Dubbed the Hawaii of Europe, one European hotspot offers the stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery of the tropical island, just a four-hour flight away. Not only is Madeira stunning, but its fertile volcanic soil and subtropical climate also allow fresh local produce to thrive, making it a foodie paradise.
With the largest number of restaurants on the island, its capital city, Funchal, has plenty to entice travellers’ appetites, where fresh produce meets seafood caught in the Atlantic waters, washed down with a glass of Madeira wine. Far from a one-trick pony, the capital is full of stunning architecture, blooming botanical gardens, and it has easy access to the most stunning walks with breathtaking views.
One of the must-try dishes while you’re in the capital city is ‘espada’, a sweet savoury dish that combines one of the most popular fish, black scabbards, with a zingy fresh sauce of passion fruit and bananas.
Limpets cooked the Madeira way also shouldn’t be missed. Doused in lashings of lemon and butter, the typical method brings out the salty and slightly sweet flavour of the shellfish.
To try a typical Funchal institution, head to Zarcos, where the slight journey outside the centre is made up for by the delicious and generous portions. Or, one of the most established in the city, Combatentes, serves up homemade food right in the centre.
You cannot forget the “crown jewel” of the island, Madeira wine. With its intense flavour that can vary from bone dry to dessert sweet, Funchal has plenty of wineries where you can do tastings, like Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
To taste the delicious local fruits, head to Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling farmers’ market where you can try treats like custard apples, passionfruits and guavas.
Once you’re done with the foodie tour, football fans may want to head to the CR7 museum, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo who was born on the island.
Visitors can take in the stunning views from the Funchal Cable Car, stroll through colourful streets in the Old Town, or even take a toboggan ride down from Monte, but it’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Flights to Madeira from the UK operate from several airports, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast and Glasgow.
