Madeira

Hey there! How’s your day shaping up? 🍯🐬🐳🦋🏄‍♀️🏞️🏖️🌅

As promised, let’s dive back into the adventures of Madeira!

Day 3

Our journey began with a visit to Cristo Rei. While not as immense as its counterpart in Brazil, it still offers a stunning vista of the island, providing the perfect recharge for the day ahead with its leisurely stroll.

From there, we made our way to Câmara de Lobos, specifically to the renowned viewpoint known as Cabo Girão Skywalk. Suspended 580 meters above sea level, this glass platform offers a thrilling experience. With tickets priced at just 2 euros per person, it’s a bargain well worth the early visit to avoid the crowds. And amidst the excitement, we savoured a Macchiato with a decadent layer of caramel—an unparalleled indulgence, surpassing even those enjoyed in Italy.

Suddenly, the urge to return eastward and explore Funchal swept over me. As the largest city in Madeira, it promises a plethora of experiences, from diving to encountering dolphins, whales, and turtles. A visit to Mercado dos Lavradores is an absolute must, where the enchanting array of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and vibrant flowers captivates the senses. Don’t miss the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum or the exhilarating cable cars.

Arriving in Funchal, our primary mission was to witness dolphins, a non-negotiable item on my island itinerary. With our boat departure set for 3 p.m. (There are lots of services to watch dolphins, we thank Sea Born for the amazing experience), we took advantage of the time to wander through the bustling market, indulging in the local delicacy of Prego no Bolo do Caco—a delectable combination of steak and bread that surpassed all expectations.

As our much-anticipated dolphin-watching excursion commenced, I came face to face with a personal revelation: my conflicted relationship with the sun. Whether it’s a love-hate dynamic or simply a matter of enduring its scorching rays, one thing became clear—I was not built for prolonged sun exposure. Yet, as discomfort threatened to overshadow the experience, all ailments dissipated the moment the dolphins graced us with their presence. Their undeniable charm washed away any discomfort, leaving only awe in their wake.

One of the aspects I deeply admire about Madeira is its commitment to preserving its pristine marine environment. The azure expanse of the sea, so pure and inviting, stands as a testament to their dedication to conservation. During our encounter with the dolphins, strict measures were in place to ensure their well-being, limiting our observation time to a mere 10 minutes to prevent any undue stress on these magnificent creatures. It’s a testament to Madeira’s ethos of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship, and it only deepened my appreciation for this remarkable island.

Our journey’s grand finale was meant to be a visit to Cascata dos Anjos. However, our plans hit a snag as the route was unexpectedly closed due to ongoing roadworks on the motorway. Despite the disappointment, we managed to salvage some enjoyment from the situation, finding amusement in navigating through a tunnel instead.

Day 4

As is my custom, I rose early and treated myself to a breakfast featuring the delectable fruits (Passion fruit, yellow dragon fruit, mango, and more!) we procured yesterday. Each bite was a reminiscent delight, reminiscent of the fruits from my homeland—undeniably flavorful and sweet.

Our agenda for the day included a visit to an alternative waterfall situated along our route. But before venturing further, we made a pit stop at Miradouro de Véu da Noiva to admire the majestic waterfall from a distance. Despite my insistence, Isaac opted out of trying the Poncha, much to my disappointment. Undeterred, we proceeded to our next destination: Cascata do Lombihno, It bears a striking resemblance to the waterfall we had intended to visit earlier, Cascata dos Anjos, located right in the middle of the road. The key distinction, however, lies in its descent down the river, creating a unique spectacle worth witnessing.

After encountering a curious cow along the way and parking the car further down the road to reach the waterfall, we continued our journey to Seixal. Renowned for its striking black sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant surfing community, Seixal beckoned us with promises of natural beauty. The weather was splendid, prompting us to take a leisurely stroll along the shore, soaking in the serenity of the moment.

Following our shoreline walk, our next destination was Porto Moniz, renowned for its captivating natural pools. The entrance fee was a mere 5 euros for the entire day—an absolute steal for such a remarkable experience. Witnessing these natural wonders nestled within the sea was a first for me, and the sight was truly awe-inspiring. The chill of the water, a reminder of its Atlantic origins, only added to the exhilaration of the moment. Trust me, it’s a sight that demands to be seen firsthand to be fully appreciated.

To conclude our day’s itinerary, we embarked on a brief stroll to the Miradouro de Garganta Funda. There, Isaac’s joy was palpable as he observed the graceful flight of birds around the majestic waterfall.

Day 5

With most of our itinerary checked off (save for a few road closures), we opted for a leisurely day and made our way to Fanal, home to the enchanting Magic Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Before heading back, we took a well-deserved break to indulge in a childhood favourite: Bolo de Mel. This delightful treat has always held a special place in my heart, and I vowed to honour my heritage by mastering its recipe.

Our journey concluded with a satisfying lunch, although the anticipated Bailinho da Madeira dance was not performed, as it wasn’t the season. Nonetheless, the meal was exceptional, accompanied by the renowned green wine of Portugal. Despite the underlying nerves from practising my thesis presentation (yes, even during my honeymoon, but hey, I graduated 4 days ago!👩‍🎓), I couldn’t help but feel immensely grateful. Madeira has truly captured my heart, and I now understand why my father spoke of it with such longing.