ON THE ISLAND OF ETERNAL SPRING

It is widely acknowledged that Madeira is not just an island; it is a true paradise on earth, where nature's diversity and culture, a fusion of European traditions with exotic features, create a unique atmosphere for travellers. Madeira, part of Portugal, is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1000 kilometres from the coast of Europe and 700 kilometres from Africa. Its closest neighbours are the Spanish island of Tenerife, the largest in the Canary Islands archipelago, and Morocco. The island is renowned for its mountainous landscapes, vividly coloured vegetation, traditional terraces, and, of course, its distinctive wine.

An Unforgettable Peak

Madeira is easily accessible from the Portuguese mainland. Direct flights to the capital of the archipelago, Funchal, are available from major European cities such as Lisbon, Rome, London, Paris, and others. The journey by plane typically takes about 3-4 hours, and from Lisbon itself, it takes 2.5 hours.

Madeira's airport, though small, is state-of-the-art, and upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the breathtaking vista of the island nestled amidst the ocean and the looming mountains on the horizon. The airport, located in a Portuguese autonomous region in the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its challenging weather conditions and limited landing and take-off area, presenting a significant challenge to pilots. The airport's challenging terrain, coupled with its short runway, necessitates intricate manoeuvres from pilots during landing procedures. Despite these difficulties, Madeira Airport is lauded for its safety standards, with pilots receiving advanced training to navigate these conditions. They employ state-of-the-art navigation systems and techniques to mitigate risk, ensuring the highest levels of safety.

In addition, Madeira's air harbour, officially known as Funchal Airport, also bears a second name: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. It is named in honour of the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who hails from Funchal and lived there with his parents until he was 12 years old. Upon exiting the airport's international terminal, visitors will encounter the first (and not the last) bust of Ronaldo in Madeira. The bronze bust was installed in 2017 when the airport was named after Ronaldo, but the family criticised it "due to its imperfections." A year later, it was replaced with a new one; therefore, visitors now see a second version of the bust—without the crooked smile and differently sized eyes, as claimed by the forward's family.

A Madeira Named After Ronaldo

The fact that Ronaldo was born in Madeira has made him a true cultural and sporting symbol of the entire archipelago. In his homeland, the islanders take pride in their countryman who has become not only a football icon but also an international symbol of success and perseverance. His achievements are acknowledged throughout the island. Cristiano is widely regarded as a home-town hero by the island's residents, irrespective of age, and his popularity is evident in various forms.

This profound admiration is evident in the numerous monuments and streets dedicated to Ronaldo that adorn the island. The iconic hairstyle of the renowned footballer is proudly displayed in many a hairdresser's window, reflecting its local popularity.

A prominent statue of the footballer stands on the seafront of Funchal, adjacent to the harbour. Unveiled in 2014, the statue quickly became one of the island's most popular attractions. The statue captures Ronaldo at the moment he joyfully greets fans after a victory.

The monument is situated in front of the official Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, known as CR7. The museum, which opened in 2013, has since become one of Madeira's main tourist attractions (admission fee €5). Situated in the centre of Funchal, in an area easily accessible to tourists, it serves not merely as an exhibition but as a true tribute to the Ronaldo phenomenon. The museum boasts an incredibly diverse collection that includes not only cups, trophies, and medals won by the footballer throughout his career but also personal belongings, photographs, and videos that reflect his journey from a young boy to a global superstar. The collection features over 100 awards, including Champions League golden goals, along with numerous titles and records set by Ronaldo at both club and international levels.

Of particular note are his personal memorabilia, including jerseys, boots, the shirt from his first match for the Portuguese national team, as well as scarves and emblems from the clubs he played for: Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. This enables visitors to explore both his sporting achievements and personal growth from different perspectives.

A particularly striking element of the museum is Ronaldo's fingerprints, which he left on a special wall like many other famous athletes. This section of the museum serves as a poignant embodiment of his connection to this place and the significance he holds for Madeira.

The museum houses an extensive collection of over 200 personal items belonging to Ronaldo, overseen by his brother Hugo. The Ronaldo family's significant property holdings in Madeira's prestigious Santo António neighbourhood include a residence where his mother, brother, and sisters currently reside. According to museum representatives, Ronaldo himself rarely returns to his native Funchal; he mostly stays in Lisbon. The museum manager noted that the renowned forward actively supports Madeira's development and its inhabitants but prefers not to publicise his charitable efforts.

The Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, along with monuments and even the airport that bears his name, serves to make the island a living embodiment of sporting pride for all of Portugal and especially Madeira.

Four Tourists Per Inhabitant

Madeira is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from across the globe. The island's mild climate, stunning natural scenery and unique cultural characteristics are just some of the reasons for its popularity. Its favourable climate has earned it the nickname "the island of eternal spring." Even during the winter months, ocean temperatures remain above +16 degrees Celsius, making it an appealing destination for visitors from northern European countries.

The island welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. This influx occurs despite its resident population being just over 260,000. The recent surge in visitors can be attributed to the enhancement of infrastructure and the island's growing appeal among outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking unique travel experiences.

In addition to tourists from Portugal itself, people travel here from Great Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. The cost of holidays in Madeira varies based on accommodation type, seasonality, and selected services. The approximate price for overnight stays ranges from €50 to €100 per night for budget hotels and hostels, while middle-class guest houses and three-star hotels typically charge about €100-150 per night. Luxury hotel accommodations start at €200 per night for one tourist. Meanwhile, an average week-long tour for one traveller from Europe, including flights, accommodation and some excursions, can range from €700 to €1,500, depending on the season and hotel category.

Funchal's hotel offerings are diverse, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. These include luxurious properties with ocean views and cosy guest-houses that offer visitors a true immersion in the island's atmosphere. Most hotels provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and well-equipped terraces perfect for relaxing in the evening while enjoying delicious local wine. However, for those seeking absolute privacy and a unique experience, smaller hotels and villas in rural areas are ideal. The authentic escape from city life offered by these hotels is unparalleled.

According to Numbeo rankings, the cost of living in Madeira is approximately 12% lower than in Lisbon. Consequently, the cost of maintaining a standard of living equivalent to that which would require €3,228 in Lisbon would be approximately €2,800 in Madeira. It is noteworthy that the average monthly salary in Madeira is €1,375, while the minimum wage is €723.

Exclusive restaurants in Funchal's capital city offer dinner for two, including wine, at a cost of between €100 and €150. However, most eateries offer much more affordable options, averaging between €20-40 for a meal for one person.

Overall, Madeira is celebrated not only for its wines but also for its unique culinary offerings. Examples of traditional dishes include espetada (skewers of meat) at €18-22 and bolo do caco (local bread with garlic) at €2.5-3, both of which are commonly served in restaurants across the island. Another notable dish is the fish soup (€4-5), which is widely available.

In Search of Exoticism

Madeira offers a cost-effective yet premium tourist experience, combining natural beauty with luxurious amenities. The island is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, and is characterised by the contrast of harsh mountains with lush green valleys. The mild climate ensures a year-round display of vibrant colours, making it a haven for gardeners worldwide.

A key natural attraction is the Levada, a distinctive system of irrigation canals that runs throughout the island. Built over centuries for agricultural irrigation, these canals now form part of numerous scenic trails. Walking along the Levada feels akin to journeying deep into Madeira's natural landscape: through forests, rocky cliffs, and verdant valleys.

For those interested in mountain trekking and outdoor activities, there are extensive areas to explore. The island boasts a plethora of trekking routes, offering unparalleled vistas of both mountains and ocean. One particularly popular hike leads to the summit of Picu Ruivo, the island's highest point at 1862 metres, offering breathtaking vistas amidst the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Excursions such as walks along levadas, cable car rides, visits to botanical gardens or canyons, or wine tours typically cost between €40-90 per excursion. Local excursions (€45-60) include boat trips aboard catamarans or yachts designed for observing whales, dolphins, and turtles surrounding this magnificent coastline, which captivates surfers, kitesurfers, and diving enthusiasts alike.

In addition, Madeira plays host to a variety of festivals, concerts and events throughout the year, including the renowned carnivals in February and the April Flower Festival.

Most Interesting

Madeira's history is equally intriguing. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1419, it has evolved into an essential trading post hub rich in cultural significance.

