7 Reasons To Visit Madeira

The sub-tropical Portuguese island of Madeira is, in my opinion, extremely underrated. Many people assume that it is a destination reserved for the older generation, a sort of bucket-list destination for those in their retirement. How this assumption has established itself into the minds of the ‘savvy’ traveller – I do not know, but what I do know, is that people are missing out by casting Madeira aside and ignoring it as a travel destination.

Still not sure? Well let me try and convince you with my 7 reasons to visit Madeira!

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1. The Weather

Madeira is blessed with year-round balmy temperatures. In fact its sub-tropical climate means that the island is in a state of perpetual spring time, where the sun shines all year around and the locals and tourists enjoy average temperatures of 18 – 24 degrees (Celsius) whatever the month!

2. The Scenery

With the popular nickname ‘the floating garden’, I had high expectations regarding the island’s scenery. Is it really as beautiful as it’s reputation would have you believe? Well, the answer is yes. Yes it is!

Those warm temperatures described above, along with moderate rainfall means that the island offers a stunning green background for its exotic and colourful flowers. The mountainous terrain, terraced hills and jagged coastline also adds to the island’s beauty, and equally applies to the  neighbouring islands such as the Desertas, Selvagems and the sandy Porto Santo.

3. The Locals

It is no lie that the Portuguese are easy-going, welcoming, and friendly and despite their location some thousand kilometres from the European mainland, the Madeirans follow suit. They are some of the friendliest ‘locals’ I have ever come across and were always happy to help and provide any assistance needed. They also know how to have a good time! Wouldn’t you if you could enjoy year-round sunshine?

4. The Variety

I will be the first to admit that I cannot spend my entire holiday relaxing on a sun-lounger or on a beach. When I’m visiting somewhere new I want to see everything there is to see. I want to see the sights, experience the place as a local, and hunt down the beautiful areas that are off the beaten track. Madeira certainly allowed me to do all three of these things and I’m pretty sure that it has something to offer every kind of traveller; for active travellers, walk along the levadas (old aqueducts), between the mountainous peaks or try your hand at various water-sports; for nature lovers the nature reserve on the Desertas Islands offers up the opportunity to admire one of the largest colonies of sea lions, not to mention whales and dolphins which swim just off the coast; sun-worshippers should make their way to Porto Santo, just a short sail off the north westerly coast where a five mile stretch of golden beach awaits.

5. The Food

From the famous Madeira cake to the traditional espada (black scabbard fish), Madeiran cuisine is very diverse. Most dishes are based on peasant traditions, with the ingredients sourced locally, and in general, the closer you can get to the traditional means of preparation and cooking, the better the dishes taste!

I would absolutely recommend trying bolo do caco, a typical wheat flour bread, ‘straight from the oven’ with garlic butter and parsley. As an island, fish and seafood feature heavily on any menu with local specialties such as espada (black scabbard fish), bacalhau (salted cod) and tuna. If you don’t like fish, try Espetada, a skewer of meat rubbed in garlic and salt, cooked over smouldering wood chips.

6. The Drink

You’re probably wondering why I haven’t included ‘drinks’ along with food, and for that question, I have a one word answer – Poncha!

Poncha is the traditional Madeiran ‘firewater’ which can be consumed hot or cold and it comes in many flavours – orange, lemon, passionfruit, mango. You name it! Poncha is made with rum, honey and fresh lemon juice, although many people also add fruit juice of their choice.

7. The Traditions

From an exhilarating ride in a toboggan (yes, really!) down from Monte, English Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace, one of the world’s most famous hotels, to a stroll along Rua de Santa Maria with its many painted doors, not forgetting the numerous festivities such as the Flower Festival in springtime, Atlantic Firework display in June and the spectacular New Year’s celebrations, life in Madeira is never boring!

With a whole range of things to do, events, delicious food, gold sandy beaches, great hotels and of course, the fantastic weather, hopefully you’ll agree with me when I say that Madeira is also a destination that should be considered by the modern-day traveller.

So, what are you waiting for?

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Have you ever been to Madeira? If not, have I convinced you to add it to your list of destinations to visit?

Do let me know in the comments below!

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