Madeira Island

This issue’s adventure takes place backpacking along the lush coastline of this ‘fortunate island’, for Madeira is known as the island which attracts tourists all year round. Blame it on the winding trails, the refreshing waterfalls, the volcanic tunnels, the hovering lookouts, and the dishes and drinks served at the counter. When you enter this rural and agricultural paradise, you’ll never want to leave. V&G will be reluctantly returning to the mainland to tell you about our experiences in the capital of the Madeira archipelago. 
We land in Funchal with the intention of staying for two days. After settling into a hotel in the historic centre, we have enough time to wander through the narrow streets. Those who claim to know Madeira’s traditions will certainly be aware of the wine’s potency, which once graced the tables of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Blandy's winery and Private Collection seem to be a good starting point for learning about the history of Madeira wine, which originated during the Age of Discovery. As well as the production process and the grape varieties used, the guided tour also includes tastings. With a minimum percentage of alcohol in our blood, we head to the Mercado dos Lavradores. The sensory experience begins as soon as we pass through the gates of this market. 

Mountains connected by bridges and banana plantations wherever you look

The colours of the exotic fruit capture our eyes and it becomes a matter of urgency to taste what’s inside. Tamarillo, passion fruit, pitahaya, banana, papaya and pitanga are our picks from the four corners of the world. Having had our fill and taken in the sights, we leave the market and head for the Funchal Cable Car, a four-minute walk away. Our goal is to go up to the summit. As we gain altitude, we see mountains connected by bridges and banana plantations wherever we look, and it’s only a matter of minutes before we reach solid ground. The next stop is Monte Palace Madeira, the garden of the world. We spend the rest of the day there, contemplating the millennia-old olive trees, Laurisilva forest plants, exotic species, oriental gardens and countless works of art. Before we know it, the sun is setting and we head down in Madeira’s traditional wicker toboggans, a charismatic adventure at 30 kilometres per hour. Back in the centre of Funchal, we look for a restaurant whose speciality is Madeiran kebabs, until we are advised by a passer-by to look higher up, where the net doesn’t reach. We’ll save the experience for a later date, as tomorrow we’ll be travelling to the parish of Curral das Freiras, the typical houses of Santana and the natural pools of Porto Moniz, located near the local tasquinhas. In the meantime, let’s stick to the passion fruit poncha, the bolo do caco and Madeiran limpets, while watching the city come to life in a valley surrounded by imposing mountains. Tomorrow is a new day on the island of four seasons.