Madeira used to be a draw for super-fit sixtysomethings who loved skin-tight pants, but in the last year, the island has seen an increase in social media-savvy vacationers.

Videos of the Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco have gone viral on TikTok, and I had to see it for myself after seeing so many pictures of “the Hawaii of Europe” on my account.

Madeira has seen an influx of social media-loving holiday-makers in the past yearKnown as “the Hawaii of Europe,” the Portuguese island is located off the coast of Morocco. Fortunately, the breathtaking vistas, vibrant hues, and thrilling possibilities did not let us down.I discovered that seeing the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro was a must-do activity from internet celebrities who provided me with inspiration for my eight-day vacation. Thus, I set my alarm for 5.15 am and, even though it’s only 30 minutes from Funchal, the capital, I dragged myself up the mountain in the dark in a hired car to embark on the strenuous but incredibly rewarding “Pico to Pico” hike.For those who dare, this hike leads from 5,975-foot Pico do Arieiro to 6,106-foot Pico do Ruivo, the island’s highest peak. I found a spot to watch what turned out to be the most spectacular sunrise I had ever seen when I got to the starting point. I had reserved the trek with GetYourGuide (£52.22pp; getyourguide.com), which also included ham and cheese sandwiches for breakfast. Everyone was excitedly awaiting the big moment, and the atmosphere was electric. The real magic happened at 7.30 am when the sun rose, so brightly that crowds cheered. The orange glow above the clouds was already breathtaking.Even if you don’t, you still have to walk for more than five hours to complete the remaining portion of Madeira’s must-do activities. Pico to Pico is 7.5 miles of breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, through mountain tunnels, and along gorges, if you’re up for the challenge. It’s not for the weak of the heart; the route is said to have 4,000 stairs (I didn’t count). But I saw folks of all ages trying their hand.Finish it off with the local bread from the island, bolo does caco, which is typically served with a generous amount of garlic butter. You simply must try it before you leave. After that, you can make your followers envious by posting all of your amazing photos to Instagram once you get home.