Mário Lopes has been living in Madeira, in the city of Funchal, for only seven years now, but he already takes this land as if it was his, and feels capable of pointing out the best ways for those arriving on a visit. Mário Lopes defines destination as a place “where the sea and the hills are in perfect communion”. He does not elect any Municipality in particular, as he knows that each one has its charm and its own traditions. But if he is asked to select a single feature of the island, the designer does not hesitate in praising the ‘levadas’, “the best walk to stress out and relax”. And still warns that no visit to the archipelago is complete without a visit to Porto Santo.
On a perfect day, Mário starts the morning with a dive in the crystal-clear and temperate waters of the Atlantic, has a picnic at Fanal, followed by a walk at the ‘levada’ in Caldeirão Verde. He then heads to Funchal for dinner at PVP: Pão, Vinho e Petiscos (Bread, Wine and Appetizers), finishing the evening at the Barreirinha Bar Café, for a Gin and some small talk with friends.
AND HIS BEST OF IS…
VISIT: Bothanical Garden, Museum Fotografia Vicente’s, Baltazar Dias Theatre, Fanal, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada das 25 Fontes, Porto Moniz Balnear Complex; ACTIVITES: Diving at Garajau, surf at Paul do Mar, catamaran ride, walks along the levadas, canyoning, rappel, wicker basket sledges; SLEEP: Santa Maria Hostel, Quinta do Furão; EAT: Well.com, William, PVP, O Polar, A Poita, Indian Palace, Os Castrinhos; NIGHT: Barreirinha Bar Café, Living Room, Copacabana Garden, Scat; SHOPPING: Gaudeamus, Walking Frame, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Uaucacau.
