What do Brits think of Madeira island? Have you ever been?
Posted by PearOk2126@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 142 comments
TripAdvisor has recently named Madeira island, in Portugal, the top #1 trending travel destination for 2026. Being my home island, I'm super proud of this title, so l'm just curious what people here think of it, as the United Kingdom makes up one of our largest sources of tourism.
We regularly see Brits, as well as Germans and French people here. Have you ever been and what do you think of this island? Would you visit purely for the sunlight, nightlife and food or would vou like to see more cultural stuff/go hiking through our many forests and levadas?
billtilman@reddit
My wife has just got back from a week there and loved it. Although she'd broken her foot and found the hills pretty tough. Spent a day in a taxi touring the island and had a great time. Cab driver was super cool. Her grandmother used to get there by flying boat which I always found extravagant and hilarious. Maybe 50's or 60's. I don't think there's any time difference either with the UK.
tedkravitz617@reddit
I keep hearing that Madeira is geared more towards the older end of the market and as such it's never on the top of my list. I did however have one of the most incredible holidays ever on Porto Santo which is tiny compared to Madeira.
The Brazilian staff at the hotel are responsible for my love of Caipirinhas, the island is stunning, the people of lovely and due to how isolated the island is it was one of the most relaxing holidays I've ever had.
Traditional_Rice_123@reddit
I love Madeira. I've visited many times during my teenage years and now with my partner as an adult - who also loves the island.
The scenery is absolutely out of this world - but it's not just things on an epic scale which we enjoy. The teleferico down to the beach at Garajau is far too step, but the beach is fantastic. The first ferry of the day across to Port Sant with a view of Funchal as the sun rises and the island wakes up is a great experience. The cafes, the espetada, the nature, the bolo do caco are all great, too.
I like that there is a real Madeirense way of life and people are not 100% focused on tourists. There are tourist-focused businesses of course, but these don't seem to dominate - the towns are real, functioning places which exist for the citizens first.
True-Boysenberry7308@reddit
Going next year and really looking forward to it.
elbapo@reddit
Cake and christiano
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
It's funny cos the cake actually comes originally from England. I remember first time I went to the UK and saw "Madeira cake" at a bakery I was surprised to see it
Hellolaoshi@reddit
Apparently the cake was originally meant to accompany a glass of Madeira wine. I read this in a British cookery book.
elbapo@reddit
Oh really? I like those sort of quirks.
In Australia/ New Zealand the bed linen section of department stores is called 'manchester'. Which is where im from. And although it does have history of textiles, it doesn't bring to mind the best night sleep ever from a marketing perspective.
Anyway you should claim the cake its delicious
Leading_Study_876@reddit
It's not "fortified" with Madeira wine. It used to often be served as an accompaniment to Madeira wine.
Very rarely now. More commonly served with tea or coffee.
elbapo@reddit
Ah oh right probably a case of ai strikes again. I'd rather a case of madiera wine and cake
MokausiLietuviu@reddit
And wine
Hard_Dave@reddit
There are villages there that are twinned with Eccles and Dundee
hugohoratio@reddit
And bananas
Electronic-War1077@reddit
And rum
Massive-Specific-761@reddit
We sailed there and it’s absolutely lovely. Pretty and green and so many flowers. We loved the people, the food, the gardens. Would love to do more walking there. We took the cable car which was fun and the local BBQs were great. Would love to know more about local culture.
ShuckingFambles@reddit
I remember the middle up in the mountains feel like being on the Yorkshire moors in the fog! Some impressive sights, and I was lucky enough to go before the runway extension so landing was like landing on an aircraft carrier
Jack-Rabbit-002@reddit
I generally had a moment then and got confused because I thought Madeira was what the Argentinians call the Falklands and I thought someone was trying to be funny
It's Malvinas 🤦🏻♂️
And I've been to neither
1182990@reddit
We went for the first time in February and everyone was really lovely and friendly. We stopped off to buy some bits from H&M (forgot hats and sunglasses) and the woman behind the counter was asking if it was our first time visiting and whether we were having a nice time.
Absolutely beautiful place, friendly people. Would definitely go again!
Fat-Gerry@reddit
My partner and I visit quite regularly, usually December as you go alm out for Christmas and we love it. We also like the atmosphere, cuisine, drink. As well as the history and the walking. We've done many levada walks and find the geography of the island fascinating, so much difference compacted into one island. The weather is good which always helps too!
