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Memories of Madeira

07/20/21 | Europe, Madeira, Portugal, Solo Travel, Travel

Travel Blogger in Amazon Fashion Floral Printed Summer Playsuit at the  Madeira Botanical Garden

Visiting the Madeira Botanical Garden in a Floral Printed Two Piece Playsuit

It is hard to believe only 48 hours ago I was in sunny Madeira!  while I came back to a sunny (and hot!) London, it is certainly not the same as being on holiday.  Memories of Madeira may seem an odd title for this post as it has been less than two two days but I am already missing this beautiful island.

This was my first solo trip in more than two years and for five days I went to Madeira which while technically Portugal this small archipelago is 300 miles off the coast of Africa and is it’s own little volcanic island of beauty.  There will still half a dozen COVID checks including multiple tests (including a PCR one today now that I am back), but it was definitely worth it.  My trip has included scuba diving, off roading, and swimming with dolphins and it was certainly hard to come home.  Here are some of my favorite Memories of Madeira!

Memories of Madeira - Wild Dolphins

Wild dolphins off the coast of Funchal and did you know when I was little my dream job was to be a dolphin trainer?  Now that I know they live to 50+ in the wild and only 12 in captivity I’ve chosen simply to observe them in their natural habitat but goodness they are gorgeous. 

The main building of the Bank of Portugal, the Edificio do Banco de Portugal

The Bank of Portugal, the Edificio do Banco de Portugal, which is actually a thing to do on TripAdvisor

At one of the most famous waterfalls in Seixal, Veu da Noiva, which means  brides veil

At one of the most famous waterfalls Veu da Noiva, which means  brides veil, on the North side of the island wearing a

The view from Paul da Serra in the middle of the Laurissilva ForestThe view at 1,500 meters above sea level from Paúl da Serra in the middle of the Laurissilva Forest

Street art in Zona Velha, The Old Town

Street art in Zona Velha, The Old Town

Scuba Diving the wreck of the Pronto just off Funchal harbour
Scuba Diving in Garajau National Park

Scuba Diving in Garajau National Park and the wreck of the Pronto just off Funchal harbour, photos taken with my trusty .

Memories of Madeira -Semi-sweet port to finish dinner at Avista Restaurant near Pirates Bay in FunchalSemi-sweet port to finish dinner at Avista Restaurant near Pirates Bay in Funchal

Travel Blogger at the Natural Volcanic Pools in Porto Moniz

At the Natural Volcanic Pools in Porto Moniz wearing a .  As I shared on Instagram the water was freezing but I swam in the these gorgeous lava pools formed by millennia of volcanic eruptions. 

Sea Coastal Madeiran Wall Lizard

Sea Coastal Madeiran Wall LizardMemories of Madeira - The most famous view at the Jardim Botanico da Madeira, the Madeira Botanical Garden

The most famous view at the Jardim Botânico da Madeira, the Madeira Botanical Garden

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Comments

  1. Janine says

    August 2, 2021 at 8:36 am

    You take the best photos…great place and love the lizard…so colorful.

  2. Peter says

    August 1, 2021 at 10:26 am

    Need to put this on the list of where to explore. Such adventure travels and out of the way spots is what I want to focus on away from all the tourists.

  3. Holly says

    August 1, 2021 at 7:14 am

    Never heard of this spot. You certainly have a knack for finding adorable towns with plenty to do.

    Fantastic and would love to visit there. Will check it out!

  4. Marsha says

    July 23, 2021 at 5:51 am

    I think that Sports Illustrated should come calling and feature you in their next swim suit issue.

    Looking so toned and healthy and athletic all at once.

  5. Nancy says

    July 22, 2021 at 6:24 pm

    I don’t think I have ever seen that checkerboard garden in your last photo before.

    Seriously some people are so clever and I don’t know how you would even get in there to keep it so trimmed looking.

    Great spot and looks like you packed a ton in during your short trip. Nothing unusual for you though!

  6. Peter says

    July 22, 2021 at 12:58 pm

    Wow, never heard of this place and good for you find a place to head to given all the restrictions.

    Looks like you hit a winner and love all of your photos!

    Such a cool photo that far underwater. The water looks so clear too.

  7. Becky says

    July 22, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    So many dolphins. Fantastic.

    Wish I had been there with you.

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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