How to Survive on an Island: Madeira, Portugal

Okay, so it’s not like spending time on an island is that bad. I mean come on, you’re surrounded by beautiful ocean views, sun, smiling people, and colorful scenery. People who live in sunny places such as islands are seen as happier because of the Vitamin D surplus. The island way of life is a secret ingredient to being happy! So I thought it would be fun and different to do a post on how to “survive” island life and how to make the most of it. Enjoy!

Step One:

Realize that landing at the airport will be the most stressful part of the trip.

~Not even kidding, the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The airport was built on the lower edge of a mountain with the other side of the airport runway bordering the Atlantic, making it hard enough for (smooth) airplane landings, and even more difficult when the strong, Atlantic winds are added into the mix. If you find yourself oceanside of the plane with the window seat, then it is even more freaky because the last 5-7 minutes of the landing involves the plane slowing and doing curved declines over the Atlantic and all you can see is water then eventually it just drops onto the runway. Snaps for EasyJet! Seriously, YouTube it (or don’t).

Step Two:

After surviving the landing, enjoy the views with a nice cup of joe.

Step Three:

Rent a car and let the winding roads lead you around.

26731768_10155775921676014_6937754680176715821_n

26904199_10155785976491014_1502253761025232407_n

19554936_10155785978091014_4375209781182928502_n

26815521_10155785978096014_4960663893555595461_n

Step Four:

Get lost in Jurassic Park.

~Parts of Madeira literally look like Jurassic Park sans dinosaurs. If you rent a car, cruise along the coast by Sao Vicente and you’ll know what I am talking about.

26908053_10155778304466014_6300587700216240476_n

26991877_10155785976306014_7310903247730951911_n

26731764_10155785976736014_2671619457674015578_n

26733884_10155785976501014_6720945337541955273_n

Step Five:

Cool off with an island (beer) brew and bbq.

Step Six:

Take a hike.

26993564_10155785973961014_4289119141900887590_n

27067209_10155785973851014_1957229673217754675_n

26907600_10155785974116014_263649565126145311_n

26904378_10155785974261014_8182163661222040466_n

27067633_10155785975796014_4570255466042285307_n

26907121_10155785975941014_4109302877451531503_n

26904688_10155790656256014_8350486395832384308_n

26907906_10155790337721014_6407753843263219502_n

Step Seven:

Have a nap mid-hike.

Step Eight:

Take another rest at the end of the hike to smile and enjoy a mid-Atlantic rainstorm feat. rainbow.

Step Nine:

Disconnect and soak up some sun rays in the park.

26815372_10155785972851014_447722275482577396_n

26815496_10155785972891014_7792508254039089547_n

26903876_10155785972941014_2726035160176019402_n

26904067_10155785976761014_5267884086511044428_n

Step Ten:

Play with some puppies.

A few friends and I booked our trip to Madeira with EasyJet from Porto Airport. We bought the flights for very cheap; and because why not visit a Portuguese Island in the middle of the Atlantic? Obviously, because we were a group of 5, many things turned out to be cheaper than normal (renting the car, sharing an Airbnb, grocery costs, etc). However, Madeira is very touristy. Hotels and hostels are not hard to come by. Due to limited transport on the island, renting a car is recommended, especially if you are wanting to visit more than just the main city, Funchal (also recommended as the city in my opinion was nothing special compared to beautiful Lisbon and Porto).