The Sun: Madeira to open to tourists on July 1

Madeira and Porto Santo have announced that they are opening to international tourists from July 1.

But anyone wanting to gain entry to the islands will have to present a negative test done within 72 hours prior to departure or be tested upon arrival.

Any tests that are taken on arrival in the country will be paid for by the Madeira government.

The islands are also working on providing a Covid-free certificate for tourism businesses, to allow peace of mind for visitors.

Madeira has registered just 90 cases of coronavirus, with no deaths.

The island in the Atlantic ocean takes just 3.5 hours by plane from the UK, but it has a sub-tropical climate - with 25C temperatures in the summer and 17C in the winter.

Last year, the holiday resort was voted Best Island Destination In Europe in the World Travel Awards for a sixth time.

Its colonial Portuguese ­architecture and lush landscape, classified as UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in December 1999, makes it very popular with older British travellers.

But aderenaline-junkies have also been attracted to the island of in recent years, to enjoy abseiling, cycling and trekking on its varied terrains.

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, which also unveiled its plans to open up to international tourists this week.

Lisbon announced it is "open for business" and will start accepting international visitors again from next Saturday.