{"id":886036,"date":"2026-02-17T13:49:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T12:49:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=886036"},"modified":"2026-02-17T13:49:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T12:49:39","slug":"top-trending-travel-destination-madeira","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/top-trending-travel-destination-madeira\/","title":{"rendered":"I Visited Top Trending Travel Destination Madeira \u2013 What I Learnt Might Surprise You\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In case you missed it,&nbsp;a small&nbsp;Portuguese&nbsp;archipelago&nbsp;in the&nbsp;North Atlantic Ocean&nbsp;has been named the top trending travel destination of 2026&nbsp;in TripAdvisor\u2019s annual&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTrending-g1#filters-area\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travellers\u2019 Choice Awards<\/a>:&nbsp;Madeira.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This volcanic island&nbsp;has captured the hearts of visitors since the 1850s when the first tourist guide to Madeira appeared, but as modern travelers look beyond well-known destinations and tourist paths, Madeira has found a new and rapidly-growing audience in recent years. I took a trip there and realized why this magical island was connecting with so many people \u2013&nbsp;and what it reveals about current travel trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-madeira-a-top-trending-travel-destination-nbsp\">Why is Madeira a top trending travel destination?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I visited Madeira in September 2025 and spent a week exploring as much as I could. After\u00a0reflecting on\u00a0both\u00a0the reasons\u00a0that made me go\u00a0and what I experienced while I was there,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0clear why Madeira\u00a0has been skyrocketing in popularity over the last\u00a0five years \u2014 the ever-evolving needs and wants of\u00a0travelers\u00a0appear to be\u00a0neatly\u00a0wrapped up in this Portuguese island.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connecting with nature has been gradually rising on\u00a0travelers\u2019\u00a0priorities. Airbnb&#8217;s travel trends\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.airbnb.com\/en-uk\/top-summer-travel-trends-and-destinations-for-uk-travellers-in-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">report<\/a>\u00a0for 2025 found that\u00a0\u201cdemand is soaring for mountain towns and rugged coastlines that offer real adventure\u201d, and that\u2019s\u00a0Madeira\u00a0in a nutshell.\u00a0Its\u00a0beautiful natural environment is ripe for exploring\u00a0whether\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0through\u00a0dense\u00a0ancestral\u00a0forests, towering mountain\u00a0peaks,\u00a0or\u00a0the island\u2019s famous\u00a0levadas\u00a0(aqueducts that have become hiking routes through the\u00a0hills). Small towns dot the coastline and are peppered throughout the island&#8217;s famously winding, rugged roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"madeira\" class=\"wp-image-886069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design-2-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Seixal natural pools; fanal forest; Pico do Arieiro (left to right)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira&nbsp;also encourages&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/jomo-nature-experiences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u2018JOMO\u2019<\/a>&nbsp;(joy of missing out), a trend where travelers prioritize making their own way&nbsp;off the beaten track and avoiding the crowds of busier destinations.&nbsp;With its impressive trails, craggy&nbsp;coastline&nbsp;and opportunity to find hidden gems,&nbsp;Madeira is&nbsp;simultaneously safe and accessible, while also full of adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a far cry from a city break, but that&#8217;s exactly why it&#8217;s so popular. Where else can you hike to the top of a mountain for sunrise, swim among the crashing waves of the Atlantic in natural pools, relax at a winery, stroll through tropical botanic gardens, and go whale watching all in one day? Not forgetting smaller attractions like the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bam-centrodabananadamadeira.pt\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">banana museum<\/a>\u00a0(yes, really),\u00a0colorful\u00a0fruit markets of Funchal\u2019s old town, and the unique 19th century tradition of\u00a0tobogganing\u00a0down the mountain, to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its balmy climate is yet one more&nbsp;notch in Madeira\u2019s belt.&nbsp;Known as the \u2018island of eternal spring\u2019,&nbsp;it&nbsp;benefits&nbsp;from a temperate year-round climate with average temperatures of 19\u00b0C (66\u00b0F) in winter and 30\u00baC (86\u00baF) in the summer. While&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;a higher chance of rain during the winter months, even its off-season is incredibly mild compared to much of Europe&nbsp;thanks to its latitude, which is 805 km (500 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So yes,&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;no doubt that&nbsp;Madeira is worthy of the hype.