A Bank Holiday in Madeira

Oh Madeira, you stole my heart. From the moment we set foot in this beautiful jungle adorned with levadas, black beaches and picturesque villages, I was enamoured. Madeira’s natural beauty is simply breath-taking, so much so you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by its irresistible charm.

It’s hard to believe we only visited because a friend decided to celebrate her birthday here. How grateful I am for that decision. With only 5 days to explore, I can’t wait to be back.

Are you also looking for the perfect destination for your next bank holiday escape? Look no further! Here are our plans for the ultimate getaway.

DAY 1: Soak up the morning sun with a good hike, then celebrate with wine

The best way to start they day is by hiking the highest peaks in Madeira (~1.800m height!) for sunrise. That is, from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

You might be questioning why you should rise early on the first day of your holiday to embark on this adventure, but the answer is simple: it's nothing short of magical, especially for those with a taste for adventure. The hike, while of medium difficulty, offers breathtaking vistas of the mountains of Madeira. You will be walking in the sky! However, if you have a fear of heights, it's best to steer clear, as there are steep steps involved.

We did the hike on our own and drove to the starting point in Pico do Arieiro, then after we completed the hike we walk to Achada do Teixeira where a taxi was waiting for us to drive us back to our car (45-min drive back, and 70e later). There’s certainly other ways to do this as an organized tour, but we liked the spontaneity of just deciding when to do it.  

We were back in Funchal at around 4pm, where we treat ourselves to some delicious food and our first set of Madeira wines at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, a staple in the island that should not be missed. It is now my favorite digestif after dinner.

DAY 2: Morning Yoga in Casa de Levada followed by a day at sea

It’s a gorgeous Saturday at Casas de Levada, our beautiful stay for the long-weekend, and I couldn’t be happier. This place is gorgeous, every corner has been thought after with care and love, and it shows. Big concrete flooring is mixed with warm woods and rugs, a traditional kitchen and big windows that open up to our terrace overlooking the sea, the levadas, and the infinity pool beneath us.

After a yoga session held by one of our friends, we proceed to cook our breakfast (it’s Spanish tortilla day) before driving to the beach for today’s activity: a boat ride through the Atlantic Sea. Whale spotting, swimming and snorkelling await us, but not without some bubbles, snacks and a banging soundtrack to make it a killer day. If keen, we toured with On Tales, and they were fantastic.

After a long day at sea, there’s nothing better than coming to your hotel for aperitivo by the pool.

DAY 3: 4x4 Adventure Day Touring UNESCO Forests and Black Beaches

We thought our experiences couldn’t possibly get any better at this point, but we were wrong. All thanks to Green Devil Safaris, who generously treated us to the wildest 4x4 ride I’ve ever experienced. We roamed through cascading waterfalls, narrow cliff roads and rugged paths (watch out for those who have back problems, this is a hell-of a bumpy ride!!) until our journey led us to heavenly heights, above the clouds.

And as if that weren’t enough, our guide then led us to Laurisilva of Maderia, a very eery Laurel Forest worthy of its UNESCO heritage status. It felt as though we were stepping into a scene from a landscape painting. Truly magical.

Like any good story, our end finishes by the beach, this time a volcanic beach in Seixal. Black sand and wild waves make for the perfect conclusion to our adventure, where we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky blue as we head into the night.

DAY 4: Funchal by day, Local Festivities by Night

Sadly, our adventures are coming to an end, but not without visiting Funchal, Madeira’s capital. We are headed to Monte Madeira by cable car. Up in the mountains two fantastic activities await for us: a visit to the Tropical Gardens (a must), and the Toboggan Ride on a traditional wicker basket. Yes, you heard it right.

Back in the 19th century, these were created as a means of public transport by the population of the parish of Monte, in efforts to get down to the city of Funchal more quicky. These sledges are hand-made from wicker and wood and are pushed by two drivers, who use special boots with thick rubber soles as brakes to control the vehicle. Not going to lie I was a bit skeptical at first, but it turned out to be a very fun ride.

If this is not your cup of tea, but afternoon tea in a relaxed manor is, then head to the Belmond Hotel for the epitome of luxury on the island. For just 39euros, you’ll be in a stunning historical palace, nestled amidst the tranquillity of a tropical jungle. Here, you can indulge in delectable, sweet treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Night time hit, and we found ourselves in the valleys in the middle of the island, in a cutsie little town, amidst local festivities. What a great way to finish our long-weekend away: beers for a euro, and fresh meat and veg in the grill, cooked by us!

DAY 5 (EXTRA): Paragliding and Goodbyes           

We were luck to have an extra day tagged to this bank holiday, and so we took the opportunity to say goodbye to this beautiful island with a bang: Paragliding! If you are brave enough to do it, then Madeira Paragliding are your guys. Treat yourself to a lovely lunch at Casa da Pedro or Sol Poente before heading to the airport to go home.

Absolute bliss.

TCB xx