Madeira (/məˈdɪərə/mə-DEER-ə or/məˈdɛərə/mə-DAIR-ə;[6][7][8]European Portuguese: [mɐˈðɐjɾɐ]), officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Portuguese: Região Autónoma da Madeira), is an autonomous region of Portugal. It is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the region of Macaronesia, just under 400 kilometres (250 mi) north of the Canary Islands, Spain, 520 kilometres (320 mi) west of the Morocco and 805 kilometres (500 mi) southwest of mainland Portugal.[9][10] Madeira sits on the African Tectonic Plate, but is culturally, politically and ethnically associated with Europe, with its population predominantly descended from Portuguese settlers.[11][12][13] Its population was 251,060 in 2021. The capital of Madeira is Funchal, on the main island’s south coast.
We arrived after a short flight from Lisboa. Pilots flying into Madeira have to get a special certification because of the winds and the very short runway. Smooth landing today.
We’re couldn’t check in so we drove around. Couldn’t be happier that she gave us an upgraded motor and no stick shift. Not sure I’ve been in a place with severely steep hills and very narrow streets. The adventure begins.
We found where to park the car, did a little grocery shopping and grabbed lunch at a lovely cafe on the Main Street.
We’re on the second floor but no complaints when you sit on the patio with this view.
Tonight there’s music playing in the streets below and a full moon just showed up.
Jeff gave him a lil pinch
Tomorrow we’re going to check out Funchal. The market, coffee shop, chocolate shop and a gondola ride to the top. So excited to be here definitely on our list. It’s a lil slice of heaven and we’ve only seen a small slice.
JEllens adventures exploring this gorgeous island ahead…
