Photos show why the Madeira Islands were just named the best island destination in Europe for the 7th time in 8 years

• Portugal's Madeira Islands, which sit between Morocco and Portugal, were named the best island destination in Europe for the seventh time in eight years by the World Travel Awards.
• They have also been named the best island destination in the world five times.
• The Madeira Islands have stunning beaches, natural lava pools, and unique hiking trails along stone irrigation channels.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that "travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19."

The Madeira Islands were recently named the best island destination in Europe for the seventh time in eight years by the World Travel Awards. They have also been named the best island destination in the world five times.

The Madeira Islands, which are part of Portugal, are an archipelago of small islands located in the Atlantic Ocean about 350 miles from Morocco. The two main inhabited islands are Madeira and Porto Santo.

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

These photos show why they're so popular.

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Madeira Islands are a volcanic archipelago about 300 miles west of Morocco.

Camara de Lobos port.      Shutterstock

Source: CNN

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

Ponta de Sao Lourenco.      Shutterstock

A glass-bottomed lookout at Cabo Girao is perched atop the highest sea cliff in Europe.

People taking in the views from the Cabo Girao lookout.      VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Source: Visit Madeira

The average temperature in Madeira ranges from about 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 62 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. In other words, it always feels like a balmy spring day.

Madeira, Portugal.      Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock

Source: Madeira Web

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

The Porto Moniz natural pools, which are formed by volcanic rocks.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira

There are also beautiful beaches, like Calheta beach.

Calheta beach.      Francisco Caravana/Shutterstock

The waters are clear and warm — perfect for swimming.

Natural swimming pools of volcanic lava in Porto Moniz.      Shutterstock

There's also plenty of marine life to explore by swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

Marine life off the coast of Madeira.      Sjo/Getty Images

Windsurfing is usually popular here.

Boats and a windsurfer in front of Funchal.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira

As is paragliding, at least pre-pandemic.

Tandem paragliders landing on Arco da Calheta.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira

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.

A levada in Risco.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Portugal

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

Levada do Caldeirão Verde.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira

Under normal circumstances, one of the best ways to get around the islands is by boat.

A boat in Funchal.      pedrosala/Shutterstock

Funchal, Madeira's largest city, is beautiful.

Funchal.      Shutterstock

Funchal is home to gorgeous old churches, wide, leafy boulevards, and stunning squares.

Funchal.      Shutterstock

It is also hilly and known for its clever basket-like sleds, steered by "carreiros," or cart drivers, which you can take downhill.

Carreiros in Funchal.      Shutterstock

Source: Carreiros do Monte

It also has tons of colorful markets, which are usually bustling with locals buying fresh produce, at least pre-pandemic.

A market in Funchal.      Shutterstock

Source: Madeira Web

And let's not forget the incredible views.

Monte Tropical Gardens.      Shutterstock

The stunning, 753,473 square-foot Monte Tropical Gardens is a must-visit.

Monte Tropical Gardens.      Shutterstock

Source: Monte Palace

Madeira Island is also famous for its synonymous wine, Madeira, a fortified and nutty-tasting drink. There are various tours and tastings visitors can take (pre-pandemic, at least).

A vineyard above Seixal, Madeira.      Shutterstock

Source: Eater, Discover Madeira

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

The 2020 carnival took place from February 19, 2020, to March 1, 2020.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira

US travelers are currently banned from traveling to Portugal, and other travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that "travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19."

An aerial view of Funchal with one of its traditional cable cars.      Shutterstock

Source: Visit Madeira, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jill Comoletti contributed to an earlier version of this post.

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