Travel and wine

Porto

Port wine. You’ve probably heard of it, and it’s not hard to guess where it comes from.

The vineyards are located along the Douro River, about 100 km from Porto. The wine was then floated down to Porto on boats, where it was aged in the famous cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Today, on the river’s left bank, there are rows of cellars and wine bars waiting for tourists, offering a magnificent view of the old town and the iconic Luis I Bridge.

Porto attractions

Tuscany

The region centered around Florence is not only one of the most beautiful places in Italy but also the cradle of Italian wine culture.

The mountains and valleys of the Apennines have created numerous different microclimates, which are favorable for viticulture. As a result, several famous wines are produced in Tuscany.

The most well-known Italian wine, Chianti, comes from here. This wine-producing area extends to specific municipalities in the central part of the region. Here, you can find many small wineries and cellars where, in addition to wine, you can enjoy the wonderful sights of Tuscany.

Best places in Tuscany

Bordeaux

The French city is famous for its red wine, and it’s no coincidence that there is a large wine museum here.

It’s the largest wine region in France, where thousands (!) of wineries produce wines. These are the famous chateaux. About 89% of the wines here are red.

In Bordeaux, you can „sip” some of the best quality red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

I visited in February 2020. My main goal was to enjoy a good red wine on the terrace of a local bar. I must say, it wasn’t cheap, but the two glasses of Sauvignon on the pedestrian street of the city center left me completely satisfied.

Best places in France

Malaga

The center of the Costa del Sol or the sunny coast became famous for its wines centuries ago.

The region typically produces high-alcohol wines, making it a perfect destination for sweet wine lovers in the Andalusian city.

The region mainly specializes in white wines, with the most famous types being Moscatel, Pedro Ximénez, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc.

Malaga attractions

Best museums in Malaga

Malaga, where we can escape in winter

Napa Valley (California)

To not only recommend European “wine places”, let’s hop over to North America, where one of the USA’s most beautiful places is also a renowned wine region.

Northeast of San Francisco, we find one of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions, the Napa Valley.

Interestingly, the region only became world-famous as a wine-producing area a few decades ago. Although there were wineries in the mid-19th century, it only gained fame after the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting.

And like everything in the USA, they made a real show out of this. With the Napa Valley Wine Train, you can tour the region with a fantastic view. And of course, on the train, experts introduce the region’s grape varieties and wines.

Provence (France)

Provence, a historic region of Southern France north of the Cote d’Azur.

Viticulture here was not introduced by the ancient Romans, but by the Greeks, creating one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

The area itself is among the most beautiful. It is often said that vineyard workers must have good morale, as they can see the French Riviera when they look up.

Provence is world-famous for its rosé wine, specifically because here the grapes are grown explicitly for this type of wine. (In most places, rosé is a by-product of red wine production.)

The region has five famous wines, of which Syrah is perhaps the most well-known to us.

Best places in France

Madeira

You’ve probably heard of Madeira, a liqueur wine produced on this Portuguese island.

Legend has it that it was discovered when English sailors took a large quantity of wine from the island, and during the long journey, the beverage matured to a particularly flavorful state in the warm, sealed barrels.

Vine cultivation takes place on the terraced northern and southern slopes, where the vines are almost exclusively hand-cultivated.

Madeira can be made from eight types of grapes, including the well-known Muscat. The resulting liqueur wine has an alcohol content of 17-20%.

Madeira attractions, hikes

My experience in Madeira

Santorini

Now, you might be surprised to see one of the most beautiful and romantic Greek islands on the list.

Considering that Santorini is a volcanic island, it’s not so surprising. The island’s Assyrtiko white wine is world-famous.

The grape is special not only because of the volcanic soil but also because it grows in a basket shape due to the strong winds. These give a distinctive flavor to the wine.

Santorini attractions, beaches

Lavaux (Switzerland)

The vineyard region located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

The south-facing hillside, with its moderate climate and limestone soil, provides ideal conditions for viticulture and winemaking. Spanning 898 hectares, around ten thousand stone-walled terraces stretch along the gently sloping lakeshore between Lausanne and Montreux. The region’s most famous grape variety is Chasselas.

The vast vineyards on the hillside and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Geneva offer a breathtaking view.

Best places in Switzerland

Kakheti (Georgia)

You probably wouldn’t think that there’s a famous wine-producing region in this Caucasian country!

Yet the region has more than 500 grape varieties! Wines are made using the traditional qvevri method. This method involves fermentation and aging in clay jars, a practice with centuries-old traditions.

Among its most famous varieties are Saperavi, which produces deep red, rich-flavored wines, and Rkatsiteli, which yields fresh, fruity white wines.

