Let’s talk about a place that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a dream—Madeira. If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This little Portuguese island, floating out in the Atlantic Ocean closer to Africa than Europe, often flies under the radar. But those who have been?

They never stop talking about it. And after visiting, I totally get why.

First things first: where is Madeira?

Madeira is part of Portugal, but geographically it’s way off the coast, about 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon. It’s actually an archipelago made up of a few islands, but the main one—Madeira Island—is where most people stay. Then there’s Porto Santo, which is flatter and known for its long sandy beach, and a couple of uninhabited ones that are nature reserves.

What’s wild is how such a tiny island can pack in so much. Dramatic mountains, lush forests, steep cliffs dropping into turquoise ocean, banana plantations, sleepy villages, vibrant city life—Madeira somehow has it all without trying too hard.

The vibe? Somewhere between laid-back and jaw-droppingly epic.

If you’re expecting a beachy, lazy island with nothing much to do—think again. Madeira isn’t about lying around all day (although you can do that, too). It’s more like a natural playground that dares you to explore.

One moment, you’re hiking along a levada trail through a forest that looks like it belongs in a Tolkien novel. The next, you’re sipping a Poncha (more on that later) by the ocean as the sun sets behind volcanic cliffs. It’s calm but never boring. Serene, but never sleepy.

And the best part? It’s not overrun with tourists. At least, not in the way that some other European hotspots are. There’s space to breathe. Space to explore. Space to be.

Let’s talk food (because obviously)

Oh man, the food. Where do I start?

If you like seafood, Madeira is going to be your happy place. The star of the show is espada com banana—that’s black scabbardfish with banana. I know it sounds weird, but trust me—it works. The fish is super tender, kind of like cod, and when you fry it up and pair it with sweet banana, it’s a combo that just makes sense in a tropical-Portuguese sort of way.

Then there’s bolo do caco, a garlicky flatbread that shows up at every meal (not mad about it), and lapas—grilled limpets served sizzling with garlic butter and lemon. If you see those on a menu, order them.

Wash it all down with a glass of Poncha, the local drink made with aguardente (sugarcane rum), honey, and lemon or orange juice. It’s deceptively strong and incredibly easy to drink. Just, you know… pace yourself.

Nature’s calling (and she’s not subtle about it)

One of the most unforgettable things about Madeira is its landscape. It’s like Mother Nature decided to show off. We’re talking craggy peaks, ancient laurel forests, terraced hillsides, and flower-covered slopes tumbling into the sea.

Madeira is famous for its levadas, which are old irrigation channels carved into the mountainsides. They double as walking paths now, and they lead you through some of the island’s most stunning scenery. My personal favorite? The Levada das 25 Fontes. You walk through dense forest, past waterfalls and mossy stone walls, and end up at a little lagoon fed by—you guessed it—25 different springs. Magical stuff.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—the highest peaks on the island. The hike between them is epic. We’re talking narrow ridgelines, tunnels through rock, clouds below you, and views that make you forget to breathe.

Even if hiking’s not your thing, just driving around the island is a wild ride. The roads twist and turn through cliffs and valleys, and around every corner is another “wow” moment.

Funchal: Small city, big personality

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and where most visitors start out. It’s a charming mix of old-world Europe and tropical island life. You’ll find cobbled streets, cute cafes, botanical gardens, markets, street art, and some seriously good restaurants.

The Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) is worth a stop, if only to gawk at all the exotic fruits you’ve never seen before. Try the ananás banana (banana pineapple) or maracujá (passion fruit) in like, 5 different varieties.

Also, don’t skip a ride on the Monte cable car—you’ll float above the city with views over the harbor, and at the top, you can explore Monte Palace Gardens. If you’re feeling brave (and a little goofy), hop on one of the toboggan rides—traditional wicker sleds steered by guys in straw hats and rubber boots that take you hurtling downhill. Totally absurd and 100% fun.

When to go to Madeira, Portugal?

Honestly, Madeira’s good year-round. It’s called the “Island of Eternal Spring” for a reason. Even in the dead of winter, temperatures hover around 17–20°C. Summer is warmer but not oppressively hot, thanks to the ocean breeze.

If you’re into flowers, visit in spring—April and May are peak bloom season, and there’s even a Flower Festival that turns Funchal into a riot of color.

Is it expensive?

Not particularly. Sure, it’s not dirt cheap, but compared to other European islands (like Santorini or Ibiza), Madeira is refreshingly affordable. You can eat well for under €20, rent a car without breaking the bank, and find cozy accommodation in Funchal or the countryside at decent prices.

Plus, the experiences—hiking, swimming in natural volcanic pools, watching dolphins from a catamaran—are all either free or pretty reasonably priced.

Final thoughts about Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret. It has all the charm of Portugal but with an exotic twist. It’s adventurous but chill. It’s beautiful but unpretentious. And most importantly, it feels real. People are friendly, the pace is slow (in a good way), and the scenery? Out of this world.

So if you’re looking for a destination that’s off the typical tourist radar but still ticks every box—good food, nature, culture, great weather—Madeira might just be your next favorite place. And fair warning: once you go, you might not stop talking about it either.

The best airline tickets are just a click away