Why Madeira should be on your bucket list for this summer

Author

Caleb Thill
March 11, 2024

Hey guys! Hope everyone's March has been fantastic so far!

It’s terrifying but summer is right around the corner… Not terrifying that it's almost summer, but terrifying how quickly this year is flying by. It seems like Christmas was only a few weeks ago.

If you’re anything like me, you’re starting to day dream about where to visit this summer and may or may not have already dropped a few ideas in the group chat. I’m here to fill you in on a location that should absolutely be on your summer ‘24 travel bucket list: Madeira Portugal! 

Reid’s Palace Ocean Pool

Why Madeira? Some call it “The Hawaii of Europe” and for good reason. It’s a small island that has jaw dropping scenery, incredible hiking, otherworldly natural swimming pools and some of the most gorgeous sunsets you’ve ever seen. If you’re looking for white sand beaches, steer clear, but I promise you, the rugged coastline and natural pools where you can swim beat any basic white sand beach. If you want that, go to Florida! Madeira is also the perfect early summer trip if you’re wanting sunny and warm weather - I took my mom on a trip last May and we had the best time! So here’s what I’d recommended doing!

The perfect 5 day trip to Madeira!

Reid’s Palace

5 days is the perfect length to spend in Madeira. I’d recommend booking 2-3 nights at the incredible Reid’s Palace and then 2-3 nights in the northwest of the island near Porto Moniz. You’ll definitely need to rent a car to easily get around the island and explore it properly! Reid’s Palace is truly a bucket list hotel and has such incredible history (Winston Churchill used to stay there!). It’s a Belmond property, and while pricey, is worth every penny! My favorite thing to do here was chilling down at their ocean pool - a pool that is at the bottom of a cliff on the property.

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pool

Other things to do

  • Ponta de São Lourenço hike

    • An incredible hike on the Easternmost point of Madeira. This hike is fairly moderate and not super challenging. I did it with my mom who had knee surgery a 2 months prior and she enjoyed it. Get there early before the crowds show up as it’s one of the most popular hikes on the island!

  • Pico do Arieira to Pico Ruvio 

    • This hike is known as “The Stairway to Heaven” and is an absolute must on your trip to Madeira. The hike will take about 4-5 hours but the views are absolutely worth it. 

  • Monte Palace 

    • A multilevel botanical garden overlooking Madeira and Funchal, Monte’s Palace is spectacular! 

  • Funchal Toboggan run

    • After the botanical gardens, you absolutely have to do the Toboggan run down the mountain. It’s definitely touristy, but for good reason! This originated in the early 19th century and was actually a mode of public transportation! 

  • Afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace 

    • Even if you don’t stay at Reid’s Palace, Afternoon tea here is an absolute must. Just google it! It's spectacular!

  • Quinta do Barbusano 

    • A vineyard and winery nestled in the mountains, Quinta do Barbusano is the perfect spot to do a wine tasting and grab lunch. Make a reservation if you want lunch! You can walk in for just the wine tasting!

  • Caravela Sao Vicente 

    • Sao Vicente is a town in the north of the island - we stopped in for lunch at Caravela and it was absolutely fantastic! A very typical Portuguese eatery! 

  • Try Lapas 

    • Lapas are a local shellfish and Madeiran delicacy! They’re cooked in a frying pan with butter, garlic and parsley and then doused with lemon. They’re delicious and an absolute must try! 

  • Dinner at Kampo 

    • Kampo was one of my favorite restaurants we ate at in Madeira - the food was creative, fun and delicious. Don’t sleep on the oxtail ravioli! 

  • Câmara de Lobos  

    • This quaint fishing village is so charming and the perfect spot to come explore for a few hours! 

  • Madeira Sunset Cottages 

    • These cottages are on the western side of the island! If you want something affordable, private and close to Porto Moniz, I’d recommend staying here! 

  • Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

    • One of the most photographed places in Madeira, Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are truly a wonder. If you do one thing on this list, make it be this! You can hang here all day and swim, jump off their diving board into the ocean and tan. It’s one of my favorite places on the island! 

If you want to see a recap of my last trip to Madeira, checkout the videos below!