I am blessed to have biological heritage that originates from the ‘paradise on earth’ that they call ‘Madeira’. Despite growing up in an English family aged ten, I was also aware of my Portuguese roots and throughout my childhood years had traveled to Madeira until my passport was destroyed by my stepmother, but that’s a half a decade battle for ‘citizen status’ that I wont go into right now.Still I digress; it might not be a ‘ravers haven’ and you’re more likely to go ‘hiking’ than partying but for someone like myself who prefers swimming in the sea or long mountain hikes to getting rat arse drunk, it’s little wonder that I have so much love for my parents homeland. One of the best places to live in Portugal, Madeira is a teal mecca of natural swimming pools, lush mountain valleys and basalt sand beaches that are teeming in uniqueness.
Natural Lava Pools In Porto Moniz Madeira -szepvilagunk.weebly.com
Founded in 1419 alongside its ‘partner island’ Porto Santo (1418) by the Portuguese navigators Tristão Vaz Teixeira, Bartolomeu Perestrelo and João Gonçalves Zarco, Madeira’s capital city Funchal became a mandatory port of call for European trade routes. Largely due to its abundance in agricultural crops such as sugar cane and exportation of ‘white gold’ to all of Europe, Madeira was a reputable trading partner, although like many European colonies its history is marred with slave labor, whose ‘free labor’ contributed to the growth of the Portuguese ‘Crown’, which ended in 1910. Despite its less than ideal ‘founding principles’, Madeira’s presence in the food and drink sector, including its ‘world famous’ wine, made it a popular exporting ‘point of call’ during the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Although Madeira was prevalent in the trading community, it was not until the 19th and 20th century that Madeira was used as a ‘tourist destination’ which was largely due to Funchal’s construction of an airport to accommodate visitors.
Today Madeira receives 1.7 million visitors per year, making it the fifth most visited Portuguese ‘tourist destination’ after Lisbon (6.3 Million), Porto and Northern Portugal (4.4 Million), the Algarve (4.2 Million) and Central Portugal (3.2 Million). Not bad considering that Madeira is a small volcanic Archipelago with an estimated population of 267,785 (2011). Even more surprisingly despite being the fifth most visited place in Portugal, it is the second richest Portuguese economy after Lisbon. But why should you visit Madeira when the beauty of more exotic destinations like the Caribbean beckons?
A Mountain View Of Madeira- Blandy Travel
- To Document The Breathtaking Natural Swimming Pools & ‘Lava Pools’ In Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is a small municipality, located west of Santana and Machico and Northwest of Funchal. While Porto Moniz is famed for its breathtaking parishes and religious buildings, more famously it is has been canonized in Maderian culture for its complex ‘natural lava pools’, which in some cases have been transformed into ‘natural swimming pools’. Unlike the south of the island, temperatures are cooler and winds often ‘vehement’ but this only adds to the beauty of the lava pools, creating ‘white cloud river’ formations that appear to be quite literally frothing at the ‘mouth’. I remember the last time I went to Madeira 5 years ago and how excited I was to see the ‘natural swimming’ pools. However the weather was wild and temperamental and within 15 minutes, the flag turned from green to red, as the lava pools got caught up in the wild western winds.
Despite the ‘wild weather’ just capturing the natural beauty of the lava pools, gives you an insight into a new world, where technology ceases to exist and a beautiful chaos runs rampant. Of course the winds make Porto Moniz ideal for experienced surfers but I would recommend a trip to the natural swimming pools as opposed to ‘surfing’. Naturally for those who ‘visit’ with children, there may be concerns regarding safety, which is why I recommend a visit to the Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz, which has been altered for public use and costs €1.50. For those who describe themselves as ‘thrill seekers’, the unaltered Ilheu Mole black basalt rock pools creates the most beautiful artistic photos but be careful not to fall in!
Ilheta Mole’s Natural Swimming Pools: My Holiday Guru
Speaking of Porto Moniz…
2. To Discover Madeira’s Levada Hike’s Throughout The Island
While Porto Moniz is a relatively small town, it also boasts Madeira’s most beautiful ‘levada’- Levada da Ribeira da Janela. For those who are new to the concept of a ‘levada’, essentially it is an irrigation channel or aqueduct that were built in the Sixteenth Century to bring large amounts of water to the ‘drier’ South-East of The Island. Today the levadas are not only an important source of water, but they also provide hydro-electric power and remain a popular tourist destination. While more dangerous or ‘thrilling’ levadas like Levada Caldeirão do Inferno and Levada Do Norte are popular among hikers, for those who crave a more flat terrain should visit Levada da Ribeira da Janela which begins in Lamaceiros, Porto Moniz.
Riberia Da Janela’s Levada Walk
Your path will follow Madeira’s longest river ‘Riberia Da Janela, from the springs in Rabacal and will take you through a 7-8 hour walk through waterfalls, African Lilies and Hydrangeas, as well as ‘rock basalt caves’ abandoned churches and bird song. Not to mention that nature lovers will love that the walk enters through Europe’s oldest and biggest Laurel Forest. Easily the most beautiful Levada, ensure you pack food, hiking boots and waterproof clothing as the cave ‘tunnels’ can get quite slippery!
