MADEIRA - A WHOLE NEW WORLD.

Let’s talk about Madeira – a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean (about 600 miles southwest of Mainland Europe). If you haven’t heard of it—or if you’ve only associated it with fortified wine (Madeira wine was a favorite of our Founding Fathers and was used to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence)—you’re missing out on one of the world’s most incredible destinations!

My husband Steve and I went as a New Year’s celebration and I’m sharing this secret with you – the Freebyrding community – to add it to the top of your Bucket List for a handful of reasons:

1)  Off-the-Beaten-Path. Just like we were, you can be among the only Americans who are “in” on this secret destination – a favorite among Brits! When we went, our hotel concierge told us Madeira was getting very popular among Americans (and that we were the 6th Americans in a year who had checked-in). Ha! 

2)  Year-Round Paradise! With its subtropical climate, Madeira is perfect whether you’re chasing the sun in January or escaping the summer crowds.

3)  Epic, Goosebump-inducing Landscapes. From dramatic coastal cliffs to lush, green mountains, Madeira is a visual masterpiece at every turn. Think “Hawaii” with more drama!

4)  Adventure on Overload. Canyoning, coasteering, hiking and jeep tours …this island has it all!

5)  Luxury Meets Authenticity. Michelin-starred dining, boutique hotels and private tours ensure your journey is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.

Here’s how Steve and I spent five unforgettable days exploring this island paradise:

• Day 1: Arrival & Funchal Charm
  We kicked things off with a leisurely wander through Funchal to get our bearings, including strolling the historic streets, sipping poncha (the local cocktail) and soaking in the energy of this charming city. 

• Day 2: Levada Hike—A Walk Above the Clouds
  We booked a private Levada hike and found ourselves meandering through lush trails with waterfalls and sweeping mountain views. It’s nature therapy, Madeira-style.

• Day 3: Canyoning & Coasteering—Adventure Unleashed
  I would NEVER call myself an adrenaline junkie, but our day of “Canyoning” made me feel like a pretty big bad-ass (yes, even at this age)! Madeira is full of rugged cliffs and emerald canyons. So much so that they offer Canyoning excursions which invite adventure-seekers to climb, jump and repel down waterfalls, cliffs and canyons. It’s a day – and rush – we’ll never forget. No experience necessary when you go with expert guides – which we did. 

• Day 4: Jeep Tour—The Island, Unfiltered
  A private jeep took us to the island’s untamed corners, along high-up, winding and bending hillsides. Whether you head east or west, expect jaw-dropping cliffs, cozy villages and secret spots you’d never find on your own.

• Day 5: Sunset Goodbyes
  We ended our journey with lazy day soaking in the coastline. Watching the sun dip into the Atlantic, we headed all the way down to our hotel lobby where we walked through the doors into a Michelin-star restaurant for a 5-course dinner (Il Callo D’oro). The best food – with the most epic presentation – we’ve ever experienced.

Madeira isn’t just a destination—it’s a state of mind. A place where Freebyrding couples, families or friends can swap routines for exploration, rediscover adventure and create memories worth bragging about. 

I hope that in the New Year, you’re making plans to spread your wings – in Madeira or anywhere new to you! Let’s make this chapter count! Fly higher.