Awards and Distinctions

Madeira voted 'Best Island Destination in the World'

Thanks to its natural wealth and tourism heritage, this archipelago has received countless national and international awards and distinctions.

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"World´s Leading Island Destination"

"World´s Leading Island Destination"

World Travel Awards 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
"Europe´s Leading Island Destination"

"Europe´s Leading Island Destination"

World Travel Awards 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013
“Sustainable tourist destination”

“Sustainable tourist destination”

EarthCheck Silver Certified 2023
“Nachhaltiges Touristenziel”

“Nachhaltiges Touristenziel”

EarthCheck Bronze Benchmarked 2022
“European Best Destinations”

“European Best Destinations”

European Best Destinations 2024
“Best Christmas Market”

“Best Christmas Market”

European Best Destinations 2024

Awards and distinctions

Madeira has been elected several times as the 'Best Island Destination in the World' by the renowned World Travel Awards. This is one of the many awards that attest to the exceptional nature of this archipelago, which is increasingly recognised as one of the most attractive tourist destinations on a global scale. Come and see for yourself!

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Madeira Island

There are many reasons that turn the island of Madeira into one of the most awarded tourist destinations in the world. Besides being consecutively considered by the 'Oscars of Tourism' as the best island destination in the world and/or Europe, since 2013, it has been awarded in the most diverse areas.

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In recent years, this island has received awards for its excellence in areas such as culture, tradition, safety, hotels, golf and the richness of its ecosystems. In this context, we should highlight the recognition of the Laurissilva forest as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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Awards and Distictions

“Europe´s Leading Tourist Board | Madeira Promotion Bureau"

“Europe´s Leading Tourist Board | Madeira Promotion Bureau"

World Travel Awards 2024
"Best Cruise Destination in Europe" | World Cruise Awards

"Best Cruise Destination in Europe" | World Cruise Awards

Europe's Best Cruise Destination 2023, 2022
"Best Cruise Destination in Europe"

"Best Cruise Destination in Europe"

European Best Destinations 2021 - 1º lugar
"Santana Reserva Mundial da Biosfera"

"Santana Reserva Mundial da Biosfera"

UNESCO 2011
"7 Natural Wonders of Portugal - "Forests and Woodlands"

"7 Natural Wonders of Portugal - "Forests and Woodlands"

7 Maravilhas de Portugal 2010 (Floresta Laurissilva)
"World Heritage Site - Natural Heritage of Humanity"

"World Heritage Site - Natural Heritage of Humanity"

UNESCO 1999 (Floresta Laurissilva)

Porto Santo Island

Often called the 'golden island', Porto Santo has been widely awarded for the immeasurable richness of its ecosystems and its heavenly landscapes. Its golden, nine-kilometres long, sandy beach has made this small island famous all over world.

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In 2022, European Best Destinations awarded it the title of 'best beach in Europe 2022'. The recognised therapeutic properties of its sandy beach and its crystal-clear turquoise waters contribute greatly to this. In addition, Porto Santo was awarded the title of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its biodiversity conservation efforts. 

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Awards and Distictions

“Europe's Leading Beach Destination | Porto Santo”

“Europe's Leading Beach Destination | Porto Santo”

World Travel Awards 2024
"Best places to travel in Europe 2023"

"Best places to travel in Europe 2023"

European Best Destinations 2023 - 11th place
"Best Beaches in Europe"

"Best Beaches in Europe"

European Best Destinations 2022 - 1st place (Porto Santo beach
"Porto Santo Beach one of the safest beaches in Europe 2021"

"Porto Santo Beach one of the safest beaches in Europe 2021"

European Best Destinations 2021 - 1st place
"Porto Santo Biosphere Reserve"

"Porto Santo Biosphere Reserve"

UNESCO 2020
"7 Wonders - Portugal Beaches -Beaches and Dunes" - Porto Santo beach"

"7 Wonders - Portugal Beaches -Beaches and Dunes" - Porto Santo beach"

7 Maravilhas de Portugal 2012
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Desertas Islands

South east of the island of Madeira there is group of three small islands called 'Desertas'. They are Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio. This volcanic archipelago is one of the last strongholds of the monk seal (Monachus monachus), an emblematic species.

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This area is also an important nesting centre for seabirds and has an endemic species, the Desertas tarantula (Lycosa ingens). Therefore, the Desertas Islands were classified as a Nature Reserve in 1995. They received the European Diploma for Protected Areas for their outstanding work in restoring and protecting the local environment.

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Awards and Distictions

"Desertas Islands Nature Reserve" 1995

"Desertas Islands Nature Reserve" 1995

European Diploma for Protected Areas, for the exceptional work to restore and protect the Desertas environment.

Selvagens Islands

This small archipelago consists of two main islands and several islets of volcanic origin. They are located 250 kilometres south of Madeira and are surrounded by an extensive barrier reef. These islands, bathed by pristine and warm waters, are considered a sanctuary for birds. Access to this territory is restricted.

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The Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve was created in 1971 and was awarded the European Diploma for Protected Areas in 1992. In 2018, the Global Ocean Refuge System distinguished this archipelago with the GLORES award, for the scrupulous ocean protection developed this region.

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Awards and Distictions

" Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve"

" Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve"

GLORES Awards - "Global Ocean Refuge System" 2018
"Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve" 1992

"Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve" 1992

Council of Europe European Diploma for Protected Areas, Council of Europe (EU)

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