Madeira
“Life isn’t coming at you, it’s coming from you.”
A North Atlantic volcanic island. My chosen hiking holiday destination. It has one of the most lushly covered landscapes (plenty agapanthus, ferns and hydrangeas in the mix), complete with rugged cliffs, high mountains and sweeping valleys; and then there’s waterfalls, black sand beaches and dense forests. Madeira is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Hikers are spoilt for choice with the many trails, most are along the irrigation canals commonly known as Levadas.
Visitors of all fitness levels will find a trail to enjoy. There are helpful signs at these trails indicating what to expect ahead.
The air is consistently warm from the humidity; and the weather is constantly changing during the day. It may be sunny in the morning and then suddenly during a walk, a light misty rain comes along.
The Fanal forest is one of Madeira’s greatest attractions. It sits on the top of a mountain with a vast, rolling countryside landscape surrounded by a forest of the most mystical-looking trees. It’s a passage for thick mist to sweep through and envelope everything in sight.
Madeira has beautiful beaches and natural rock pools, yet my vibe was solely hiking and exploring the mountains and forests. There were a couple days where I spent time appreciating the culture. Santana and Prazeres were one of my favourite towns. Both were quaint and Santana especially had a few shops for the tourists. Santana is fun to visit and see its beautiful display of restored traditional houses.
The Levada trails along the sides of the mountains provided the most beautiful views of the forests. The valley I captured in the upcoming photo doesn’t do the depth and height justice. As I stood on the Levada da Ribeira da Janela trail taking in the tree-covered mountain and valley, there was such a calming sense of peace. I could hear the river down below, and just see it peeking through the trees.
Then, not too far from where I am standing, I heard the crack and thud of a tree falling, collapsing and colliding into everything in its path. I would wait a few surreal moments, listening and hearing as another do the same. As I continued on my walk a rock would drop down a few paces away in front and again behind me. A reminder of my vulnerability as I walk alongside the mountain.
There is a popular hiking area where one can choose between a number of Levada trails, some branching out and interlinking. An opportunity to divert, extend a hike or loop around if you’re not wanting to return on the same trail.
I did this on the Levada do Alecrim. It was one of the easier and shorter trails, and I had enough energy to continue walking. Not knowing what lay ahead on the other trail I found myself climbing a steep mountain. The descent was just as long and grueling. There were moments where I had know idea where I was or in what direction I was going… quite fun….! 😉 With encroaching fatigue, I eventually found and joined fellow hikers at the point of return. I noticed we were all, very slowly, climbing up the seemingly never-ending winding and steep road. Some were giving up and sitting in the middle of the road. I continue on with my inner-voice telling my legs to keep going… Reserved energy levels surely well-spent on that day!
As a foodie, I enjoyed documenting and sharing some of the incredible food spots I had visited. With a vegan lifestyle, I had done my research prior to arriving in Madeira. And I’m glad I did, as these are certainly worth mentioning:
- Art Food Corner in Funchal
- Mundo Vegan (Vegan World) in Funchal/São Martinho
- Snack-Bar Avista Navios in Seixal
- XS Cafe in Prazeres
- Pizzeria il Furetto and their direct neighbour Restaurante Quinta do Furão in Santana
- Quinta Levada do Rei
For more captures of this exquisitely beautiful Madeira island, be sure to visit my Instagram page.
More Travel Chronicles:
“Live to Love ~ Love to Live“
Earth’s Wildflower,
Food Convenience while on the Move (Affiliated Link to Forever Fresh):
Vegan Curious (Affiliated Link to Brownble) :
