“De verdade, eu podia passar um século na Madeira! (In truth, I could spend a century in Madeira!)”
Madeira is an adventure lover's paradise.
![[Merten Snijders /Getty Images]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5606505ce4b00830fddedadc/1625653737003-9QMRO435UJC1ATIZYQ4Y/Madeira_getty+images_snijders_martin.jpg)
[Merten Snijders /Getty Images]
It is an autonomous region of Portugal that actually consists of several subtropical islands which are located just south of the mainland and about 350 miles off the coast of Morocco.
Most visitors will fly into Madeira's airport in Santa Cruz (FNC) and explore the island while using the capital city of Funchal as a base. (Several direct flights are available daily from Lisbon and it feels like flying from San Francisco to LA, both in terms of cost and duration.) A smaller number- perhaps those who are desperate for sandy beaches- may venture further afield and take the 2.5 hour ferry ride to get to Porto Santo Island. On a clear day in Funchal, one can look out and faintly glimpse the Desertas Islands in the distance.
I took these photos during my early explorations of the main island. This is Part I in a planned series. I loved every second of my visit and I will share the details of my trip at some point in the future. In the meantime...
Hope you enjoy!
[All Images: Eleanor Lumsden]
When you see this fountain, you know you've arrived in Ponta do Sol.
Madalena do Mar
Estreito da Calheta
Calheta Marina
Funchal
Madeira is THE BEST. But don't just take my word for it. Check out this video from my favorite YouTuber Travel Family... 👣
[Video Credit: Eight Miles From Home]
Dear Madeira,
You are magical. Rugged mountains, gorgeous coastline, balmy weather...
You had me at hello.
Light and love,
Eleanor
“Not all those who wander are lost.”