Desperate for a slice of paradise this summer - but can't quite face the crowds bound for Spanish, Italian and Greek resorts?  

Then the tiny Portuguese island - famous for gifting the world Cristiano Ronaldo and a delicious cake - could be the perfect alternative.

Travel experts at First Choice Holidays say Brits should swap Europe's busy beaches for the black volcanic sand beaches of Madeira.

The tiny isle is just a four-hour flight from the UK, with seven night-breaks from around £504 per person with flights included, working out as approximately £72 per night.

The island boasts dramatic scenery, subtropical weather and a short-haul flight time. And one beach in particular has gone viral for its almost otherworldly look.

Seixal Beach on Madeira's north coast is the island's standout spot, with jet-black volcanic sand, jungle-green cliffs and waterfalls that crash straight into the Atlantic, earning it the nickname 'Hawaii of Europe' on TikTok.

The beach has racked up thousands of clips online, with some users even questioning if the images are 'AI-generated'.  

Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the coastline has been carved into lava pools, black sand bays and sheer cliffs. 

It has little of the overcrowding seen in other popular Mediterranean destinations - and none of the high-rise hotel strips or tightly packed rows of sun loungers found at many resorts.

It comes as overtourism continues to dominate headlines across southern Europe, with Spain welcoming a record 96.8 million international visitors last year.

While a typical bucket-list holiday to destinations such as Hawaii can cost nearly £2,000 per person for flights and accommodation, Madeira offers seven-night breaks from around £503pp, including flights and accommodation, with a short flight time and no jet lag.

Daily costs on the island also remain relatively modest compared to many Western European resorts.

A local draught beer typically costs around €2.50 (£2.16), while inexpensive restaurant meals are often around €12 (£10.40).

A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant averages roughly €50 (£43.20). 

'One of the things that surprises people about Madeira is how much there is to see beyond the beaches, from natural lava pools and ancient laurel forests to 4x4 tours through the island's vineyards, mountain villages and coastal viewpoints,' said Taylor Marshall, product executive at First Choice.

'I'd recommend heading north to São Vicente, where you'll find traditional restaurants serving local dishes such as espetada skewers cooked over laurel wood, grilled limpets and fresh Atlantic fish.

'Las Caraibas near Seixal is well known for its seafood and views over the coastline. 

'Visitors should definitely try their poncha - it's Madeira's most famous drink and part of the island's culture.'

Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice, said: 'When people think of volcanic island landscapes and black sand beaches, destinations like Hawaii usually come to mind first.

'What surprises many travellers is that similar scenery can be found much closer to home. Madeira offers dramatic coastlines, great food and year-round outdoor experiences within a short flight from the UK.'