Madeira – what an adventure! A few friends and I finally packed our bags and made our way to this beautiful little slice of paradise in the Atlantic, and boy, it did not disappoint. From the vibrant market scenes to heart-racing toboggan rides and mouthwatering seafood, every moment was filled with something new, exciting, and totally unforgettable.
On my first visit we stayed at the Pestana Carlton Hotel which was really lovely.  On my second visit I stayed at the Pestana Casino Park Hotel which is in a great location very close to the city centre in Funchal, fabulous views over the harbour area where cruise ships dock.

Our first stop was the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, and let me tell you, this place is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The colours, the smells, the energy – it was all electric. Freshly caught fish, piles of exotic fruits we had never seen before, and the stunning floral displays were just a few of the treasures we discovered. We ended up chatting with some of the friendly locals about the best dishes to try while we wandered around. Of course, we couldn’t resist grabbing a few quirky souvenirs – handmade trinkets and some delicious local honey to take home. It was a perfect start to the trip, immersing ourselves in the island’s lively culture.

Next, we hopped on the Funchal Cable Car, heading up to the Monte area, and the views were simply jaw-dropping. The ride was smooth and peaceful, giving us the perfect bird’s-eye view of the city and the ocean beyond. The green hills, terracotta roofs, and the vast stretch of ocean on the horizon made us feel like we were floating above it all. It was the kind of view you can’t help but sit back and stare at in awe, completely lost in the beauty of it.

Now, if you want some serious thrills, you have to do the toboggan ride. I mean, who wouldn’t want to race down the narrow streets of Monte in a wooden sleigh, steered by two brave locals dressed in white uniforms? The adrenaline was through the roof as we zipped down the winding streets, laughing and screaming in delight. It’s not something you get to do every day, and trust me, it was as fun as it sounds. We definitely felt like we were in an old-school adventure film, but way cooler.

Then there was the food. Oh, the food. Madeira’s seafood scene is next level. We dined in several fish restaurants, including one of the many restaurants in the city on the waters edge  and each meal was better than the last. The espada (scabbardfish) was a highlight – grilled to perfection, and when paired with those famous banana fritters, it was a flavour explosion we didn’t expect but couldn’t stop loving. And let’s not forget about the fresh tuna – atum de cebolada – with its rich, smoky flavours that had us ordering seconds (and thirds, maybe!). Every bite made us realise just how lucky we were to be indulging in such fresh, local delicacies. The Restaurant Alta Vista offers fabulous views as well a food and the more traditional Taberna Madeira offers great traditional Madeiran food.

But the cherry on top had to be our spontaneous day trip to Santa Maria Island. We hopped on a quick flight, and suddenly we were in a whole new world. Santa Maria felt like a hidden gem, with its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace of life that was a welcome contrast to Funchal’s energy. We spent the day just soaking in the beauty of the place, walking through quaint villages, and unwinding by the sea. Of course, we had to have one more seafood feast while we were there, and eating fresh fish with the ocean breeze in our hair? Perfection.

Madeira is one of those places that has it all – stunning views, thrilling adventures, and a food scene that will leave you craving more. Travelling with friends made it even better, with so many laughs and memories to take home. I can honestly say, if you’re after a destination that offers both relaxation and excitement in equal measure, Madeira should definitely be at the top of your list. Can’t wait to go back!