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__card-wrapper related-blog-2\">\n    <div class=\"tf__post-card\" style=\"background: linear-gradient(\n        rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.44), rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.44)), url(https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/1970\/01\/red-morley-hewitt-u5_6soWCAgg-unsplash.jpg) no-repeat center center \/ cover;\">\n        <div style=\"padding-top:50px; padding-bottom:50px;\" class=\"tf__post-card-content\">\n            <span>Related blog<\/span>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/jomo-nature-experiences\/\" title=\"Embrace a summer of &#8216;JOMO&#8217; with 10 back-to-nature experiences\">\n                <h2 style=\"max-width: none;\">Embrace a summer of &#8216;JOMO&#8217; with 10 back-to-nature experiences<\/h2>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-madeira-has-changed-nbsp\">How Madeira has changed&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>TripAdvisor describes&nbsp;Madeira&nbsp;as an \u2018under-the-radar island\u2019,&nbsp;but locals (and&nbsp;travelers&nbsp;like me) might disagree.&nbsp;With a 17% increase in flight capacity for UK&nbsp;travelers&nbsp;between March 2025 and March 2026 and increased routes across Europe,&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;now easier than ever to get to this once-remote destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a finite amount of space and delicate natural&nbsp;ecosystems,&nbsp;the island is&nbsp;putting measures in place to deal&nbsp;with the&nbsp;increase in visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira\u2019s natural beauty is a huge draw, but&nbsp;a sudden influx of&nbsp;tourists is endangering the very thing that brought them there. As of early 2026,&nbsp;the otherworldly Fanal Forest, one of Europe\u2019s last remaining subtropical laurel forests,&nbsp;is now fenced off and requires paid entry. The barriers were built to protect&nbsp;the fragile root systems and trees&nbsp;themselves&nbsp;from the trampling of mass tourism, but&nbsp;the magic of this once fairytale area has dimmed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/johannes-kopf-ACvGWaFGIsQ-unsplash-edited.jpg\" alt=\"fanal forest madeira\" class=\"wp-image-886056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/johannes-kopf-ACvGWaFGIsQ-unsplash-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/johannes-kopf-ACvGWaFGIsQ-unsplash-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/johannes-kopf-ACvGWaFGIsQ-unsplash-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/johannes-kopf-ACvGWaFGIsQ-unsplash-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fanal forest, Madeira<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access and fees for Madeira\u2019s\u00a0hiking routes are also changing. In early 2025\u00a0entry fees\u00a0were announced across 30 different trails, which previously applied to just 7.\u00a0As of 2026 that fee is increasing from \u20ac3 to \u20ac4.50, with caps on visitor numbers being brought in through a booking system \u2014\u00a0all hikers, including residents and those under 12 years of age, will now have to book a 30-minute entry window,\u00a0of which there are a limited number\u00a0(residents do not have to pay, however).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is to spread out the arrival of walkers throughout the day, minimizing congestion and directing funds towards maintenance and conservation of the\u00a0levadas\u00a0and trails.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>None of these are necessarily negative developments; similar implementations are being seen across the globe, from Hawaii&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2025\/may\/05\/hawaii-bill-tax-hotel-tourist-green-fee\">Green Fee<\/a> to Greece&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.opengov.gr\/minfin\/?p=12150\">Climate Resilience Fee<\/a>. Madeira&#8217;s hiking trails are one of its main draws, and the sheer number of tourists requires upkeep and preservation (particularly after the 2024 wildfires, which closed\u00a0a number of\u00a0trails).\u00a0But what it does mean is that greater planning is involved in visiting an island which is still figuring out how best to deal with its newfound fame. It&#8217;s worth considering that its most popular year might not be the best time to go to this top trending travel destination.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luis-cardoso-d3I85kxrZLE-unsplash-edited.jpg\" alt=\"levada in madeira\" class=\"wp-image-886057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luis-cardoso-d3I85kxrZLE-unsplash-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luis-cardoso-d3I85kxrZLE-unsplash-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luis-cardoso-d3I85kxrZLE-unsplash-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/luis-cardoso-d3I85kxrZLE-unsplash-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>One of Madeira&#8217;s many levadas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m&nbsp;certainly not saying&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;go to Madeira&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;&nbsp;I\u2019m&nbsp;saying&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;best not to go&nbsp;<em>right&nbsp;now<\/em>. Madeira is&nbsp;one of the most incredible places&nbsp;I\u2019ve&nbsp;visited&nbsp;and&nbsp;tourism is a&nbsp;vital&nbsp;industry there,&nbsp;but&nbsp;becoming a viral or&nbsp;top trending travel&nbsp;destination&nbsp;can put pressure on local people,&nbsp;services&nbsp;and the environment. If