A Bee Pollinating Flowers In Madeira, Riberia Da Janela
Another levada route I would recommend is Pico Ruivo Do Paul Da Serra, which ends at Pico Ruivo, the highest peak of the island and can only be reached by ‘foot’. Unlike Riberia Da Janela which is famed for its ‘lush vegetation’ and ‘wet’ terrains, Pico is mostly dry, with brittle bracken and beige rock formations before leading you to the beauty that is the ‘Janela Valley’, where the ‘levada water system is sourced’.
Pico Ruivo Do Paul Da Serra Estrada (Walk) – Joachimgerhard
Other notable Levada Routes: Rabacal-Madeira’s most popular Lavada, Queimadas – Laurisilva’s Tropical Rain Forest, Kings-situated in the Lush Valleys of Sao Jorge and ‘Nun’s Valley’ in Curral Das Freiras, where my biological mum is from.
Paradise Valley Levada Walk In Madeira- Pride Of Madeira
3.To Tour Its Breathtaking Botanical Gardens
As someone who appreciates natural beauty, Funchal’s very own Botanical Garden in Quinta do Bom Sucesso immerses you in wildlife, history and breathtaking landscaped gardens. There are five main areas to visit:Indigenous and endemic- which contains over 100 plants from Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde, The ‘Tree Garden’ containing ‘trees from ‘ecologically opposed areas of the earth’, like the Himalaya and the Tropics,Succulents from South America, Tropical/Cultivated plants like papaya and sugar cane and Loiro Park, home to rare and exotic birds like dwarf parrots.
The Beautiful Botanic Gardens In Quinta do Bom Sucesso, Funchal
The entrance fee is €3 per person, children under 4 are free, and children 4 – 12 years of age pay half price. To get there, you can take the cable car ( Teleferico) from Monte which will cost €7.75 including entrance ticket.
For those who are a fan of Japanese gardens, then ‘Monte Palace’s’ Tropical Garden will be sure to tickle your fancy. Curated by Jose Berardo and open to the public since 1991, Monte Palace not only features Portugal’s most important tile collection, but it also features Koi fishes, which come from East Asia and are considered to be extremely valuable. After Berardo’s trip to Japan and China, he added two oriental gardens, Buddhist sculptures, mythological animals to act as ‘guardians to the temples’ and iron structure chronicling the social, political and economical relationship between Portugal and Japan.
Entrance Fee is €10 and children under 15 go FREE!
Birds Of Paradise- Traditional Portuguese Flowers-Tunliweb
Other Reccomended Gardens: Quinta das Cruzes-last residence of the discoverer of Madeira, João Gonçalves Zarco, Jardim of Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro-private gardens owned by ‘The Blandy Family’ and Santa Luzia’s Public Gardens- open to the public.
4. To Take Part In Madeira’s Infamous Festivals
While many of Madeira’s festivals are religious or pagan festivals, August is renowned as its ‘season of wine’. Queue Madeira’s Wine Festival (27th August to 10th September); The festival begins in the village of Câmara de Lobos with the actual picking of the grapes, the pickers’ parade, the treading of the grapes and other related traditions that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Entrenched in ‘folkloric traditions’ this festival features traditional folk dancing, light and sound effects as well as wine and food tasting sessions.
Wine Festival Madeira 2017: Levadas Madeira
For those who appreciate religious festivals (Madeira is Roman Catholic), Monte Festival (14-15th August) is one of the largest on the island.Pilgrims take part in a procession to the church, with the streets covered in flowers, while Nossa Senhora do Monte Church is beautifully decorated with flowers in honour of Our Lady of the Monte, the patron saint of Funchal city.
While the summer festivals are a lot of fun my own personal favourites are Festa dos Compadres – Santana (January) and Madeira Flower Festival (May). Festa dos Compadres is a 50 year old festival that marks the start of ‘carnival season’. Held in Santana, the town celebrates the occasion with a parade of decorated floats, troupes in traditional costumes and musical entertainment. Actors perform comic sketches about social and political issues, while giant figurines (usually political) are publicly ridiculed, judged and cheerfully burned in the spirit of the carnivelesque, which takes delight in the ‘grotesque’. Best of all are Madeira’s infamous gastronomic specialities which include ‘espetada’ (large garlic beef skewers rubbed in salt and garlic) and bolo do caco (a round bread that is often served with garlic butter and Portugal’s ‘Prego Steak Sandwich), but don’t worry there will be more on food later!
Prego Com Bolo De Caco- Madeirabestblog
On the other hand Madeira’s Flower Festival is a perfect demonstration of what Madeira is all about;community, natural beauty and friendship. Every year two weeks after Easter the ‘flower festival makes it way through Funchal’s city centre with colourful flower floats as you can see below. I have been lucky enough to have witnessed a few of the flower parades myself and while the floats themselves are stunning it is the ‘wall of hope’ in Praça do Município that is the most inspiring. Made entirely out of flowers, the ‘wall of hope’ symbolizes Maderian’s desires and dreams which is then documented in time. There are also flower carpets, folklore performances and classical music concerts.
