“I am truly proud and a keen defender of this island!” These are the words of Ana Soares, who was born in the city of Funchal 43 years ago. With such conviction, Blandy’s Wine Lodge manager is certainly a reliable source when it comes to the best spots in the island. She knows how lucky she is to live in this “paradise-like location with its breathtaking sceneries, amazing temperatures all year round and warm-hearted people”. Even though she highlights Funchal for being “charismatic and cosmopolitan”, Ana reveals that the real island haven is Fajã dos Padres. That is surely why her perfect day in Madeira includes a swim in the amazing sea and a seaside sunset in the southwest coast of the island. Also, leaving before visiting the cellars and tasting Blandy’s Madeira Wine would be a sin, comparable only to leaving Rome without seeing the Pope.
AND THE BEST OF IS…
VISIT: Jardins do Palheiro, Museu Quinta das Cruzes, Mudas, Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas, Praia do Porto Santo, Cabo Girão, Pico Ruivo, Queimadas de Santana; ACTIVITIES: Boat/catamaran trips, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Pico Ruivo, Levada das 25 Fontes; SLEEP: The Cliff Bay, Belmond Reid’s Palace, Hotel Quinta Jardins do Lago; EAT: Il Gallo D’Oro, UVA, Casa Velha do Palheiro, Beresford, Chalet Vicente, Atlantic, Armazém do Sal, Beef & Wines, Quinta do Furão, As Vides, Cantinho da Serra, Abrigo do Pastor, Gavião Novo, Taberna da Esquina, restaurante da Estalagem Ponta do Sol, Il Basilico, Kyoto na Ilha, Restaurante do Forte, MED, PVP, Mercearia D. Mécia, Não Sei, Muralhas Bar, Theo’s; NIGHTLIFE: Barreirinha, Mini Eco Bar, Venda Velha, Vespas, Jam, FX Club, Hole in One, Scat; SHOPPING: Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Bordal, Madeira Lovers, Mercado dos Lavradores, A Loja do Vinho, Não Sei, Enomania, Loja Tradições, Gaudeamus.
