This Is the Most Popular Destination in the World, According to Travelers-and It's Known for Its Turquoise-blue Water

"If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway without the crowds, Madeira delivers. The under-the-radar island is the perfect escape for outdoorsy families, with whale-watching, volcanic hikes, and plenty of natural pools to dive into. Bonus: The standout namesake wine for the grownups."

"Whale watching is actually possible year-round thanks to its resident cetacean populations and good sea conditions. But if you need a more specific timeframe, try both the spring and autumn, which offer great chances at seeing everything from bottlenose dolphins to sperm whales. On rare occasions, you can spot blue whale, the humpback whale, minke whales, Risso's dolphins, killer whales, false killer whales, and more tropical species like the rough-toothed dolphin."

"This trail features diverse flora and fauna, including one of the largest colonies of seagulls in the region, which nests on the Desembarcadouro islet. On the trail, you may even spot some woodpeckers and canary birds, along with plenty of natural vegetation."

Madeira, a small Portuguese archipelago island, has been recognized as Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Destinations' Trending category for 2026. The island offers family-friendly attractions without the tourist crowds found in Lisbon and mainland Portugal. Key activities include year-round whale watching with opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and occasionally blue whales and humpbacks, with spring and autumn providing optimal viewing conditions. Hiking is another major draw, with the PR8 São Lourenço Viewpoint trail being highly rated. This moderate four-mile out-and-back trail features diverse flora and fauna, including seagull colonies, woodpeckers, and canary birds. The island also offers natural pools and local Madeira wine.

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