Madeira Flower Festival 2017-dreamflowersbyisabelborges
5. To Explore The Caves of São Vicente & Find Some Surprises Along The Way…
Situated in Sao Vicente, the volcanic cave formations and Volcanic centre takes you through an enthralling insight into the islands ‘beginnings’. But the biggest surprise is before you enter the ‘caves’, which you guessed it features breathtaking floral and fauna gardens, plus you might even meet a little lizard friend like I did below! Complimented by charming cottages, entrance to the Volcanic Center and ‘caves’ is €8 for adults.The São Vicente Caves were formed 890 thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption and were first discovered in 1885 by locals. After being opened to the public in 1996, tourists can enjoy a 1,000 m underground route running through the caves before a visit to the Volcano Center. Featuring educational and audio visual displays that simulate the birth of the Madeira islands and an eruption of a volcano, the Volcano centre is a treat that all the family can enjoy!
Lizard At The Entrance To Sao Vicente Caves Madeira
6. To Taste Its Gastronomical Delights
Madeira is renowned for being somewhat of a ‘foodie haven’; from its fresh seafood inspired dishes to popular pastries, there is something for everyone. Some common dishes include Bacalhau com late (salted and dried Cod with potatoes and creamy milk), Espada com Accorda (Black Swordfish with bread soup) and picado (small pieces of beef fried with garlic in a pan, sometimes with the addition of red peppers, served in one big dish surrounded by French fries). As a vegetarian however my own preferential dishes include Milho frito (delicious deep-fried cubes of cornmeal ), salted pimpinela (choka, similar to cucumber) with large tomato slices and lettuce, doused in olive oil and vinagerette and Caldo verde (cabbage soup which is normally made with Chorizo but can be made without). While the main courses are delightful, in my eyes it is the Portuguese deserts that make the tastiest delights (although some argue that its alcohol is the most influential).
Bacalhau with sweet potato fries – Yasmimyang
My own personal favourite Portuguese deserts include bolo de mel (made from dark sugar cane molasses and laced with nuts and sultana), broa de mel ( round treacle and cinnamon biscuits) and pastel de nata (Egg Custard Tart, although not exclusive to Madeira). For some Madeirenese, it is their alcohol that tourists are most attracted to. From its self-titled rich and fortified Madeira wine to Nikkita ( made with vanilla ice cream mixed first with pineapple juice, and then sugar and beer-my personal favourite), right through to Poncha (traditional alcoholic drink made with Aguardente de cana which is distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice, honey. sugar, lemon and lemon juice)they sure know how to drink!
Pastel De Nata Portugal:Portuguese Places Instagram
7. To Visit Its Renowned Viewpoints and Geological Formations
From Ponto De Sol to Cabo Girao, Madeira’s viewpoints are quite unlike anything you have seen before. Cabo Girao’s viewpoint features a popular skywalk which suspends you over vertiginous view of the fajãs of Rancho and Cabo Girão – small areas of cultivated land at the foot of the cliff – as well as magnificent panoramic views over the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. Receiving over 1,800 visitors a day, Cabo Girao also has a nearby souvenir shop where you can buy straw wine baskets, bolo de mel and more. Ponto De Sol however is a small municipality in the southwestern coast of the island, which has secret walking trails through bracken and basalt, overlooking churches, distant stretches of sea and Levada Do Moinho. A fairly easy walking trail, you will traipse through well cultivated farmland, endemic flora and fauna and waterfalls.
View From Cabo Girao’s Skywalk
Red Mountains In Madeira: Unpotentiallife Instagram
Camara de lobos fishing bay and coastline:Expedia
Seixal In Madeira
Madeira Lido Funchal:Madeira Web
9. To Immerse Yourself In Traditional Customs And Get A Glimpse Into Madeira’s Past
Despite being a relatively new country in comparison to England, Madeira’s history is nevertheless intriguing. From its cultural and political importance as an importer of ‘sugar’ , whine and wheat during the 14th-17th Century, to reclaiming its status as an ‘independent island’ in 1978, Madeira’s past is laced with success. Now Madeira has its own Flag and government but what is really interesting is its folkloric traditions, which are most present during festivals that mark ‘agricultural importance’ throughout the year.
Young and old will come together dressed in a rich yellow and red vivid ‘folk costume’, complete with a pinched cap and botachas (boots), made from tanned cow skin and adorned with red ribbon. While the costume can differ in accordance to region and gender, the costume is often used in folkloric parades and even ‘traditional dances’ like “bailinho”. Bailinho is a dance accompanied by voices and music and the well-known “challenges”, where two singers alternately improvise lyrics of social satire nature. The typical dances range between the “chamarrita”, the “charamba”, the “mourisca” and the “bailinho das camacheiras”.
