The summer season and annual vacations are getting closer, and many are already planning where they will spend a few days of vacation. While some traditionally choose the domestic coast, others consider traveling abroad. Although Spain, Italy and Greece have been among the most sought-after European destinations for years, some tourists are increasingly looking for lesser-known places in order to avoid large crowds.
One of the destinations that has attracted more and more attention in recent years is Madeira, a Portuguese island in the middle of the Atlantic known for its spectacular landscapes. The Seixal beach stands out in particular, which, thanks to its unique appearance, became a real hit on social networks.
Located on the northern coast of the island, Seixal Beach delights with its combination of black volcanic sand, steep green cliffs and waterfalls flowing down to the Atlantic Ocean. It is precisely because of this almost unreal scene that TikTok users called it the “European Hawaii”, and numerous videos from this location have collected millions of views. Some have even suspected that the photos and videos are the result of artificial intelligence, so unreal are the scenes.
In addition to its natural beauty, Madeira also attracts those who want to avoid overcrowded tourist centers. Unlike many popular summer resorts, here there are no kilometers of hotels or crowded beaches with sunbeds. The atmosphere is much more relaxed, and the cost of stay is generally lower than in many more famous Mediterranean destinations.
Tourists can thus find more affordable accommodation, while the prices of food and drinks are relatively affordable. A glass of local draft beer usually costs around 2.5 euros, while a meal in a restaurant can be found for around 12 euros. A three-course dinner for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs around 50 euros on average.
According to Taylor Marshall of British travel agency First Choice, Madeira offers much more than beautiful beaches.
“Many visitors are surprised by how much there is beyond the coast. There are natural lava pools, ancient laurel forests, ATV rides through vineyards, mountain villages and impressive viewpoints. I especially recommend the São Vicente area, where you can try traditional dishes such as espetada, bay wood-grilled skewers, as well as fresh Atlantic fish and seafood,” said Marshall.
He added that visitors should definitely try poncha, a traditional drink that is considered one of the symbols of Madeira.
Kevin Nelson of First Choice shares a similar opinion, pointing out that many travelers automatically associate volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches with Hawaii.
“Few expect that such sights can be found relatively close to Europe. Madeira offers impressive coastlines, superb gastronomy and numerous outdoor activities throughout the year,” said Nelson.
