Madeira 🇵🇹

April, 2026

Now Madeira is hardly a secret gem anymore, with visitor numbers exploding in recent years, manly from Germany, the U.K. and also Switzerland. Interestingly I heard a lot of Russian the last days.

I wanted to go since years, not only because it’s one of the classic wine countries but but also for it’s diversity of landscape and recent vibe.

North Coast

The more rugged North Coast sees most of the weather systems coming towards the island, hence more clouds and precipitation, but also stunning cliffs and green landscapes. On this side of the island are also some of the best sites for growing grapes despite the fungal pressure due to humidity. All in all a very relaxed and fun area to explore by car.

South Coast

In order to reach the South Coast one can take some narrow back roads which feel like driving though a rain forrest, almost no traffic, only to dive into the sunny  (more often than the North Side) of the island. Life is still very relaxed but the many tunnels built over the last 20 plus years have made getting around so much  easier and faster, which shows in restarted small towns and a cool surf vibe.

And then is of course, Funchal, the capital. By any means a very grown up, touristic and hip destination these days. A very clean up city, with great infrastructure (thanks to EU funds) and a vibrant shopping and dining scene like anywhere else in Europe.