Best places in Georgia

Stellenbosch (South Africa)

This region, located 50 km from Cape Town, is popular among tourists, with many wine tasting tours organized here.

It’s particularly known for its quality red wines, among which Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinotage stand out. The latter is a South African variety that originates from crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Best places in South Africa

Mendoza (Argentina)

One of the country’s most significant cities is located in the western part of the country, at the foot of the Andes.

The region is famous for its unique microclimate, shaped by high altitude and meltwater from the Andes, creating ideal conditions for grape growing.

Among its wines, Malbec stands out, producing deep-colored, rich, and fruity red wines. The region also produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontés wines.

Best places in Argentina

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In February, I noticed that on March 25th, there was a direct Wizz Air flight from Madeira to Budapest for 40 €. After a bit of searching, I found a flight to Porto for 20 € on the 18th, and from there to Madeira for 11 € on the 20th. A perfect combination! I hesitated a bit because I had spent four days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi the week before, but I had to take the opportunity with such flight prices!

I had four full days (and five nights) on the island. I spent the first three nights in the capital, Funchal, the fourth in Sao Vicente, and the last night in Santa Cruz, near the airport.

So, on Monday the 20th, I landed in Madeira at 7:45 PM. I took the Aerobus to Funchal, which goes directly to the city center. The ticket costs 5 euros (return ticket for 8 euros) and can be purchased from the bus driver. It takes half an hour to reach the center, but the bus continues to the hotel „zone”. You can tell the bus driver your hotel name, and they will tell you which stop to get off at.

Tuesday: Funchal – Dolphin watching tour, Jardim Botanico, Monte Palace

I booked a dolphin watching tour at 10 AM. A double-decker catamaran left from the harbor to see dolphins (and hopefully whales) swimming in the ocean. The two-and-a-half-hour trip allowed us to observe three different groups of dolphins. Plus, there’s a fantastic view of Funchal from the water.

Then, I took a local bus to Jardim Botânico da Madeira, the botanical garden on the hillside. A must-do! The view of the city is gorgeous, and you can spend hours walking and sitting among the flowers and cacti. I even lingered here for a while!

I initially planned to take the cable car to Monte Palace, but it wasn’t operating. So, I went back to the center by bus, had a late lunch, and then took the Teleférico Funchal cable car to Monte Palace. The journey offers a full view of the city, and it arrives right next to the upper garden. The entrance fee is 12.50 euros, which seems a lot, but the palace garden itself is worth it! The sizable area is adorned with pathways, waterfalls, lakes, Portuguese tiles, and a pagoda.

By the time I descended to the shore, it was getting dark, so I walked to the CR7 Museum. Ronaldo’s statue stands in front of the building.

In the evening hours, I strolled along the shore and downtown. The area is easily walkable and not very large.

Wednesday: Pico Ruivo hike, Levada walk, Santana

Hiking is a must for those who enjoy active vacations! I planned to hike to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo, which is 1861 meters high.

Most people drive or take an organized bus to the Areeiro parking lot and start from there. I took a scheduled bus to the lower Poiso stop, from where it was 6 km to the mentioned parking lot. It wasn’t an easy trek.

A well-maintained trail leads to the summit from the parking lot, but good stamina is needed. I read that even non-hikers should try it, but some strength is required. There are many stairs, especially going down. However, the effort is well worth the experience and view!

The trail passes through tunnels carved into the rock, where you need to watch out for puddles. A separate lamp is not necessary; the flashlight function on mobile phones is sufficient.

Just below the summit is a tourist house where you can rest, buy coffee, beer, etc., before the final 15-minute ascent to the long-awaited summit. If the weather is good, you’ll be greeted by brilliant sunshine and panoramic views. Since I had been checking the weather for days, I consciously chose this day (you can check the forecast here).

Most people go down to the nearby Teixeira parking lot and then drive or take an organized bus down. However, I continued on the PR 1.1 and then the PR 9 hiking trail to Santana. This was a much longer route, so I hurried to catch the 5:25 PM bus. The first half is a steep descent through a laurel forest, and the PR 9 trail is a pleasant path along a levada. The view is beautiful, passing by two waterfalls. The end is 3 km of asphalt, and I was in Santana before 5 PM.

Santana is famous for its cute, triangular little houses. You can see them in several places, and many are still inhabited. In the village center, some houses are set up for tourists, containing shops. It’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area.

I was relieved when I got back to the accommodation, as the many downhill stairs were quite taxing, especially on the lower calf muscles.

Thursday: Porto Moniz, Sao Vicente

The 80 bus to Porto Moniz, a main destination in Madeira’s northwestern part, departed at 10 AM. Operated by Rodoeste, the ticket costs 6 euros, and the journey takes 3 hours. It’s worth staying awake for the stunning views along the way.

Porto Moniz is popular among tourists, not only for the high cliffs visible to the east but also for its lava pools. Many were swimming there, although the water wasn’t exactly warm for splashing around. 🙂

An hour later, I moved on to Sao Vicente, where my accommodation was located. It’s a coastal town squeezed between high cliffs, with a black beach that reflects its volcanic past. There’s a tall waterfall along the main road, emerging from the cliff face, which is definitely worth a look!

I also had a steak served in the local style. It was brought out hanging on a skewer, from which I had to strip off the meat. Not only delicious but also a huge portion! Worth trying when you’re in Madeira!

Friday: Arco de Sao Jorge, Faial, Santa Cruz, “plane spotting”

I set off for Santa Cruz in the morning, where my last accommodation was located. Bus 6 took me to the village of Arco de Sao Jorge, where you can capture an iconic picture. The combination of the ocean, cliff face, and black beach is truly impressive from above!

From there, bus 103 took me to Faial for lunch, and then bus 53 brought me to Santa Cruz. The airport is here, so the planes taking off and landing are within arm’s reach. Moreover, about a 10-minute walk from downtown is a perfect plane-spotting spot, offering the best view for this activity.

On Saturday, my only plan was to get to the airport, flying back to Budapest on the 11:30 AM Wizz Air flight.

Summary

As I mentioned earlier, Madeira is a great place for active vacationers! The people are friendly, prices are similar to Hungarian prices, and the weather was perfect in late March.

You should definitely explore the countryside, not just stay in Funchal, as the landscape itself offers plenty of experiences! And if you’re adventurous, dedicate a day to climbing Pico Ruivo for a breathtaking view!

So, if you see a well-priced flight ticket, don’t hesitate, book it!

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Having visited several times and in various places myself, I can also confirm the above statement. It’s one of the most pleasant countries I have been to.

Best places in Portugal

Porto

Although it’s usual to start with the capital, I’ll begin with Porto. Many consider it one of the most atmospheric cities in Europe.

Located along the Douro River, this city is the center of Portuguese wines. When visiting Porto, don’t miss the Vila Nova de Gaia district, where wine bars and cellars line up one after another!

The Ribeira district captures the essence of Porto’s past. Its alleys hide many bars and cafés, transforming into a lively area at night.

And of course, the Lello bookstore is a must-visit! Not familiar with the name? Then you might not know the Harry Potter series. Hogwarts’ staircase was modeled after the stairs in this bookstore.

Porto attractions

Lisbon

Perhaps this capital city should be the first stop. The city is crisscrossed by charming, old-school trams that have become a tourist attraction, with their unique design becoming a symbol of Lisbon.

In the city’s famous districts (Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa), immerse yourself in the narrow, atmospheric streets, where numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés evoke the true Portuguese spirit.

Lisbon is permeated with the era of great maritime discoveries. The memory of these times can be seen in many places, which have become popular tourist destinations.

Lisbon attractions

Madeira

There is an island between the Azores and Canary Islands that is a mix of a jungle and a botanical garden.

For those who love active relaxation and hiking, Madeira is the perfect terrain. The outstanding routes are the levadas, where you can hike along lengthy water channels.

Wonderful vegetation, quaint villages, and beautiful viewpoints await those who choose this island!

Madeira attractions, hikes

Óbidos

This town near the capital is famous for its city walls and castle, which were originally built by the Moors in the 8th century.

The city walls were severely damaged in the earthquake of 1775, but fortunately, they were beautifully restored in the mid-20th century. You can walk along the high city walls.

Óbidos was the town of the Portuguese queens until 1833, being the personal property of the queens. Therefore, it was given special attention.

For chocolate lovers, the best time to visit is during spring. The International Chocolate Festival here is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Azores

There is an archipelago between Europe and America, which I think many people would like to visit. Often referred to as Europe’s Hawaii, it’s not an exaggeration to call it a paradise for nature lovers.

Each of the nine islands in the area offers something new. On one, you can find fantastic crater lakes, or calderas, on another, high green cliffs with cascading waterfalls. There are also volcanic caves, climbable volcanic mountains, and volcanic lava beaches.

In short, for those who want to explore a wild, beautiful landscape, the Azores are a perfect choice!

Azores attractions

Praia da Falesia

And while we’re in the Algarve region, we cannot miss out on a popular and fantastic beach, which rightly ranks among Europe’s most beautiful coastlines.