you&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;want to visit Madeira&nbsp;during what looks set to be&nbsp;its busiest year, here are some alternatives that still capture its spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-these-destinations-instead-nbsp-for-now\">Consider these destinations instead&nbsp;(for now)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s\u00a0impossible to promise a like-for-like swap for Madeira\u00a0\u2014 after all,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a volcanic island\u00a0with a unique European character off the northwest coast of Africa. But much of what is drawing people to Madeira can be found in other destinations, whether that&#8217;s stunning natural beauty, gorgeous coastlines, hiking trails or exploring off the beaten path. These options\u00a0are more accessible and currently have better-equipped infrastructure to deal with visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are also destinations you can visit as part of a guided tour with Trafalgar, confident in the knowledge that the combination of intentional\u00a0travel, authentic experiences and Local Specialists mean\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0leaving each destination better than when you found it. Trafalgar&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-gb\/about-us\/make-travel-matter\">MAKE TRAVEL MATTER\u00ae<\/a> Experiences\u00a0are assessed against a\u202frobust set of criteria directly tied to the\u202f United Nations Sustainable Development Goals\u202f(SDGs), chosen with great care based on their positive social or environmental impact \u2013\u00a0and there&#8217;s one on every tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, you have guaranteed&nbsp;accommodation&nbsp;and a spread of incredible experiences that have been expertly curated to give you an authentic picture of each place. Forget waiting in line, booking tickets or restaurants \u2013&nbsp;your itinerary has everything taken care of, with dedicated Travel Directors to support with any extra queries or requests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-scotland-nbsp\">Scotland&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/skye-fairy-pool-edited.jpg\" alt=\"isle of skye fairy pools\" class=\"wp-image-886049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/skye-fairy-pool-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/skye-fairy-pool-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/skye-fairy-pool-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/skye-fairy-pool-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swap&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/food-and-wine-enthusiasts\/traditional-madeira-food\/poncha\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">poncha<\/a>&nbsp;for whisky&nbsp;on a trip to the Isle of Skye. The&nbsp;Hebridean&nbsp;island\u2019s famed&nbsp;Cuillin&nbsp;hills provide ample trails and elevation for those still wanting a hike with a view from the top, while the beautiful Fairy Pools&nbsp;offer a spectacular place for a swim (if&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;brave enough). Scotland&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;famed for its weather, but&nbsp;the&nbsp;sweeping&nbsp;landscapes are made&nbsp;all the more&nbsp;dramatic by a spot of rain or descending mist \u2013&nbsp;and when the sun does come out, it&#8217;s all the more magical.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal flipped-tour\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35; margin: 20px 0px; margin-left: -40px; z-index: 99;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #fff\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/scotland-s-highlands-islands-and-cities\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"color:#fff; max-width: none;\">Scotland&#8217;s Highlands, Islands and Cities<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n\n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#FFFFFF; color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_hero\" style=\"flex: 1;\nmax-height: 100%;\nposition: relative;\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/13414\/scotlands-highlands-islands-cities-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover; height: 100%;\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 0;\n    width: 100%;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-iceland-nbsp\">Iceland&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iceland-Kirkjufell-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Kirkjufell waterfall iceland\" class=\"wp-image-886051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iceland-Kirkjufell-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iceland-Kirkjufell-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iceland-Kirkjufell-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iceland-Kirkjufell-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kirkjufell waterfall, Iceland<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira is a volcanic&nbsp;island,&nbsp;but Iceland offers greater chance to see volcanic activity in action along with waterfalls,&nbsp;glaciers&nbsp;and lava fields \u2013&nbsp;all of which you can spot when you travel to the&nbsp;Sn\u00e6fellsnes&nbsp;Peninsula&nbsp;with&nbsp;us.&nbsp;These sea-swept landscapes show the incredible range of Iceland\u2019s unique geography all in one place (it\u2019s&nbsp;fondly known as \u2018Iceland in miniature\u2019).