I visited 'Europe's Hawaii' and there's one thing you must do before you go

I went to the Hawaii of Europe for four nights, and I would go back for another twenty if I could. The stunning island has enough hikes, waterfalls, and natural beauty to keep you exploring for a year, and then some.

The Portuguese island of Madeira more than delivered on many levels, and it definitely lived up to its nickname. The volcanic archipelago feels strikingly similar to tropical islands much further afield, but it took just three and a half hours to get there. If you're looking for guaranteed hot weather, Madeira may not be for you, but for nature enthusiasts, it is a dream.

However, while buses take you to the most popular spots outside of Funchal and the capital itself is well connected, I would never visit without booking car hire again.

If you like exploring Funchal and the surrounding areas, or popular destinations covered by group tours, then a car isn't vital, but if you are going to Madeira to hike and you like stumbling upon roadside cafes or finding quieter spots, a car is highly recommended.

We didn't end up booking one beforehand, and it seemed like everyone else had the same idea, so we spent a good two hours trawling around the hire shops to find one that was available.

Many cars appeared available online, but when we called or arrived at the shops, we found out the websites were inaccurate. Others asked for deposits up to €850 (£733) for two days' hire, and some insurance policies cost more than the car itself.

We finally found a car hire near the Cathedral called Go Go Away, which cost £110 for two days, with no deposit and insurance included.

We were quite nervous that the only car left was a small SUV, but one thing is for sure-wherever you go in Madeira, you will need to climb.

The hills are no joke, and at times, we thought our car might do a wheelie and tip backward, but a sturdy car really helps you feel a bit safer and make the most of your trip.