Madeira, Funchal, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, London Luton Boost New Travel Links as UK Flights Surge to Europe’s ‘Hawaii’ with Fares from £70

Published on April 11, 2025

Madeira, the sun-kissed Portuguese island nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, is about to experience a major tourism uplift. Dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”, this dramatic volcanic archipelago is welcoming a wave of new and expanded flight routes from the United Kingdom, just in time for the summer 2025 travel season.

With flights starting as low as £70 one way, this tropical paradise—long prized for its black sand beaches, natural lava pools, and cliffside vineyards—is no longer just a hidden gem. It’s becoming a front-runner in European travel itineraries, especially for nature lovers, hikers, and wine enthusiasts.

UK Airlines Expand Summer Access to Madeira

Several British carriers have announced new connections to Funchal, Madeira’s capital and largest city, marking a 12% increase in summer flights from the UK compared to 2024. The total number of flights is expected to rise from 349 in 2024 to 390 in 2025, according to Madeira’s official summer flight schedule.

Starting in May 2025, low-cost airline Jet2 will introduce a weekly flight from Bournemouth to Funchal, with departures every Thursday. This addition complements Jet2’s newly launched service from London Luton, flying out every Monday since early April.

Also joining the Madeira expansion is Ryanair, which will launch twice-weekly flights from Edinburgh on Wednesdays and Sundays, beginning in May. Meanwhile, EasyJet will strengthen its presence with new services out of Luton starting in June, offering flights every Monday and Friday.

The accessibility and affordability of these connections are poised to reshape UK outbound travel trends for summer 2025.

A Four-Hour Flight to Paradise

With flights averaging just four hours from major UK cities, Madeira now competes directly with Mediterranean hotspots like Malta, Croatia, and even Canary Islands. But unlike its mainland counterparts, Madeira offers a volcanic landscape and eco-rich adventure portfolio that few destinations in Europe can match.

Often compared to Hawaii for its dramatic cliffs and lush interior, the island is a magnet for those seeking both scenic tranquility and active outdoor experiences. Travel influencers have been quick to spotlight it. TikTok content creator @thechaosdiaries described the island as having “everything—beaches, hikes, towns, and food,” while @destinationinspiration called it the definitive “Hawaii of Europe.”

Why Travelers Are Rushing to Madeira in 2025

What’s driving this surge in demand? Beyond the enhanced airlift, Madeira offers an evolving variety of attractions that speak to multi-generational travelers, solo explorers, and experience-driven millennials alike.

Key highlights include:

• Funchal’s Cable Car: A panoramic ride from the old town to Monte, revealing ocean views and terraced gardens
• Gothic landmarks: Including the 16th-century Funchal Cathedral and the Sao Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s to guard against pirates
• Wine tourism: Renowned Madeira wine tours depart daily from the capital, visiting scenic vineyards and centuries-old cellars
• Traditional architecture: The village of Santana on the north coast preserves triangular thatched-roof homes that offer a glimpse into the island’s agrarian past
• Volcanic swimming pools: Such as the world-famous Porto Moniz, offering a serene dip amid natural rock formations carved by lava

Adventure Seekers Find Their Playground

For travelers who prioritize active tourism, Madeira delivers in spectacular fashion. The island boasts 1,800 kilometers of hiking trails, including forested walks, ridge climbs, and cliffside levada paths.

Levadas—Madeira’s unique irrigation channels—are not just engineering marvels but also serve as scenic walking trails that crisscross the island. On the north coast, these trails offer views of misty mountains and deep gorges. On the south coast, the pathways reward hikers with sweeping vistas over Funchal and the Atlantic horizon.

From the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route to the 25 Fontes waterfall trail, options abound for every fitness level.

A Small Fee for a Big Experience

In a move to preserve the island’s natural beauty and maintain trail quality, Madeira introduced a €3 hiking fee in January 2025. Managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF), the fee applies to the island’s most popular walking routes and helps support conservation efforts.

While the fee has drawn mixed reactions, many in the travel community see it as a fair investment in protecting what is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s premier eco-tourism destinations.

UK Tourism Operators Eye Madeira as 2025’s Summer Star

Travel agencies across the UK are now rolling out special Madeira packages designed around the new flight connections. Packages feature all-inclusive options, wellness retreats, hiking holidays, and wine-themed getaways.

With demand rising, industry analysts predict a 35% increase in UK tourists to Madeira by the end of summer 2025, potentially positioning the island as Europe’s top alternative destination for those tired of crowded Med beaches or long-haul stress.

Global Travel Implications of Madeira’s Accessibility Push

Beyond the UK, Madeira’s expanded connectivity signals a shift toward regional tourism hubs gaining ground over saturated destinations. Travelers from mainland Europe, North America, and even the Middle East—especially those connecting through London or Edinburgh—will now find it easier to access the island.

Tourism boards from other archipelagos, such as the Azores, Canary Islands, and Greek isles, are watching closely as Madeira’s model combines affordability, sustainability, and experience-rich travel in a compact package.

Key Travel Impacts for Summer 2025

• 12% rise in UK-Madeira flights, increasing from 349 to 390
• New routes from Bournemouth, Edinburgh, and expanded London Luton services
• Entry-level one-way fares from £70
• Daily hikes now require a €3 trail fee from January 2025
• Wine, hiking, volcanic pools, and heritage attractions drive diverse visitor interest

Madeira Becomes Europe’s Next Big Travel Chapter

The expansion of UK flights in 2025 isn’t just a logistical upgrade—it’s a symbol of Madeira’s growing allure. With its lush volcanic terrain, boutique wine culture, and adventure-ready trails, the island is shifting from a quiet Portuguese outpost to a global contender in nature and culture tourism.

Whether it’s a weekend escape from London, a wine-soaked week in Funchal, or a hiking challenge on lava-carved cliffs, Madeira now offers it all—at the right time and the right price.