Dances and parades are often full of emotion, conveying the island’s pastoral traditions, love for its people, as well as documenting tragedies during its time on earth. Common dance customs include ‘treading of the grapes’ to mark its importance as a distributor of wine and ‘head down’ which problematically represents the time of slavery, where slaves would bow down to its master. Admittedly the tradition of ‘bowing your head’ to represent slavery is a dance tradition that should be emitted but nevertheless still a powerful dance to behold. Common instruments used include the “rajão”, the “braguinha”, the fiddle, the wire guitar, the accordion, the triangle and the traditional “brinquinho”, locally made.
Maderian Women Wearing Traditional Folk Costume At Funchal Flower Market
10. To Experience the Beauty Of Island Hopping
While Madeira is a beautiful gem, its surrounding islands are just as beautiful and are easily accessible by ferry, boat or plane! Its three main ‘sister islands’ are ‘Porto Santo’, Desertas Islands and Selvagens Islands . Unlike Madeira, Porto Santo is a relatively ‘dry and flat terain’ and relies almost entirely on its tourism income, due to being a small island. Featuring a breathtaking white sand landscape with crystal blue waters, Porto Santo is regularly voted as being a Top 5 ‘Portuguese Beach’. Although Porto Santo does have a golf course, a series of bars and restaurants, churches and museums, it is the white sand beach that attracts the tourists. The other two islands however are deserted, savage islands that are both reputed for its ‘marine’ and wildlife that are protected by the National Geographic society.
Porto Santo Madeira
Desertas is a small archipelago, in the Macaronesia region of the Atlantic Ocean and has been constituted as a nature reserve since 1990 to protect a colony of 20 Mediterranean monk seals. While explorers attempted to colonize Desertas in the past, its only inhabitable island -Deserta Grande- , failed to colonize due to the impracticality of ‘communal agriculture’ , thus it is only visited by geologists and boaters. To visit you can book a Ventura do Mar Sailing Tour, which for €80 (£53), you get lunch, drinks and a donation to the Monk Seals Project, as well as a one day tour to the island. Similarly Selvagens was turned into a nature reserve in 1971, recognizing its role as a very important nesting point for several species of birds including Cory Shearwaters. For birdwatchers Selvagens is an ideal visit and can be obtained through Ventura do Mar. You may also have sightings of dolphins, whales and Selvagens Gecko Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi, which can be found throughout the island. Unlike Desertas however, Selvagens is not cheap and costs €1100 for a six day tour. However, it includes meals, insurance, licenses, taxes, fuel and snorkeling equipment.
Have You Ever Been To Madeira Before? If Not What Would You Do?
Wow, I’ve never visited Madeira; but it looks truly incredible. I would really love to see those lava pools and of course try the delicious food.
Madeira is so beautiful. I have never visited but it is on my list, as everything else that I haven’t visited yet. Your post is definitely going to be handy when I visit, saving it for later! <3
xx Aditi
I definitely need to visit Madeira someday soon. Such a beautiful place. So exciting too!
Wow Madeira looks absolutely incredible. A family friend is from this beautiful place and he’s always said we should go visit and now I see why! Those natural pools look like heaven.
Wow I am so impressed with the Island. I think I must resign my job and move there, because such a beautiful description from your experience forces me to leave my country and start a new life. The Island must be visited during the festival time.I would love to taste the wine. and eat a delicious a cake or a home made dough
I’ve never been to Madeira, it does look an awesome place to visit
Your home country looks gorgeous darling, so beautiful and tranquil! I would love to go hiking, but I’ve a little one, so more than happy to settle by the sea with a cocktail in hand lol! Xx
It looks beautiful! You certainly took some lovely photos 🙂
Wow!!! How beautiful! Would love to visit some of these stunning places in the world !! 🙂
Wow looks lovely! I have always wanted to go to Madeira it is such a beautiful island and there is so much to do. The levada walks sounds great!
Those Botanic Gardens look amazing!
I’ve only really started travelling to places in the last year (crazy right?) Now that I’ve seen these gorgeous, gorgeous pictures and read your post, I’m sure me and A Pirate’s Blog will be heading to Madeira in the near distant future. x
So love the look of Madeira. We are going to Portugal this year for our holidays so will try some of the local foods. Maybe Madeira soon.
My ex-husband was Portuguese, but his family was from the Azores. He always talked about taking me there and then to “the continent” as they call it, but we split before that ever happened.
Wow such a beautiful island, Nature at its best. Looks like a place for everyone. View From Cabo Girao’s Skywalk, the mountain view, Ilheta Mole’s Natural Swimming Pools, the food everything is so perfect. Well written post! and great pics!!
This is so beautiful. I tried to get to Madeira when I was living in Madrid, but I never had enough time off of school to make it happen. One day…
This place looks stunning! I am for sure more for hikes and peaceful walks and swimming than bars and party life, so this would be somewhere amazing for my family and I to visit.