&nbsp;Watch for seals basking on black sand beaches and admire the fairy-tale mountain of&nbsp;Kirkjufell&nbsp;that rises like a spire beside the sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the same trip, feel the heat of the volcanic activity beneath the earth\u2019s surface at the geothermal lagoon&nbsp;surrounded by lava fields \u2013 full of minerals and wonderfully relaxing, legend has it these steaming waters&nbsp;have healing powers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal flipped-tour\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35; margin: 20px 0px; margin-left: -40px; z-index: 99;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #fff\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/iceland-including-the-blue-lagoon\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"color:#fff; max-width: none;\">Iceland Highlights<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n\n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#FFFFFF; color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_hero\" style=\"flex: 1;\nmax-height: 100%;\nposition: relative;\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/13504\/iceland-including-blue-lagoon-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover; height: 100%;\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 0;\n    width: 100%;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-albania-nbsp\">Albania&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Getty-1408834927-edited.jpg\" alt=\" view from Himare Castle\" class=\"wp-image-886061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Getty-1408834927-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Getty-1408834927-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Getty-1408834927-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Getty-1408834927-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>View from Himar\u00eb Castle<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Albanian Riviera, a stretch of crystal coastline which stretches from&nbsp;Vlor\u00eb&nbsp;to&nbsp;Ksamil,&nbsp;may well be on its way to being a top trending travel destination \u2013 but do it right and it&#8217;s relatively quiet compared with other popular European destinations.&nbsp;With us, your coastal day in the Riviera starts in&nbsp;Vlor\u00eb&nbsp;for a day exploring with your Local Specialist. Soak up the charm of&nbsp;the charming coastal town of&nbsp;Himar\u00eb,&nbsp;and&nbsp;take&nbsp;a dip&nbsp;in the crystal waters of&nbsp;Spile beach, and indulge in the local specialties \u2013 ordering&nbsp;fresh local seafood&nbsp;here is&nbsp;a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal flipped-tour\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35; margin: 20px 0px; margin-left: -40px; z-index: 99;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #fff\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n            <a href=\"http:\/\/pending\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"color:#fff; max-width: none;\">Balkans Coast Explorer<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n\n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#FFFFFF; color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_hero\" style=\"flex: 1;\nmax-height: 100%;\nposition: relative;\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/u5tdaan3\/aerial-view-skanderbeg-square-tirana-albania.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover; height: 100%;\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 0;\n    width: 100%;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hawai-i-nbsp\">Hawai&#8217;i&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kauai-hawaii-edited.jpg\" alt=\"kauai hawaii coastline\" class=\"wp-image-886054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kauai-hawaii-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kauai-hawaii-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kauai-hawaii-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kauai-hawaii-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kauai, Hawai&#8217;i<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira has been dubbed the \u2018Hawai&#8217;i of Europe\u2019&nbsp;(mainly&nbsp;on&nbsp;social media, though locals&nbsp;aren\u2019t&nbsp;particularly fond of the comparison)&nbsp;but particularly for American&nbsp;travelers, it might make more sense to visit&nbsp;the real deal&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;not&nbsp;only is it&nbsp;closer to home and decreases your air mileage,&nbsp;but it\u2019s&nbsp;full of its own unique culture, natural beauty and gorgeous beaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you travel with&nbsp;us&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;cover all corners of the Hawaiian islands, from&nbsp;Waikiki&#8217;s&nbsp;UNESCO Hawaii Volcanoes National Park&nbsp;and&nbsp;Punalu\u2019u&nbsp;Beach Park turtles,&nbsp;to&nbsp;the giant manta rays&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Kona shores&nbsp;and Maui\u2019s dormant volcanoes, black sand beaches and whale watching.&nbsp;You\u2019ll&nbsp;even meet the locals who run&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/konaseasalt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kona Salt Farm<\/a>, learning their craft and how&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;unique to the Hawaiian ocean.