The beach between Albufeira and Quarteira is popular not just for its sand and turquoise water. Behind the beach, red cliffs rise, at the foot of which we can enjoy relaxation.

Lagos

One of the most beautiful cities in Portugal’s popular holiday region, the Algarve.

Lagos was the main starting point for Portuguese exploratory voyages in the 15th century. This is why the city’s promenade is called the Avenue of the Discoverers.

The city center is situated around a lagoon where you can stroll beside beautiful yachts. The city has a long, sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

However, its most famous part is not this, but Ponta da Piedade. It consists of several rock formations with caves. There’s a beautiful view of the ocean from above.

Sintra

West of Lisbon, there is a town famous for its colorful palace.

The palace, once the summer residence of the Portuguese kings, sits atop a hill offering fantastic views. The castle is seen in many colors, as each tower and balcony is painted differently.

Fortunately, it’s easily accessible by train from Lisbon, making it an unmissable attraction!

Évora

Located to the east of Lisbon, this city has a history spanning about 2000 years. It was a favorite residence of the Portuguese kings until the Spanish occupation.

Several architectural styles are noticeable throughout the city, easily discovered while walking around. It became a significant settlement during Roman times and later fell into the hands of the Moors. Évora’s historical quarter is part of UNESCO’s cultural world heritage.

Many consider the city and the Alentejo region to be the most beautiful part of Portugal.

Coimbra

If you’re traveling by train between Porto and Lisbon, it’s worth stopping for a few hours in this wonderful small town.

In the old town, on a hill, rises Portugal’s first university. The building, in Manueline style, was originally the palace of King John III. The university’s library (Biblioteca Joanina) is a popular attraction, with beautiful rooms to explore.

Immerse yourself in the hilly neighborhood of the old town, where charming little alleys hide great restaurants and bars.

Aveiro

Also found on the Lisbon-Porto railway line, this city is considered by many to be the most beautiful coastal town.

It’s not without reason that it’s called the Venice of Portugal. Although it might be a bit of an exaggeration, the canals, bridges, and boating do lend a certain similarity.

The city is great for a few hours of exploration, where you can also observe the famous Portuguese tiles, the azulejos, on the houses.

Braga

Located northeast of Porto, this city is home to nearly 300 churches, earning it the nickname „the Portuguese Rome„.

Its most famous church is the Bom Jesus Cathedral, a few kilometers from the city, which has been part of the cultural world heritage since 2019. In the city center, the Sé is the most imposing, with the Manueline style being the most prominent.

In addition, the city’s numerous historic streets and the remarkable Raio Palace all contribute to Braga’s unique atmosphere.

Mafra

This small town northwest of Lisbon is renowned for its magnificent palace, placing it among the most beautiful places.

The Mafra National Palace, a baroque building complex, served as a royal residence, monastery, and basilica. The palace and monastery boast a vast library, holding more than 36,000 volumes.

The town’s surroundings are also stunning, with the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra serving as a nature reserve, an ideal spot for excursions.

Sortelha

This village near the Spanish border is among Portugal’s best-preserved medieval settlements.

Medieval walls surround the village, situated on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Sortelha’s most distinctive feature is its well-preserved stone houses and narrow, winding streets.

Amarante

To the west of Porto, one can find a truly charming small town.

The town lies along the Tâmega River, famous for its picturesque beauty and bridges. Amarante is best known for the Church of Saint Gonçalo, with its exceptionally beautiful interior.

Additionally, it is a center for wine and gastronomy tourism, especially famous for its Vinho Verde wine, made from native Portuguese grapes, offering an authentic tasting experience.

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Madeira consists of two larger islands (the other being Porto Santo) and several smaller islands and cliffs, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Its vegetation is among the richest in Europe, with laurel forests that have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island’s topography is defined by a mountain range slightly north of its central line. As a result, the northern slopes and valleys are steeper than those in the south. The island’s highest point is Pico Ruivo, standing at 1,862 meters (more on this below).

The island’s distinctive surface features are the terraces known as fajãs: these are gently sloping lava plateaus that formed among the surrounding topographical elements, from which erosion has removed the more friable materials.

I was in Madeira in 2023, from which I wrote a travelogue with many pictures.

Madeira attractions

Funchal

The capital city, located on the southern coast, is one of the most charming places I have ever visited. The rich flora can be seen in the Jardim Botanico, offering a wonderful view of the city and coastline. The thematic garden, located in the park of the former residence of the Scottish Reid family, is organized according to the origin of the plants.

Don’t miss the cable car (Teleférico Funchal-Monte), which goes from the seaside to the Jardim Monte Palace in the hills. Its garden is also a must-see, featuring many paths, flowers, and a waterfall.

