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5 tips for the Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira

The best tips for a successful trip to the hiking island
View of the flower island of Madeira

Have you been dreaming of a personalized hiking adventure in Madeira and wondering when the best time to visit could be? Are you curious about which traditional delicacies you absolutely must try, and which fascinating places will offer you an unforgettable experience? Well, good news! we’ve answered all these questions for you in our hiking blog! Discover our 5 valuable tips that will make your journey to the Portuguese Flower Island an unforgettable island hike!

 

 

View of the flower island of Madeira

Brief Information about Madeira

Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic and is located about 950 km from Lisbon. Over 5 million years ago, rising lava from the sea formed this volcanic island. Today, around 250,000 people live there. Madeira is famous for its stunning volcanic landscapes: towering mountains, steep cliffs, and a coastline that drops up to 4,000 meters into the sea. The island resembles a green mountain range rising from the ocean—simply unique!

1# Tips for Must-See Places

  • Funchal – the cultural heart of Madeira: In the capital, Funchal, you'll find fascinating attractions! Did you know that the Sé Cathedral is the only church in Portugal built entirely from local wood? You shouldn't miss the vibrant market hall, where you can taste native fruits and local delicacies.
  • Monte - a popular pilgrimage site in the mountains: High above the town, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte stands proudly, famous for its impressive tilework. The nearby botanical garden, on the other hand, transports you to a true tropical paradise, with exotic plants and hidden statues nestled among vibrant flowers!
  • Santana – the village with traditional thatched houses: In Santana, the colorful, thatched-roof houses are considered a symbol of Madeira's rural architecture. Did you know that the community has rebuilt some of these so-called 'beehive houses' to ensure their preservation? Around 100 of these houses can still be found in the area today.
  • Königslevada – the primeval forest-like hiking trail: This trail is one of the most beautiful on Madeira. It takes you through stunning waterfalls, and you’ll walk along moss-covered rock walls overgrown with ferns. Our tip: Be sure to pack rain gear, as the cool mist will follow you every step of the way.
  • Cabo Girão – Europe's highest cliff: At 580 meters high, Cabo Girão is the highest cliff in Europe. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the terraced fields below and the coastline stretching all the way to Funchal. This is an attraction you definitely shouldn't miss!

 

For everyone who wants to experience these highlights of Madeira's natural beauty up close, we recommend our perfectly organized hiking tours in Portugal:

 

The popular place of pilgrimage Monte

2# Tips for the best time to visit

Thanks to its mild temperatures, Madeira is an all-year-round destination. With average winter temperatures around 19 °C and a pleasant 26 °C in summer, the island provides the perfect conditions for hiking & walking. If you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant Flower Festival then plan your visit for April or May, as the celebration takes place on the second weekend after Easter in Funchal. We recommend booking early, as this colorful festival attracts visitors from all over the world.

Curious about when Madeira’s plant life is at its most spectacular? Flower lovers will be thrilled to discover that the island's colorful flora flourishes throughout the year, thanks to its mild climate—particularly in the southern coastal areas.

3# Tips for Culinary Experiences

'Food is the key to a country's culture.' – Unknown. On the small island of Madeira, this culture unfolds in all its splendor. The island delights you with unique specialties that are a true feast for the palate, both on the plate and in the glass. We're excited to introduce you to the Madeiran delicacies that will enhance your experience on this enchanting island.

Traditional Dishes in Madeira Include:

  • Espetada em Pau de Louro: An absolute must-try during your walking holiday in Madeira is the national dish, Espetada. This delicious beef skewer is traditionally prepared on a bay leaf branch. The meat is seasoned simply with salt and leek before being grilled over an open wood fire. A true delight!
  • Espada: Many tourists discover the famous Espada on Madeira, named after the Portuguese word for 'sword.' This dish features the black scabbardfish, traditionally served with fried bananas. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is an experience you won't want to miss.
Delicious scabbardfish with fried bananas

Traditional beverages in Madeira are:

  • Poncha: The national drink of the island is Poncha, traditionally made from equal parts of sugar cane spirit, honey, and lemon juice. However, there are also delicious variations with orange, passion fruit, or absinthe. Its refreshing and fruity flavor perfectly complements Madeira's mild climate.
  • Madeira wine: The Atlantic island is also renowned for its exquisite Madeira wine, known for its intense and distinctive flavor. This drink is considered a true landmark of the island. Did you know that even Shakespeare enjoyed this noble wine?

 

Local Fruits on the Flower Island Include:

  • Passion fruit: Madeira is renowned for its delicious passion fruits, available in various varieties. Each type boasts its own unique flavor—ranging from citrusy notes to hints of banana. The Madeirans love to transform these delightful fruits into the popular dessert, Pudim de Maracuja. We'll share the recipe later in the blog post.
  • Monstera Deliciosa:  Also known as the pineapple banana, this fruit could initially resemble a cucumber. Its flavor is sweet and reminiscent of a mix between pineapple and banana. It’s important to enjoy the pineapple banana only when fully ripe, as it can be toxic and may cause throat irritation if eaten unripe. You can tell it's ripe when the scales on the outside begin to detach on their own. This exotic fruit is rarely found in supermarkets, but you're sure to discover it at local markets!
Poncha, the national drink of Madeira

4# Recipe Tip: Pudim de Maracuja

Ingredients for 6 People:

400 ml cream, 150 ml condensed milk, 3 sheets of gelatin, 15 fresh passion fruits (or alternatively, 150 ml passion fruit concentrate)

 

Preparation:

Cut the passion fruits in half and place the pulp along with the seeds in a bowl. Next, add the cream and condensed milk, and briefly mix everything together. In a small saucepan, pour in some water and add the gelatin sheets one by one. Place the pot on the stove and gently heat it, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, remove the pot from the heat and allow the gelatin to cool until it is lukewarm.

Now, gently stir the dissolved gelatin into the prepared mixture while continuing to mix. Pour the pudding into either a large bowl or individual serving dishes. Then, place the containers in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, to allow the pudding to set properly.

Finally, decorate the pudding with seeds and pulp from additional passion fruits.

Pudim de Maracuja

5# Reading Tip: Travel Stories

Want to learn more about the enchanting destination of Madeira? Then be sure to check out the travel stories from our travel specialists. They have explored the island and are eager to share their personal highlights with you.

Let their experiences inspire you and plan your next adventure!

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