I could see the sturdy coastline and dramatic ocean cliffs of Madeira from the windows of my plane. I saw it as a spread of terracotta tile roofs dotted across the landscape. Madeira, a semi-autonomous Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco, is known for its temperate climate and natural diversity all year round. Mountains, seas, green forests and waterfalls are all easily accessible to the entire island.
So it’s not surprising that travelers, especially Europeans, are discovering Madeira in large numbers. Americans are finally catching up to their charm. In fact, the number of US travellers arriving in the archipelago has doubled since 2019. Adding new direct air access to the mix, Madeira has all the makings that will become the next travel hotspot. (Nottheless, when I told a friend in Los Angeles I was flying to Madeira, the response was “Where is it?”)
On June 8, 2025, United Airlines became the first US carrier to fly non-stop from the US to Madeira on three flights a week between Newar Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in New Jersey. Operating on the Single Isle Boeing 737 Max 8, the seasonal route is based on United’s existing services in four cities in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Portugal in the Azores.
United’s new Madeira flight
Non-stop flights to Madeira are more than anything else about convenience. “We’re excited to announce that we’re a great opportunity to help you,” said Matt Stevens, United’s vice president of International Networks. “It was really tough getting there before, and I think Madeira’s growth is underrated for that.”
United operates up to eight of the Boeing 737 on this route, with rooms with up to 166 passengers (16 recliner seats sold as “Premium Plus,” 54 economy seats outside the league room and 96 standard economy seats). The narrow-body planes that typically fly on short US domestic routes demonstrate the airline’s broader strategy of finding cost-effective ways to connect cities across the Atlantic, where passenger demand is low.
What is the catch? Now, the passenger experience is not very much on the long distance standards for United’s other European-bound flights to Lisbon and Porto. The 737 Max 8 doesn’t have a lie flat sheet. True business class Polaris services are not an option. And at most, there’s less room to move around the cabin and stretch your legs. “We wanted to start with smaller aircraft and shorter seasons. We wanted to see what that was going to happen and build it from there,” Stevens said.
Seasonal flights, which will be held until September 24th, operate eastward from EWR to FNC on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From FNC to EWR, it is daytime service on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight from Newark to Funchar is just under 7 hours, while the flight from Funchal to Newark is about 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Why fly to Madeira?
Also known as the “island of eternal spring,” Madeira has a favourable climate along the Gulf River all year round. Tropical weather is reminiscent of Hawaiian archipelagos. In fact, local Madeiran, who moved there in the late 19th century, introduced the instrument now known as the ukulele.
The volcanic island is only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide, but it offers a variety of things. The capital, Funchal, has a wonderful botanical garden, Jardim Monte Palace Madeira. Thrill seekers can ride tourist toboggans in the heart of the town. (More than a century ago, locals went downhill using glorious wicker baskets.) Now visitors are guided by two men wearing straw hats, and visitors in white can do the same.
But don’t spend too much time in the capital. Rent a car and head north to Seixal’s silky soft black sand beach and Porto Moniz’s Lava Rock swimming pool. Another major attraction of Madeira is its extensive selection of scenic hiking trails across a variety of difficulties and terrain. One afternoon we trekked through the sea views of the chin dropping down the coastal path of San Lourenzo. The next morning I was inside and lying together at the waterfall. Collectionirrigation channels date back more than 600 years ago. (Tip: hike late afternoon or evening if possible to avoid the majority of the crowd.)
Where to stay
Whether it’s the charm of the old world or the sleek European luxury, Madeira has accommodations for most travelers. Most of the hotels are centered around Funchal, such as the Palace of Reed., A pink 125-year-old Cliffside property run by Belmond. (It was Winston Churchill’s favorite.)
Nearby, the local Savoy Palace is one of the island’s latest luxury hotels, with modern, gold and faint design. Savoy Palace also has a sanctuary, a boutique hotel within the hotel. Guests here get a personal butler, access to a private lounge and a dedicated rooftop infinity pool. Pestana Carlton Madeira is the only dedicated PADI (Specialist Association of Divers) dive resort on the island.
