Madeira has proclaimed itself the “Pearl of the Atlantic” and it is a true treasure. Not a physical treasure, but a cultural and economic one, as for centuries it was the last European outpost before the great ocean and the colonies. Commercial and tourist ships stopped in Madeira before embarking on the great journey to America, and the ships arriving from the Americas also rested here before entering European ports. Its strategic location—off the western coast of Africa—has meant that this island (actually, it’s a small archipelago) has become almost an independent nation, despite being still a part of Portugal. The Autonomous Region of Madeira, in fact, enjoys a statute that allows it to independently manage many aspects of its tourism and commercial life. A holiday here is not for everyone… but those who experience it will surely want to return.
Faraway islands…
The Madeira archipelago consists of the largest island, from which it takes its name, and four smaller, tiny islands: Porto Santo and the three Desertas islets.
It can be reached by sea or by air, and naturally the latter is the quickest and most convenient for tourists. A welcome to Madeira begins on the spectacular runways of Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC), built partly on the land and partly on gigantic columns over the beaches! An “airport on stilts”, in short, that offers unique experiences: imagine lying comfortably on the sand, sunbathing, while a huge plane lands right 70 meters above your head!
After your arrival at the “Ronaldo” airport, named after the football champion born and raised here, you can rely on the chauffeured vehicles who will accompany you to discover the most beautiful corners of the largest island. Madeira is a true “planet” with diverse natural landscapes and fundamental differences from one coast to another.
Nature and people: harmony reigns here
Do not be fooled by the island’s small size… Madeira is a collection of incredible worlds where nature reigns supreme and humans, incredibly, respect it. The island has a mountainous heart, with peaks reaching and exceeding 1,000 meters (the highest poin is Mt Pico Ruivo – 1,862 meters) and valleys and canyons where the humidity creates heavy rains and makes the landscape look more like India than Hawaii! If you love nature, among the cliffs and coastal beaches and the rainy valleys of the interior, you can experience a thousand emotions linked to just as many excursions. Among Madeira’s natural wonders are the dense vegetation of a UNESCO World Heritage forest (the Laurissilva de Fanal wood), the prairie overlooking the sea on the Cabo Girão plateau (580 meters above sea level), the arid and lunar landscape of the Ponta de São Lourenço Regional Park, the mountain trekking trails on Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, and the “volcanic pools” of Porto Moniz—stone pools created by the intertwining of ancient lava flows and constantly filled by the sea waves.
A must-see is the Levada das 25 Fontes trail, which follows the path of the marvelous artificial aqueduct that winds across the island, perfectly camouflaged by nature, culminating in a spectacular waterfall. The construction of these “levadas” (water channels) demonstrates how humanity and nature exist in complete harmony here. The project allows water to be brought from the humid to the drier areas, covering 3,000 km of wild landscapes without ever spoiling the landscape.
Nature is finally celebrated by humanity with the Flower Festival which, for an entire month (between April and May), colors the island’s cities, especially the capital, Funchal.
City itineraries: where to go and what to see?
Perhaps calling them “cities” is an exaggeration, because Madeira’s urban centers are all on a human scale. Small, well-maintained, yet very dynamic. Four are the most important in terms of tourism: Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Santana, and Porto Moniz. Added to these is the village of Curral das Freiras, nestled in a narrow valley among the mountains, with an atmosphere unlike that of the rest of the island.
In Funchal, Madeira’s vibrant capital, one of the must-see attractions is the Farmers’ Market, where you can discover typical products, tropical fruit, and fresh fish. The historic central quarter is a small masterpiece blending European and African styles, with the characteristic painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria and its traditional restaurants. A visit to the Botanical Gardens offers spectacular views and an extraordinary variety of exotic plants. Also worth seeing are the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, the CR7 Museum – which chronicles the career of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal, and the vibrant port life.
In Câmara de Lobos—a beloved vacation spot for Winston Churchill, who stayed there in 1950—tourists stop to admire its cozy streets, enjoy fresh fish and the traditional local drink (poncha), while strolling along the seafront and admiring the ocean waves.
Visiting Santana, famous for its traditional triangular thatched-roof houses, one feels fully immersed in Madeiran culture and art. Alongside the unusual architecture, there are beautiful gardens and numerous levadas. Many nature trails for hiking begin here.
Porto Moniz is renowned for its spectacular natural pools of volcanic origin. These pools, filled with the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, offer a unique bathing experience in an extraordinary natural setting. The village retains a tranquil and authentic atmosphere, with a small port, restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, and breathtaking views of the basalt cliffs.
Do not leave Madeira without visiting its green heart: Curral das Freiras is a picturesque village located in the heart of the island. Its name, meaning “Nuns’ Enclosure”, derives from the tradition that nuns found refuge there in the 16th century during a pirate attack. Visitors appreciate the scenic trails, local cuisine, and observation points offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the captivating green valley.
Madeira: beaches and wine
Madeira is also a land of beaches and classic tourist attractions. The places that offer the best for beach lovers are Calheta, Porto do Seixal, Formosa, and of course Porto Moniz. Don’t forget the charming and wild beaches of the smaller islands, Porto Santo and Desertas…fewer amenities, perhaps, but much more excitement!
Madeira today is above all …wine. A delicious fortified wine, similar to Marsala but more refined, it was born from a mistake (the excessive addition of sugar to the must) around 1600 and has now dominated the tables of gourmets around the world for four centuries. Madeira wine remains the island’s primary source of trade and the flagship of the local gastronomic culture.
