Immerse yourself in the splendor of Madeira, a spectacular Atlantic Island escape where lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking vistas await to captivate your senses.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCake, sweet wine and a balmy climate that never flirts with extremes made Madeira popular with a certain kind of vacationer. Portugal’s idyllic Atlantic island has been treasured by the British in particular, ever since that heady, rich wine first arrived in England in medieval times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travelers of a certain age headed west to Madeira in droves in the last century, lured by temperatures that were temperate all year round refreshing sea breezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The island’s identity is gradually changing. Madeira’s most recent claim to fame has been as the birthplace of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who is immortalized with a notoriously comical sculpture at Funchal airport. From a travel perspective, for decades Madeira was a secret that the retirees kept to themselves. In recent years budget airlines have opened up the island to a younger crowd, attracted by spectacular mountain scenery and a unique system of trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The levada<\/em> irrigation channels provide around 1,400 miles of pathways around the peaks and valleys of Madeira, a lasting tribute to the ingenuity and daring of the engineers who built them. The steep and precipitous nature of some trails deters all but the bravest, but most of the network is accessible for anyone reasonably fit, with a head for heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the north of the island, the Levada da Central da Ribeira da Janela<\/strong> is a particular highlight. It winds through eight tunnels and up steep hillsides, offering magnificent Atlantic vistas. The views are even more memorable from the trail along the cliffs at Arco de Sao Jorge<\/strong>, with the ocean crashing against the cliff face 800 feet below. The rugged coastline is desolate apart from a tiny fishing village and a few ruins. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSpace and tranquility are never hard to find on Madeira. Although the toughest trails may involve encountering a surprising number of hardy German hikers, the mountains are still relatively free of crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, tourists throng to the delightful hamlet of Monte<\/strong><\/em> with its pretty church and attractive tropical gardens. It has a cable car linking it to the island capital Funchal<\/strong>, but the more enjoyable way to make the trip down the mountain is by wooden toboggan over cobbled paths, pulled by Monte locals in their embroidered jackets and straw hats. The ride down is more thrilling than comfortable, but remains a vital part of the Madeira experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFunchal is an attractive place, with the ornate buildings and tiled facades of Portugal’s provincial towns. It is mostly untouched by gastronomic fashion, although the island’s seafood dishes are rightly respected. Madeira’s culinary specialties have very similar names. Espada<\/em>, the scabbard fish, is firm and fine-flavored, often served with fried banana. Espadarte<\/em> is the dense and robust swordfish, occasionally served in a smoked variety. As an alternative to fish, espetada<\/em> is a skewer of grilled beef, accompanied by fried maize, milho frito<\/em>. It’s a dish that is very Madeiran, and yet with obvious South American and African elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s a reminder of Madeira’s key location on the old shipping routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas, a flavor of this historic island’s unique appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Book the trip!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you’re planning a trip to Portugal, make sure you include some of these amazing destinations in your itinerary. Whether you prefer the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, the lively culture of Lisbon and Porto, or the incredible cultural sites of places like Sintra and Braga, all of these places are worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, you might also want to consider some of Portugal’s other top destinations. Places like Tavira, Faro, Guimaraes, Portimao, Alcoba\u00e7a, Nazar\u00e9<\/strong> (famous for its waves and world-class surfing) and Obidos<\/strong> are also worth checking out. Whichever destinations you choose to visit, you’re sure to find somewhere you love in this beautiful country.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions about the Best Places to Visit in Portugal<\/h2>\n\n\n