What lovely photos! This looks like such a pretty place, this will be added to my bucket list 🙂
I’ve never been to Madeira unfortunately, and until reading your post, I didn’t really know much about it. But it looks and sounds AMAZING! Definitely need to add it to my bucket list, especially those aqua parks! x
Holy!! I have found a new destination to visit asap! Natural Lava Pools looks like an actual dream, looks unbelievable 🙂 also what camera do you use? I had no idea of Madeira but now i have found my next holiday destination!
Everyone I know seems to be visiting Madeira at the minute, from your descriptions it’s not hard to see why!
After finishing reading your post I am ready to book a trip to Madeira. I didn’t know much about the island before, nothing besides the photos a friend of mine posted on Facebook when he was there in vacation. I love hiking so exploring the Riberia Da Janela trail. The wine festival sounds like a great occasion to visit Madeira as well.
Those rock pools look stunning. I’d never pictured Madeira as a destination but it looks so beautiful I think I made a mistake overlooking it. Thanks x
Wow!!! This looks so beautiful and somewhere that I would love to visit. You must be so proud of your beautiful home country xx
Aside from the fact that I love to discover good food, I want to travel different places because I want to see and experience breathtaking views and never-ending adventures! Traveling lets us learn new things, too. THANKS FOR SHARING THESE THINGS!
Wow I’ve heard of Maderia but I’ve never paid that much attention to what’s actually there, it looks like a gorgeous isle, the natural swimming pools are stunning!
I’ve not been to Madeira before, everything looks stunning. Your photos of everything really are so beautiful! I would love to see the lava pools, it looks such a tranquil, relaxing place.
Wow! Madeira looks like a beautiful place! I have never been anywhere close to there but would love to check out all that natural beauty!
Your pictures are all so stunning. This is def on my bucket list of places to go one day, hopefully sooner than later! I would love to see the red mountains and attend the wine festival.
It is so great that you could enjoy Madeira and have such a connection to it. There is so much beauty and ways to enjoy that lush area. You have made me want to go there.
Total paradise. I had no idea there’s such place in Portugal! Thanks for sharing! I would totally put this on my bucket list! Also, I love the fact that it looks so quiet. I bet that it’s the best place for relaxing vacation!
I’ve never been to Madeira. But your pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Such beauty. If I were to go, I would for sure have to make a stop at the botanical gardens. I love nature, and in a place that is so full of natural beauty, I’m sure it would be heaven.
Oh wow the lava pools look incredible – I visited the Blue Lagoon in Iceland earlier this year and it was simply amazing!
Okay- so that is going on my bucket list!
I love dreaming of traveling. Looking at lush landscapes, and historical architecture from foreign places is one of my favorite things to do. These places are beautiful!
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit! It’s so interesting hearing about the history and culture as well.
Wow what an absolutely stunning looking place Madeira seems to be, I would absolutely love to visit it after reading this post and be able to submerge myself into the culture.
Madeira is an incredible place indeed. I had the pleasure of visiting this heaven back when I was a kid.
the photos that I have of this place, are one of my most prized possession.
thanks for bringing back old memories!
I have never been to Portugal let alone Madeira but I would love to visit! looks so beautiful! I won’t be able to plan anything for this summer but for the next one, why not?!
Wow, this place looks amazing! I love the gardens, and that ocean view is to die for!
I haven’t been to Portugal since I studied abroad in 2005, but I remember how fresh the seafood tasted and how breathtaking the views were from the beach. I loved the sense of calm I felt being there. Life didn’t seem so rushed.
Yes! We have been to Madeira twice this year – once in February for a winter trip and the other time about two weeks ago! It’s beautiful, we love it there.
Wow Madeira isn’t somewhere I have ever really considered visiting but what a beautiful place!! I would definitely consider this for future holiday destinations, it looks like paradise!
I don’t think I need that many reasons, seeing the pictures of the pools and the beach is enough to convince me to go! It’s so beautiful out there! I’ve never been to Madeira before but now, it’s on my bucket list!
I haven`t doubted Madeira is so stunning ♥. I visited Lisbon this year and the plan is to go to Madeira in September. We shall see, the lava pools and Paradise Valley walk will are on my list
Madiera looks like an amazing place to visit. So much to do and see. I am a foodie and love to eat local delicious dishes while traveling so of course the bolo do caco caught my attention. LOL
I’ve never been to Madeira, but have spent many summers in Portugal (I’m of Portuguese roots, too!). I’ve been to Algarve, Porto, Lisboa, and Minho. Love it all! Made my fondest childhood memories during summers as a kid there and can’t wait to visit again.
Wow, what stunning photos. I’ve never been to Madeira before but now I feel like I must go. One day, I hope!
Wow you had me sold at the pictures! I can’t believe how beautiful it all looks! I would love to go here with my whole family!
This looks absolutely amazing! Your photos are beautiful and it makes me just want to dive straight into that beautiful blue water!! I’m definitely adding madeira to the list of must visits
What an incredible list. I really only need 1 reason. Lol
I never knew something like this actually exists!
