Madeira
Portugal

This year, I wanted to visit somewhere special. After spending some time researching and narrowing down a shortlist of destinations, I chose Madeira, Portugal—and I can say now that it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

There is so much to see and do in Madeira that, for the first time, 12 days didn’t feel like enough.

The climate was perfect; even at the end of August and the beginning of September, temperatures were mild, with a maximum of 27°C along the coast and a minimum of 8°C in the mountains.

To explore the island, I rented a car, which was a huge help. Some roads are narrow and steep, but with a little caution, driving there is very manageable.

Attractions

Before traveling to Madeira, I did some research on experiences to try, and here are a few of the attractions I explored.

Carreiros do Monte

This is a unique experience that’s worth trying, though not essential. I sat in a basket mounted on skids, which two men, called Carreiros, pushed down a steep asphalt slope. It’s a lot of fun, but the cost is quite high for just about 10 minutes.

Safari Trip for One Day

The safari trip was also one of the planned attractions, and I highly recommend it. It’s a lot of fun, and even if you don’t rent a car, it's a great way to see some of the island’s popular spots. If you do rent a car, as I did, it’s still worth doing because the safari reaches areas that aren't accessible with a regular city car.

There are a few options for safari trips. I chose to explore the east side of the island, which was ideal because it helped me map out spots to visit later with my rental car. A bonus of this trip was the chance to taste Madeira rum, which has a flavor closer to cognac, and to try one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had—a steak sandwich on bolo do caco bread.

Fanal - The mystical forest

The Fanal Forest is one of the most popular spots in Madeira, not just for photographers. The fog covering the centenary laurel forest makes this place so unique. While I was there capturing shots of the trees, each with its own distinct shape, the mist vanished for a moment and then quickly returned. There’s no predictable pattern for when the fog appears, but it's best to visit in the morning when conditions are often ideal.

Pico do Arieiro

This is a great place to see the sunrise, and even the sunset, while you are above the clouds.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Another great spot to watch the sunrise is Ponta de São Lourenço. If you go, I highly recommend bringing hiking shoes. It’s an excellent place for hiking, with stunning landscapes all around.

There are still so many places to discover—you just need to explore!