[:en]As a friend of mine said a few years ago, no one should visit Madeira without discovering Porto Santo’s nature.[:pt]No passado fim de semana, fizemos uma escapadinha ao Porto Santo. Estávamos a precisar daquela paz. Veja as fotos da Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã.[:]
[:en] The day I went chasing Rabaçal waterfalls – a Levada walk in Madeira Last September, Hit the road Madeira launched a new walk to Rabaçal, in the west part of Madeira. Their goal was to show visitors the beautiful waterfalls of Rabaçal, away from the busy, best-known Levada of the 25 fountains. Let me tell you more about Rabaçal Waterfalls Hike… PICK UP was at 8:45. The meeting point was in Funchal old town, near the cable car. There were 4 of us plus the driver Vitor and mountain guide Lisa. First, we stopped at Ponta do Sol to buy lunch in a cosy bakery with affordable prices, but you can also bring a “picnic” lunch if you prefer. The Levada hike was 14 km and lasted about 5 h 30 m. As we were walking in Levada trails, these are often irregular with roots, rocks and slippery puddles. You can also find tree branches right above your head. So, you need to be careful and pay attention to the security instructions. Luckily we had Lisa, …
[:en] Photo Sessions in Madeira A couple of months ago I was looking at my Instagram feed, and I began to see these photos in Madeira that captured my attention. There was something different about them, the light, the composition, the style, even the citation underneath! :) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Benjamin Begin (@benjamin_artwork) As I scrolled the whole feed I loved every one of them, so I said to myself; Who is Benjamin Begin? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Benjamin Begin (@benjamin_artwork) The bio linked to his website and there I found he did photo sessions. I was looking for new pictures of my Airbnb, plus I wanted to capture the neighboorhood as well (plus I just had my new Walkingframe From Madeira to Mars t-shirt), so these photo sessions in Madeira, looked like the perfect match. I sent Ben a direct message on Instagram, and that’s how we met and booked the photo session. We got together for a coffee …
[:en] The L Concerts return to Estalagem da Ponta do Sol! This Independent Music Festival officially started ten years ago, although, well before that, small concerts were already held. Personally, I remember with great joy the gigs I had the opportunity to attend. I love the ambience … the worship, the relaxation and the sound that echoes in the wind, the sea and the perfect amphitheatre that is the Ponta do Sol. Why should you go to these concerts? Nuno Barcelos, responsible for this festival, gave us the answers: L. L Concerts Why? The name Concertos L appeared from an existing concept in the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, the L – Community (community of members of the inn). L comes from Lifestyle, Leisure, among others … What do you like most about this Festival? The artistic freedom, its public and the place… Not depending on brands, sponsorships or fashions, allows you to create a schedule free of pressures of any kind, and bring something different and innovative… The audience, because we have the …
[:en]Learn how to make Madeira’s iconic ‘Sonhos’ sweets with traditional sugar cane honey, fluffy, golden, and delicious![:pt]Os sonhos são um dos doces tradicionais do Carnaval na Madeira. Aqui partilho a receita dos sonhos (à moda do meu pai).[:]
Discover Milho Cozido, the traditional baked corn of Madeira. Learn how to make this beloved side dish, often served fried in cubes alongside meat or fish, with my mother’s authentic recipe.
[:en]These Easter Holidays, me and my family spent a few days ar Vila Porto Mare. The goal was straightforward: rest, comfort, open air, good food and fun. [:pt]Nas férias, fui passar uns dias com a minha família ao Hotel Porto Mare. O objetivo era muito simples: descanso, conforto, ar livre, boa comida e diversão.[:]
[:en] 5 Ways to use Madeira Embroidery I grew up with Madeira Embroidery. It was in the dress of my first party, on the tablecloths of my birthday and the sheets of my children’s crib. My mother knows how to embroider and tried to teach me, but without success. Times were different, and there were many other distractions… However, I learned to give value to Madeira Embroidery when I realised how much time, hand expertise and devotion exists in the construction of each piece. Each point has its science, transmitted from mothers to daughters, from embroiderer to embroiderer. I love the names they give to each point: the “garanitos” (for beginners), the shadow points, the “cavacas”, the “bastides”, the widows (viúvas) among others. Touching a piece of Madeira Embroidery is realising what tradition means. It is the softness of cotton or linen, and the delicacy of each line pulled by a needle worked with saliva and sweat. Being an embroiderer was once the financial support of most Madeiran women. It is not a profession for …
[:en] Visit Sistelo, a wonderful village of Portugal! This article is the testimony of my last trip to the North of Portugal. “Writing & travelling Atelier – four days trip with the Portuguese author Raquel Ochoa“. “I finally arrive at Sistelo. A cat walks around my legs as if he was greeting me home. The sheep approach the Largo of the illustrious Viscount of Sistelo and look at me curiously as if to pose for the photograph. With about three hundred inhabitants, there is no day there that hasn’t got a story to be remembered. In the bar, a woman straightens the chairs already leaning against the rain. The neighbour on the side opens the door with a loud “Bom dia!”. Good morning was not the best word to describe that day because rain was pouring down, but the joy of the arrival of our group fills the day with hope. Even the sun seems to break through the clouds, even if just for a few seconds. As I walk through the streets, I see …
[:en] WC by The Beautique Hotels People who are risking new ideas fascinate me. The first time, the first concept and in this case, WC Beautique Hotel was the first hotel that… Nini Andrade Silva “does not follow trends, she creates them”, and she was the designer who risked this brilliant idea. Fortunately for us, the Beautique Hotels chain embraced this project, devoid of prejudice. Have you ever considered sleeping in WC Beautique Hotel? It is located in the Intendente, a trendy district. If this neighbourhood is a trend in Lisbon, the WC Beautique Hotel is a trendsetter! This is the first and only hotel inspired by a luxury bathroom! How did I sleep at the WC Beautique Hotel? I can tell you that it was great and that I slept beautifully. The bathtub, right at the foot of the bed, reminded me of the pleasures of a long bath. The water-coloured tiles on the walls combined with the velvet curtains and the stainless steel lamp in the shape of a drop of water formed …
