If Mother Nature had a favorite youngster, it’s most likely Madeira.
You would possibly recall a goofy-looking bust of Ronaldo that went viral years in the past. It was unveiled at Madeira’s airport (or Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport), the place the well-known footballer was born.
For those that’ve by no means heard of Madeira, right here’s a short introduction. Madeira is an archipelago made of 4 islands. It’s an autonomous area of Portugal — however it’s geographically nearer to Africa than Europe!
We have been coming to the top of our month-long keep in Lisbon as a part of Airbnb’s LiveAnywhere Programme, and determined to fly to Madeira. When else would now we have the chance to remain on a gorgeous Portuguese island for 2 weeks?
I’m so glad we did as a result of Madeira is simply some of the lovely locations I’ve ever seen.
Click to leap to every part of our Madeira journey information: Madeira Photo Spots | Madeira Hiking Trails | Other Things to Do in Madeira | Madeira Travel Tips
Incredible Photo Spots in Madeira
Madeira is actually a photographer’s dream. The island is so picturesque, it’s virtually unfair. What amazed me is how completely different the landscapes are simply an hour’s drive aside! We’d get lush forests on one finish, and desert-like landscapes on one other.
1) Cascata dos Anjos
A 30-minute drive from the capital metropolis of Funchal is Cascata dos Anjos. It’s this beautiful waterfall that cascades over the outdated freeway ER 101.
The greatest time to go to is correct after a wet interval, because the waterfall might be extra highly effective. To prime it off, we noticed a rainbow whereas we have been there!
Address: Caminho das Fontes 15, 9360-355 Ponta do Sol, Portugal
2) Madeira Bridge
Hardly any info might be discovered on-line on this bridge. I couldn’t discover an official title, however some name it the Jungle Bridge. It’s not even listed on Google Maps!
But it regarded like a fairytale bridge guarded by trolls — we couldn’t resist checking it out.
Address: P3VV+FF Funchal, Portugal
3) Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira
Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira is a cliffside viewpoint that overlooks Achadas Da Cruz and a small village known as Fajã da Quebrada Nova.
After arriving on the parking zone pinned on Google maps, we needed to scramble down an unmarked grime path to get there. It’s a bit steep, so take warning while you go to. We caught an epic sundown right here, the sort that makes you are feeling alive.
Address: VQ5W+RJ Porto Moniz, Portugal
4) Achadas da Cruz and Fajã da Quebrada Nova
Achadas da Cruz is a small district in Porto Moniz — and it was one in every of my favorite spots on this Madeira journey information.
We arrived at a cliffside viewpoint overlooking Fajã da Quebrada Nova; a small uninhabited village which sits alongside the coast. It’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs lined in greenery, and when the sunshine hits the mountains, it’s fairly particular.
The most important roads aren’t at sea degree — they’re truly on the prime of the cliffs!
Which signifies that you’ve obtained to take the Achadas da Cruz cable automobile to get to the village! The various is a really, very steep climb down — I extremely doubt anybody sane would try this.
The cable automobile prices simply 5 euros for a spherical journey (#value). It’s a steep descent, mixed with panoramic views — like an amusement trip, however higher.
After testing the village, we explored the opposite aspect of the coast. There’s a slender path via the vegetation (within the image above!) that results in an remoted rocky seaside.
We stayed right here until golden hour and the colors have been magical!
Fun truth: There’s just one cable automobile operator (and his cat) — situated on the prime station. When you’re able to return, shut the doorways your self and he’ll begin the trip!
The final cable automobile departs at round 6PM, so be sure you catch it otherwise you’ll be sleeping on the seaside (not as enjoyable because it sounds).
5) Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela Rocks
Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela Rocks are these lovely rock formations that sit near the pebble seaside shoreline. This space is supposedly common for browsing, although we didn’t see any surfers whereas we have been there.
Address: VR4W+5R Ribeira da Janela, Portugal
6) Miradouro da Garganta Funda
Madeira has been blessed with a number of unimaginable waterfalls, however the 140m-high Miradouro da Garganta Funda (or Deep Throat Waterfall) is perhaps probably the most spectacular.
