Madeira has once again claimed the title of the World’s Leading Island Destination, earning the prestigious honor for the eleventh consecutive year at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
The ceremony, held in Bahrain in early December, reaffirmed the Portuguese archipelago’s position at the top of global island tourism, placing it ahead of world-famous destinations such as Bali, Hawaii, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Zanzibar.
The repeated recognition highlights Madeira’s rare ability to combine natural beauty, high-quality infrastructure, and a long-term tourism strategy that continues to resonate with travelers worldwide.
This latest award also capped a strong year for Portugal overall, which collected multiple accolades across various categories. For Madeira, however, the distinction carries particular weight. Winning the same global title for more than a decade signals not only consistency, but also a clear vision for sustainable growth, destination management, and visitor satisfaction.
It reflects years of coordinated work between local authorities, tourism operators, and communities committed to preserving the islands’ character while welcoming the world.
A Decade of Global Leadership
Madeira’s journey to becoming a global tourism benchmark did not happen overnight. Since first receiving the title in 2013, the archipelago has accumulated more than two dozen World Travel Awards at both European and global levels. This sustained recognition has helped position Madeira as a destination known for reliability, quality, and innovation rather than short-lived trends.
The competition for the 2025 title was particularly strong, with more than a dozen island destinations from across the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia vying for the same honor. Madeira’s continued success underscores its ability to stand out in an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape.
Judges and industry professionals consistently point to the islands’ balance between accessibility, environmental stewardship, and diverse visitor experiences as key differentiators.
Sustainability, Experience, and Record Tourism Growth
A major factor behind Madeira’s enduring appeal is its focus on sustainable, year-round tourism. The islands have successfully diversified beyond seasonal travel, offering experiences that cater to different interests throughout the year.
Volcanic scenery, coastal cliffs, and historic levada trails attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, while Porto Santo’s beaches appeal to families and leisure travelers. Cultural events, from Carnival celebrations to the Atlantic Festival and internationally acclaimed New Year’s Eve fireworks, further strengthen Madeira’s global profile.
The 2025 World Travel Awards also recognized Madeira as a finalist in categories including adventure tourism, festivals and events, and beach destinations, reflecting the archipelago’s broad appeal. Porto Santo continued to receive praise for its coastline, while emerging spots such as Prainha do Caniçal gained international attention.
Tourism data supports the accolades. In 2024, Madeira welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors and recorded nearly 11.7 million overnight stays, the highest figures in its history. Tourism revenue exceeded 750 million euros, marking significant year-on-year growth.
Early indicators from 2025 suggest this momentum is continuing, reinforcing Madeira’s status not just as an award-winning destination, but as one travelers actively choose again and again.
