The ‘Hawaii of Europe’ Is 2026’s Top Trending Destination

Still searching for the perfect vacation to book for 2026? Tropical getaways are seemingly on everyone’s radar, especially in the midst of a particularly harsh winter for much of the U.S. A sunny, tropical location sounds like a dream to us, but if you’ve already taken a Caribbean cruise or gone snorkeling in Mexico, you may want to consider the islands that have been named the top trending destination in 2026 in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations. 

The “Hawaii of Europe”

Hawaii has long been a favorite getaway spot for Americans, but across the Atlantic, there’s an archipelago that has a similarly dramatic volcanic landscape, plus sunny weather and spectacular beaches. The Macronesian archipelago of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, comprises four islands in the North Atlantic, off the northwestern coast of Africa, about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands. 

Similar to the Aloha State, these islands have volcanic origins that reveal Earth’s dynamic geological processes. Roughly 5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions expelled rocks, ash, and lava from deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of the four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Selvagens, and Desertas. But like Hawaii, the islands of Madeira aren’t made of just black lava rock; instead, peaks are carpeted in lush greenery and endemic flora such as exotic orchids and proteas.    

The island of Madeira also boasts the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. Covering around 58 square miles, it’s a 15 million- to 40 million-year-old relic of the larger ancient subtropical rainforest that once covered much of Southern Europe. The forest is home to a unique network of more than 200 irrigation channels or aqueducts called levadas that were built in the 16th century and today serve as nature trails. The paths traverse tunnels, lush forests, and waterfalls, earning Madeira its other famous moniker, “Island of Eternal Spring.” Popular scenic levada routes include Levada do Rei (PR18) and Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9).

You could easily spend multiple days taking in the gorgeous natural beauty of the islands by hiking the levadas, wandering the landscaped lawns at Madeira Botanical Garden, sunbathing on the golden sand at Calheta Beach or Machico Bay, or taking a dip in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz (which were formed by volcanic rocks). 

Historical Traditions

If you’re looking to experience art, food, and culture, Madeira has plenty of that, too. The birthplace of famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is a melting pot of European, African, and South American cultural influences due to its history of trade and colonization. During the 15th century, the island of Madeira was cleared for agriculture in order to become a major European producer of sugar cane and wheat, but later it became more popular for its vineyards, which cultivated grapes to make the famous Madeira wine. (Blandy’s Wine Lodge is an excellent spot to try it.) 

In addition to fortified wine, Madeira is famous for poncha, a cocktail featuring honey, sugarcane spirit, and citrus, typically mixed with a traditional wooden stick called a caralhinho. There are also colorful festivals such as Carnival, the Flower Festival, and the Atlantic Festival. Bordado Madeira (Madeira embroidery) — a world-renowned craft passed down through generations — is another cultural highlight. 

In Madeira, visitors can experience these traditions firsthand, as well as wander the colorful capital of Funchal, which is named after the Portuguese word for the sweet-smelling fennel herb. Be sure to take the cable car to Monte to visit the historic, 18th-century church; see the large collection of African sculptures and koi ponds at Monte Palace Tropical Garden; and take a ride in the famous Monte Sledges, a 19th-century tradition in which passengers ride downhill in wicker toboggans maneuvered by two carreiros (drivers) wearing traditional white uniforms and straw hats.

Other Top Trending Destinations in 2026

With so much unique history, natural beauty, and culture, Madeira is destined to be an adventurous holiday to remember, which is why it’s gaining so much popularity among travelers. But why stop there? In addition to the Portuguese archipelago, here are nine other trending destinations making waves in 2026, according to Travelers’ Choice reviews on TripAdvisor:

• Tbilisi, Georgia (pictured)
• Chicago, Illinois
• Quy Nhon, Vietnam
• Puerto Escondido, Mexico
• Milan, Italy
• Glasgow, Scotland
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Recife, Brazil
• San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina