We did not know what to expect from Madeira, Portugal, but all we can say is WOW!
Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands that we have visited, with stunning gardens, amazing landscapes and picturesque views.
The scenery is absolutely amazing and we wanted to share with you our own guide of where to go and what to see when you visit Madeira!
We stayed in a boutique style hotel, The Savoy Sensimar Gardens in the capital city of Funchal. This was about thirty minutes away from Funchal airport (also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport). It was a lovely hotel and we had an amazing sea view as well as a mountain view from our room.
The hotel even boasts a heated Jacuzzi on the rooftop with sun loungers and beds as well as a pool on the ground floor.
When staying in a hotel like this it is tempting to stay and get pampered all day but this is an island you have to explore. So get your walking shoes on!
One of our favourite days in Madeira was our trip spent to the west of the island. We went to one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, Cabo Girao which is 580 metres above sea level. We were a bit nervous (considering we are both scared of heights). As you step onto a transparent glass platform which allows you to look straight down you see the most breath-taking views of the mountain and sea. It is almost as if you can physically touch the sky!
Further west, we arrived at Sao Vicente which is a beautiful village with quaint local shops and the prettiest houses on cobbled streets.
We headed on to Encumeada, which is in the mountains and you can see fascinating views of the north and south of the island. As we drove up through the mountains, what was so fascinating were the clouds sloping around the trees. The temperature dropped so you did feel a chill. However, once we reached the top of the mountain, the sun was shining and it was back to summer temperatures. It was a truly spectacular experience.
There are an array of places to go and see when you travel to this amazing island, it would be a challenge to mention everything in one post!
Definitely visit the underground caves, the volcanic pools and we would certainly recommend taking a cable car up to the gardens. Also try the toboggan runs, very nerve-racking but a lot of fun!
We would certainly suggest that you go an experience this beautiful island for yourselves.
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Shelley & Michelle xx
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