Referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe,” our seven-day stay on Madeira showed exactly why. Madeira is a beautiful Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is known for its colorful landscape, exquisite signature wine and delicious cuisine.
Most of our trip was spent in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The scenery was captivating beyond words and worth experiencing firsthand. Funchal offers an abundance of activities, from ground-level sightseeing to absorbing the stunning landscapes from a cable car, offering a bird’s eye view.
Spend the day along the scenic hiking trails, leisurely lounge on the beach for hours or pass time exploring the charming capital of Funchal. The island caters to every traveler’s preference, ensuring that there is always something to engage in. Choosing your lodging with your preferred activities in mind will not only provide convenience accessing these experiences, but it may also enhance your stay to perfection.
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Where to Stay
For travelers who want to navigate the city’s attractions, Zona Velha, or Old Town, is an ideal base. This historic district is filled with activities, welcoming both locals and tourists alike to wander its streets, taking in the unique architecture of landmarks like the Baltazar Dias Theatre (Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias) and the São Tiago Fort, also known as the Yellow Fort.
In the Old Town you can spend hours shopping as the streets are filled with small shops and clothing boutiques. After working up an appetite from walking, retreat at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the way. Indulge in a variety of food in different settings as many restaurants provide outdoor dining as well as indoor. Whether you are looking to sit down and enjoy dining at a fancy establishment or grab a quick bite from a cafe, the options are endless.
If you are a beach lover and enjoy the ocean, you might want to consider staying in the São Martinho area of Funchal. This coastline consists of hillside views from above the beach. The shoreline pebbled beach of Praia Formosa is worth a visit. Formosa is the biggest beach in Madeira and only a 10-minute drive from the city of Funchal.
Stroll through Túnel das Poças do Gomes and experience the power of waves crashing into the inner walls of the hillside as the sound of the tide echoes down the tunnel. Of course, you don’t have to stay in this area to enjoy the beach as Madeira is filled with many beaches and natural pools surrounding the perimeter of the island. When you have your fill of the beach, make your way to restaurants in the area to fill your appetite. From first-hand experience we recommend giving “Restaurante Marisqueira O Barqueiro” a try. This gem stood out as one of the finest seafood restaurants in the area. The service was superb! The servers were attentive and the complimentary samples made our dining experience even more enjoyable. To top that, the food was amazing!
Not To Be Missed: Seixal in Porto Moniz
Seixal is a charming village in Porto Moniz, located on the northern coast of Madeira. Seixal boasts stunning landscapes that include lush green valleys, cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, and pristine natural swimming pools carved by volcanic lava.
It is a must-visit destination for travelers visiting Madeira. The stunning mountain backdrop and serene ambiance is not to be missed.
Black Sand Beaches:
Seixal is renowned for its beautiful black sand beaches which are a rare sight. The volcanic origins of Madeira have blessed Seixal with these unique beaches, which offer a striking contrast to the bright blue waters of the Atlantic. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing or simply sunbathing, the amazing view at Praia do Porto do Seixal and Praia da Jamaica is such a treat.
Pro Tip: Exercise caution while swimming, as the waves are massive. This is especially important for those who are not strong swimmers or if you are with kids.
Breathtaking Scenery:
The Seixal village is surrounded by lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls, creating a picturesque landscape that is perfect for photos. The nearby Véu da Noiva waterfall is a must-visit. Watch the waterfalls majestically over a cliff into the ocean. The sweeping views of the North Coast from Seixal are truly extraordinary.
Natural Pools:
One of the main reasons visitors flock to Madeira is to experience its beauty and uniqueness. These natural swimming pools were formed by the cooling of lava. The pools, which are filled with crystal clear sea water, provide a safe and relaxing swimming experience. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be purchased at the pools in Porto Moniz. Amenities such as changing rooms, bar, and first aid posts are available.
Local Favorites:
Try some flavorful traditional Madeiran cuisines like:
- Bolo Do Caco, a delicious sweet potato and wheat flour flatbread slathered with garlic butter.
- Queijadas, (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)
- Bolo de Mel, this honey cake is the most famous dessert in Madeira.
The village offers a variety of dining options where you can savor fresh seafood, meat, and traditional Madeiran dishes like Espada (Black Scabbard Fish) which is often served with banana, and Prego No Bolo De Caco. The local wine and Poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink, are also not to be missed.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities:
For the adventurous, Madeira offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. The island features the Levada walks, a unique network of over 1,350 miles (2,170 kilometers) of pathways that either follow or bypass the historic levadas, an old stone irrigation system designed to collect and distribute water across the island allowing agriculture to flourish. These paths lead adventurers through the famous UNESCO protected Laurisilva of Madeira, to breathtaking waterfalls, and offer scenic views of cities, coastlines, and mountains. Additionally, you can also enjoy Dolphin and Whale watching, and other outdoor activities.
Accessibility:
Seixal is easily reachable from Funchal. Here are a few travel options:
Public Transportation: Rodoest Bus leaves from Funchal – Avenida do Mar to Porto Moniz 4 times a day. Takes about 3 hours, 10 minutes and the estimated price is $5-7 USD one way.
Information:
Website: rodoeste.com.pt
Phone: +351 291 220 148
Email: rodoeste@rodoeste.pt
Book a Tour: Enjoy the convenience of being picked up and dropped off right at your accommodation. We chose the 8-hour Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz 4WD Tour from Funchal and had an incredible time exploring the island with 6 other travelers.
Rent a Car: We use Expedia to secure the most competitive rates.
Taxi or Bolt: Taxi or Bolt: Prices range from $45 to $81 USD. Although Uber is no longer available in Madeira due to government regulations, it still works in Lisbon and other parts of Portugal. However, there’s no need to worry Bolt serves as an excellent alternative with similar features and is generally more affordable than traditional taxis.
Accommodation:
Seixal offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to every traveler’s needs and budget.
Whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for a calm and peaceful retreat. Madeira’s amazing unique landscape, mixed with the warm hospitality of the locals and affordability, makes it a place worth visiting.
Feel free to comment if you have any questions. Do not forget to like, share and follow us on social media. Thanks for stopping by!
The reviews provided are entirely genuine and unsponsored. We had no affiliation with any brands during the writing of this review. Our thoughts are independent, and our trip was self-funded.
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