Author: Christie

Top 10 drinks you need to try in Madeira

| Christie

Memories of the wonderful time we had on our trip to Madeira keep coming. We hiked and walked around this small island, we explored the Laurissilva forest, and Funchal, the capital of the island; we enjoyed the food, the Madeiran cuisine, and learned a bit of its culture. We found a real foodie scene on the island, with a lot of traditional dishes.

If you are a gourmand, and want to learn more about the local food and drink while you are there, you could opt for one of the Food, Wine and Cultural tours. If you want to check what our top picks were, you can read more: Top 10 local foods you need to try in Madeira.

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Exploring Newfoundland: The best things to see and do along Discovery Trail

| Christie

Home to some of the oldest settlements and picturesque scenery on the island of Newfoundland, Bonavista Peninsula is the perfect place to explore the beautiful Newfoundland’s countryside. The road going around the peninsula is called Discovery Trail, and has access to some of the most famous landmarks and places of interest.

Natural arches, Dungeon Provincial Park
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Top 10 local foods you need to try in Madeira

| Christie

The small island of Madeira is known for many things. From sea to the mountains, the scenery looks stunning, and highly treasured. Famous for its walking trails, getting to know Madeira is a rewarding adventure: either along the 2,000+ km hiking trails in the wilderness, or strolling through the towns and villages, discovering centuries of culture and traditions. But nevertheless, dining is a big affair. For foodies, and not only, Madeira gastronomy offers some unique local flavours, that you must try while you are on the island.

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How to spend a week in Madeira

| Christie

With a subtropical climate, and a unique setting, the island of Madeira, nicknamed the Pearl of the Atlantic, is a little oasis made of the ancient forests, high mountains, and beautiful beaches. The island is located at 1.5 hours – flying distance from Lisbon, and offers a huge array of activities. If you like being outdoors, this rugged and picturesque island is for you!

Miradouro do Fio, Madeira
Miradouro do Fio, Madeira
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Ferns, palm trees and other ice formations

| Christie

When the snow blankets the landscape, the stage is set for the explorers who love being outdoor, and nature enthusiasts. With a range of winter experiences, one can simply enjoy this cold season by immersing in a realm where nature has so much to offer. It’s about embracing the charm that comes with winter.

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A hike to remember: Pico to Pico

| Christie

The small island of Madeira, only 57 km long and 22 km wide, is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1000 km from the continental Portugal, and 700 km from Morocco. With an average annual temperature of almost 200 C in Funchal – the capital of Madeira, it seems that the island has an “eternal spring” type of weather, at least for us!

After a beautiful hike in the stunning Newfoundland, and a few short trails in the Adirondacks, my appetite for hiking had just ignited throughout 2023. With over 200 Levadas (hiking trails following the water canals) plus 30 Veredas (mountain or coastal paths), Madeira’s hiking network totals over 2000 km of hiking trails, a paradise for nature lovers.

View from Pico Areeiro
View from Pico Areeiro

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Following the tracks

| Christie

After a nice vacation in Madeira, and a quick turn to 2024, we finally had some time to relax and enjoy the new season in town. We had our first snow of the year (and of the season) here in Southern Ontario, giving us not only a new landscape, but a new occupation as well😊

Squirrel tracks
Squirrel tracks
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