Explore the Beauty of Madeira with iBestTravel
Dubbed the “pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira—an island located about 670 miles (1078 km) off the Portuguese coast—has plunging green valleys and tranquil ocean bays that help it live up to the name.
Sun-chasing Europeans flock there year-round thanks to the subtropical climate—70°F (21°C) on average, all year—but this beautiful island may soon be seeing more new visitors. Starting on November 3, travelers from the US will be closer to experiencing island life on the Portuguese archipelago as SATA Azores Airlines launches a 7-hour direct daily flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the main city of Funchal.
Forget everything you think you know about Portugal—Madeira is a world apart. It beckons outdoor enthusiasts; hiking alongside the levadas (small irrigation canals) is a unique experience for both novice and experienced athletes.
Moreover, there’s plenty to keep visitors busy in November. The trail-running competition ADN Race will take over Ponta do Sol on the southwest coast. Cultural travelers will find numerous events and festivals year-round, with Madeira Fashion kicking off in late November.
Fresh fish, tender beef skewers, and the thought of homemade melting garlic butter on a warm piece of bolo do caco (a local flatbread made with sweet potatoes) should give foodies enough motivation to embark on this direct flight. Furthermore, understanding the gastronomic history of Madeira is a must. The island is renowned for its fortified, sweet wine, which has been exported since the 1400s, alongside locally produced rum stemming from 15th-century sugar cane plantations.
Eat
A trip to Madeira won’t be complete without sampling the unique local flavors. Try Santo António, a family-owned restaurant in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, known for traditional espetadas (beef kebabs on laurel branch skewers). For an upscale experience, swing by Il Gallo d’Oro, a two-star Michelin restaurant featuring contemporary approaches to traditional local dishes. Alternatively, seek out Regional Flavours for a top-notch Madeiran experience utilizing island-sourced ingredients.
Drink
To experience the nightlife, head to Funchal’s Zona Velha, which is packed with bars and pubs. Brave the crowds at Mercearia da Poncha to try the unmissable poncha (a highly alcoholic drink mixing sugar cane aguardente, honey, sugar, and fruit juice). For a quieter option, visit Beerhouse, a microbrewery offering a view of the Funchal marina and various beers on tap, including local Coral.
Stay
If you’re pressed for time and want to be close to all the action (and the airport), choose the capital city of Funchal. However, if you prefer to explore outside the city, the countryside offers relaxing vacations at rural tourism houses surrounded by mountains and forests or nestled in deep valleys; places like Curral das Freiras or Santana are worth considering. For a beach break, Calheta, Ribeira Brava, and Ponta do Sol are some of the island’s top destinations for seaside escapes.
