Panic on Europe's 'most beautiful island' on brink of tourist chaos - 'it's a plague'

The former president of the Portuguese island of has issued a warning about tourism, even claiming it is a threat. Alberto João Jardim, the former president of the Regional Government, warned that growing levels of on this stunning European island are becoming a threat to the region. Speaking at the ACIF initiative to celebrate Businessmen's Day, Mr Jardim now considers local accommodation a "plague".

"We cannot run the risk of having mass tourism here, we cannot run the risk of having 'barefoot tourism'," said Mr Jardim, according to , adding that Madeira's tourism sector needs "to maintain quality". While he stressed the need to safeguard the interests of entrepreneurs who have already invested in this sector, he pointed out that "it is urgent to find a solution".

The island of forms part of an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, around 500 miles from mainland Portugal, to which it is an autonomous region. The island is often described as Europe's "most beautiful island" and the , boasting warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters.

Temperatures rarely drop below the mid-20s, meaning it is an ideal year-round destination. In fact, the archipelago took home the award for in the World Travel Awards, for the 10th time since 2013.

Madeira is also a popular destination, offering a diverse landscape and trails for all abilities. Popular destinations include walks to the island's highest peaks (Pico Ruivo at 6,109ft) and following ancient irrigation channels, known as levadas.

Wannabe travellers could be exploring Madeira in just a few hours, with direct flights operated by Ryanair from Stansted Airport to the island's airport (FNC) available in early June for only £30. Bear in mind, however, a visit to Madeira involves landing at an airport which has been named among the on several occasions. Pilots must to land at the airport, which has steep drop-offs at either end of the runway.

However, as more and more tourists discover this stunning hidden gem of an island, concerns are starting to grow.

Madeira could soon join the growing number of holiday hotspots across Europe suffering from overcrowding and, as a result, protests by its residents. In the Canary Islands in Spain, more than took to the streets last Sunday (May 18), calling for "fewer tourist apartments, more Canarian homes."

Overtourism has become such a pressing issue that tourists are being told , with them implementing restrictions. In Barcelona, it was announced last year that it would ban apartment rentals to tourists by 2028 as it seeks to get a grip on the spiralling housing crisis.

has become one of the cities most battered by overtourism in recent years, which led to it banning large cruise ships from entering the historic centre. Starting this spring, day-trippers will be charged a €5 (£4.30) fee. The iconic Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos, meanwhile, will require visitors to pay a €20 (£17.34) fee during peak seasons.