Madeira, the Portuguese island renowned for its volcanic cliffs and black sand beaches, is becoming more accessible to British tourists as multiple UK airlines ramp up services ahead of the busy summer.
Often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe” due to its rugged natural beauty, Madeira is gaining popularity. Responding to growing demand, airlines such as Jet2, Ryanair, and EasyJet are launching new routes and expanding flight frequencies to the island’s capital, Funchal.
Jet2 has confirmed it will begin weekly flights from Bournemouth to Funchal starting this May, operating every Thursday. Ryanair is also entering the market with new services launching the same month. The low-cost carrier will operate twice-weekly flights from Edinburgh to Funchal, flying on Wednesdays and Sundays.
In addition to these new routes, Jet2 and EasyJet are increasing their services from London Luton. Jet2 has already launched a new weekly flight earlier this month, departing every Monday. EasyJet plans to introduce two new services in June, flying every Monday and Friday.
According to Madeira’s 2025 summer flight schedule, the number of flights from the UK to the island is projected to increase by 12%, from 349 flights in 2024 to 390 in 2025. Flights from the UK to Funchal typically take around four hours, and one-way tickets can be found from as little as £70.
Madeira’s striking scenery has drawn comparisons to top global destinations. Travel enthusiasts on TikTok have praised its picturesque towns, dramatic landscapes and outdoor activities. One user called the island “a gorgeous Portuguese paradise that has everything,” while another dubbed it the “Hawaii of Europe.”
Despite its compact size, Madeira offers an abundance of attractions. The capital, Funchal, sits between steep hills and the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can take a scenic cable car ride from the historic old town to the hillside suburb of Monte, offering panoramic island views.
Funchal is also home to notable historic sites, including the 16th-century Gothic-style Funchal Cathedral and the 17th-century São Tiago Fortress, originally built to protect the city from pirate attacks.
Wine tourism is another major draw. Guided tours depart from Funchal to visit local vineyards and cellars, where travelers can sample Madeira’s world-famous fortified wine.
Beyond the city, the northern village of Santana captures visitors’ imaginations with its traditional A-frame thatched cottages, often likened to a living postcard.
Although Madeira’s coastline is more rocky than sandy due to its volcanic nature, it offers several idyllic swimming options.
These include artificial sea pools and natural formations, like the renowned Porto Moniz natural swimming pool, which is carved into the lava rock.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the island is considered a haven for hiking. It boasts nearly 1,800 kilometers of trails, from coastal paths to mountain routes. The levadas – historic irrigation channels that snake through the landscape – offer some of the most scenic routes, especially along the north coast. On the southern side, trails reward hikers with sweeping views over Funchal.
However, as of January this year, visitors must pay a small conservation fee of €3 (around £2.50) to explore some of the most popular hiking routes. The funds go to the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF) to support environmental protection and trail maintenance.
With enhanced air connectivity and a wide range of natural and cultural experiences, Madeira is poised to become one of the most sought-after summer getaways for UK travellers in 2025.