I personally would like to take the paradise walk, breathtaking view and pictures 😊
I’ll be using your post to convince my hubby to take us there. We prefer hiking to partying any day of the week, we loved Lisbon AND he is learning to speak Portuguese. It will be easy!
I don’t travel abroad but Madeira looks like a beautiful place to visit.
If I had the chance, I’d go there in a snap. I think the place is beautiful and there’s so many things to see there that I’ll definitely enjoy!
With stunning views like this, I am really not surprised it’s called a paradise. Wish I was there.
I’ve never been but it looks absolutely stunning. I am much like you and prefer relaxing, swimming and exploring to getting drunk so it sounds like a good place to me x
This is going to be our big trip for next year and I can’t wait. It looks so much like Hawaii too.
Ah, Madeira. Beautiful Madeira! I spent two years living and working on the stunning island and it so worth a visit!
The Natural Lava Pools looks magical, other place looks picture perfect I even thought Its a photoshop thing hehehe this place is amazing really reasonable to go to.
It looks so amazing. The photo and the view are breath taking. If I have the occasion I will go there with the first plane ♥️♥️
You are really selling it to us! So many fabulous highlights and reasons to visit! We love the look of Natural Lava Pools and the swimming pools as well!
You had me at Hiking! As soon as I saw that I was like yeah! Then the pictures! It looks like a beautiful place. Then I read on and I saw swimming and festivals. I’m sold! I’ve added this place to my destination bucket list:)
Wow! It looks like Madeira has so much to offer. I know that my mum visited there and only had lovely things to say because she loved it there.
Wow! I’d never really though of visiting Madeira, but it looks amazing in these photos. Definitely on my list now!
Stunning photos of beautiful Madeira – a group of my friends went last year for a low key girly getaway and from what a great time they had, I think it’s a destination to add to my travel list.
It’s lovely there. I think I went when I was little fr a family holiday. The Ilheu Mole black basalt rock pools look amazing, that is somewhere I really need to go back there to see!!!!
I haven’t been here before and have never really thought about it. However, maybe I need to visit ‘cos it looks gorgeous!
Wow! Madeira looks like such a beautiful, magical place. What a wonderful destination. I hope you can realize your dream of Portuguese citizenship. Just from the photos above you can easily tell Madeira is like Heaven on Earth.
I’ve never been but it sounds lovely. It has all the components of what I consider a dream vacation, good food, beautiful sites and fun festivals.
I have never been to this place before. Looks amazing x
I love all of your reasons and now I want to visit Madeira. Your photos are so stunning, and that food looks amazing. And of course, you’re beautiful as always.
My goodness, such a beautiful place to visit! I want to go one day
It looks like a very beautiful place. I have a fondness for the pastle de nata’s I developed it on my one and only trip tp portugal about 10 years ago
What a stunning location! There would be no complaints from me if my hubby took me there 😉 x
It looks such a wonderful place!!! All the pictures are so amazing!! I’m surely adding this to my bucket list!!
Madeira looks amazing! I love the look of the lava pools and the beaches, wildlife and nature spots look wonderful!
Wow!! This place looks like heaven on earth and you took some gorgeous pictures. I can’t wait to visit the place.
Oh wow, that looks amazing! I would love to go there! Those photos look unreal!
Wow this place looks amazing, I would love to go there!
My goodness, what an incredible place to have as part of your ancestor’s story! It’s almost too beautiful to be true. If my husband and I are ever lucky enough to go, I know we’d love to fish at Câmara de Lobos (for him) and the Queue Madeira’s Wine Festival (for her). x
I have never heard of this place. It looks so beautiful. It will definitely go on my bucket list.
Sometimes when I look at pictures of places I haven’t been, I think to myself that they just can’t be real. Madeira definitely falls into that category. It’s too beautiful to be true.
Your post is wonderful. Your photos and information really brought out the beauty of Madeira. Thanks for sharing.
Such beautiful images. I’d love to visit some day.
This place looks completely unreal! Truly, it’s breathtaking and I can’t imagine what it must be like to explore and experience. Adding it to my wishlist
Amazing! Such a nice, beautiful. Love this place so much! I’ve never been visited madera ever. But it’s on my list. Looks like incredible. I would love to visit the botanical garden also. It looks like you are in paradise. I always wanted to taste the food of Madeira while I’m reading this blog.
Oh my word! I’ve never heard of Madeira but it’s the most beautiful place! xx
If I ever got it chance to visit Madeira I would jump on it quick as this paradise on Earth has so much to offer and I am excited to explore it one day
i think camera de lobos would be perfect for me..i like the coast areas that are like hidden gems
doesn’t always have t be super white beaches especially when the image there shows how amazing the area looks
Wow Ana, Madeira looks and sounds so beautiful. I never knew there was so much to see and do there. I think we’ll definitely look into visiting seeing as we’re living so close to it now (or closer than when we were in the UK). I have to say I love Portugal and everything about it so far. No wonder you are so proud of your heritage. Thanks for this post. xx
Stunning scenery. I would never have even thought about Madeira. But those Natural Lava Pools are just breathtaking. And the food! I would be eating all day just staring out into space and the beautiful landscape.