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal flipped-tour\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35; margin: 20px 0px; margin-left: -40px; z-index: 99;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #fff\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/hawaii-four-island-adventure\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"color:#fff; max-width: none;\">Hawaii Four Island Adventure<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n\n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#FFFFFF; color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_hero\" style=\"flex: 1;\nmax-height: 100%;\nposition: relative;\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/14256\/hawaii-four-island-adventure-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover; height: 100%;\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 0;\n    width: 100%;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-croatia-nbsp\">Croatia&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Fantastic-view-in-the-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-Croatia-bright-475221432-edited.jpg\" alt=\"waterfalls in plitvice national park\" class=\"wp-image-886055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Fantastic-view-in-the-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-Croatia-bright-475221432-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Fantastic-view-in-the-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-Croatia-bright-475221432-edited-330x185.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Fantastic-view-in-the-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-Croatia-bright-475221432-edited-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Large-Fantastic-view-in-the-Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-Croatia-bright-475221432-edited-1536x863.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Plitvi\u010de National Park, Croatia<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Croatia\u2019s&nbsp;Plitvi\u010de&nbsp;National Park boasts over 90 cascades and waterfalls \u2013&nbsp;so if dramatic scenery is something&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;after on vacation, Croatia certainly delivers. With Trafalgar&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;explore it in depth with a guided walking tour of&nbsp;one of the oldest and largest national parks in&nbsp;the country.&nbsp;Admire views of the canyon before heading down into the canyon to Kozjek Lake with a Local Specialist, who will reveal&nbsp;how these beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine for generations to come.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This UNESCO-listed protected area is home to bears,&nbsp;wolves&nbsp;and many rare bird species. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 &amp; 15: Life Below Water &amp; Life on your Land.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tf__box horizontal flipped-tour\" style=\"height:100%\" data-module-name=\"Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2024\">\n    <div class=\"tf__box_container\" style=\"background-color:#4B6B35; margin: 20px 0px; margin-left: -40px; z-index: 99;\">\n        <div class=\"tf__box_title\" style=\"color: #fff\">\n            <span class=\"tf__box_title-text\">Go on tour<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"tf__box_content\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/best-of-croatia-and-slovenia\" data-item-type=\"navigation\" data-item-name=\"View Trip\">\n            <p class=\"box-header\" style=\"color:#fff; max-width: none;\">Best of Croatia and Slovenia<\/p>\n\t\t\t<br>\n\n                <button class=\"tf__button\" style=\"background-color:#FFFFFF; color:#4B6B35\">View Trip<\/button>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"tf__box_hero\" style=\"flex: 1;\nmax-height: 100%;\nposition: relative;\">\n        <div style=\"background: url(https:\/\/content1.travcorpservices.com\/media\/xqjjshap\/best-croatia-slovenia-guided-tour.jpg?width=1300&#038;height=1300&#038;mode=crop) no-repeat center center \/ cover; height: 100%;\n    position: absolute;\n    right: 0;\n    top: 0;\n    width: 100%;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>What do you think of this year\u2019s top trending travel destination? Let us know in the comments.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In case you missed it,&nbsp;a small&nbsp;Portuguese&nbsp;archipelago&nbsp;in the&nbsp;North Atlantic Ocean&nbsp;has been named the top trending travel destination of 2026&nbsp;in TripAdvisor\u2019s annual&nbsp;Travellers\u2019 Choice Awards:&nbsp;Madeira.&nbsp; This volcanic island&nbsp;has captured the hearts of visitors since the 1850s when the first tourist guide to Madeira appeared, but as modern travelers look beyond well-known destinations and tourist paths, Madeira has found [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":886059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/top-trending-travel-destination-madeira\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I Visited Top Trending Travel Destination Madeira \u2013 What I Learnt Might Surprise You\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Madeira is 2026&#039;s top trending travel destination \u2013\u00a0what this travel writer learned when she visited might surprise you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/top-trending-travel-destination-madeira\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-17T12:49:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" 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