We didn’t even should enterprise far to search out it — it’s only a brief 600m stroll from the carpark!
Address: 9385, Ribeira da Vaca, Portugal
7) Seixal Natural Pools
Madeira has a number of pure swimming pools and this one is situated alongside the north coast, near Porto Moniz.
Again, I discovered many images on-line however not a lot info on it. It’s situated proper beside Seixal Beach, the place there have been a number of individuals browsing whereas we have been there!
Address: Caminho da Delfina Fernandes Correia 9270, 9270-130 Seixal, Portugal
8) Miradouro do Véu da Noiva (Seixal Waterfall)
Just throughout Seixal Beach is one other well-known waterfall — Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. Véu da Noiva means bridal veil, as a result of the falls resembles one plunging into Atlantic ocean!
Address: Antigo Traçado da ER101, Portugal
Epic Hiking Trails in Madeira
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to have gone on some unimaginable hikes world wide. But the Madeira’s hikes are in a league of their very own.
There are two most important varieties of mountain climbing trails in Madeira. Vereda hikes are mountain or coastal cliff walks, whereas Levada hikes observe irrigation channels and waterfalls. This Madeira journey information consists of the three hikes you shouldn’t miss in case you’re visiting for the primary time:
9) PR1: Vereda do Areeiro
Distance: 13km return
Duration: ~7hrs
Starting level: P3PC+7G Curral das Freiras, Portugal
You may need seen movies of Vereda do Areeiro on Instagram; it’s Madeira’s most well-known hike! So in fact we needed to embody it in our Madeira journey information.
This path connects Madeira’s three highest peaks — Pico do Areeiro (1818m), Pico das Torres (1851m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m).
The hike begins at Pico do Areeiro, with a slender part of stairs above the clouds that seemingly result in heaven. This is probably the most photographed spot of the hike, barely half-hour from the place to begin!
We handed via tunnels dug out of the mountain, used to shelter cattle and shepherds up to now. There aren’t any lights, so it’s pitch-black — we used our cellphone torchlights to see.
This hike is reasonably difficult — there are fairly a number of prolonged sections of stairs, particularly towards the top!
The views all through this hike are extraordinarily rewarding, so take your time and soak all of it in. Definitely one in every of my all-time favorite hikes!
10) PR6: Levada das 24 Fontes
Distance: 8.6km spherical journey
Duration: ~6hrs
Starting level: ER110 15, Portugal
Levada das 25 Fontes is Madeira’s hottest levada hike, which matches via lush valleys and follows the island’s irrigation channel.
The hike itself is average issue, with a mixture of slender paths and stairs. A singular function of the path is that many sections are framed by curved tree branches that look straight out of a Stephen King horror movie. In the daytime although, it’s a reasonably sight.
The finish of the path is the 25 Fontes waterfall! At this level, you’ll have to show round and head again the identical approach.
11) PR8: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Distance: 6km return
Duration: ~5hrs
Starting level: ER109, Estr. de São Lourenço, 9200-044 Caniçal, Portugal
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço appears to be like like one thing out of Jurassic World. It’s simply some of the lovely hikes I’ve ever been on! We did this hike as a part of our Comfort Zones sequence, together with strangers we met in Madeira (watch it!).
This path snakes alongside Madeira’s rugged shoreline and ends on the jap tip of Madeira. The views all through have been unimaginable — beautiful cliff edges and vivid blue waters stretching so far as the attention may see.
We went early within the morning, so there weren’t many individuals on the path but — and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Other Things to Do in Madeira
12) Canyoning
I’m comparatively new to canyoning, having solely performed cliff jumps again in Cebu years in the past. This canyoning tour with Epic Madeira was much more memorable for 2 causes. First, this tour concerned rappelling down waterfalls and second, we didn’t see one other soul throughout all the three hours.
Turns out, Madeira is a implausible place for canyoning. There are tons of beautiful canyons, waterfalls and lagoons — and you may go canyoning all yr spherical!
Our guides Ronaldo and Vitor made the entire expertise. They’re skilled, enjoyable and fearless. We had lunch with them after and learnt they spend their free time doing insane cliff dives and rappelling down waterfalls as much as 120m tall. ????
