Should You Skip Madeira Island?
Hey there, hey my fellow wanderlust souls! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either a first-time solo traveler or thinking about hitting the road solo after your landmark 30th. If you’re wondering whether Madeira Island—one of the most hyped destinations for solo travel—is still a place to be or if it’s starting to lose its charm, I got you.
So, should you skip Madeira Island on your solo journey through the Atlantic? That’s the burning question, and your favorite Bag Lady is here to help you figure it out. Grab some tea, and let’s dig into what makes Madeira truly special (or not) for a solo traveler like yourself.
Madeira Island: A Once Hidden Gem, Now Mainstream?
First off, let’s talk about Madeira’s reputation. Known for having one of the most dangerous runway landings, for a long time, this Portuguese archipelago was a hidden gem. A place that you’d tell your friends about and watch their eyes pop out in surprise as you described the stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines, and lush mountains.
But lately, the buzz around Madeira Island is growing. It’s showing up in more and more travel blogs, Instagram feeds, and even articles that label it as one of the top solo travel destinations in Europe. But with all that attention, some of y’all might be starting to wonder—should I skip Madeira Island?
So is the Hawaii of the Atlantic still the peaceful, soul-soothing place it’s being made out to be, or has it become a bit too crowded and overhyped? Let’s break it down, shall we?
The Good News: Madeira is a Solo Traveler’s Dream…For Now
Madeira’s magic can truly shine, even when things aren’t “perfect.” Yes, the island has indeed become a little more touristy, and yes, some spots may be more crowded than you’d prefer. But, perhaps it’s in those unexpected moments—the chats with locals, the impromptu detours off the beaten path, or the moments of quiet reflection in between the crowds—that you’ll find the heart of Madeira. In the end, that’s just part of the experience
Madeira Island still has a lot of qualities that make it a dream destination for solo travelers. Here’s why:
1. Safety First, Always
If you’re over 30 and considering a solo adventure, one of the first things you’re probably thinking about is safety. And let me tell you—Madeira is one of the safest places you can visit. The locals are warm, welcoming, and used to tourists (but not to the point where it feels like a tourist trap). Crime rates are low, and the island is super walkable. Even if you’re out exploring the winding streets of Funchal at night, you can feel mostly at ease.
2. Solo Travel-Friendly Activities
Madeira offers so many solo-friendly activities that it’s hard to pick just a few! Hiking, for example, is a major highlight. The Levada walks (trails alongside ancient irrigation channels) are perfect for solo adventurers who love to get lost in nature. You can wander at your own pace, with no one to rush you. And let’s not forget the countless viewpoints that will have you stopping to snap pics every five minutes (trust me, you’ll want to).
3. The Slow Life, Perfect for Reflection
If you’re looking for a place to clear your mind and find peace, Madeira is perfect for that. There’s a slow-paced, almost meditative vibe to the island that’s hard to find today. Whether you’re chilling at a cafe or soaking up the views on a cliffside, you’ll feel this sense of serenity that helps you reconnect with yourself. The island gives you the time and space to just be—something that’s hard to find in many destinations.
4. The Unique Beauty That Feels Like Your Own Private Escape
Let’s talk about the scenery for a second. Madeira is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The island’s volcanic landscape, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. If you’re a solo traveler looking for awe-inspiring beauty without the crowds of more popular destinations like Barcelona or Paris, this is a place that can still offer that private escape. You’re not likely to feel like a cog in a tourist machine here.
So, should I skip Madeira Island? If you crave authentic beauty and time for reflection, Madeira is still the place to be. But here’s where things start to get interesting.
The Not-So-Great News: Is Madeira Losing Its Charm?
Alright, as much as I love Madeira (and trust me, I really do), the reality is that the island can start to feel a little… crowded.
1. The Tourism Boom
Madeira’s tourism has been on the rise over the past decade. With an increase in visibility and marketing, the island has been attracting more visitors than ever before. The problem? As with any destination that becomes more popular, you’re starting to see more crowds—especially during peak seasons. The charming little streets, which once felt intimate and personal, are becoming a little more congested with cruise passengers and large tour groups.
For a first-time solo traveler, this could feel a little off-putting. It’s still manageable, but if you’re looking for solitude, it might not be as easy to come by as it used to be.