Lotty3@reddit
Fantastic
iolaus79@reddit
Considering going next year what's it like in January?
Low-Confidence-1401@reddit
My sister and cousin are there right now and it looks like they're having a great time! It looks very beautiful
RedHeadRedemption93@reddit
My friend is half British and half Madeiran. We went there twice as teenagers and stayed at his parents place. Beautiful island, very laid-back and disconnected lifestyle, and fantastic and cheap food. The espetadas that can be found in some areas in the mountains are incredible, and the seafood is simple but great - especially from local restaurants in little towns.
I even made a comment to my mates dad (it must have been when I was 16-17) mentioning that I wanted to retire there when I reached that age. He laughed and said "you really must love it if it's enough to make you think of retirement when you've barely started working.
chris5156@reddit
I went on my own a few years ago in the middle of winter and it’s one of my favourite places I’ve ever been. I’d love to go again and just spend a week walking the levadas - I did one while I was there and it was incredible. I’d advise anyone to go.
Status-Mousse5700@reddit
Going in a month or so for a week
Neither_Computer5331@reddit
Went last year - really liked it. Did some scuba diving, had great food, nice walks.
Highlight for me was going up the mountain in the dark and watching the sunrise. What a view!
MiniRollsYum@reddit
Been and liked it. My ideal climate, warm but not hot.
metal_maxine@reddit
Been there, loved it, now have abiding love for all things passion fruit flavoured.
Historical_Pin2806@reddit
We went the year before last, stayed near Funchal and loved it. Beautiful place and weather.
ALA02@reddit
One of the most scenic places I’ve ever been, everywhere you look is jawdropping views. Basically Europe’s Hawaii because of how green it is.
hopeless_wanderer_95@reddit
It's a bit of a weird one but I like it; have been a couple times.
The weather seems a bit hit and miss (seems to vary a lot by location) but is still better/more consistent and warmer than the UK.
Food is great from my experience.
Lots of older tourists (a plus for me since im 30 going on 75), I have no interest in clubs etc, but love a quiet little cafe or bar where I can watch the world.
The highlight for me - incredible landscapes and flora. Would love to visit again and do some proper exploring on foot.
Resist_Accurate@reddit
What do I think?
It's steep. Like, I've never had to piss on my brake pads before because they were overheating going down hill.
Other than that, nice place, good for hiking, less so for cycling. Tunnels are terrifying on two wheels.
Comprehensive_Cow_13@reddit
I love it! Spent a few days there after a conference in Lisbon and spent my time on boats watching whales and dolphins and had an amazing time. Sadly it was before I started mountain biking - I really need to go back for that!
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
As a child I used to watch the mountain bikers riding off these steep hills. I always thought they were crazy people but they seem to know what they're doing 🤣
mrs_peep@reddit
It's on my list of place I want to go, but it's a bit spendy to get there. My interest is related to the Age of Sail/Exploration and general maritime history and it was a regular pitstop on the way from Britain to South Africa/Cape Horn/South Seas/Australia etc. I want to stay at Reid's!
Leading_Study_876@reddit
Depending where you're coming from, it's actually very affordable.
Staying at Reid's is not.
Penfold3@reddit
I went to Madeira in 2019 - I worked with a few people from the Island at the time and from hearing about their time before moving to the UK, I wanted to visit.
It’s a beautiful island, with so much to do and see. Whilst I was only there for a couple of days, I was able to see and do so much. I even felt blessed with the weather - middle of Feb and 15°?! Perfection
KonkeyDongPrime@reddit
I’ve been. Loved it. Would go back. Sea is fucking cold though.
Dyspeptic_Spirit@reddit
Went there last week for the first time. Very expensive and way too many tourists. Not a huge amount to see. I felt it was all geared towards money extraction, especially the baskets! Food experience was disappointing. I won't be returning or recommending to others but people seem to love it, especially the elderly. I don't really understand why.
One quick anecdote. Paid €35 for the baskets because my partner wanted to do it. At the end of the ride, which was just OK, the "drivers" asked for a tip and when I walked away made a sarcastic comment. F**k them.
soultrevor@reddit
Been twice in two years! Love the place and love the wine. A great place to go when the weather starts to get chilly in the UK.
