Why you’ll be enchanted with Madeira island- the tropical surprise at the Atlantic

27.05.2019.

If you wonder where is Madeira, it’s the portuguese island paralel to Marocco. Firstly, coming to Madeira isn’t easy as the airport at Madeira is exposed to high winds due to its tiny area. Sometimes it happens that the plane just doesn’t arrive to Madeira. That’s what happened to me the last year when I wanted to go during the Flower festival. As we almost got there, the plane turned back to Lisbon. To Madeira you can come only by plane and by boat in the summertime.

When in Lisbon, the botanical treasure of Sintra town will simply enchant you in its pure fairy-tale shine.

Check out this one week itinerary at Madeira.

Why I chose Madeira? Except the Flower festival in Funchal, it’s such a magic island that’s a botanic garden itself. Besides, my friend Marina lives at Madeira. Unfortunately when I came this year, she wasn’t there but I met the rest of my meditation group.

East side of Madeira island

Caniço- the pretty beaches of Madeira island

Except the statue of Christ like in Rio (but this one in Caniço has an earlier date), Caniço is filled with beautiful beaches and landscapes. But not only that, Caniço has a cable car and Palheiro Gardens.

Camacha- amazing art at Madeira island

This little place in the mountains characterised by its basket art. Views of Porto Santo will leave you breathless, it’s the neighbouring islet to spend vacation at pretty beaches.

Pico de Ariero- the second highest peak of Madeira island

Pico de Ariero is the second highest peak of Madeira after Pico Ruivo that’s reachable by car. But I must warn you, there were many cars and buses while I was there. The path from Pico de Ariero to Pico Ruivo is said to be the tough one.

There are many hiking and walking tours at Madeira, hiking from Pico de Ariero to Pico Ruivo would cost 26 e. Unfortunately these tours are only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Thus is only with the agency I took The pride of Madeira (which is located near cable car, you’ll see the sign), East and West tour with the Pride of Madeira inside a minivan costs 20 e which is with the other agencies 28-30 e. Many, many impressive views can be seen at its altitude of 1818 m.

Santana- the symbol of Madeira & its lovely houses

This lovely village is the remark of Madeira. Houses with the straw roof and the triangular shape show the tradition of Madeira. In some houses people really live but in the other are placed the flower shop, souvenir shop, tourist office and so on. This unusual place is what make me dream of faraway lands.

The Sugar Factory in Porto do Cruz

This is the one we visited, sugar is been smashed in front of the eyes of many visitors and then used to make rum and biscuits which you can try in the souvenir shop.

Machico is the town close to airport as there are mostly situated the beaches of Madeira, the Machico beach is like the others made of artificial sand imported from Marocco.

West side of Madeira island

Camarra de Lobos- the lovely fishing village at Madeira island

This is mostly fishing village just close to Funchal. The street art made of old etiquets like Coca-Cola and Sprite is just fantastic.

Ribeira Brava

Another lovely town is Ribeira but if you’re going only to Ribeira don’t- it’s not that astonishing like other places.

Paul da Serra- the scenic road of Madeira island

This road up to the northern part of the island which is always more sunny is filled up with fantastic views. The hilly area of Encumeada which is rather steep starts from here.

Porto Moniz and the Natural Pools- the delight of Madeira island

What a place, this is a feast to the eyes. So lovely! The shapes of mountains, the flowers decorated into the bicycles, little train and other stuff is just mesmeraising. Natural Pools are here to seduce you though the ticket is 3 e.

The waterfall in Seixal

The speciality of this lovely village is the black-sanded beach (Praia de Laje), two natural swimming pools and the waterfall. Very, very special waterfall. Just look, I got the highest number of likes at instagram. There are few more similar waterfalls in the neighbourhood but this one is particular. You can watch Bridal Veil from Belvedere of Seixal.

Sao Vicente- the charming mountainous town of Madeira island

Marveillous mountains that surround this lovely place give it the true meaning, specially the church that stands alone on one hill. The story about this church is truly special because it’s about australian monk who wanted to build the church but he died so his family helped in this idea.

Pancho is the local drink made of citruses and alchool, here you can easily find it.

The caves of Sao Vincente are another surprise, located a bit out of the place. You can admire their volcanic nature, their position in the lakes and the volcanic gardens. Sao Vicente is such a stunning town at Madeira island that you cannot miss.

Hiking trails at Madeira island

What a treasure of hiking walks at Madeira! Except Pico de Ariero and Pico Ruivo, levadas are Madeira’s highlight. These are the natural irrigation channels, let’s see what we can find at Madeira.

Levada 25 waterfall

Starting point is Rabaçal, it takes 4,6 km or 3h.

King’s Levada

It covers areas of São Jorge and Santana within 5,1 km.

Paradise Valley levada

Within the area of Camacho village some endemic trees and flowers find their place here.

Mimosa Valley Levada

This easy walk is located near pretty Machico, the ancient capital. You can expect many mimosa trees, of course.

Levada do Alecrim walk

This levada is situated in Laurissilva forrest in the area of Paul de Serra and its beautiful views within 7 km.

Caldeirao Verde Levada

Laurissilva forrest is within again and many, many various plants.

Nun’s Valley

Nun’s Valley is half day walk and covers Pico dos Barcelos and the area of Curral das Freiras and its volcanic nature at the central point of Madeira.

Lakes of Madeira island

Melted with many waterfalls and beautiful views of mountains this levada at the western coast is something unique.

But.. there are many other places to explore at Madeira, these are just the most significant. Don’t forget Pico de Ariero to Pico Ruivo walk.

Some interesting facts about Madeira island

1. There more than 400 tunnels at the island connecting all sides of Madeira
2. Madeira is holding an university with various subjects
3. Endemic plants of Madeira, more than 150 species (the most known: Madeira godiera, type of orchid)
4. Levadas- walking trails based on water irrigation system are speciality of Madeira
5. Sugar production
6. Madeira is not a beach destination
7. The statue of Sissi finds its place in Funchal- discover the story of Sissi, the Austrian Queen Elisabeth
8. Interesting museums: Museum of electricity of Madeira, Photographia- Vicentes Museum (the old photography equipment), Museum of Madeira customs, Madeira Whale Museum in Canical,
9. Painted doors of Funchal;
10. Flower Festival is the highlight of Madeira

Final thoughts

Madeira is such a surprise, the place that I wanted to visit for years. Such a connection of tradition, art and landscape which makes you curious and bursts out with wonders. More than that, Madeira represents botanical garden.

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