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Madeira
Madeira Europe’s Island Paradise
A Romantic Escape: The Magic of Madeira
By Megan Honan
Forgoing other popular honeymoon spots, writer Megan Honan & her husband chose this Portuguese archipelago that is away from the madding crowds and discovered Europe’s leading island destination is fuelled by wonder and more…
I could already see the island of Maderia’s dramatic cliffs rising from the Atlantic, draped in green and bathed in sunlight. From my window seat high up in the sky, the tropical island looked like something out of a dream—a place where nature’s beauty reigns supreme, and where we could escape the world, just the two of us.
Part of the Madeira archipelago of four islands (the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens; and the inhabited Madeira and Porto Santo), my husband and I had chosen this particular Portuguese island for our honeymoon. We were drawn by the promise of adventure, romance and a slice of heaven far removed from the crowds.
As we drove from the airport to our hillside villa, the scenery unfolded like a postcard—terraced vineyards, lush forests, and the deep blue ocean stretching out to the horizon. It was everything we had hoped for and more.
Discovering Madeira’s Wild Side
As outdoor lovers, my husband and I were eager to explore the natural beauty that makes Madeira Europe’s leading island destination. The land is criss-crossed with levadas—ancient irrigation channels that double as hiking paths—and we couldn’t wait to hit the trails. We set off along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a trail that leads through the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through this ancient forest felt like stepping into another world. The path wound its way through dense foliage, past towering laurel trees and trickling waterways. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the sounds of birdsong. As we hiked deeper into the forest, the trail became narrower and more rugged, leading us to a stunning waterfall, its waters plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. It felt like we had discovered one of nature’s hidden gems—a place untouched by time.
But Madeira’s magic doesn’t stop at its forests. The island’s coastline is equally captivating with dramatic cliffs that plunge into the azure waters, and hidden beaches that feel otherworldly. We decided to explore the coastline by taking a boat tour along the southern shore.
Our captain Rafa, a friendly local, steered us toward a secluded cove—Fajã dos Padres, a place accessible only by boat or vertiginous cable car ride. The tiny beach, nestled at the foot of a steep cliff, took our breath away. We spent the afternoon lounging on the rocky shores, the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore—the only reminder that the world existed beyond this hidden paradise. We swam in the crystal-clear waters, explored the craggy tide pools, and enjoyed the bliss of being alone together in such a magical place.
A Taste of Madeira: Culinary Delights
Our days in Madeira were filled with exploration and adventure, but the evenings brought a different kind of delight—Madeira’s rich and diverse culinary scene. Every meal was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the island’s flavours, a fusion of traditional Portuguese cuisine and unique island tastes.
One evening, we dined at Armazém do Sal, a restaurant tucked away in the heart of Funchal, the island’s capital. The stone walls and candlelit tables created an intimate setting, perfect for a romantic dinner. We started with a platter of local specialties—bolo do caco, a traditional garlic bread served with herb butter, and lapas, grilled limpets seasoned with garlic and lemon. Each bite was a delight, bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavours of the sea.
For our main course, we couldn’t resist trying the espetada, a Madeiran specialty of skewered beef marinated in garlic and herbs, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The meat was tender and juicy, infused with the smoky aroma of the grill. As we savoured our meal, the sound of traditional Fado music filled the air, adding to the ambiance of the evening. No meal in Madeira would be complete without a glass of the island’s famous Madeira wine.
The next day, we visited a family-run winery nestled in the hills, where we learned about the centuries-old process of winemaking that has made Madeira wine renowned worldwide. We sampled a range of varieties, from the dry Sercial to the sweet Malvasia, each one telling its own story of the island’s terroir and traditions. As we sipped our wine, overlooking the vineyards that stretched out before us, we felt a deep connection to the land and its people—a bond that would stay with us long after we returned home.
Exploring the Island’s Cultural Riches
Madeira is not just a haven for nature lovers; it’s also a treasure trove of cultural experiences. One of our favourite discoveries was the town of Santana, famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses. These triangular, A-frame cottages, brightly painted, look like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a storybook.
And then there’s Funchal, a vibrant city that blends Old World charm with modern flair. By day, we strolled the cobblestone streets, admiring the remarkable architecture, and sampled delicacies at the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores. On our final evening, we ascended to Monte by cable car, enjoying panoramic views as the sun set behind the mountains. It was the perfect finale to our magical trip to Madeira.
Did You Know?
After a packed schedule of meetings in Continental Europe, Madeira makes for a perfect post-conference retreat. This island paradise is ideal for a “bleisure” trip, blending relaxation with adventure. Unwind in Funchal’s serene botanical gardens, indulge in a spa day at luxury resorts like VidaMar, and enjoy a tasting tour at renowned wineries such as Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
Easy Access to Madeira with SATA
SATA Azores Airlines offers year-round direct flights to Madeira from Toronto and Montreal and has connecting flights to Lisbon and Porto. Reaching Madeira is also possible with flights from most European gateway cities. For more details on SATA Azores airlines and its Madeira route, see azoresairlines.pt