I really literally wanna visit all the gorgeous places you just posted in this blog post!!
It looks absolutely stunning there. I hope someday when my kids are settled I’m able to travel to places like this. The food looks fantastic too.
Beautiful pictures! I will surely explore the beautiful beaches if I were to visit.
When I book holidays I sway more to a party holiday than a sightseeing and cultural holiday but this looks absolutely amazing. I mean how do you possible fit all of that in, I’m literally in awe of some of the views. Definitely on my travel wish list now
I had heard of Madeira but I have not been able to make it out to Portugal just yet. It’s definitely on my list though. These are ten definitely amazing reasons you present. I would love going to the wine festival. But I have to say that the lava pools look absolutely fantastic. I will definitely have to be making it out there in the near future.
Oh my gosh Madeira looks beautiful! I haven’t really been lucky enough to travel a lot but it totally sounds right up my alley! My boyfriend and I live in a little secluded log cabin in a mountain and our favorite thing to do is go off roading in our jeep to find pretty lakes to hang near.
Those lava pools are so cool!! I’ve never heard of madiera before!
Madeira has been on my bucket list fro so long I can remember. Mainly because of the nature and hiking possibilities. Everyone says that there are flowers everywhere and the climate is very pleasant.
I have visited Madeira and it is so beautiful. I was discussing recently with my mum how we would love to go back. Kaz x
Madeira is breathtaking. I still haven`t visit the place but eventually I will. I think that if I had enough money I would go on the road all the time and visit all those beautiful places.
I confess I didn’t actually know where Madeira was (sorry!) but the landscape is stunning and there is so much to do!
First, the initial paragraph to your post is heartbreaking. Beyond that though, what a beautiful travel journal. Madeira looks stunning.
I can’t believe how beautiful those botanical gardens are. They are reason enough to visit for me!
Such a great post you have! I’ve never been to Madeira but would love to visit – it looks absolutely stunning!
I would definitely like to see a natural lava pool at some point. That looks like a fabulous place to visit.
I would absolutely choose Madeira over a Caribbean island. I love the mix of mountains and water, and the Botanical Gardens looks incredible, not to mention the food.
This place looks incredibly stunning! I would love to visit this place someday. I just pinned this.
Madeira is stunning and a heaven for nature lovers. Beaches are so photogenic and a place to unwind in nature. Flowers of Madeira are unique and colorful. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post, as I was totally unaware of this place before reading your post.
My mum raves about her holiday to Madeira, hopefully we will get there one day
Wow! My eyes are full of these beautiful sceneries. No wonder you love it and makes me love it too now. To be honest I didn’t know this place before and gladly discover it by reading this. I hope I can visit this amazing place in the near future too.
I’ve always wanted to visit Madeira as it looks so beautiful. Also I know Cristiano Ronaldo was born there and my son is a huge fan, so another reason!
I’ve always wanted to visit Madeira, it looks truly beautiful and unspoilt
Madeira is on our list of possible options to visit next summer. I’m definitely not up for raving so your post has convinced me even more – plus that gorgeous steak sandwich needs testing out!
The Madeira mountain view is absolutely gorgeous. I love it and have never heard of this location before.
My mum has a time share in Madeira and she absolutely loves it over there. It’s such a stunning island and I hope to visit some day x
Oh, wow. Madeira looks incredible! I think I’ve just added another place to my ever-growing travel bucket list!!
Louise x
While i’m reading your article, I’m really impressed with the beauty of made in Madeira!! It is amazing to see the lava pool in Porto Moniz especially in the botanical garden such a breathtaking view. I hope I can visit here one day in the future.
This whole area just looks spectacular! I would love to visit and enjoy every single breathtaking moment.
My friend has just got back from Madeira and she LOVED it. Now that I’ve seen your post, I definitely want to go now! xxx
Madeira is a very beautiful place. I really dream to visit it one day. As a hotel blogger I would love to stay at Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel called CR7 🙂 Have you been there? 🙂
Is it true that it’s really windy when your land at their airport? 🙂
Best,
Kasia
Aw I hope you get to visit! I have not visited his hotel but Madeira is obsessed with Christiano Ronaldo so there are statues of him everywhere! Haha yes it is true, also did you know it is one of the hardest flights to navigate and to get to the runway you literally are two inches away from the sea!
Wow what a beautiful place! I would absolutely love to visit Madeira!
I’ve never really explored the idea of going to Madeira before but it sounds absolutely fabulous! The water is SO blue and the flower festival sounds magnificent! xx
Marina xx
Wow, this places is totally amazing and the photo they’re breath taking. It looks like a perfect places for relax.
Madeira is such a beautiful destination. I love how vibrant and full of life it is there and would love to visit one day.
Popping over again from #MMBC.
