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Here's Why Madeira Was Just Named The Best Island In Europe [PHOTOS]

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A. Storm Photography/Shutterstock

Madeira Island was just named the best island in Europe for the second year in a row by the World Travel Awards.

Madeira, which is part of Portugal, is an archipelago of small islands located in the Atlantic Ocean about 350 miles from Morocco. It is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas.

With incredible natural pools carved out of lava rocks, gorgeous cliffs overlooking the ocean, and charming towns, it's no wonder that Madeira is considered the top European island.

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a series of Portuguese islands that are about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands and about 350 miles from Morocco. You can get there by plane.

Madeira
A. Storm Photography/Shutterstock

The islands have gorgeous cliffs that jut out into the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is spectacular.

Madeira
Flickr/cakper

The average temperature in Madeira ranges from about 72 degrees F in the summer to 61 degrees F in the winter. In other words, it always feels like a balmy spring day.

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Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock

There are natural lava pools all over Madeira Island. The baths at Porto Moniz are a series of gorgeous natural pools that seem to blend right into the ocean.

Porto Moniz, Madeira
Flickr/eroessler

There are also beautiful beaches, like Calheta in Madeira Island. The nearby island of Porto Santo is world-famous for its beaches.

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Francisco Caravana/Shutterstock

The waters are clear and warm—perfect for swimming.

guy jumping into water in Madeira
Flickr/witz-und-verstand

Or, explore the marine life off the coast by swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

Diving in Madeira
Flickr/mal-b

Windsurfing is also popular here.

windsurfing in Madeira
Flickr/runintherain

As is paragliding.

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Claudio Vosti/Flickr

Madeira is full of levadas, a system of stone irrigation channels that criss-cross the island and transport water. These levadas also make for great hiking trails.

Madeira
Josef Zima/Shutterstock

Some of the levadas, like Levada do Caldeirão Verde, pass under waterfalls.

hiking under a waterfall in madeira
Flickr/johnspooner

One of the best ways to get around the islands is by boat.

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pedrosala/Shutterstock

 

The architecture in Funchal, Madeira's largest city, looks beautiful from the coastline.

Madeira
Flickr/John6536

Funchal is home to beautiful old churches.

Madeira church
Flickr/John6536

And colorful markets, where locals buy fresh produce.

fruit market in madeira
Flickr/dkorobtsov

And let's not forget the incredible views.

Madeira
Flickr/ben_salter

The city also hosts the world's largest fireworks show on New Year's Eve—it even nabbed the Guinness World Record for the title.

Madeira fireworks
magri/Shutterstock

Another draw? The Madeira Carnival, one of the biggest street parties in Europe. It takes place every year on the Friday before Lent.

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Porto Bay Events/Flickr

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