Let’s talk about magic, mystery, and PIRATES!
![Fanal [Image Credit: Hypeness]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5606505ce4b00830fddedadc/1627764350325-LQAWK39KRBXTVOO3J9L0/vereda-do-fanal_Madeira_hypeness.jpeg)
Fanal [Image Credit: Hypeness]
Madeira has something for everyone.
Crave adventure? Try mountain biking, canyoning, or coasteering! Prefer hiking? Check out Fanal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and preserved forest of otherworldly natural beauty. You could also opt for one of the island’s countless Levada Walks. Levadas are old irrigation channels that span the length and breadth of the island. There are levels to suit every hiker and with the many tours on offer, no one ever needs to hike alone.
Interested in history? Head over to the small mountain enclave of Curral das Freiras, or “Nun’s Valley” to see where a group of women successfully hid from pirates when they descended on Funchal in 1566.
Want to get off the beaten path and see more of the island, but prefer to do it seated with someone else at the helm? Try one of their many jeep tours which will take you up roads that you would probably never drive yourself.
I share these, my favorite photos in the hopes that you will feel as if you were along for the ride!
[All images: Eleanor Lumsden]
The road to Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras)
Heading up into the mountains above Ponta do Sol
Lombo do Mouro
Paul da Serra (Elevation: 1600 m/ 5,249 ft)
Porto Moniz
Seixal
Eleanor Lumsden
Light and love,
Eleanor
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
P.S. Stay tuned for Part III. I’ll share the insider details on how you can plan your own Madeira Island adventure!