I travelled to Madeira during Easter week and knew I was choosing one of the busier times of the year. Easter is a period when many people usually take the opportunity to travel. Even so, my goal was clear: to relax, experience Madeira in a genuine way, enjoy great food and try to visit places where I could truly be surrounded by nature without people around me. So it was clear that I would need to seek out lesser-known places or visit some of the island’s most celebrated attractions at quieter times, allowing me to take in the surroundings at a slower pace and from a different perspective. That is how I ended up discovering unique experiences in places across the island that left a lasting impression on me.
The Banana Route – RB2 Vereda do Nateiro
One of the experiences I had on this trip was paragliding from the top of Madalena do Mar. While I waited for the wind to settle so that the activity could go ahead, I decided to walk the Banana Route – RB2 Vereda do Nateiro.
This was one of the first pleasant surprises of the trip. Firstly, because the village is beautiful, with its sweeping beach and an abundance of charming cafés and excellent restaurants. Secondly, because although it is a relatively short trail, it stands out for its authenticity and for the opportunity it offers to immerse yourself in Madeira’s long-standing banana-growing tradition, which remains one of the island’s most important agricultural activities.
I walked among banana trees heavy with fruit, with the Atlantic shimmering on the horizon, and realised how this modest trail reflects the simple, authentic way of life that is so deeply rooted in Madeira. I came across very few people along the way, which gave me the chance to spend almost an hour chatting with a local farmer who was tending the land.
It was one of those unexpected encounters that make any trip more meaningful: listening to the stories of those who make their living from the land, learning about the challenges and pride associated with banana cultivation, and seeing the care that goes into nurturing each plant.
It may be a short experience, but it is one rich in meaning, offering a glimpse of one of Madeira’s finest landscapes, where tradition and nature come together.
P.R.10 Levada do Furado
You simply can’t come to Madeira without walking a levada! After all, the levadas are one of Madeira’s most iconic features, and it is easy to see why. I chose to walk Levada do Furado with a local guide, and it quickly became clear that it was one of the best decisions I made during the trip. PR 10 – Levada do Furado is a relatively long trail, stretching for 11 kilometres, yet it remains highly accessible, well maintained and fairly flat throughout. It begins in Ribeiro Frio and follows the route all the way to Portela. We walked for hours surrounded by lush vegetation, with stunning views over the valleys and mountains that make Madeira such a photogenic destination.
Along the trail, the guide shared fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna, as well as stories about the construction of the levadas and how they shaped the island’s agricultural life, which made the whole experience even more interesting and special.
But the greatest advantage of choosing this levada was definitely the tranquillity, as we came across very few people along the way. This gave me the time and space to stop, listen to the birds, admire the small waterfalls or take a closer look at a particular plant the guide wanted to point out and, above all, soak up the tranquillity of the place.
It was a spectacular experience and a wonderful alternative for anyone who wants to experience Madeira’s landscapes in a more peaceful way, without the crowds taking away, even slightly, from the beauty of the scenery around you.
The beaches of Fajã do Cabo Girão
On one of the hottest days of the trip, I decided to head down to the beaches of Fajã do Cabo Girão. I had already seen the impressive cliffs from above, at the viewpoint, but it was only at sea level that I truly understood the grandeur of this place.
The descent is by cable car, along a dizzying route that is absolutely worth it! When I reached the fajã, I walked down to the beach and, guess what, I had it all to myself! The contrast between the dark stones, the crystal-clear sea and the huge cliffs behind me created an absolutely breathtaking setting. There, between swims and silence, I felt truly small in the face of the immense nature around me.
Despite being such an imposing place, and despite the Fajãs do Cabo Girão Viewpoint being so well known, very few people make the descent to the fajã. It felt like a real privilege to enjoy a place like this in such complete tranquillity. For me, this spot represents one of Madeira’s most beautiful landscapes, combining sea and mountains.
Sunset at Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint
I had wanted to visit Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint for a long time. I had seen photos of it and it looked incredible! But honestly, I never imagined it would be quite so impressive.
From the top of the cliff, an epic view opens out over Fajã das Achadas da Cruz and the sea. But at the end of the day, the setting becomes even more special. The sun sinks into the Atlantic, leaving the sky in shades of gold and orange reflected on the water, while the lush greenery and a huge waterfall on the other side complete the scene.
Watching the sunset from Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint was a breathtaking experience. Not only because of the spectacle that nature puts on, but also because there was hardly anyone there, which allowed me to enjoy the moment in silence. As the sun disappeared, we looked at each other with those smiles of people who know they are witnessing something truly unique and special. You know the feeling? For me, this viewpoint is the perfect representation of a Madeira landscape: cliffs, sea, greenery, fajãs and a kind of tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere.
Porto Santo: Serenity at Flores Viewpoint
After four visits to Madeira Island, I could not resist taking a trip to Porto Santo, the neighbouring island, famous for its golden beach, but also for the peaceful corners it hides away. One of them was Flores Viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view over Ilhéu da Cal.
I arrived there at dusk and was almost completely alone as I watched the sun slowly go down. The golden light lit up the sea and the small islet, creating an atmosphere of complete serenity. It was one of those moments when time seems to stand still and you feel that you have found exactly what you came looking for: peace, authenticity and a connection with nature.
It is true that, when visiting the Madeira archipelago during Easter, I knew I might find more tourists than I usually look for on my travels. Even so, by choosing less crowded places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes, I ended up discovering an even more authentic and special side of Madeira.
Whether in the simplicity of the Banana Route, the tranquillity of Levada do Furado, the grandeur of the beaches and fajãs of Cabo Girão, the magnificence of Ponta da Ladeira Viewpoint or the serenity of Porto Santo, every place I visited gave me exactly what I had been looking for from the start: peace, beauty, serenity and nature at its very best.
