Casa do Miradouro Casa do Miradouro offers an exceptional holiday accommodation in a location famous for its microclimate. Furthermore, we particularly love the location on the rugged North Coast, close to the Laurisilva, the many levada walks and the other natural wonders of Madeira. Moreover, the views from this holiday rental are stunning and reach …
Sarah Forbes Bonetta Whenever we pass by the British Cemetery in Funchal, I always think of the eventful life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta. You are probably wondering why as this name probably does not ring a bell. Here goes the story. African Princess Born in 1843, Sarah Forbes Bonetta was an African Princess named Omoba …
Terras de Avô Terras do Avô is a family run business. This winery is the proud creation of Duarte Caldeira. The 13 hectares of land of the estate, once belonging to his grandfather, are in Seixal on the North Coast of Madeira. 31 different plots of land make up these special 13 hectares. Some pieces …
Free Walking Tours Funchal The Free Walking Tour is really a great introduction to Madeira’s Capital city of Funchal. Lisa who is also an official Madeira Mountain Guide, offers to show you her city. She concocted two different tours to share her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion of Funchal with her guests. The first tour is …
First Football Match in Portugal If there is one well known sport for locals on Madeira, then it is football. However, this was not always the case. An Englishmen by the name of Harry Hinton introduced football to Portugal and Madeira in 1875. The first real and organized game of football thus took place that …
Golf on Madeira The Madeira Archipelago is a year round golfing destination thanks to its particular climate. It therefore boosts three superb golf courses. One is situated on the Island of Porto Santo. The other two are located on Madeira Island. Whichever golf course you finally choose, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views. …
The Funchal Municipal Gardens One of the many points of interest in the capital of Madeira is the Funchal Municipal Garden. Also known as the Dona Amélia Garden (in honour of the former queen of Portugal), it is located in the center of Funchal, north of the Avenida Arriaga. Overall, the gardens cover an area …
This post will talk about COVID-19 (and not about crime) only. and the answer is a resounding YES ! Ocean Retreat does not take any political positions. But we do feel that Madeira has taken very bold and exemplary action to contain the virus. Somehow we previously felt reluctant to cry victory. Especially with so …
The Marginal da Ribeira Brava is a coastal road construction which saw completion in August of 2020. This project is the result of a joint program between the Regional Government and the Municipality of Ribeira Brava. Marginal Works The waterfront works, which cost around 2.9 million euros, started in September of 2018. It therefore …
Rebuçados de Funcho – Fennel candy This artisanal, pale orange colored cylindrical candy has the name of Rebuçados de Funcho. This candy is typical of Madeira Island. Its name comes from the plant at the basis of this confection, namely fennel. The plant is very abundant on the Island, particularly in the Funchal area. …
Dragon Trees – Dracaena Drago – Dragoeiros da Madeira This mythical evergreen tree is native to the Macaronesia area (Madeira, Azores, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands) and is thus a subtropical tree. This sculptural tree is the symbol of the Island of Tenerife. Their fat scaly trunks, upward reaching branches supporting an umbrella like …
