a moment in eternity

Madeira Road Trip: North and West Coast

madeira diaries
Madeira Road Trip: North and West Coast

Itinerary (145 km) Ponta Do Sol (start) - PR 21 Start Point (trek closed) - SĂŁo Vicente (coffee) - Seixal (vereda walk) - Ribeira Da Janela (quick stop) - Ponta do Pargo (Gato Legal, best bolo do caco) - Calheta (sun & swim) - Ponta Do Sol (end)

a full day of adventures

We gathered in Ponta do Sol and drove up into the mountains toward the center of the island to hike PR21. The week of storms had left its traces on the streets—fallen rocks and tree branches scattered across the road. We weren’t surprised to find the trail closed and decided to continue with plan b instead: a roadtrip around the west side of the island.

first stop: seixal

madeira seixal beach view

After a quick coffee stop in Sao Vicente, we decided to go for a swim. Excited to jump into the ocean, we quickly changed and just before we dipped our toes into the water, a security guard came and told us to leave, because apparently the waves were too dangerous. Great, we left disappointed, eager to find another type of adventure.

madeira seixal beach view 1
madeira seixal walk 2

vereda walk through seixal

madeira seixal walk 1
madeira seixal walk 3
madeira seixal walk 4
madeira seixal walk 5
madeira seixal walk 6
madeira seixal walk 7

ribeira da janela

madeira ribeira da janela madeira roadtrip west

Satisfied our hunger with the best bolo do caco of the island.
10/10 would recommend.

madeira gato legal bolo do caco
madeira calheta sunset

Sunrise & Swim in Calheta

After a whole day of journeying through all the microclimates of the island from rain, wind, cold, fog we arrived in a warm and sunny Calheta and finally went into the water for a well deserved refreshment.