Madeira is one of those places that you would rarely even think of to travel to. I have to say it, Madeira needs to be higher on your list. The main resort of Funchal is an array of terracotta roofed houses, mixed with cute white-washed buildings that house local restaurants, shops and fish markets in the old town and the slightly newer part of town has beautifully bright & coloured buildings that echo a similar vein to the towns that surround the Italian Lakes.
This large, ornate fountain greets you when you arrive in to the main centre of Funchal. It’s pretty spectacular. You are met with the likes of Zara and H&M (perfect for me as I had forgotten to bring plenty of t-shirts!) but also have the quaint little souvenir shops where you can buy flower seeds and gifts.
Did you know that Christopher Colombus actually live, married and had a child on the Island of Porto Santo which is just a short ferry ride across from Madeira. There is a little museum dedicated to the explorer on the island too.
This wonderful city is the Island’s capital and has been for the last five centuries because of it’s cultural and historical background. Because of Madeira’s lush, micro climate plenty of unique and beautiful flowers grow all year round. In fact the Island itself is named after Fennel.
“…Funchal, to whom the captain gave this name, because it was founded in a beautiful forested valley, full of fennel up to the sea…”
— Gaspar Frutuoso, 1873
You’ll find plenty of free, open gardens to wander around. I can imagine come Summer when the Island is in full bloom it will be a sight to behold.
No amount of wandering always meant that it was time for a pit stop to freshen up with a beer. Hidden down side allies and back streets there was always somewhere to grab a seat and cool down after a long day of walking around the streets of Funchal.
I swear round every corner there was something so instagrammable. Like this white washed wall? The instagram Gods were looking down on me that day!
Sadly though, six years ago the picture was not that pretty. An epic storm of all proportions left Funchal and it’s surrounding towns devastated. Flood water and mudslides led to 42 people being killed and the city being completely wrecked. It’s only just recently that the main harbour has got back to it’s magnificent glory. It’s stunning, however, such a sad turn of events that meant it had to be restored back to it’s (almost) natural state.
With every twist and turn and every nook and cranny, there is a side street or shop waiting to be ventured in to. Whilst Madeira caters largely to a British crowd, it never felt “Brits Abroad” or overran with tourists. I think that’s what made it feel so lovely and so uninterrupted. I’d love to go back.
Are my posts making you want to go to Madeira? Or are you more of a beach kinda person? I’d love to know in the comments below. Head to icelolly.com instagram where I am taking over their Instagram with all my Madeira snaps!
Bee xxx
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