The island of Madeira has been named ‘Best Island Destination’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards held in Lisbon.  This is the fourth year in a row this title has been awarded to the Portuguese archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, some 750 miles southwest of Lisbon, and 300 miles off the coast of North Africa.

Madeira has been selected as Best Island Destination by WTA out of a group of 18 islands including Bali, Barbados, Crete, Fiji, Maldives, Sardinia and Jamaica.

Roberto Santa Clara, Executive Director Madeira Promotion Bureau, called the honor “another important and fundamental recognition for the region and for the entire Madeira and Porto Santo population.” Roberto said, “Madeira’s motivation to deliver an outstanding experience for travelers of all ages, through its authentic local cuisine, adventure in the outdoors and natural outstanding beauty, is further strengthened by this international recognition from the WTA. This fourth award as the ‘Best Leading Island Destination in the world’ is joining our four additional accolades as ‘European’s Best Leading Island Destination, all of which we are very proud.”

In addition The Vine, in Funchal, was recognized at the World Travel Award as the "Best Design Hotel in the World 2018.” The Vine’s decor is inspired by the wine traditions of Madeira with a modern flair, while the color palette of the guest rooms takes inspiration for the four seasons – all of which are warm on Madeira.

Since being named ‘Europe’s Best Leading Island Destination’ in September 2017, visitors have continued to discover the Portuguese archipelago to experience the beautiful nature and culture. With the same latitude as Morocco, Madeira has a sub-tropical climate and dramatic mountainous landscape. Madeira has a unique eco-system and is one of the few places where banana trees grow next to vineyards. In 1999 the Madeira archipelago was named A UNESCO World Heritage Site and five areas have been declared nature reserves.

The full list of awards for Madeira can be viewed online at www.worldtravelawards.com

For further information on Madeira as a travel destination, please visitwww.madeiraallyear.com