Funchal offer modern infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, and services that help balance nature and comfort.
Why so many Brazilians are discovering this Portuguese destination
The combination of language, safety, pleasant climate, and ease of access through Europe has made Madeira increasingly popular among Brazilians.
Unlike destinations that rely solely on beaches or large urban centers, the island manages to bring together very distinct experiences in a relatively small space. In a few hours, it is possible to move from coastal areas to mountainous regions covered by ancient vegetation.
This diversity helps explain why the territory continues to gain international recognition and attract visitors of different profiles, from nature lovers to football fans and wine tourism enthusiasts.
Few places on the planet can combine a prehistoric forest recognized by UNESCO, historic wines, volcanic origin, dramatic landscapes, and the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo in just 737 km².
Perhaps it is precisely this unlikely mix that explains why the island continues to be repeatedly ranked as one of the most desired in the world.
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