There are three ranges of canyoning excursions — newbie, intermediate and superior. We did the intermediate degree which included a enjoyable mixture of rappelling, cliff jumps and scrambling over rocks. They additionally provide coasteering and climbing excursions!
Cost: From €60 (~S$87) — incl. all canyoning gear and apparel, simply put on a swimsuit and produce a towel
Tour timings: Varies
Other adventurous actions in Madeira embody water actions like diving, browsing, whale watching and land actions like paragliding and path working.
13) Explore Funchal
Photo credit score: @visitmadeira by way of Instagram
There are loads of issues to do in Funchal, Madeira’s historic capital!
Like the CR7 Museum which celebrates Madeira’s most well-known son. They’ve obtained all kinds of memorabilia on show together with a few of Ronaldo’s Golden Boots and Ballon d’Or trophies.
The Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market) is one other common place to go to in Madeira. They’ve obtained some actually, err, attention-grabbing fruits. Like the pineapple banana. Yes, there’s such a factor.
Also take a look at the road artwork alongside Rua da Santa Maria, strolling distance from the market.
Venice has gondolas, Madeira has toboggans. Dating again to the nineteenth century, this custom concerned locals zipping down slopes in conventional basket sledges from the village of Monte to Funchal.
The sledge is pushed by two drivers known as carreiros — who use their thick rubber footwear as brakes. These days, guests can ebook a trip (from €15/pax) and expertise a 2km-long route!
Madeira Travel Tips for First-time Visitors
Flying into Madeira: Madeira’s solely airport is in Funchal, its capital. There aren’t any direct flights to Madeira from Singapore, however you’ll be able to fly in from main cities in Europe like Lisbon, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam!
Where to remain in Madeira: We’d suggest staying in Funchal — it’s the most important metropolis with probably the most lodging and restaurant choices. Most automobile rental locations are discovered right here as nicely!
Getting round Madeira: Most of the picture spots and hikes are not less than a 45-minute drive from Funchal, so one of the simplest ways to get round Madeira is by renting a automobile. We rented ours from 7M Rent a Car because it was near our Airbnb.
What to eat in Madeira: Madeira’s location in the course of the Atlantic ocean, mixed together with her subtropical local weather and fertile soil means the meals right here is sweet.
Here are some native Madeira dishes value making an attempt:
1) Lapas — limpets; a kind of shellfish, seasoned with garlic and butter
2) Bolo do caco — spherical flatbread historically cooked on a sizzling basalt stone slab, served with garlic butter
3) Espetada — grilled beef cooked on skewers, seasoned with garlic, salt and bay leaf
4) Espada — black scabbard fish with banana and fervour fruit
5) Poncha — a conventional alcoholic drink made with sugar cane rum, honey and lemon juice
Le Bistrot Jacarandá (left) in Funchal was an surprising discover — they’ve obtained a fairly priced set lunch (round S$25) that features a starter, most important (you’ll be able to select espetada or espada), dessert and poncha. The meals was so good we ended up returning!
We discovered O Ideal (proper) on-line — they’re recognized for contemporary lapas and different seafood. It’s situated on the west coast of Madeira, so we visited on a day journey. The seafood was sinfully buttery, and their bolo do caco was additionally actually addictive. ????
Madeira’s climate: Madeira typically has a light, nice local weather. The hottest month is August with common temperatures at 22.5°C, whereas the coldest is January at 16°C. We have been there in February on the tail-end of winter and had lovely climate — sunny however cool.
That being mentioned, the climate differs in numerous elements of the island as a consequence of various elevation and wind publicity. During our PR1 Vereda do Areeiro hike, we noticed clear skies, fog and snow — all inside a number of hours.
What to pack: Keeping in thoughts the climate, listed below are some helpful objects to pack in your journey to Madeira!
– International driving allow
– Windbreaker
– Hiking pants
– Hiking footwear
– Swimsuit
As somebody who loves mountains, seashores and staying lively, Madeira was a dream to go to. I solely hope I get to return!
Have any tips on travelling to Madeira so as to add to our Madeira journey information? Share with us within the feedback!