Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean are a collection of archipelagos belonging to Portugal. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” the main island of Madeira is known for its dramatic landscape and tropical temperatures, which make it a popular year-round holiday destination.
But it’s not just sunshine and incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean that this island has to offer. A recent study by holiday provider Travel Republic listed Madeira as one of the best destinations for a cheap pint, costing just £2.28 for a local Coral beer in the capital of Funchal.
Fed up with the gloomy British winter, I visited Madeira last November, and despite it only being less than a four-hour flight from London, it was worlds away from much of the Europe I’ve travelled around so far.
Driving around the volcanic island through tunnels that open onto cascading waterfalls and rugged mountain peaks, the temperature rarely dropped below 20C in the day, leaving plenty of time to bask along the various beaches.
From the pebbled Praia Formosa, the largest public beach on the island, to the black sand Praia do Seixal, whose turquoise waters and lush, green cliffs rivalled beaches I’ve seen in Thailand, each corner of the island offered something uniquely different.
After a day spent exploring rural beaches, natural rock pools and taking in the sunset from a secluded cliff, there’s nothing better than sitting down with a cold beer. Staying close to the capital city of Funchal meant this was never too far away and was made even more enjoyable by how affordable it was.
Given that parts of it felt like you could be on a beach in Asia or driving across New Zealand, the whole trip was incredibly affordable, with a return easyjet flight from Gatwick Airport costing £110.
Staying close to the centre, Funchal was a perfect place to explore the island (and meant I was never too far from a pint). Renting a car is highly recommended, and I’d encourage doing the same.
Although buses were fast and fairly reliable, cash was needed to buy a ticket, and having a car meant you could get to places not as easily accessible via public transport, and away from the crowds. But be warned, some of the roads are incredibly steep and not for the faint-hearted.
I found myself having to close my eyes at some bends and turns, especially on the way up to watch the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro. The third-highest peak on the island, the views were worth the slightly terrifying drive up. But it’s not all terrifying, in fact a holiday to Madeira can be far more leisurely if you prefer to simply take in the sun.
Besides endless hiking trails or dives in the ocean, the enchanting island boasts a number of hotels to relax in. There’s even a hotel named after Winston Churchill, who visited the island twice. Pestana Churchill Bay is located in Camara de Lobos, overlooking the picturesque fishing bay that the former Prime Minister famously painted on one of his trips.
With so much of the island to explore, I’m definitely going to return to Madeira, and I can’t say there’s anywhere else I’ve been quite like it.
While I’ll definitely be tapping into my adventurous side, I’m also tempted by a leisurely stay on the island, and a pint of the local Coral beer will certainly be involved in either of those plans.
