Mario and Isabel Fernandes, the owners of Fajã dos Padres, are passionate producers of organic vegetables and tropical fruits, and of course their wonderful Madeira wine made from the Malmsey grape. Isabel’s grandfather started Fajã dos Padres in 1920 with vegetables and the vineyards. Isabel and her husband Mario took over in 1980 and they have been organically certified since 2008. Read more »
Blandy’s is one of the most well-known producers of Madeira wine. Join the guided tour at Blandy’s Wine Lodge to learn more about the production of Madeira wine and enjoy a wine tasting. Madeira wine is made in a unique process, the wine is heated up to temperatures as high as 60 degrees celcius. Read more »
Il Basilico is a modern, spacious restaurant serving excellent Italian food with friendly, professional staff. There is a wide variety of tasty dishes on the menu: salads, pastas, pizzas, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Read more »
One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world had many different functions before it was turned into the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. In the 18th century it was bought by the British consul and turned into an estate. After that, it became a mansion, a hotel and eventually to what it is now: a tropical garden with beautiful flora & fauna, art and an amazing view of the bay of Funchal. Read more »
Before starting on our fifteen kilometer hike, we visited Santana, a lovely village with the typical palheiros. There are several different micro climates on the island and the levadas play an important role in the irrigation of Madeira’s lower regions. The water mainly comes from the rainfall in the northern part of the island, where the mountains and waterfalls are located. The water is stored in reservoirs and funnelled into the small canals, the levadas. Read more »
Located on top of a cliff and surrounded by subtropical gardens, Reid’s Palace is a majestic place. Read more »
Design Hotel The Vine is located in a shopping mall in Funchal. Responsible for the interior design of this hip and stylishly decorated hotel is local designer Nini Andrade Silva. She drew her inspiration from Madeiran wine production and the influence of each season. These combined to the use of different colours that can be found on each floor. Read more »
Every Wednesday, in the center of Funchal, there is a farmers’ market offering locally grown organic fruit and vegetables. It’s advisable to come early because the demand for organic food is greater than what can be supplied. FreshBio also offers a weekly delivery service of fresh organic vegetables for inhabitants of Madeira. Read more »
While staying at the self catered cottage Quinta das Colmeias, we enjoyed breakfast in Porto Bay Serra Golf. A charming hotel located near the golf course. The main house is marked as a regional heritage and dates back to the 1920’s. Read more »
If you like a very quiet, rural place at an organic farm Quinta das Colmeias might be a tip for you. Pure! loved the idea of being surrounded by organic chickens and sheep. Read more »
