The Pearl in the Middle of the Ocean

Once you are in Portugal, you definitely have to explore the islands. They provide an amazing natural environment and views like no other. There are many charming walking paths, climbs, caves, lakes, waterfalls and of course, magnificent mountains. Be careful though and don't go to the hills alone. It is easy to get lost or injure yourself up there if you are not with a guide. The paths are protected, but still difficult: you can do it if you have proper shoes, warm clothes and enough food and water to survive through the difficult climbs. Nevertheless, once you are on top, you can snap magnificent pictures among clouds that will look like you just stepped off a cover of a pop album cover.

Tickets and accommodation

Plane tickets to Madeira are not expensive if you book them enough of in advance. Try to not go there at the peak of the season. As an accommodation, I recommend you rent a place on Airbnb. It is the cheapest and also the most comfortable solution.

By the way, the airport in Madeira is quite small and can look a little scary when you are first landing. You may hear the people clapping to the pilot once you reach the ground, but that is all part of the excitement. Once you reach the ground, you'll be even more excited!

What to do and see

The beauty of its nature is definitely Madeira's great pride, but there are also others. I'm sure you know currently probably the most famous man of Madeira – Portuguese player Ronaldo. In the city called Funchal, you can see his big monument, go to the museum and treat yourself, your friends or kids with some gifts from the museum's souvenir store. You can get everything from coins with Ronaldo's image on it to golden football ball, signed by the great player himself.

After that, take a walk along the coast. You'll see many stands with tasty refreshments, such as smoothies, fresh juices, coffee, sandwiches and pancakes. Enjoy – prices are quite alright for a touristic city. If it is summer you can also go take a swim in the water, if the coldness of the Atlantic doesn't scare you too much. You should find the beautiful beach with the black sand, take a swim and lie down on the warm sun. You will immediately feel refreshed and at peace.

The fabulous nightlife

There are many bars, pubs and restaurants that glow in different colours when the night sets on the islands. You can just take a walk and chose the one you like, but if you'd like a recommendation, I really liked the Hole in One bar in Funchal. The name of the place comes from a popular sport among the richer: golf. You will see the whole place is decorated in honour of this game, but it also has a very chill and friendly vibe, the waiters are friendly and the music is good.

It is a less known fact that Madeira also has its own brewery. Therefore, once in Madeira, you have an amazing opportunity to try the Coral Lager and really enjoy the Madeira traditional products. You can also try the Madeira wine and as a gift, you can bring home a very traditional drink called Poncha. It contains honey, sugar, juice and distilled alcohol from sugar cane juice. You can either buy Poncha with lemon or orange juice and keep in mind: locals also use it to cure a cold.

When you'll pack your bags and head home after a few days of Madeira, you'll know you'll miss that place a lot – and that you are probably coming back. Don't worry, Madeira will be there, as it is now: standing proud and strong in the middle of the ocean, its people bravely defying the vastness of the plain water around them and creating a paradise in the middle of nothing.