Month: July 2016

A peek inside the new Pestana CR7 Hotel in Funchal

Published by From Madeira to Mars

A peek inside peek the new Pestana CR7 Hotel Friday the 22 of June 2016. The big day had arrived – the official opening of CR7 first hotel. And what better location than his hometown – Funchal – Madeira Island. I have a big admiration and respect for Ronaldo’s accomplishments. His football achievements need no description and as a madeiran myself, my heart grows even founder. In all of my travels, whenever I mention I’m from Madeira, people always end up talking about Cristiano Ronaldo and sometimes, people know about Cristiano Ronaldo more than they know about Madeira. Some people have also heard about Madeira wine as well and some of their parents have been to Madeira and loved it! That’s also when I usually start showing pictures from my Instagram account and telling them about how passionate I am for this beautiful island… Things are changing nowadays, younger people are visiting Madeira and so are families with children. The opening of Hotels like this one are the real proof of that. Stories from the …

Costa Brava guide

One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families

Published by From Madeira to Mars

One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families I disagree when people say that having kids and travelling are two opposite choices in life. I actually think that these are the best parts of my life. Having both, at the same time, feels like winning the lottery. Add to this happy mix , the perfect family holiday destination and you realise that happiness and perfection exists. Ever since I was a child, no matter what happened, my parents would always save money throughout the year to make sure we would have a family holiday. Sometimes for one week. In good years for two. Our annual ritual would always observe the following four acts; getting on an airplane, relaxing under the sun, eating good food and having fun. Lots of it. My best memories of my childhood were created during summer holidays. I want my kids to have these same memories. Memories. Simple act of packing our bags. Entering the airplane and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world for bagging the window …

An inside look at Dali’s House at Costa Brava

Published by From Madeira to Mars

An inside look at Dali’s House at Costa Brava One of the highlights of my latest travel to Costa Brava was the opportunity to visit Dali’s house in Cadaqués, Portlligat. For those who never heard about Cadaqués, I can assure you that this is one of the most picturesque, beautiful cities I have ever seen… It has a little bit of Greece with white washed houses and turquoise blue doors decorated with pink bungavilleas and narrow stoned pavements. It has a little bit of France due to its proximity to the border and some dishes from the other side. It has a little bit of Portugal with some resemblance to Algarve’s fishing villages and its sunny beach coves by the sea. Cadaqués is nested in a beautiful bay with clear blue waters and lots of colorful fishing boats. Most houses have direct access to the sea, and while most locals have their siesta, visitors spend their time at the beach or enjoying a fresh beer in one of the many terraces by the sea – …

5 cool things to do when you visit Funchal

Published by From Madeira to Mars

I am always happy that anyone wants to visit me and my city – Funchal. You see we (the madeirans) share this passion for the Island and we want visitors to experience the best spots. Funchal is a beautiful city. I know I’m biased since I just love living here (the more I travel the more I appreciate the benefits of this Island), but I challenge you to spend a few days in Funchal and then you can see it for yourself. Here I share 5 cool things to do when someone visits Funchal: # 1 Head to Largo do Socorro Funchal, the capital of Madeira, has three historic districts: Santa Maria (renown as Old Town), São Pedro and Sé. Santa Maria São Pedro |This photo was courtesy of Budgettraveller Sé Cathedral Many of the streets in these areas of Funchal are pedestrian, which means strolling around, photographing and discovering palaces, manor houses from the XIX century (which are now museums), viewpoints overlooking the sea, houses with flower gardens and typical Madeiran pavements made with …