Vlogger's 'Ridiculous' Discovery in Madeira, Europe's 'Hawaii' Near UK
A travel vlogger has shared his experience visiting Madeira, a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, which has been labelled the 'Hawaii of Europe'. Ben Morris embarked on a four-day adventure to this autonomous region of Portugal, located approximately 500 miles from the mainland, and declared that what he witnessed was 'ridiculous' in the best possible way.
Affordable and Accessible Paradise
Madeira offers a compelling destination for UK travellers, with flights from London taking an average of 3 hours and 55 minutes and return tickets available for as little as £61 on airlines like Ryanair, according to Skyscanner. In April, temperatures can reach highs of 22°C, making it an attractive option for those seeking a subtropical escape without venturing too far from home.
This accessibility, combined with its natural beauty, has earned Madeira the top spot in TripAdvisor's Best of the Best Destinations at the 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards. Ben began his journey intrigued by this accolade and the 'Hawaii' comparison, which he initially viewed as a 'big claim' worth investigating firsthand.
Exploring Madeira's Diverse Landscapes
Upon arrival, Ben rented a car and drove along the southern coast to his Airbnb, which provided 'incredible' views of the ocean and rugged terrain. His itinerary included:
- A visit to Porto da Cruz in the northeast, where he enjoyed surfing, describing it as a 'lot of fun'.
- A stop at the surfing village of Paul do Mar in the west, where he savoured a 'delicious' grilled sea bass and encountered a friendly local cat.
However, it was a spontaneous drive further up the coast that led to his most memorable moment. Ben stumbled upon a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Paul do Mar, capturing a scene of lush green mountains descending to the village, with white waves crashing against the shoreline under a bright blue sky.
'It Doesn't Get Much Better Than That'
Filming the majestic panorama, Ben exclaimed, 'This is actually just ridiculous. It doesn't get much better than that. That is a little village, Paul do Mar, where we just were. We had lunch somewhere down there. Look at these waves from above. That is just insane.' His reaction highlights the island's stunning and often unexpected vistas, which left him in awe.
Reflecting on the 'Hawaii of Europe' moniker at the end of his trip, Ben offered a nuanced perspective. He suggested that the comparison 'kind of does it a disservice', arguing that Madeira isn't trying to emulate Hawaii but stands out on its own merits, possibly boosted by clever tourism marketing.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Despite his critique of the label, Ben wholeheartedly recommends visiting Madeira, cautioning only that it might not meet preconceived notions of Hawaii. He also shared a practical tip based on his experience in the Fanal Enchanted Forest, where he was caught in the rain: 'Just don't forget your coat.' This advice underscores the island's varied microclimates, which can shift from sunny beaches to misty forests.
In summary, Ben's journey reveals Madeira as a unique and affordable destination with dramatic landscapes, vibrant villages, and easy access from the UK. Whether or not it lives up to the 'Hawaii' hype, his 'ridiculous' discovery proves it's a place worth exploring for its own distinctive charm.