Despite its Portuguese roots, the island has been influenced by many other cultures, including those of the Arabs and the English colonists, and this is evident in the local cuisine, languages and architecture.

A significant aspect of Madeira's economy revolves around the production of renowned local wine, which is appreciated globally. The wine is crafted from grapes cultivated on terraces using unique ageing methods that impart distinct flavours.

Visitors can sample this delightful wine across wineries throughout Madeira or purchase bottles as souvenirs. The island offers numerous excursions (€40-50) detailing every stage involved in wine production while providing tasting opportunities that allow guests full immersion into local viticulture.

Funchal's old town, known as Zona Velha, is the heart and soul of Madeira's capital, reflecting vibrant blends of history, culture and dynamic island life. The picturesque neighbourhood showcases narrow cobbled streets alongside ancient buildings embodying Madeira's rich heritage, making it one of the most attractive destinations for tourists.

A notable feature of the Old Town is its vibrant street art scene, exemplified by the "Painted Doors" project initiated in 2010. This initiative transformed the narrow Rua de Santa Maria into an open-air gallery, showcasing colourful murals that adorn the doors of this historic district.

An iconic statue of Christ stands proudly upon a clifftop overlooking Cape Garajão near Santa Cruz village. Local legend holds that this marks the landing site where the first Portuguese sailors arrived upon discovering the island. They subsequently fashioned a large cross from indigenous trees, which was later replaced by a marble version erected in 1927 depicting the Saviour extending his arms outwards.

Additionally, both botanical gardens serve as symbols representing the island's natural beauty; among those most famed is the Monte Palace complex, featuring tropical gardens alongside the Ribeira Frio Forest Park – both renowned for their rich endemic fauna and flora, leaving unforgettable impressions upon nature enthusiasts alike.

The Ribeiro Frio Valley, nestled in the Santana region on the north coast, is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers tranquil trails ideal for nature lovers. The vast forest areas comprise a laurisilva (laurel forest) ecosystem, where visitors can observe endemic species such as the bis bis finch and rare long-necked pigeons. Additionally, the Ribeiro Frio aquaculture initiative aims to repopulate water bodies with rainbow trout, which is likely to appeal to fishing enthusiasts.

Accessing the Monte Palace complex involves riding cable cars (€18 round trip), which link the capital city, Funchal, to a picturesque mountainside neighbourhood. This provides breathtaking panoramas of the bay, the city, ocean peaks, greenery adorned with exotic plant life and gardens.

Atop the cable car is the charming village of Monte, renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. The Monte Palace (entrance €15) is considered one of the island's most beloved botanical gardens, making it a must-visit destination, whether you take the cable car or not. Established in the early 20th century, it remains the region's primary attraction. The grounds of the former mansion house a collection of over 2,000 plant species, including rare tropical and subtropical varieties. The garden is divided into numerous zones, each offering unique views and atmospheres.

The Japanese garden provides a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy, with bamboo paths winding through the grounds. The aquatic garden features exotic lotuses and water lilies, contributing to the overall experience.

In addition to the floral beauty, Monte Palace features picturesque ponds and fountains inhabited by colourful fish sculptures, contributing to the locale's charm and sophistication. An intriguing highlight is the Funchal View Terrace, which offers incredible panoramic vistas encompassing the city, the Atlantic Ocean, mountains and lush greenery below.

Additionally, the on-site Monte Museum sheds light on the rich heritage of the area, which is dedicated to the cultural and natural legacy of the local population and their traditions. Exhibitions dedicated to architecture and art stand out, displaying antique paintings, photographs and artefacts that convey the atmosphere of day-to-day life experienced during the last century in Madeira.

Many tourists choose to experience a unique adventure descending back down towards Funchal on traditional wooden sledges, once common transport in the 19th century between Monte Funchal. Today, the sledges serve as a popular attraction, with visitors boarded by expert local riders and steered down winding mountain roads.

The island of Madeira is renowned for its dramatic contrasts, where majestic mountain peaks meet gentle oceans and diverse cultures coexist in harmony with nature. The island offers a range of experiences that leave a lasting impression, creating cherished memories that are etched in the hearts and souls of those who visit. Those who have the opportunity to experience this remarkable island should consider making it a destination for at least one lifetime.