Oriva Editorial
@oriva_life_mapped
Our Place of the Month: Somewhere between the mountains and the sea.
Sep 21, 2026
There’s something about Madeira that makes you feel like you’ve landed somewhere much further away than you actually have. One minute you’re driving along the coast with the Atlantic beside you, and the next you’re climbing into the mountains, surrounded by clouds, deep valleys and impossibly green hillsides. We spent days just driving around and stopping whenever something caught our eye. A viewpoint overlooking the ocean. A tiny road disappearing into the mountains. A levada cutting through the forest. A village that we probably wouldn’t have found if we’d followed a proper itinerary. And then there’s the Laurissilva forest. Walking through it feels completely different to the Madeira you see in the usual holiday photos — ancient, misty and incredibly quiet. I think that’s what stayed with me most. Madeira doesn’t feel like somewhere you simply visit. It feels like somewhere you explore.
Pass it on
Worth knowing
Madeira is much more mountainous than you might expect. Distances can look short on a map but take considerably longer on the road.
Don't miss
Get away from the obvious coastal stops and explore the interior. Some of the best moments are found between the places you’re actually trying to reach.
Watch out
Don’t underestimate the roads. Madeira’s mountain roads can be steep, narrow and winding, with sudden changes in weather and visibility. Take your time, especially if you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. There’s still so much of the island to explore.
What surprised me
How dramatically the landscape changes. You can go from bright Atlantic coastline to cloud-covered mountain in a surprisingly short drive.
Best time
Spring and early autumn are great for exploring Madeira. March–May brings lush greenery and flowers, while September–November offers mild weather with a quieter feel. Madeira is mild year-round, though conditions can change quickly between the coast and mountains.