Exploring the Underwater and Local Wonders of Madeira

The volcanic island of Madeira, situated off the coast of Africa and approximately in line with Morocco, has become a favored vacation destination for many Europeans and an increasing number of North Americans.

David Gilchrist, a photographer and diver, has shared captivating photos of the underwater world surrounding this beautiful island. His recent experience, alongside his wife Claudia and their friends, focused on the sights around the capital city of Funchal during a ten-day trip in April.

Known as the “island of eternal spring,” Madeira boasts a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below 10 degrees Celsius. The visitors enjoyed average temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius during their trip, finding the evenings comfortable with a light sweater when breezy.

The culinary experience on the island was pleasantly surprising, featuring local dishes that delighted the visitors. David expressed a particular fondness for the local scabbard fish and squid and scampi skewers. They also enjoyed traditional dishes, including a local tomato, onion, and egg soup, as well as various desserts such as passion fruit puddings. A visit to a Portuguese bakery culminated in the enjoyment of the well-known Pastel de Nata.

A memorable day trip involved a leisurely walk down the promenade to the harbor area, where the travelers admired several cruise boats, including the Queen Victoria from Cunard. A highlight was a gondola ride to the Mont area, which features beautiful gardens and the historical Mother Church of Our Lady of Mont, originally built in 1489.

For a unique local experience, they chose to descend the mountain via a traditional Toboggan Ride. The exhilarating ride on wicker basket sleighs, pulled and directed by skilled riders, proved to be a fun adventure complimented by the opportunity to capture the moment in a commemorative photograph.

The group also explored the downtown area on foot, appreciating the intricate tiled walkways characteristic of Portuguese mosaics. Each stone in these stunning pavements is hand-set, showcasing beautiful patterns throughout the city.

Claudia and Sylvia ventured out independently on local buses, visiting the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos and the vibrant Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal, famous for its colorful doors painted by local artists.

Madeira is also known for its most famous native, Cristiano Ronaldo, a professional soccer player who plays for Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team. The local airport is named in his honor, and a statue and museum dedicated to him attract numerous visitors.