Take a hike along a “levada” (that of Caldeirão Verde, for example), followed by lunch at Cantinho da Serra restaurant, in Santana. Later in the day, enjoy a swim in the natural swimming pools found in Porto Moniz; and at night, dinner in Funchal’s historic centre, known as the “Zona Velha”. According to Luísa Spínola, illustrator and director of a visual arts studio, this is the very best way to spend a day in Madeira, which she lauds for its magnificent landscapes, mild temperatures and unique sea colour. At 52 years of age, Luísa Spínola dreams of creating a school of arts and highlights as major accomplishments her illustration of various books and her participation in numerous exhibitions. Both a native and resident of the island’s capital, the artist praises her city for its historic monuments and its natural amphitheatre, but also recommends leaving the urban sphere to visit the Floresta Laurissilva (Laurel Forest) and Porto Moniz, where the mountain range blends seamlessly with the immensity of the sea.
AND HER BEST OF IS…
VISIT: Jardim Botânico, Museu de Arte Sacra, Sé Catedral, Fanal; ACTIVITIES: Passeios a pé; SLEEP: Belmond Reid’s Palace, Porto Mare; EAT: Villa Cipriani, Restaurante do Forte, Taberna da Esquina, As Vides, Marisqueira O Barqueiro, Taberna Madeira, Mercearia D. Mécia; CAFÉS: Barreirinha Bar Café; NIGHTLIFE: Marginal; SHOPPING: Loja Tradições.