2. Hype vs. Reality
Social network channels can only capture so much of a place, right? There’s a difference between the reality of a destination and what social media tells you. I’ve seen some solo travelers come to Madeira expecting a totally untouched paradise only to find that some areas are becoming increasingly commercialized. More hotels, more restaurants, more shops, more tours. The authenticity you may have been expecting might not always be there, especially in more tourist-heavy areas.
If you’ve been dreaming of a peaceful escape away from it all, you may start to wonder, should I skip Madeira Island for somewhere a little less… Insta-perfect?
3. The Cost of Popularity
With popularity comes higher prices. Yes, Madeira is still affordable compared to many other European destinations, but the cost of staying on the island is steadily climbing. From more expensive accommodations to pricier meals in touristy spots, the days of budget-friendly solo travel here might be slipping away. It’s still cheaper than many mainstream European cities, but it’s worth considering if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.
4. Increased Commercialization
The more developed Madeira gets, the more you’ll see the corporate side of tourism. Hotels, tour companies, and even local experiences are becoming more standardized. For a solo traveler who values authenticity and unique encounters, you might start asking yourself if Madeira has been overly “tourist-ized” in a way that makes it lose its original charm. It’s important to balance your expectations with the reality of modern tourism infrastructure.
The Expectation Factor: Real Travel Talk
When it comes to travel, especially as a solo traveler, expectations can be both a blessing and a curse. But here’s the thing: expectations can sometimes be the thing that trips us up. We create these images of perfection, and when the reality of a place doesn’t align with them, we end up feeling disappointed or disillusioned.
Madeira Island is a perfect example of this. You might already be picturing yourself strolling along deserted beaches, hiking through untouched landscapes without another soul in sight, and sipping coffee at a quiet local café while the sun sets over the mountains. That’s a beautiful vision, but the truth is, no place on Earth is going to be that way all the time. And that’s okay!
The key here is to let go of those perfect expectations and instead embrace the full spectrum of experience. Sometimes, travel is messy. Sometimes, it’s not just about the destination but how we show up. And that means recognizing that wherever we go, there we are. No matter how beautiful or hyped the location is, we’re still carrying our internal world with us. If we arrive with the expectation that everything will align perfectly with what we’ve imagined, we set ourselves up for disappointment when reality doesn’t fit that mold.
So instead of getting bogged down by how you think a place should be, focus on embracing how it is. After all, the beauty of solo travel isn’t just in the destinations we visit but in how we navigate our own inner landscape while we’re there.
What to Expect from Madeira Today: The Answer to Should I Skip Madeira Island?
Let’s wrap this up with some perspective. If you’re thinking of solo traveling over 30 or as a first-timer, Madeira can still be a magical destination—but with some caveats.
1. Embrace the Mix of Old and New
You’ll need to find the sweet spot between enjoying the tranquil, untouched beauty of the island and navigating the increasing tourist footprint. Seek out lesser-known parts of the island to get a taste of its old-school charm. Head to the north coast or explore the villages to experience the side of Madeira that still holds onto its authenticity.
2. Go Off-Season
To avoid the crowds and sky-high prices, consider visiting Madeira during the off-season. The spring and fall months are perfect for avoiding the peak tourist rush. You’ll get the best of both worlds: stunning views and peaceful hikes without having to fight for space at the local cafes.
3. Be Mindful of Your Own Travel Experience
Ultimately, whether or not you should skip Madeira Island comes down to your personal travel preferences. If you’re someone who thrives on peace and quiet, you might find the increasing crowds a turn-off. But if you’re open to a mix of adventure, reflection, and even a little bit of buzz, Madeira is still a top-tier destination.
Madeira—Still a Solo Traveler’s Dream, But Evolving
So, is Madeira losing its charm for solo travelers? The answer isn’t so black and white. The island’s growing popularity is changing the vibe, and it may not be as peaceful or undiscovered as it once was. But it’s still a breathtaking place that offers so much for those who are ready to navigate the balance between its classic beauty and the increasing tourism.
If you’re over 30 and you’re contemplating whether you should skip Madeira Island, take a moment to reflect on what kind of solo travel experience you’re seeking. Madeira still has magic—just a different kind of magic than it did five or ten years ago.
Ultimately, it’s your journey. Go where you feel called, and let your heart guide you toward the adventure that’s meant to be yours.
Read More: How To Spend 4 Days Solo Traveling Madeira
