Madeira is famous for its flowers and Levada walks. And of course we enjoyed both, but we were on a food travel trip, so we enjoyed a whole lot more: like the famous Mercados de Lavradores farmers’ market. Every wednesday, in the center of Funchal, you can get your local organic veggies.
We loved the delicious lunch with local and organic products, homemade bread, and the view from the rooftop terrace on the modern looking Hotel The Vine.
The most exceptional food travel spot on the island? Without a doubt that would be Fajã dos Padres. The owners Mario and Isabel Fernandes are passionate growers of organic vegetables and tropical fruits, and let’s not forget their wonderful malmsey wine. The perfect hideaway! View all Pure! Madeira pictures on Flickr.
Hotel Eden Mar in Funchal is part of the Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, a Portuguese hotel group with six hotels on Madeira. The Porto Bay group has drawn up a sustainability policy to make sure their hotels will take environmental issues into account in order to minimize their footprint on the environment. For example: reducing water consumption, developing energy efficiency plans, and a preference for local suppliers selling certified and regional produce. Read more »
The reason we enjoyed our lunch at Quinta do Furão inside the restaurant is because when we arrived it was absolutely pouring down. I’m sure there is a stunning view from the terrace, when it’s dry. The first days of our trip we stayed at the organic farm Quinta das Colmeias, that’s the farm where the organic chicken comes from. Read more »
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 »
