There’s something magical about a Traditional Madeiran day out in the mountains. It’s a chance to experience both the raw beauty of Madeira’s diverse landscapes and its rich cultural tapestry, from high peaks to quiet forests.
Our day began in Funchal around 10 am, where we set off on a little road trip that would take us through some of the island’s most breathtaking spots. Our first stop was Poiso, where we stopped for a coffee at Abrigo do Poiso, which feels like a meeting point for many adventurers, travellers, and hikers beginning their day in the mountains. With higher elevations ahead, and with the coffee kicking in, we were ready for our next destination: Pico do Areeiro, the third-highest peak in Madeira. When we arrived, just after 11 am, the area was lively.
The air was crisp, and although clouds moved quickly over the peaks, we still managed to soak in the dramatic views. The light was ideal for photos, and there were still plenty of quiet corners to enjoy the scenery in peace. I couldn’t help but think how stunning this must be during sunset.
From there, we headed towards Santana, a region known for its picturesque, thatched houses and deep green valleys. The drive took us through Ribeiro Frio and São Roque do Faial, where we crossed the Ponte da Ribeira da Metade, a beautiful old stone bridge that looks straight out of a movie.
Just beyond that, we veered off-road and made our way to Pico das Pedras, a highland area that was our drop-off point for a short hike.
The trail we followed, PR 9.1 - Um Caminho Para Todos ("A Path for Everyone") - is a nice and easy walk that winds through the lush Laurissilva forest. It’s a peaceful trail, shaded by ancient trees, with the sounds of birds and trickling water guiding you along.
After about 30 minutes, we reached Parque Florestal das Queimadas, one of the island’s iconic picnic spots.
Here’s where the day shifted from sightseeing to celebration. We laid out our lunch, espetada, the iconic skewered beef grilled over wood fire and prepared to enjoy a real taste of Madeira traditional food.
After eating at some high-end restaurants in Funchal, it was such a welcome change to be eating such delicious, simple food. Meat, potatoes, bread, and wine. Perfect!
When I told some local friends I was eating espetada here, they were very impressed; “you can’t get more local than this” was their reply. It’s a way that families spend their weekends in an amazing setting. The forest atmosphere was so charming. You really are one with nature here.
Time for wine... and we realised we hadn’t packed a corkscrew, so we had to get creative opening our bottle of wine, which made for plenty of laughter as it involved a boot and a wall. We got there in the end. Sharing this meal in the heart of the forest felt deeply rooted in Madeira’s cultural traditions. You could tell this wasn’t just about food; it was about being together, telling stories, and soaking in the natural beauty of the island. There’s a reason why locals love this so much, and now I completely understand it.
After lunch, we packed up, drove towards Funchal, and stopped by a café just by the entrance to the Madeira Theme Park. One last coffee before the hotel.
Driving back to sunny Funchal, we saw all the seasons. From the cool mists of the forest, we returned to clear skies and sunshine. It showed just how diverse and compact Madeira is. You can go from cloud-covered mountains to beach weather in under an hour. A true Traditional Madeiran day out in the mountains. It had everything: dramatic views, peaceful nature trails, shared meals in a forest, spontaneous moments, and Madeira cultural traditions.
There’s something special about Madeira traditional food, especially when it’s enjoyed in nature, surrounded by friends. And when you combine that with the storytelling and rituals that accompany these outings, it becomes clear why Madeira cultural traditions have endured for generations.
In total, this day was a beautiful blend of exploration and relaxation, perfectly capturing the heart of a Traditional Madeiran day out in the mountains. If you're ever visiting the island, I highly recommend setting aside a day like this away from the crowds, deep in the mountains and forests, with nothing but good food, good company, and the best of what Madeira has to offer. Do as the locals do.
Because sometimes, the best way to understand a place is not through museums, but through its people, its landscapes, and, of course, its food.
Madeira cultural traditions are alive and well in every part of the island. All you need is an appetite for Madeira traditional food, and you’re good to go.
