Jenny’s Travel Diary

Jenny

Madeira - The Island of Flowers in the Atlantic

A small volcanic Portuguese island, with lush vegetation, steep cliffs, jagged coasts, villages with flower-filled gardens, multicoloured boats, hillside vineyards, and a burst of flowers all year round… This is the landscape of this enchanting island — a true natural garden.
Of natural beauty, Madeira offers a wide variety of walking trails throughout the island, all brimming with picturesque landscapes, waterfalls and green steep valleys. I fell in love with this magnificent island.

My favorite

Ponta do Sol

This city on the west coast of Madeira is considered the hottest and sunniest on the island and is very popular with visitors who come here to enjoy the climate and warm sea. Additionally, Ponta do Sol offers highly varied landscapes, between the mountain range, the coast, and traditional villages.

La Dolce Vita in Portugal in Madeira.

Ponta do Sol

May 2024

Activities I recommend

Tour the west of Madeira

Travel along the west coast of the island using this itinerary covering Sao Vicente, Veu da Noiva, Seixal, Ribeira Janela, Porto Moniz, Achadas da Cruz, Paul da Serra, Fanal. An excellent way to explore the natural diversity and striking beauty of the island.

Visit Funchal

Stroll through the market, walk along Rua Santa Maria, take the cable car up to Monte, visit the Tropical Garden & the Botanical Garden, take the 2 km ride in wicker sleds, and don't forget to visit the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum.

Hike along the famous Levadas

These historical irrigation canals, which weave through the island's most remote and breathtaking landscapes, offer a unique network of trails. You can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Visit the breathtaking viewpoints

Pico Areiro, Cabo Girao, Christo Rei, Eira do Serrado... different viewpoints that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Madeira's landscape, appreciate the geological and botanical diversity of the island, and connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

My advice

For a trip to this beautiful island, I recommend staying at the Next by Savoy hotel in Funchal or at the Quinta do Furão hotel in Santana. The former, for its central location in the city while offering a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The latter, for its proximity to natural sites offering a peaceful setting amidst Madeira’s rural landscape.

For a full immersion, I also recommend drinking a poncha in a typical bar and tasting local specialties such as Espetada, a beef skewer cooked on a laurel stick over wood accompanied by Bolo do Caco, the traditional bread. Excellent!

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