Portugal
Sao Vicente – The Lava Caves of Madeira
In the lava caves of Sao Vicente, you not only meet Madeira's hot history - but also get to walk straight into the underground.
9 October 2020
Madeira took us by storm. What a climate! What nature! I am constantly thinking about how one could find time to go back here!
In the lava caves of Sao Vicente, you not only meet Madeira's hot history - but also get to walk straight into the underground.
Madeira has a lot to offer for an active holiday. Here are my top ten sights and experiences - everything from hiking trails to lava caves and fishing villages.
Faja dos Padres is located in its own climate zone on Madeira, only accessible from the sea or by cable car. Totally unique, a little weird and pretty awesome.
Not even Churchill could resist Câmara de Lobo's charm. Here we found a colorful fishing village, perfectly grilled fish and a fruit market with surprises.
At the Boca da Encumeada mountain pass, Levada das Rabacas runs through a lush green jungle. We hiked here and marveled at the views – and the escarpments.
Just outside Funchal on Madeira, lies one of Europe's highest cliffs – Cabo Girao. It is perhaps not so surprising that here at the top of the cliff, a viewing platform made of glass has been built.
One of the most popular hikes in Madeira goes to the treeless and barren peninsula of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. A really lovely hike for the whole family!
The hike to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, offers breathtakingly beautiful views of the entire island and dramatic weather. We trudged to the top in glorious sunshine, but the weather gods must have wanted something else on the way back.
I've never seen a blue whale. They have stayed hidden every single time I have been out on the high seas. Maybe we would be lucky enough to see the giant of the sea on whale watching in Madeira?
The first levada hike we did in Madeira was the hike to the waterfalls at Rabacal. A really magical hike, which in parts could almost feel a little scary!
Yesterday we came home from Madeira, after a fantastic week filled with hiking along levadas, on mountain tops and on barren peninsulas. What did we think of the island? Here are our quick thoughts!