Why This European Hidden Gem Should Be On Your Bucket List

Madeira is an autonomous archipelago located north of the Canary Islands and just west of Morocco. Having been inhabited since the Medieval Era, this Portuguese island paradise offers all the gastronomic, cultural and environmental attractions that offer a truly unique and less explored destination, some of which can't be enjoyed anywhere else in the world!

The archipelago is made of four islands: Madeira, the largest island, Porto Santo, the second-largest island and two uninhabited islands, Desertas and Selvagens. From the food to the culture and Madeira's beautiful weather, this region of the world is just waiting for you to explore it.

Trust me, you're going to want to put Madeira on your bucket list.

Funchal is Madeira's historic capital and offers great nightlife, access to the most popular beaches as well as cultural attractions. Porto Santo is the biggest city on the smaller island of the same name. Each island offers incredible beaches, outdoor activities and plenty of great food and cultural experiences, though Porto Santo is known as a more secluded destination than Madeira. Other smaller towns and villages make for great day trip ideas or for more relaxed, immersive stays.

Madeira is known for its 500-year history of producing Madeira wines, making it a great destination for wine lovers, but it's home to other delicious foods, too. Nestled in the Mediterranean, it offers plenty of dishes with seafood, from shellfish to octopus and fresh fish. The island itself is great for growing tropical fruits, like passion fruit, bananas, cherries, avocados and papayas. And since the island has a history of producing sugar cane, its sweets are top-notch. One favorite is the Queijadas, small tarts made from sweetened cheese. Another regional dish is bolo do caco, a flatbread served warm with garlic butter. For a full meal, travelers can enjoy the sandes de carne de vinha-d'alhos, the island's famous marinated pork sandwich.

One of the most singular things you might find in Funchal, Madeira is the Carreiros do Monte, a method of transportation that involves wicker sleds pushed down hilly streets by two carreiros. It's a really fun method of transport that utilizes natural gravity and local strength! Travelers can book this activity online or in person.

With mild weather throughout the year, Madeira's outdoor attractions can be enjoyed all year long. Fajã do Amo, which begins in São Vicente, Madeira, is a path that will take travelers through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Laurissilva Forest. The forest is home to laurel trees, some of which are only found on the island, as well as endemic bird species. Other nature reserves include the Garajau Nature Reserve, the Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve, which is famous for its bird species, and the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, home to monk seals.

A peculiar historic landmark unique only to Madeira and its smaller island of Porto Santo is the levadas, a network of hand-carved channels that were developed in the 1500s to bring the ample water supply from one part of the islands back to the other regions for irrigation. With over 1,800 miles of levadas, history lovers and active outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking and meandering along the trenches, through forests, mountainous terrain and even along the sea! The trails are maintained and differ in their difficulty level, so it's important to research which trail you'd prefer.

Another great hiking opportunity is the Caminho Real do Paúl do Mar. From the village of Prazeres in northern Madeira to the seaside village of Paúl do Mar, travelers can hike along a historic route filled with stone steps carved right from the cliffside. The route offers spectacular views of the village, its coastline and the historic terrace farms that were held in place by stone walls. It's also a great hike to discover some of the region's native flora.

For the true adventure junkies, the Ribeira do Cidrao is the perfect opportunity for some fun. It's a popular canyoning route on Madeira that includes rock climbing up waterfalls and enjoying the local wildlife.

For the less actively inclined, Doca do Cavacas is a naturally created volcanic swimming pool featuring direct access to the sea between the famed Formosa Beach and Lido Beach in Madeira's capital city of Funchal. The natural pools include a bar, changing rooms and restaurant, as well as incredible views of the beach and the sea.

Madeira offers year-round festivals that are a proud tradition and cultural aspect of the region. Christmas and New Year's is a grand celebration, with Funchal's fireworks display having made the record books for the biggest in the world. In February and March, travelers can celebrate Carnival in style, with parades, music and plenty of delicious foods to enjoy. In April and May, travelers can experience the unique Flower Festival, with parades, flower carpets, flower shows and more. Other noteworthy festivals include the Atlantic Festival, the Madeira Wine Festival, the Columbus Festival and the Nature Festival.

Madeira is known for its laurel trees, but it's also home to endemic species of tropical orchids and other flowers. Funchal offers plenty of botanical gardens to enjoy, like the Palheiro Gardens and the Quinta da Boa Vista Gardens. Other noteworthy parks include the Biosphere Garden and the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve in Santana. Besides these, travelers can enjoy taking dolphin cruises or scuba diving excursions in the surrounding waters.