Will be back for Scabbard fish and a few glasses of Coral soon.
CreativeAdeptness477@reddit
Nice cakes. Plain, but nice.
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
It's funny cos the cake actually comes originally from England. I remember first time I went to the UK and saw "Madeira cake" at a bakery I was surprised to see it
You should try bolo de mel of "honey cake" next time you visit 😉
CreativeAdeptness477@reddit
Visit? In this economy?
Unusual_residue@reddit
Been twice.
agoentis@reddit
We’re in Maderia for our first time NOW. Amazing place. Unfortunately I broke my ankle two weeks ago running and it’s fair to say that Madeira is not set up for the temporarily disabled. We had planned to do some hiking but that’s not possible and we’re staying in Seixal. Absolutely beautiful place.
We’ve been enjoying the Lapas and the Bolo a lot (are these things wild or farmed?), and are also confused as to how big beef skewers became a thing on a tiny island that seemingly doesn’t have any cows.
I’m enjoying the Maderia wine and having never drunk it before am convinced that this is deeply underrated worldwide. In the UK it’s solely associated with elderly people.
If I understand it correctly I also love that Maderia wine grapes are grown by many islanders who have a small amount of vines and sell the grapes to a Maderia house.
The roads and tunnels are off the charts. I cannot comprehend how Maderia has 150+ state of the art tunnels but London (and UK generally) is stuck in the 1950s.
We have eaten in every restaurant in Seixal and have had some great food. I really love Portuguese food generally, especially the hand cut chips.
We’re looking forward to Funchal which will hopefully be kinder to my ankle that Seixal.
Great place. Hope to be back soon!
Beautiful_Hour_4744@reddit
I spent a day there on a Canarian cruise a few years ago and loved it! Funchal was a very pretty place, great shops and food. We did a whale watching excursion. I'd definitely return for a week in future.
Whats it like living there? Were you born there? Is it difficult/expensive to visit other countries? Do you feel close to the Spanish Canary Islands/Islanders?
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you enjoyed. Always welcome to return in the future as there is always plenty to do! I was born in Funchal and lived there as a child and then my family moved to South Africa and I lived there for 16 years before coming back to Madeira. Now I am working with my uncle at his hotel and I hope to open my own hotel in the futre.
It's not too expensive to travel to other countries in Europe but it's not a weekend thing either. If we go we usually plan to spend atleast a week in the place we visit rather than 2 or 3 days. As for Canary Islands I haven't thought much about it, but my grandmother has been there many times before as a child and she liked it. I think it's very similar to here so I never thought about visiting
nixter67@reddit
Went for Christmas last year and it is a brilliant place. Went for the hikes and the food, both of which were amazing top to bottom. The fact that it’s not a beach island promotes tourists looking for a different experience to places in the Mediterranean. Funchal is a really great town. It’s also the steepest island I’ve ever been to (in terms of topography, not prices).
spicyzsurviving@reddit
My great uncle goes twice a year, he loves it. Never been myself, but my perspective is biased towards seeing it as a destination for older people
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Come in July during rave season we'll chance that perception very quick 😉
spicyzsurviving@reddit
Shall I bring grandma?
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Yes
Independent-Try4352@reddit
Stayed there in January. Absolutely fabulous place. Loved walking the Laverdas and paths, and very much enjoyed the local bars in Funchal! People were lovely too, very kind and helpful.
Scenery wise it's stunning. Had a day trip up to the North West of the Island, amazing how much the climate, scenery, vegetation and terrain change over relatively small distances. It was also much cheaper than expected (if you avoid the tourist traps around the cruise terminal).
But as I said before, the people were great. Definitely going back for some winter sun next year, but struggling to get my head around Portugese!
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Glad you enjoyed it haha. Indeed there is plenty to do on the island.
eventworker@reddit
I think most Brits that go there are walkers looking do do some hiking or twitchers wishing to spot some rare birds.
I've never thought about visiting, because the Canaries seem far better for a beach holiday and Azores for a cultural one.
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Madeira is a lot more populated than the Azores. I'd say Azores has more cool landscape and nature but for culture I think Madeira has more due to having more people and a longer more complex history
eventworker@reddit
Well the impression I get is that Madeira, or at least Funchal, is a lot more like the mainland than the Azores, probably due to it's greater population.
