They say Madeira is a place where time flows differently — softer, slower, in tune with the rhythm of the ocean. And it’s true. From the very first moments, you can feel peace, spaciousness, and a gentle light that wraps around you like a warm blanket after a long winter.
Traveling along the coastline, I felt that every turn revealed a new world — cliffs plunging straight into the Atlantic, green valleys hidden between mountains, tiny villages tucked away in folds of the land, the scent of fresh coffee, and the sound of fado drifting from local taverns.
Madeira is an island that nourishes not only the eyes but also the soul. It has everything I love — mysterious morning mists cloaking the mountains, sometimes lingering all day… waterfalls that seem to fall straight from the sky (one of them is even called Angel’s Waterfall), and an incredible lushness of greenery so vivid it feels almost unreal. It’s a place where nature doesn’t just impress — it breathes with you.
I didn’t manage to hike the famous levadas this time — the narrow irrigation channels winding through mountains and forests like silver threads. But that simply leaves me a beautiful reason to return. Because Madeira is not a place you can truly get to know in one visit. It invites you — slowly, gently, with open arms.
Facts & Flavors of Madeira
- The island was born from fire — an ancient volcanic land whose steep cliffs and black sand beaches still tell the story of its fiery origins.
- In Portuguese, “Madeira” means “wood” — legend says that when the first explorers arrived here in the 15th century, the island was so densely forested it looked like one giant tree.
- One local legend tells of two lovers from Ponta de São Lourenço (see picture with brown cliffs) who threw themselves into the ocean to be united forever beneath the waves — and the sea, they say, still whispers their names.
- You must try espada com banana — black scabbardfish served with banana, a surprising but divine combination. And of course, poncha — a traditional drink made with rum, honey, and lemon (yummy even for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol at all, like me), best enjoyed in small local bars with live music and laughter echoing through the night.
Laurisilva Forest – The Heart of Madeira
Of all the places I visited, the one that truly touched my heart was the Laurisilva forest — a true wonder of nature that feels like stepping into another world. When you enter, the air becomes dense and moist, filled with the scent of leaves, earth, and rain. Mist dances between the branches, and every step feels like walking through a realm of ancient spirits. This forest is a living relic of the Tertiary period — once covering much of southern Europe, now surviving only here and on a few Atlantic islands. It’s what gives Madeira its unique microclimate and breathtaking shades of green.
Fun facts about Laurisilva:
- It covers about 20% of the island and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
- It’s home to rare species such as the Azorean laurel, tree heath, and Madeiran laurel.
- The dense canopy and mosses act as a natural sponge — absorbing moisture from the air and feeding the levadas and rivers that sustain the island.
- Locals believe that forest spirits protect the island and those who walk through it with respect and an open heart.
A walk through Laurisilva feels like stepping into another dimension — a world where time stands still, and you’re reminded that we are not the masters of nature, but a part of it.
Journey For All Senses
This journey to Madeira was part of my project Journey For All Senses — a path I’ve created to experience the world not just with my eyes, but with all my senses. Madeira teaches exactly that: to feel, not just to see. To listen to the wind, touch the misty air after rain, and taste the simplicity and wonder in every moment.
The Journey For All Senses project was born from a need to travel differently — slower, more mindfully, more deeply. It’s not about ticking places off a list, but about immersing yourself fully — through scent, sound, texture, flavor, and emotion. Madeira turned out to be the perfect stop on this path — an island that reminds you that beauty doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it simply rustles through the treetops, ripples with the waves, and softly whispers: pause, feel, be. I return from there with a heart full of gratitude and the sense that this isn’t the end of the journey — but the beginning of a new chapter, one that leads deeper into myself and the world around me.
