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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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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City break: A walking guide to the most historic districts of New Orleans

| Christie

First sighted as Indian portage to Lake Pontchartrain and Gulf in 1699 by Bienville and Iberville, New Orleans has been founded in 1718, and named in honor of the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. It was later called the Crescent City because of its location on the bend of the Mississippi, which resembles a crescent moon.

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A bird’s eye view of 1000 islands

| Christie

The 1000 islands, a North American archipelago, lie along the border between the state of New York (USA) and Ontario (Canada), stretching for about 80 km along Saint Lawrence River. With a rich history, unique culture, and also with endless shorelines of picturesque islands, this area is a sightseer’s paradise, and a popular place for an authentic vacation. They are also famous for their magnificent summer homes. From Boldt Castle to House of Seven Gables, wealthy people have built retreats here since early 1870’s.

1000 islands
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