Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal
Kathleen Norton
Available for hire
A magical island with an abundance of views, hiking, and seafood for all nature lovers. No need to choose mountains or beach, just be prepared for the steep uphill climbs.
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I started my week in Madeira with the iconic hike from Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo at sunrise--this is my favorite hike I have ever done!! Watching the sun rise over the ocean and mountains was the greatest way to familiarize with Madeira. It is a challenging hike but not difficult if you are an active person.
I used this fantastic travel company to coordinate pickup from my accommodation in Funchal, drop off at Pico Areeiro for sunrise, pickup at Pico Ruivo after the hike, and drop off at my accommodation.
Places to visit
PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo
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Pico Ruivo
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Another incredible view & connected to Pico Areeiro & other nearby mountain peaks
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PR1 Vereda do Areeiro
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An absolute MUST! The views are beyond spectacular & the stairway to heaven is breathtaking
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Funchal
Funchal-Monte Cable Car
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Cable car connecting the town of Funchal to the elevated town of Monte which saves a lot time walking straight uphill
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Funchal Cable Car
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Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte
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A beautiful church in Monte with a view of the ocean & Funchal
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Lazareto viewpoint
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Zona Velha
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Farmers' Market
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A great place to see, but I was warned by a local guide that the prices for fruit here are pretty outrageous for tourists
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Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
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Natural pools located on a nice walking path to and from Funchal by the ocean
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Camara de Lobos
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Câmara de Lobos Harbour
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Praia da Fajã dos Padres
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The sunniest beach in Madeira accessible by another cable car & a fantastic spot for sunset
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Paul do Mar
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Nun's Valley
Curral das Freiras
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A village easily accessible by bus from Funchal with stunning views & hiking paths
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The Nuns Path hiking route (end)
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The end of the very chill hiking trail between the Miradouro Eira do Serrado
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Poço dos Chefes
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Cool swimming spots along the river that runs through the Valley of the Nuns
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Northwest Madeira
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
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Santana Old House
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PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
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Dining
Achada do Teixeira - Mountain Spot Café
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A cute cafe at the end of the Pico Ruivo hike near the parking lot to refuel
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Restaurante Informal
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Rei da Poncha
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A great spot to try a flight of poncha rum punches that are famous in Madiera
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Mercearia Dona Mécia
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A quiet bar and cafe in the center of Funchal for a drink in between exploring the city
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Pub Number Two
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A good spot by the water for a beer and casual bar food like sandwiches on Madeira's famous garlic bread/ bolo de caco
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Restaurante Entre Amigos
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Restaurante Vila do Peixe
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A great spot in Camara dos Lobos for seafood and meat dishes
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Restaurante O Polar
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Sabores do Curral
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Accommodations
Quinta Das Malvas
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The most darling bed and breakfast with a stunning garden view of Funchal
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Valhalla Panorama - the old Residencial Pina
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen Norton
Available for hire
I am a part-time English teacher, part-time traveler currently based in Northern Spain. As I am in my second year living in Spain, I am attempting to see as much as possible with a focus on budget-friendly, outdoor destinations. My guides are built for anyone looking to fill a long weekend in Western Europe with a balance of good food and great views!
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