Madeira: Island Culture

After sharing my passionate love story with this island in the middle of the Atlantic, here is the promised article: tips for visits and great addresses to prepare for your trip to Madeira. So, what to do in Madeira (in prose and verse)?

This first trip to Madeira was focused on culture and discovering the atmosphere of this island that was completely unknown to me.

On the agenda: a few museums and markets, a storytelling stroll in the city of Funchal, and admiration of endless landscapes.

They merely rediscovered it, brought it back to collective awareness, and made it fashionable...

In the midst of exploration and conquests roads, toward Brazil, Africa, or Asia, the Portuguese had Madeira. Like a lighthouse in the open sea, Madeira has an undeniable strategic position, close enough yet far enough from everything to make it a safe place, a transit point, a refuge.

There is still so much to say about the history of this island... Remember that Madeira has a sweet history: sugar was nicknamed >.

Barely stepping foot on this island, my mind was entirely absorbed by the tranquil atmosphere of the place. As soon as I exited the airport, I matched my step to that of the Madeirans: a leisurely and peaceful pace. What I remember is that in Madeira, even though the past lingers in the air, we live in the present, and we live well!

Here are some ideas for cultural activities to discover Funchal and Madeira in a few days.

Our guide proudly announces that Madeira is home to more than 600 species of beetles and over 100 species of snakes, 80% of which are endemic. Enough to impress (and slightly frighten those with ophidiophobia)!

It's time to go back in time... double time: we have fallen into childhood in the midst of the 20th century!

Arriving at the heights of Funchal by cable car, we dive into an ancient tradition: descending in the style of the locals of that era, in > or >. Imagine gondoliers, standing tall and proud, wearing old-fashioned clothing and schoolboy hats... with the streets of Funchal serving as their only canal!

It is on these carts, one would imagine being pulled by horses, that tourists descend, a stiff smile on their lips. No canals, no horses: just two strong men to handle the vehicle and prevent a free fall. Using gravity and their well-positioned weight, these men maneuver the sled as if it were a bundle of straw. Tossed from one turn to the other, we expect to crash, as if already in an endless fall. But with agility, the men handle this giant billiard ball without ever letting it fall!

Yes, yes, tuk-tuks in the middle of the Atlantic! All white, all beautiful! An original ride that clears your mind through the steep streets of Funchal, reaching beautiful viewpoints, secret churches, and lovely facades hidden from ordinary travelers!

I mentioned the incredible fruits of Funchal: it's definitely worth a stroll through the market just for that. The Funchal market is the perfect place to encounter the famous fish that is cooked in every restaurant, the >, and to discover the island's flowers, fruits, and vegetables: a colorful and fragrant stroll.

A chance to taste the local banana, referred to as >: smaller than ours and reputed to be one of the most delicious in the world. Also, the many varieties of passion fruit: pineapple-passion fruit, banana-passion fruit... or the famous >, bread baked on hot stones, often served with garlic butter.

We visited Funchal during the 11th edition of the medieval market, the >, (and also during the opening of a fireworks competition: >!). It was an opportunity to stroll through the village of Machico surrounded by ladies, knights, and other characters from the Middle Ages, and to admire a totally ecological merry-go-round powered by the pedal strokes of the miller!

The museum is housed in a building worthy of a science-fiction movie. It reminded me of the film > and François felt like he was in the game Wolfenstein 3D.

Inside, the rooms follow one another without resembling each other. Some abstract paintings captivated me in an inexplicable way. Why this one exactly? The magic of colors and brush strokes... I was also particularly sensitive to the small room dedicated to the condition of women: don't hesitate to ask the museum staff to decode the messages behind these works; it's worth it!

Funchal is a great base to explore the island. The capital of Madeira has many more attractions for tourists, in addition to its numerous restaurants, such as:

Traveling across the island from one museum to another, from one market to another, was primarily an opportunity to see all these landscapes parade before me and to feast on them without ever feeling full.

I remember that magical moment. The landscapes continue to challenge the other side of my window and the music > comes to my mind. I breathe deeply. Nothing else exists but me, the landscape, the endless sea joining the blue of the sky. And the silence. A perfect ensemble that needs no words, no grand written citation against the blue backdrop of the sky: the image speaks for itself. And I am happy to be part of it. Deeply well. Deeply in the present.

A great spot located in the > on Santa Maria Street, lively at night and pleasant during the day as well to admire the artistic project >: street art on the doors of the houses. The restaurant has a very nice terrace and offers a variety of dishes, some > (pizza, sushi) and others traditional, all excellent!

Address: Rua de Santa Maria, no 145, Funchal

A unique restaurant, both for its style and its view of the city! Located on a rock over the port of Funchal, it offers a unique viewpoint of the city, especially at night when the lights shine. Decoration and art converge in this > where works by artist Nini Andrade Silva are displayed. A search for minimalism, simplicity of lines, and inspiration from nature: classy and understated at the same time. The restaurant maintains this tone, with refined and delicious cuisine.

Address: Estrada da Pontinha, Forte de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Funchal

I love this castle and its yellow and red tones! We dined in a very chic setting (it's no wonder that many weddings are celebrated there every year). Special mention for the peixe-espada preto, topped with fried banana slices and accompanied by a passion fruit sauce: a savory and original blend for those who love sweet and savory!

Address: Rua Portao Sao Tiago, Forte de Sao Tiago, Funchal

This Italian restaurant is one of the best meals I've had in recent months! Don't miss the carpaccio: to die for! Well-situated as well: close to the seaside promenade.

Address: Rua de Leichlingen 7, Funchal

If you're a risotto lover, this is the ultimate delicious address not to be missed! Absolutely scrumptious! The local specialties are revisited on the theme of risotto (I can't get enough of this fish served with plantain: I'd eat it every day!). And as a bonus, the view of the sea: sublime!

Address: Rua de Santa Maria, 274, Santa Maria Maior, Funchal

For meat lovers who want to eat typical dishes, this is an address you cannot miss! Must-try: the >, a beef skewer in medieval style! Charming and welcoming staff, nice setting with a terrace, and the best garlic bread (bola de caco) we've had in Madeira!

Address: Rua Jose Joaquim da Costa, Madeira

For more information and ideas of sites to discover, feel free to check out the Madeira Tourism Office.

In partnership with the Portugal Tourism Office.