Thanks for sharing with us. Hope to see you Monday x
Wow, such beautiful photo’s. I never really thought about going to Maderia until my friend visited earlier this year and her photos were incredible! Looks like such a lovely place! xo
I’ve never known anyone who went on vacation there. The photos are gorgeous and definitely make me want to visit.
Madeira looks really beautiful.All these photos are inviting.Also the traditional costume is really pretty.I’d love to visit there one day!
Amazing photos, Madeira is so beautiful, i wish i could go there, the natural pools are amazing, i love travelling and i this place is now in my bucketlist.
It looks amazing, this has been on my list for so long, I will definitely get there one day!
This place looks unreal! It looks like a piece of heaven on earth, I’m definitely adding this location to my travel bucket list.
Amazing! Madeira is absolutely gorgeous and honestly…I didn’t even know it existing. It appears to encompass many echo-systems and the varied terrain is a hikers dream. All the things I live for are located on this Island. I hope to visit here one day!
Those natural pools look beautiful and definitely making me want to visit. I will have to add Madeira to my bucket list!
Wow! This place is absolutely breathtaking. I haven’t heard of it before but now it’s definitely a place I’d like to visit!
My father is from St Miguel Portugal. I am always very intrigued by the Portuguese culture since I am half Portuguese.
My niece traveled to Madeira last summer furi g summer break with her uni friends. Her images wetet beautiful and she just raves on about the beauty, the people and the food. Another spit to add to my long list of spots to visit.
My niece traveled to Madeira last summer furi g summer break with her uni friends. Her images wetet beautiful and she just raves on about the beauty, the people and the food. Another spot to add to my long list of spots to visit.
Well Madeira is absolutely going on my bucket list! All of these pictures are absolutely stunning!
The lava pools sound amazing, I’d love to travel there one day! I’ll have to show my husband!
Madeira looks like such a beautiful and exotic destination! I would love to be able to visit here one day.
Oh my goodness, this place looks absolutely beautiful!! It’s definitely on my list of places I want to travel to now!
It is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for your lovely comment, I was in Madeira also this and I wrote many articles about it, because I just loved it! I adore Madeira so much.
Beautiful blog and thank you again! 🙂
We were in Portugal a few years back. We managed to cover only Lisbon, Sintra and Evora. Need to go back to Madeira now. Awesome pictures. Great work. Hopefully, three days should do.
I really appreciate this post because we try to hike wherever we are. Especially if we can hike and then swim in one of those swimholes!😲 I love swimholes! The red mountains are really my kind of places to be!
Hello, This is really a fabulous post and it makes me want to pack my bags. Thank you for sharing your impressions! I have pinned to easy access during my next Madeira trip.. planned for 2018.
Wow, it looks like a beautiful place to visit!
So beautiful this place is! Loved the natural lava pools. Such a must visit. I can’t believe I never heard of this place before. No wonder you have so many comments on your blog! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness! You have given me a new place to add to my bucket list. This is a great post and all the pictures look amazing. I have never heard of Maderia but I won’t forget it now.
Wow! This place looks absolutely magical!
I’ve always wanted to go to Portugal. Thanks to your post, I’ve added Porto Moniz to my list!
Oh my goodness, I want to get on a plane NOW. This looks incredibly beautiful!!!
Wow, so many reasons to visit Madeira! I can’t wait to get a chance to see it with my own eyes.
I love Madiera, I went one Christmas and still have to blog about it, its on my list. Great info and great pictures, well done
Madeira looks like the ideal place to stay during the summer! I would love to go to those natural swimming pools.
Beautiful piece.
Ilheta Mole’s Natural Swimming Pools Look like a snorkel dream place. Portugal is one of those nations we don’t see featured often enough even though it has a culture and geography that’s totally unique!
Great guide, I hope I can get there someday.
Madeira has been on my bucket list for a while now because I want to go on some of the stunning hikes, but the botanical gardens and natural swimming pools look spectacular too! I’m keeping my fingers crossed we’ll be able to travel again soon so I’m able to go! Thanks for sharing these top reasons to visit!
Madeira looks so dreamy
The color of those pools are just amazing. I’m definitely putting this on the list, post pandemic.
I can’t wait to travel again! So beautiful.
If I were still traveling, you sold me on coming to Madeira. Thank you for an incredible ‘trip’ through your writing and pcitures.
I’ve never been to Madeira before, but I definitely want to add it to my travel bucket list now!
I can’t wait to travel again so I can see this place! It looks so beautiful.
Wow! such a lovely post! Nice story and the photos are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Croatia
Madiera sounds like a jewel.I would love to visit. Beautiful scenery!
This is such a great blog. You’ve convinced me 🙂 I need to visit Madeira. It looks incredible! I am super impressed by the natural swimming pools and the botanical garden. I would love to visit it in the future.
This looks incredible! I read a book that featured Madeira recently, and that + this really has it moving up my travel list!
Officially added to the list. Stunning photos and great ideas for hikes.
Just added Madeira to our bucket list! The skywalk looks incredible!
Pastel De Natas are the only reason I need to visit Madeira!