Exploring Madeira
A Paradise of Nature, Culture, and Adventure
Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring", Madeira is a breathtaking island that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located in the Atlantic Ocean just off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira is a region of Portugal known for its year -round mild climate, making it an ideal travel destination during any season.
While traveling solo in May 2023 through parts of Italy and Portugal, Madeira was a bucket-list destination I needed to check off. I had done my fair share of research before arriving, but I was truly amazing when I stepped off the plane on to this lush green island.
I choose to stay in Funchal, the capital city, and rented a car so I could explore at my own pace. My goal was to see all I could see in only 4 days!
Madeira has over 100 waterfalls, many of which can be explored by hiking through the Laurisilva Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a subtropical laurel forest that covers a large portion of the island's mountainous terrain. By exploring the Laurisilva Forest, you can stroll on “Levada” walks which are ancient irrigation channels, taking you through lush green landscapes, bypassing waterfalls, and through a moss and fern dense forrest.
“Levadas” in Madeira refers to the water that runs through the historic system of irrigation channels found throughout the island. These channels were originally built in the 16th century, and still used today, to transport water from the rainier, northern regions of the island to the drier, southern parts, which are more inhabited and cultivated. This water flows through the Levadas to provide irrigation for agricultural areas, particularly for growing crops like bananas, sugarcane, and vineyards.
Another of my favorite hikes was the journey to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak at 1,862 meters. On the hike, you climb over 5,000 steps and it takes about 6+ hours round trip, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the island and its rugged terrain, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be floating above the clouds.
Most of my days in Madeira started with a morning hike, followed by lunch in a small fisherman’s village, and then relaxing and reading a book. Some days I would find myself on a black sand beach with cascading waterfalls from a cliff mere feet away, or other days, I would explore until I found a beach with no one else around. One of my favorite finds was Fajã do Cabo Girão beach, which is a narrow beach that can only be accessed by cable car! The cable car descends over 300 meters down to the beach, which follows along a path at the base of Cabo Girão, a famous sea cliff that is the highest in Europe, and the second-highest in the world.
One of my favorite finds was Fajã do Cabo Girão beach, which is a narrow beach that can only be accessed by cable car! The cable car descends over 300 meters down to the beach, which follows along a path at the base of Cabo Girão, a famous sea cliff that is the highest in Europe, and the second-highest in the world.
After a long day of adventuring, one of the best parts of Madeira is the food and wine! I am a big seafood fan, and I was in heaven. My meals always started with Lapas, which are grilled limpets, a traditional delicacy and shellfish found mostly in Madeira and the Azores. They are often served as an appitizer with Bolo do Caco, another authentic food from this region, which is a stone top, pan-baked bread with garlic butter. Yum!
Other traditional food in Madeira includes octopus, black scabbard fish, various fruits, and espetada, a dish of beef chunks barbecued on a laurel branch marinated in garlic, olive oil, and Madeira wine.
What many people don’t know is that Madeira wine has a history dating back to the 15th century. This fortified wine is aged for varying periods and comes in a range of styles, from dry to sweet. One of the best ways to learn about (and try) Madeira wine is by visiting the island’s many wine cellars and vineyards. Funchal is home to several iconic wine producers which offer tours that showcase the wine-making process, history and provide tastings of various Madeira wines.
Madeira's culture is a fascinating blend of traditional Portuguese influences and local island customs. After my short visit, I can say the island's culture is warm and welcoming, and the people seem to be embracing the new flood of tourism while keeping their cultural roots. From its vibrant festivals to its unique culinary dishes, Madeira offers a rich experience that would impress anyone.
While I was visiting I happened to be there during the Flower Festival, which happens every year in late spring while the flowers are in full bloom. The streets are full of bright colors, parades with flower floats, and the floral scent is un matched. Another highlight during this festival is the Wall of Hope ceremony, a tradition which has taken place in Madeira for over 40 years. During this ceremony, children walk with flowers in their hands towards Praça do Municipio where they construct a wall of flowers known as the 'Wall of Hope' to represent the call for world peace.
I was only able to stay in Madeira for 4 days, so I could not see everything there is to see. I packed my days with as much nature, culture and experiences as I could, but I am eager to go back one day. Weather you are like me, and want to spend your day hiking until your legs are too tired to go any further, to only be rewarded by a delicious authentic meal with a ocean view, or you would rather lounge by a pool surrounded by lush greenery, drinking local wine, Madeira has it all.
If you are eager to learn more about Madeira, or have already done your research and you’re ready to book your trip, reach out and we can start planning your Island adventure together!