Do you have any idea where Madeira is located? I certainly didn't! Back in April, I submitted an application for a Virtuoso Study Tour sponsored by Visit Portugal (the country's tourism board), without realizing that it was focused on Madeira until I was selected (among more than 1000 applicants)! Madeira lies off the coast of Portugal, but it's actually closer to Africa than Europe! While the phrase "close to Africa" might evoke thoughts of heat, the reality is quite the opposite. The climate is consistently pleasant throughout the year, never reaching extreme temperatures. This is just one of the many reasons why Madeira is truly enchanting!
If nonstop flights are important to you, it is possibly to fly direct to Funchal (the main city) from JFK on certain days of the week. While Madeira offers enough for a full 5 to 7-day itinerary, you could also visit Porto or Lisbon first and then spend several days on Madeira for a bit of island life.
The landscape of Madeira is truly impressive. Often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, Madeirans themselves liken Hawaii to the Madeira of the USA. Upon arrival at the airport, one immediately notices the island's steep terrain and abundance of tunnels. It's a place where the mountains meet the ocean. The rich volcanic soil and favorable climate support thriving agriculture, with bananas being a particular point of pride, alongside a variety of other crops. Everywhere you turn, the scenery is lush and captivating! The remarkable terraced farming practices are a sight to behold.
Cuisine: Restaurants on the island showcase its abundance of fresh produce and seafood, with black scabbard fish (known as "espada" in Portuguese) being a popular dish, often served with a passion fruit sauce. Bananas were featured in at least two desserts during our trip. Visitors can enjoy a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants and charming, laid-back eateries.
While Madeira is renowned for its fortified wine, also known as Madeira wine, similar to Porto's port wine, the island also produces delightful red, white, and rosé wines. Madeira wine is often served at the beginning or end of dinners. The vineyards on the north side of the island offer breathtaking views!
Given the island's history of sugarcane cultivation, rum is produced using this ingredient. A popular local beverage called poncha is made with rum, featuring various flavors. The classic poncha includes freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, honey, and rum, creating a delicious and potent drink. Additionally, the rum distillery produces a delightful gin!
People & language:
Have you ever arrived in a location and immediately felt at ease, as if you were in your own home? That's exactly how I felt when I visited Madeira. One of the reasons for this was the locals' proficiency in English. Some even have a British accent since Maderia has been a popular destination for people from the U.K. It is still fun to learn a few Portuguese words, as well as learning how to pronounce Portuguese, as the locals always appreciate the attempt. Other than the language, the locals are warm and friendly and very proud of their island. Recognizing its uniqueness, they are eager to show this special place to visitors. I recommend visiting before it becomes overcrowded with tourists!
Accommodations & Tours: As part of a group of luxury travel advisors, we stayed in two of the island’s best hotels and did a lot of fantastic tours. We stayed at Reid’s Palace (A Belmond Hotel) and Savoy Palace. Both are in Funchal, and both are part of Virtuoso’s hotel program. This affiliation ensures that my clients benefit from exclusive perks and amenities. Reid’s Palace boasts a rich history and traditional charm, having hosted notable figures like Winston Churchill. On the other hand, Savoy Palace is a contemporary establishment with modern amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool and advanced technology integrated into its rooms.
While it was exhausting, the tours we did were all fantastic. There is nothing that I would have skipped. Our tours included an embroidery workshop (an important part of Madeiran culture), a food tour, an island Jeep tour, wine tasting lunch, motorcycle sidecar tour, a sunset yacht cruise, and a levada hike. By the way, levadas are a unique type of aqueduct that have been used in Madeira for irrigation since the 15th century! You can do all of these tours, as well. Contact me!
Have I convinced you? This trip definitely ranks as one of the most memorable experiences in my life, and I am convinced that Madeira offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, are a food enthusiast, or are seeking a unique European destination, this island is worth a visit. Moreover, if you have never been to Europe, it could serve as a fantastic introduction! Contact me to start planning!
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