Madeira: A Paradise in Peril
Known for its breathtaking hiking trails, dramatic volcanic peaks, and crystal-clear blue waters, Madeira has become a popular destination for tourists in recent years. Its stunning natural beauty and strategic location in the Atlantic make it a unique spot that is often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’. The island has also been recognized as the world’s number one Trending Destination for 2026 in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards.
This summer, Madeira is set to become more accessible for British travelers, which has sparked concern among locals who are increasingly frustrated with the rising number of foreign visitors. The island is enhancing its connectivity to the UK, with a total of 55 flights departing each week during the peak summer season from major airports.
Flights from London to Madeira will see an 11% increase, with easyJet offering twice weekly routes from Luton Airport, and an additional Monday departure by Jet2. Direct, one-way easyJet flights from Luton to Madeira start at just £42 in July on Skyscanner.
Travelers from the South West of England will also benefit from improved flexibility, as Bristol Airport increases direct routes to the island from four to five per week. Meanwhile, Bournemouth Airport, which launched direct routes to Funchal last summer, is set to welcome back weekly Jet2 flights.
Multiple weekly flights will also operate from major hubs across the UK, including Belfast, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle.
A Growing Tourism Boom
Madeira is renowned for its distinctive landscapes, which include rugged peaks, lush Levada trails, and miles of golden and black-sand beaches. In recent years, the island has experienced a surge in visitors, with nearly six million overnight stays recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
However, local frustration has reached a boiling point, and the increase in flights is expected to worsen the situation. As tourism booms, local costs have risen, and trails that were once quiet have become overcrowded, making it harder for residents to enjoy their surroundings.
On Reddit, Madeira residents have expressed their anger over what they call ‘parasitic’ tourists, who are putting a strain on resources and driving up housing prices. One resident wrote: ‘There are complaints about the strain on resources like water and electricity, the increase in prices for housing, and the sense that some areas are becoming almost unrecognizable due to commercialization.’
Another added: ‘We mostly don’t mind if people are respectful, come in and leave. Our issue with tourists started when people started to destroy things, leave trash everywhere, park like t***s, and make it impossible for us to visit all the beautiful places you wanna see.’
A third person shared: ‘I own a small hostel in the city centre, and I noticed a decrease in quality in terms of the tourists we get, especially after low-cost flight companies (Ryanair and others) started operating here. Is it good for the business? Sure. For the island as a whole? Not really.’
A fourth chimed in: ‘You can stop tourists from not spending money here. If there’s nothing cheap they won’t come. Simple as. Guess what is cheap? The housing we lost.’
Tourism isn’t bad by default, parasitic tourism is. We have cheap tourist because we have cheap options. Erase those and they’re gone.
Tackling Overtourism
To address the growing problem of overtourism, as of February, international visitors have been required to pay a €4.50 (£3.92) fee for a ticket to access the island’s famous hiking trails. This fee must be used within a 30-minute time frame.
Holidaymakers can save money if they book with a tour operator, as they will only be charged €3 (£2.61). Each booking slot will have a limit on how many people can attend, which officials hope will help manage busier periods.
Those aged under 12 and residents do not have to pay but must still book a slot.
