Slow Travel Madeira: Peaceful Exploration and Stunning Views
Sightseeing in Madeira
It was one of those rare occasions when we went away for a holiday—no plans, just relaxation and sun.
So, where do you go in the middle of winter for a nice, mild, sunny break in Europe?
Madeira, Portugal!
Known for its charming countryside, secluded beaches, and Cristiano Ronaldo, this is a gem of a place for a week’s break—which is precisely what we did!
When travelling, we become guilty of travelling too fast and getting in as many experiences as possible, but this travel is different this week.
I am in Madeira for a relaxing week, enjoying our swimming pool at the accommodation and checking out the island leisurely.
This blog will have great tips and ideas for combining easy travel with relaxation at your own pace.
This came at the end of a seriously fast year of travels, during which we visited over twenty countries and tried to keep my podcasting project going. It was tough going!
I will also share why going on ‘holiday’ is rare for me and why I loved Madeira, some much-needed R&R.
Let’s get stuck in!
Why did we choose Madeira?
Our trip to Madeira, Portugal, was in December 2023, right before Christmas.
We wanted a mild, sunny break during the winter, and one of the best places for this is Madeira due to its location. It is very mild in the winter, and we even booked a house with a swimming pool.
Madeira is a four-hour flight from London, and we took our chances with Ryanair, as the return flights only cost $100 CAD.
This was a bargain!
The main aim for the week was to not partake in any creative activities, no podcasting or YouTube editing, and to check out the island at our own pace.
We purposely booked a villa with a pool and loved it; see the YouTube video above for more!
Warm weather, leisurely walks, and viewpoints were the name of the game.
The view from our patio at our accommodation in Madeira
Where to stay in Madeira?
There are plenty of choices on the island, and this depends on what you are looking for.
We required a place in the hills with a view and a swimming pool, which also required booking a rental car.
If you don’t want to drive, your options are limited to Funchal unless you want to rely on public transport around the island, specifically buses.
We stayed in the Estreito da Calheta area, a fifty-minute drive from the airport.
We loved this little area and the village next to us, Prazeres, which both have amenities, cafes, and shops. They are both a short drive from the beach areas, but if you want to walk, you need to get used to hills.
If you are looking to stay in Funchal, the upmarket area of Sao Martinho has many fancy hotels, villas, and expensive options. This area is close to Funchal, so taxis won’t cost too much. People here probably don’t even leave this area.
I am not a huge fan of Airbnb, but we did use their app to book an apartment, enter Madeira, and scout out all the options; you will have lots to choose from.
My favourite cafe in Madeira?
XS Cafe
Situated in the hills of Prazeres, this quaint little cafe is a gem.
We visited four times in total, and I love their coffee.
They make fantastic cakes and vegan options, including traditional Portuguese tarts. Vegan milk is also available for coffee.
They receive fresh goods from the cafe daily, so you are guaranteed to eat something fresh.
Follow them here to whet your appetite.
A dreamy place for a coffee.
XS Cafe in Prazeres, Madeira
The perfect combination for coffee
Where did we visit in Madeira?
1. Ponto do Pargo
This was a twenty-minute drive from our villa, and we wanted some easy views with a lighthouse, so this place ticked all the boxes.
When you arrive, you can park for free and walk along the cliff edge with some stunning views.
You will see the rugged cliffs with their lush green grass alongside the crisp blue color of the ocean. You can see for miles.
There are many easy walking trails in either direction, so we took advantage of them to get as many viewpoints as possible.
2. Funchal
To really get to know a place's beating heart, you should always consider visiting its capital city. Funchal was no different for us, so we spent a whole day there.
We parked up in a central location and then took a walk for the day.
We visited the Old Town, the Christmas Market, the Forte de São Tiago and wandered the streets.
If you need a great coffee recommendation, I have two for you: Art Corner and Maia Coffee.
There are plenty of lunch choices, so I would advise walking around the little cobbled streets and visiting the most ‘local ’-looking establishment.
3. Calheta Beach
This was our local beach area, and we loved the Christmas vibe and the impressive lights at night.
During the evening, you can walk along the boardwalk, which hugs the beach, and then visit the little food carts for a bite.
This place has free parking too but can fill up as there is a little mall with a supermarket.
We even saw people dipping into the sea as it was 18 degrees during the day, I can imagine in the summer this is a very popular spot for locals.
Forte de São Tiago
These are the top attractions in Madeira that I wish I had visited.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on Madeira, offering breathtaking views of the island’s rugged landscape. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic vistas and a chance to walk above the clouds.
2. Levada Walks
Levada walks are a network of irrigation channels that provide scenic hiking routes across Madeira. These trails offer a unique way to explore the island’s lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain views, ranging from easy to challenging hikes.
3. Santana
Santana is a charming village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, or “palheiros.” These colorful houses offer a glimpse into Madeira’s rural past and are surrounded by beautiful countryside perfect for leisurely exploration.
Checking out the Christmas Market in Funchal
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What is it like driving in Madeira?
We booked our hire car here with Discover Cars; most vehicles are manual on the island, so you must ensure you can drive these or pay extra for an automatic car.
Madeira has fantastic roads connecting the whole island, with the main roads having a healthy speed limit.
The island is also known for its tunnels and roundabouts, so if you are based on other parts of the island, you will need to get used to single-lane roads. If you get stuck behind a lorry like we did sometimes, you are technically not allowed to overtake in the tunnels. Patience is needed.
The tricky part for driving is the hillsides. The road to our villa was a single-lane road and very steep. It was quite hairy at first driving up there, and it was super tight backing into our car parking space. I nearly backed into a wall one time.
A confident driver is needed for those little villages in the hills on the island, but otherwise, the roads are a dream.
What is the vibe like on the island?
From the UK perspective, Madeira is known for many old people’s places to visit, and this was true when boarding the flight from London.
The island itself is super casual and friendly. It feels like no one is apart from Funchal, and each little area has its cafe, restaurant, and shop.
I loved this feeling as this is exactly what I needed after the year travels in 2023. I wanted an easy holiday with no drama or stress, which is exactly what I experienced.
The most stressful part is the landing at Funchal Airport, one of the world's trickiest landings with the crosswinds experienced on the island.
Cafes close for parts of the day, restaurants open late for dinner, and you can enjoy the sunset with cheap glasses of wine in the evening for a couple of Euros. Great for the budget!
Sunset in Madeira
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Some essential tips for navigating around Madeira.
ESim or SIM card providers
In Madeira, I would stick with the ESim option; I use GigSky, which you can order here. They offer very competitive rates with popular perks such as free use of 100 in an emergency, no internet required to update your app with a new plan, and customer service options if you need to talk to someone.
Language
I find Portuguese not the best when it comes to speaking English, but people on Madeira do speak it quite well due to the influx of travelers from the UK.
As always, I learned a few sentences in Portuguese to get by, which helped me in the local cafes near our villa. I would advise you to learn a few words during your time there.
Walking through the streets of Madeira
Summary on Madeira
Madeira was a much-needed break from travelling and content creation.
We had travelled so fast in 2023 that we needed to slow down and take a break.
This holiday was a mix of enjoying the swimming pool at our accommodation and exploring the island.
I loved Funchal, the little villages, and the trendy coffees.
However, the views are sensational.
The chances are you will be stationed up in the hills and won’t tire of staring out the window into the sunset.
What a dream place for a break.
Enjoying a cup of coffee in Funchal