SigourneyReap3r@reddit
Me and my best friend went a few years ago on recommendation from my also British boss.
Madiera is absolutely stunning. The people were lovely, it was very easy to navigatr through local transport and there is so much to explore but I am glad I brought my walking boots.
We spent an afternoon in a waterfall, had lunch in the pool of it, climbed back to the top from the bottom of a valley. We ate amazing seafood and vegan meals for her, fantastic pasta, and spent so much time just wandering about discovering new things.
I couldn't recommend it more.
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Glad you enjoyed it. Indeed there is many things to do on the island
Lanokia@reddit
Have been twice. Loved it.
My parents have been a lot more. They love it.
Very chill vibe, laid back. Not really a beach place but we aren't a beach family family.
Lovely wine though.
theworldvideos@reddit
Great place for hiking and I enjoyed my experience in Madeira. If you like beaches, Madeira is not for you, because there is no golden sand and if you're renting a car there, be prepared for driving a lot of times on steep roads.
EllieW47@reddit
I went there with my husband and kids last summer - we all loved it and would happily visit again.
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Welcome back ❤️ Please come check out Porto Moniz, Santana and Machico
PacmanGoNomNomz@reddit
Went there last year. Loved the place.
For some reason I expected the canary islands on arrival, but I found the island to have more greenery and interesting places to visit than there.
Favourite bits for me were the view from above Paul do Mar at sunset - our accommodation was a 5 minute walk away (it took a while to get over the 600 m high cliffs!), the various walks near the ER105 road (and all over the island to be fair) and the Monte Palace
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Thanks. I'm sure as you saw Madeira is very mountainous. The mountains trap moisture and make the island very rainy and wet so it stays very green compared to nearby Porto Santo island which is a flat desert. Canary islands also have mountains but they are close to the sahara and recieve less moisture.
imtheorangeycenter@reddit
Went two years ago, thoroughly recommended it to friends - it's really close (short flight), very much isn't the Canary Islands in all sorts of good ways, everyone was so friendly and helpful.
Also, the airport runway is a marvel of scary engineering!
ButterscotchTop194@reddit
Been there and loved it. Really nice holiday. Everything about it was great. Would go back.
BigDsLittleD@reddit
The ship I work on was in Madeira briefly in January this year.
I only got a limited time ashore for some food, a quick look around and some beers.
Madeira, however, has made my list of places I need to visit again, I found it to be a very welcoming place, very pretty too.
PearOk2126@reddit (OP)
Thanks come again soon
PurpleTeapotOfDoom@reddit
Saw an amazing fireworks display on New Years Eve, loved the warm weather in December and January. Stayed in Funchal and loved the fruit and bread in the Market and enjoyed the cable car, the Botanical Gardens and the museums. Went on trips to the mountain and the lido at Porto Muniz. People were really friendly and chill.
Modiechan@reddit
It was certainly very beautiful in the middle 90s. Remeber the landing/takeoff being a bit scary though
OddSkyrocket@reddit
It used to have a reputation for being a place for retirees to go on holiday. I went whilst I was in my mid 30s. Loved it. Would love to go back and walk more of the levadas
Princes_Slayer@reddit
I visited for the first time on a cruise at the end of November 2024. Loved it. Did the red bus, rode the cable car, pottered down from the ship through the shops. Being nearly Christmas was odd seeing festive stuff in hot weather for us but it was great. There was some sort of car rally on at the time as well. We ate roasted chestnuts and some fabulous fresh fruit (tried a custard apple for the first time along with a different type of mango than we get in the U.K.). We then drank some Madeira beer and ate some snacky things the bar man gave us.
Overall we loved it and want to go back, but the flight times from our local airport are crap
cariadbach64@reddit
My late in-laws loved it so much they bought a time share
Striking_Meringue328@reddit
Madeira is beautiful and mind-boggling. The tunnels and viaducts on the way from the airport to Funchal are like a real-life sim city.
Fibro-Mite@reddit
I've only been as a port stop on a P&O cruise that takes in the Canary Islands, Madeira and a couple of mainland ports (either in Portugal or Spain) - we've visited Madeira at least 3 times that I can recall as we quite enjoy those particular cruises. We almost always go in the late Autumn or early Spring because we don't enjoy hot weather. I have always enjoyed my visits, even though being an ambulatory wheelchair user means that I can no longer get around to the less accessible parts nowadays. Our son and daughter always put in their requests for a bottle or two of Madeira when they know we are going on one of those cruises.
