Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic ocean, a 4 hour flight from the U.K. It has breathtaking scenery, hidden places to explore and varying micro climates due to a mountain range in the centre. There are so many touristic places, I want to introduce a few other hidden gems in this magnificent paradise because I want fellow travellers to discover, explore and admire this charming island with the friendliest people.
Camara dos Lobos
Forget your worries and unwind in this sleepy, fishing village located around 11km from the capital city of Funchal. A great place to try local drinks like Poncha, brandy sugar cane, lemon and honey or a Nikita, beer and white wine mixed with ice cream. Sounds so wrong, but give it a try – it works.
Ponta do Sol
Located 18km from Funchal, this is one of my favourite places. The clue is in the name – Point of the sun. Great for stopping for lunch and trying lapas, grilled mussels with bolo de caco, local bread. Espetatada, a mouth-watering grilled skewer often accompanied with milho frito, fried cornmeal. In addition to the food, have a quick dip in the sea to cool off.
Waterfalls in the road
When you leave Ponta do Sol take the old road that connects to Maddalena do Mar. I day dream about this place. It is full of roadside waterfalls and tunnels. Perfect for stopping, however find somewhere safe of course, and taking time to close your eyes and admire the view.
Monte
Get there via the scenic route in a cable car from Old Town Funchal. A truly mesmerising place with views out to the ocean, tropical gardens to wander in, beautiful church, and if you are feeling adventurous – try a toboggan ride in a wicker basket here.
Faial
This little village is nestled near the better known town of Santana, in the north east of the island. Breathtaking scenery, with fascinating triangular shaped housing and the ideal place to simply escape to for a few hours.
Adventurers can lunch in the clouds
If you enjoy hiking, then you are in for a treat, with the abundance of walking trails on offer. My pick would be Pico do Ariero, Madeira’s third highest mountain peak, as when you reach the top you are rewarded with heavenly views and can lunch in the clouds – bliss. Alternatively you can go there by car. I found that the best route is from Eira do Serado viewpoint. Take the road (open 9am-7pm), located on the left hand side just before the crossroad near Curral das Freiras tunnel. Another bit of advice is to take layers of clothing as the temperature drops quite significantly, therefore be prepared for this.
Good driver? Zig Zag roads Cabo Girao
To conclude, these are a handful of places that I love to visit, for more information on events, walking trails and places of interest have a look at www.visitmadeira.pt
Useful Words
Obrigada – Thank you
Tudo bem – How are you/Everything ok
Desculpa – Sorry
Eu gosto – I like
Boa Dia – Good Morning
Boa Noite – Good Night
Annual events
Carnival in February
Flower Festival in May
New Year Fireworks
Maria
Photos © 2019 Maria at TravelRunMum
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I’ve always been jealous that Europeans can just take a quick flight or drive across a border and visit an entirely different culture. I can drive across my state’s border and go to Las Vegas. I would much much much rather be in Madeira after a 4 hour journey 🙂
Absolutely. I think we take it for granted. Don’t think i will after lockdown. For you it’s a proper roadtrip!
Great round up sounds like there is a lot to do! A hike up Pico do Ariero sounds amazing. I love your addition of useful words.