Earlier this year Vivobarefoot travelled to the Portuguese island of Madeira to shoot our ‘Feel More’ campaign – in this archipelago of islands jutting up from the Atlantic, about 400km west of Morocco, our team discovered a magnificent island of contrasts and lush beauty. From green forests to black sand beaches, craggy lava mountain trails and spectacular waterfalls – our team just couldn’t get enough!
Learn more about Madeira HERE.
So however you want to visit, if you’re into trail running or a scenic amble, hiking to the top of a mountain or finding that ideal spot on the beach to get into a good book, you’ll find the perfect place somewhere on the island of Madeira.
Here are our unmissable spots:
LAURISSILVA FOREST
Made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 this lush green forest is the ideal place to start your Madeira adventure. The mid-Atlantic climate means the vegetation is a unique mix of Mediterreanean and tropical, with huge trees, misty wetland valleys as well as dramatic waterfalls and sweeping vistas from the higher peaks. And with over 2500km of paths to explore along the ‘levadas’ - channels built over the centuries to irrigate the island - there are dozens of routes to explore for all different abilities.
NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS OF PORTO MONIZ AND SEIXAL
These spectacular natural salt water pools located on the north coast of the island are made from volcanic rock, filled by the incoming seawater and their views of the Atlantic and the surrounding lush landscape are breath-taking. After a day spent in the mountains, surfing at the beach, or just lounging in the black sand of the nearby Seixal port, we can’t think of a better way to experience this beautiful paradise.
PICO RUIVO AND THE PICO DE ARIERO
The tallest and third tallest peaks on the island make for a stunning 7km hike between the two peaks, or tackle one peak at a time. Either way, the wildlife, nature and views are unmissable. Madeira at its finest.
TAKE TO THE OCEAN!
Be it on a catamaran to watch dolphins and whales in Machico, scuba diving, catching a wave on one of the island’s surfing beaches or enjoying the sea at a different pace - be it on a Stand-Up Paddle Board or windsurfing – you’re sure to find your perfect mix of adventure and excitement somewhere on, in or under the water!