A tour guide made me laugh when she told the British tour group "Madeira Cake here is very different to what you call Madeira Cake in the United Kingdom... we usually call that English Cake here!"
FletchLives99@reddit
Went recently. The north is beautiful and looks a bit like Hawaii, but I wasn't very keen on the sprawling, road-filled capital in the south.. The mad, rough rock pools you swim in at the bottom of the cliffs are fun (there are hardly any beaches). A lot of the visitors tend to be retirees.
I'd say it was a 7/10. I enjoyed myself but I've enjoyed other places more. Having been, I'm not in a rush to go back and certainly I wouldn't say it's the world's no.1 destination.
Automatic_Union8147@reddit
I love Madeira. I’ve been three times. I’m not a big walker, like some others, but I love the food (great fish), friendly people, stunning scenery. The fact that it’s not a ‘beach’ destination is a big attraction for me, as it tends to draw visitors looking for culture and the outdoors. However, there are beautiful beaches on Porto Santo. You should be proud of your home!
moon-bouquet@reddit
It sounds wonderful there; I would love to go hiking the levadas with my hubby, but while we have an adult dependant who attracts a Single Supplement it’s just too expensive!
Lasersheep@reddit
Not been, but we did have a holiday on nearby Porto Santo that we loved, surprised it’s not more popular with Brits.
TheSecretIsMarmite@reddit
I have not been, and part of that is its reputation for being windy and difficult to land at and take off from.
I'm not a fan of a bumpy landing or a go around.
Other than that I have heard nice things about Madeira.
Darrowby_385@reddit
I've been twice and think it's stunningly beautiful. So green, magnificent cliffs, lovely local architecture. I think it's not regarded as an older person's destination anymore and is pitching itself as an adventure sports destination. I think tourist numbers are a growing problem, sending up house prices etc.
Anyway, I loved the feeling of being far away and 'long ago'. It's probably not like that now.
SecTeff@reddit
I went there on my honeymoon and really enjoyed the hiking and walking. Stayed down in Calheta. Loved the climate and people were very friendly.
Love Portuguese 🇵🇹 and proud it’s a country that has longest alliance with the U.K.
Had some interesting trips exploring around the island only downside was perhaps not quite as many choices of places to eat as some other visits I’ve been on but we ended up getting loads of the fresh veg and making that up with BBQ chicken.
HauntingIchthyosaur@reddit
Visited nearly 20 years ago and really liked it, it was so green and pretty with dramatic coastlines and I loved the food. The memories of being on a coach racing around the narrow mountain roads without slowing for anything will live with me forever 😂
Puzzleheaded-Age7469@reddit
Madeira is a wonderful place to visit.
finance-matt@reddit
Stayed in Monte for the last New Year. We loved Madeira. Good food, good people, lovely island. A bit terrifying to drive the hire car away from the main roads up in the hills.
Traveller-28907@reddit
I have been 17 times, absolutely hated every minute of it but kept going back to confirm my feelings
FuckMiniBabybel@reddit
British here. It used to have a reputation as somewhere for old white people to go in holiday, perhaps reasonably affluent but not rich. Pensioners and timeshare sort of people.
Now whilst it still has that reputation, it's got broader appeal with a load of TikTok-type younger people "discovering" it and creating a bit of hype.
We (30s/40s) went a few years ago and really enjoyed it, as with all our trips to anywhere Portuguese. Botanical gardens, the lido at Porto Moniz, a Land Rover tour, dolphin watching, a tour of roadside bars. Good food and drink, not expensive. Saúde!
smileystarfish@reddit
It's gorgeous! I would have loved to do more walking there, and visit when the sea wasn't so choppy
It's definitely on my list of places to go back to and explore more.
headline-pottery@reddit
Its just Maderia. We know its an island.
ClevelandWomble@reddit
We (70+) were there two years ago. It was an absolute delight. We saw dolphins around our boat, swam in the sea pools, visited the gardens and slid down a hill on a wooden sled.
The people were lovely and the seafood spectacular - apart from the banana sauce on the scabbard fish, sorry but not my favourite.
It's one of the few holidays destinations I'd go back to.
