Roz Purcell’s Ultimate Island Getaway: Adventure-packed, Closer than Canaries, and Overflowing with Hikes, Swims, and Waterfalls!

Madeira: A Hiking Destination with More to Offer

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, is a destination that should be on every hiker’s bucket list. Boasting breathtaking hikes, natural swimming pools, and delicious cuisine, the island has much more to offer than meets the eye.

As an avid hiker, I can attest that Madeira is one of the best hiking destinations in Europe. The island is home to a network of levadas, which are irrigation channels that were built centuries ago to bring water from the mountains to the fields. These levadas now serve as hiking trails, offering stunning views of the island’s rugged terrain.

But Madeira is not just for hikers. The island also has a vibrant nightlife scene in its capital city, Funchal, and boasts delicious cuisine. The local dish, espada com banana, is a must-try. It consists of black scabbardfish, a deep-sea fish that is unique to the waters around Madeira, served with banana.

During my 14-day trip to Madeira, I was able to explore some of the island’s most beautiful hikes. One of my favorites was the Vereda do Areeiro, a trail that takes you to the third-highest peak on the island, Pico do Areeiro. The hike offers spectacular views of the island’s mountain ranges and valleys.

Another highlight was the hike to the Risco waterfall, one of the island’s many waterfalls. The trail takes you through a lush forest and offers stunning views of the waterfall, which drops over 100 meters into a natural swimming pool.

Madeira is also home to several natural swimming pools, which are perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hike. The Porto Moniz natural swimming pools, located on the northern coast of the island, are some of the most popular. The pools are formed by volcanic rocks and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Overall, Madeira is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this Portuguese archipelago has it all. So why not add it to your travel bucket list?