Madeira

With its location 700 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal and given the plethora of other European islands, Madeira remains one of the Atlantic's most underrated holiday destinations. It's year-round warm (but not hot) climate, great food, hiking, sailing and the vibrant capital city of Funchal ensure there is something for everyone on Portugal's Atlantic Gem. After having explored the island in-depth, I have put together the below guide, enjoy!

Madeira is a truly unique pearl in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean! It's a place of breathtaking landscape diversity, from steep black and red cliffs and dense Lauri Silva forests to lush tropical green mountains with iconic Levada walks. Madeira is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts, but also a treasure due to its traditions, offering a delicious cuisine that blends land and sea as well as the world-famous Madeira wine. Immerse yourself in the local culture with local festivals and explore activities for sea lovers, hikers and foodies. Come discover the charm of Madeira, where nature, heritage and experiences unite for an unforgettable journey.

Madeira is known as the "Hawaii of Europe" and let me tell you, as someone who has been to both, they are right! The incredible combination of both tropical beaches and coastlines as well as crazy mountains, cliffs and rainforests. Madeira is an island of Portugal, and unfortunately I think many miss it. This is, hands down one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life. There are so many amazing things to do and see here. The people are friendly, the weather is usually very nice and the food is great! If you are in any way an adventurous person, this is the place for you.

For such a small island, Madeira packs in so much of what people enjoy in a travel destination. There are great beaches, energizing towns, jaw dropping hikes and even some beautiful wineries. Madeira combines old world European charm with a tropical climate and a mountainous backdrop to create an island unlike any other.

Madeira holds a special place in my heart and it’s my pleasure to introduce you to this enchanting destination. Nestled in the Atlantic, this island paradise has captured the imaginations of travelers for years and once you set foot here, you’ll understand why. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey through the magic of Madeira, exploring its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and the little-known gems that make it truly unique.

A decade ago, I took my first solo journey to Porto and became captivated by its charm, rich history, incredible views and magnificent architecture. The enchanting city left me yearning for more, promising a return.

Last year, the opportunity to revisit Portugal unfolded and this time, I had the opportunity to share the beauty of the country with my boyfriend. Our Portuguese adventure took us from the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto to the adventurous island of Madeira. Finally, we reveled in the laid-back vibes of Lagos. From city exploration to coastal escapes, our vacation was an unforgettable cultural experience at every turn.

What made this trip truly memorable was the warmth and openness of the people. We befriended locals who enriched our experience, turning a visit into a genuine connection with the culture. Portugal, with its charm and hospitality, has become more than a destination; it's a collection of memories and friendships that has earned its spot as one of my all-time favorites. I fell in love with this country for countless reasons and my hope is that you, too, will discover its magic on your own adventure.

Madeira is one of Europe's best kept secrets located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. This small island is actually an autonomous region of Portugal and is about 35 miles in length. My husband and I went as part of a two week Portugal/Spain trip and it was by far my favorite stop. I loved Madeira because it is the perfect blend of adventure, nature and relaxation. My biggest regret is not spending more time on the island and I have not been able to stop thinking about it! The temperatures are great year round with the best time to visit May-October if you are looking for warmer weather. We traveled in the beginning of October and were still able to enjoy time at beach/in water as well as hike in comfortable temperatures.

I completely fell head-over-heels for Madeira! It's seriously the ultimate year-round destination, catering to all kinds of travelers. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a foodie, a nature lover looking to soak in the scenery or just someone who likes to take it easy and chill by the beach or pool, Madeira has something for everyone. It's downright impressive and majestic – the ultimate paradise. Madeira has effortlessly earned its spot as one of my all-time favorite destinations, and I'm already counting down the days until I can go back. It's that good!