LogicalJournalist69@reddit
Great place to visit, cable car to the botanical gardens and then you can travel down on a road toboggan
smellyfeet25@reddit
I went there when i was 19. it was a beautiful island , deep blue sea, exotic flowers , sunshine and mountains. it was more or less crime free apparently.
Mani_2871@reddit
Went on a family holiday best holiday ive had tbh. Fantastic scenery / hikes was there at christmas Funchal had a big street party found an area playing dnb techno etc. Really safe too could leave your wallet on a bench no one would touch it. Also not silly expensive I thought being an island your captive and charge what they want but not like that at all.
msmoth@reddit
Had a great holiday there! Would probably go back for more hiking.
Emotional-Brief3666@reddit
I love Madeira, I've been a few times but, honestly, I'd go every year. No beach but I no longer sunbathe
unseemly_turbidity@reddit
The hiking was great, but it's a difficult enough place to go as a vegetarian, let alone as a vegan, so I don't expect I'll go back.
redandbluebadness@reddit
My parents go there every year and love it.
scouserman3521@reddit
Its lovely
Even_Happier@reddit
Everyone I know who’s been came back raving about the place, especially the food.
VodkaMargarine@reddit
The statue of Christiano Ronaldo in Madeira airport should be given UNESCO world heritage status.
ayeayefitlike@reddit
Honestly, it was popular with my parents/grandparents generations so not somewhere I’ve rushed to - but a friend of mine went not long ago and made it sound brilliant.
MarchLarge5704@reddit
Loved it. There is SO much to see, you really need to hire a car if visiting. Some of the landscape is really spectacular. Had some exceptional food too - I recommend Muralha terrace in ribiera brava, it was fantastic. Hope to return soon.
No_Economy6175@reddit
I went after lockdown cos it was in green list and loved it 🥰
MojoMomma76@reddit
I’ve been twice for birdwatching and levada walks. It’s a beautiful place. The view at Bonaventura has been my phone wallpaper for 16 years.
Peteybubs@reddit
Best garlic bread anywhere ever. Espetadas are great too.
celem83@reddit
Yes I visited in 2003 for my 21st birthday.
I was there for the environment, it was the most tropical place I had yet visited and I enjoyed hiking through the interior as well as the excellent botanical gardens
Intelligent-Profit34@reddit
I found it not really to my tastes. I went around about Covid times and went because my originally planned destination has to be cancelled due to travel restrictions. I had a few weeks of sunbathing in the ultra reliable perfect Turkish sun planned and Madeira doesn’t deliver on that front.
Beautiful island though. Went on one guided trip across one part and wished we had gone on two others to see the other parts as that ended up being the highlight of the holiday.
Paamparaam@reddit
I’ve been a couple of times and it’s lovely. There’s loads to see and do, even if you don’t like walking, and the kids loved all the cable cars. Kids were always welcome, there’s a really nice, chilled out vibe, everyone seemed very friendly. We didn’t try the death slide on wicker in Funchal that Richard Ayoade did when he went for the telly, but it does look fun.
CocoRufus@reddit
I haven't been (would love to). My parents were blown away the first time they visited, and went back many times 🙂
LadyBeanBag@reddit
Loads of my family have been and loved it, even went on that godforsaken basket! I had a colleague from Madeira and she not long ago went back after a good decade or so here. For someone in the Atlantic Ocean she really had that Mediterranean spirit and I loved it! I wouldn’t mind seeing it one of these days.
mmbop90@reddit
Went for the first time this year, loved it, happened to go when Carnival was on! Only stayed in Funchal, with a guided tour to Nuns Valley with some stops, but weather was fantastic, great views, lovely city, food was good, felt safe, people were nice. We wished we'd stayed longer than 4 days and said we'd definitely go again and explore more of the island.
chrisridd@reddit
It’s quite popular for honeymoons, IIRC.
martzgregpaul@reddit
Lovely, can be windy, also quite difficult if you have limited mobility.
Foods wonderful as are the people. Dont tend to get too many idiots either.
Miserable-March-1398@reddit
I’ll tell you in August.
peekachou@reddit
Went as a family, 18 years ago and loved it, was always on my list of places to return to one day
artrald-7083@reddit
I had it recommended to me as a nice hiking destination. It's definitely on the list!
cat_kitty-kittenx@reddit
Beautiful. People are really lovely too.