When it comes to sports museums, one of the most famous in the world is located here. The CR7 Museum is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in this city.

The main church is the Funchal Cathedral, three blocks from the coast in a small square. It is one of the few remaining buildings in Manueline style, featuring elements of European Gothic, Moorish style, and the influence of local architects.

Funchal attractions, museums, weather

São Lourenço Peninsula

This is an approximately 8 km long peninsula in the eastern part of Madeira, extending into the sea. It looks stunning from the plane and is one of the most spectacular parts of the island.

Starting near Caniçal village at Abra Bay, you can drive further in, where a hiking trail begins from a parking area. There’s also a bus (no. 113) from Funchal.

Machico

This city on the eastern part of the island is a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its beach and proximity to the São Lourenço Peninsula.

The city has a sandy beach lined with cafes and restaurants. Additionally, there are several hiking and levada trails nearby.

Its historical significance is also noteworthy. It was here in 1419 that the island’s first Portuguese explorers, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, landed.

Cabo Girão Skywalk

This terrace, not far west of Funchal, is one of the most visited viewpoints.

The glass-floor viewing platform, 580 meters high and extending from the cliff, offers a thrilling experience as you look down into the depths. It is particularly recommended for those with a fear of heights. 🙂

Porto Moniz

This town is the center of the northwestern tip of the island, offering a splendid view of the northern mountainside.

Its most famous attractions are the seaside lava pools. These were mostly carved out by the waves from basalt, and later partly renovated: some are paid, while others are free beaches. The pools are filled with water by crashing waves during high tide.

I visited here on a March day, and despite the cold water, many were swimming in the pools. I just watched them from the outside. 🙂

São Vicente

Located in the middle of the north, it’s also important from a road transport perspective.

The town has a black beach and is surrounded by high mountains. These two attractions alone make it worth visiting.

On the west side of the town, next to the main road, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls, Cascata Água d’Alto. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the center and is highly recommended.

Santana

This small town in the northern part of Madeira is famous for its colorful, triangular-shaped houses.

About a hundred of these buildings, testifying to the past poverty, remain mainly on the outskirts of the town. All have been declared monuments, with most no longer inhabited. In the three houses in the center, there is a shop and a gift store.

The island’s history and culture are presented in the O Parque Tematico thematic park. On its seven hectares, there is a mill, a maze, and a lake.

One of the island’s traditional festivals is the 24 Horas de Bailar folklore festival held every July, featuring dance groups and bands.

After climbing Pico Ruivo, my tour ended here, so with a longer walk, even the highest peak can be reached from here.

Arco de São Jorge

This village is known for its view at the end of one of its streets. This panorama can be seen in several pictures.

There is a wonderful view of the western coast and the high mountains. I included it in my itinerary, and it’s definitely worth a stop here.

Pico Ruivo

At 1,862 meters, this is Madeira’s highest peak, accessible by foot.

There are two main starting points where you can drive up and park:

• From the east at Achada do Teixeira viewpoint (1,592 m), this is the easier route. About a 3 km hike. Marked PR 1.2 on maps.
• From the south at the parking lot below Pico do Arieiro peak (1,818 m), this trail is much more challenging. It has many ups and downs and stairs, so it’s more suitable for the fit. Marked PR 1 on maps.

Many companies offer to drop hikers at Arieiro and pick them up at Teixeira. Guided tours are also available.

I chose a slightly harder hike: I took a bus to Poiso (nr. 56), hiked up to Arieiro, then up to Pico Ruivo, and from there down to Santana. This was about a 20 km hike with quite a bit of elevation gain. I had trouble getting up for a few days. 🙂

Levada hikes

Most of Madeira’s trails run along levadas. These channels supply water to plants and small hydroelectric plants.

Levada paths are marked PR: there are more than 20 such routes, which are well-maintained and walkable.

Important levada hiking trails:

• PR 1, Vereda do Pico do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo): I wrote above that this is the most popular route, leading to the southern part of Pico Ruivo.
• PR 1.1, Vereda da Ilha (Pico Ruivo – Ilha): from the peak northward to the village of Ilha, about 15 km.
• PR 1.2, Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo): another important route to the peak, also mentioned above.
• PR 6, Levada Das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal – 25 Fontes): the most beautiful hike in the western part of Madeira. Starts from ER110 and leads to a spectacular waterfall via the Rabaçal house. About 11 km round trip.
• PR 8, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Baia d’Abra – Cais do Sardinha): the trail on São Lourenço Peninsula, about 7 km round trip. I wrote about the peninsula above.

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