BG3restart@reddit
Haven't been yet, but hoping to go for the flower festival at some point. My in-laws visited years ago and loved it.
omor_fi@reddit
It's top of my list of places I would like to go, and I haven't been before. I'll be visiting mainly for hiking
Illustrious-Star1@reddit
I have been. It was the first place my scuba mad child learnt to do it! It is a beautiful island.
betterland@reddit
I went there last month, it was MAGICAL. Fanal Forest is truly an otherwordly experience, seeing the sunset above the clouds too. I can't wait to go back!
AWingedVictory1@reddit
We had a great a holiday there a few years ago. Loved it. Nice people. Nice weather. Nice bays, nice food. Cool CR7 statue.
Alexander-Wright@reddit
I visited with my girlfriend, now my wife, 25 years ago. We were both struck by it's beauty and history. Our love of Madeira wine didn't hurt either.
We drove down into the volcano, and loved walking along the Levadas, despite the steep cliffs.
The food is also amazing, with such unique seafood. The black scabbard fish is uniquely delicious.
Definitely time for a return visit.
Easy_Drama1819@reddit
I would love to visit - have heard it's stunning.
Electronic-Stay-2369@reddit
Went there about 20 years ago. Fascinating place, had a hire car so drove around a bit and stayed in a superb hotel on the north coast. Didn't visit Funchal at all apart from the airport. Did a lot of walking on the levadas although I think we were slightly out of season for the best of it, Food was excellent but I wouldn't be going there for a beach holiday... probably depressing if its a trending destinaion now though cos it'll get overrun with instagrammers and the like.
Top-View7248@reddit
It’s absolutely lovely and if return in a heartbeat. The people are incredibly hospitable. You’ll see references to Christiano Ronaldo pretty much everywhere as they’re really proud of him - they’ve thankfully changed that dreadful bust of him outside of the airport! Don’t look out the plane window on approach until you’ve fully landed!
mousepallace@reddit
I haven’t been but it suddenly seems very popular with friends and everyone says it lovely!
loaferuk123@reddit
I love Madeira and have stayed a couple of times in Funchal.
Will be back - beautiful island, lovely people, amazing variety of landscape.
811545b2-4ff7-4041@reddit
We stopped there on a cruise a few years ago. It was a lovely island to visit and it'd be nice to see far more of it for longer. We tried some local food at a market and of course went to the Ronaldo museum.
QuarrieMcQuarrie@reddit
I went way back in 2001 and am planning on visiting soon with my husband. Reasons for visiting are nature, diverse scenery, excellent sea food and things to do in/on ocean (diving, boat trips etc).
robbiegfuk@reddit
I didn't enjoy it tbh. Too much driving. Shi*te beaches and not plentiful of restaurants aside form the capital. Just much view tho.
Ok-Application-8045@reddit
I've heard it's very pretty and I'd love to visit.
BarryTownCouncil@reddit
Looooved it. Compared to Kos, Corfu, Malta etc.
Definitely want to go back again, and hit the north of the island more.
The weather was amazing. Raining going into a tunnel, bright blue skies 200m later.
Awkward-Tax102@reddit
Very nice, weather can be unpredictable being a rock in middle of the Atlantic, depending how you are with flying one of the most fun or terrifying landings if windy
VehicleWonderful6586@reddit
Have been and loved it.
bad_ed_ucation@reddit
It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. For me, hiking is the primary appeal, but of course the hospitality is very welcome too :)
missyesil@reddit
I went last year and loved it. I went primarily for hiking and nature.
Lozzybops@reddit
I went for a family holiday when I was about 16 so over a decade ago. It felt very calm, warm and relaxing. I’d go again for another relaxing time, just to be in a different atmosphere and natural environment
Professional-Mix5647@reddit
Other than the fact Ronaldo is from there I don't think about Madeira
MegaDragonKing@reddit
I visited Madeira just before COVID (staying a couple of miles outside of Funchal). The views were stunning and it was super scenic, the hotel was really nice, and most importantly, all the locals were really friendly and approachable. I remember the airport having a difficult landing so it was pretty exciting, and I personally do really like hiking and we went up onto a couple of ridges of sorts. Can't remember exactly where but we did walk through the clouds at one point.
All in all, a super nice place for a holiday - I'd visit again :)
qualityvote2@reddit
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