As we embark on this journey of exploration and rejuvenation, Madeira has proven to be the perfect beginning to our big adventure. We've immersed ourselves in the natural beauty, charming villages, and serene lifestyle that this Portuguese archipelago offers. Our three weeks were filled with memorable hikes, breath taking views, delightful mountain cafes, and the fantastic yoga retreat that helped us adjust to this new phase of life.

Walking Through Paradise (and Tripping Over Rocks)

Madeira's rugged landscapes and lush greenery have provided the perfect backdrop for our daily explorations. We've trekked up majestic mountains, marvelled at the vistas from their peaks, and wandered along the verdant levadas, the island's historic irrigation channels. Some notable hikes include:

• Levada dos Piornais: A beautiful walk alongside one of Madeira's famous levadas, offering stunning views, a whole load of bananas trees, and some very low tunnels (really fun to clamber through but you have to ‘mind yer heid’).
• Curral das Freiras: A dramatic hike into the heart of Madeira's mountains, where the village of Nuns' Valley nestles amid towering peaks (their signature dish, chestnut soup, is lovely but definitely not vegetarian).
• Ponta de São Lourenço: A thrilling sunrise coastal hike with jaw-dropping cliffs and panoramic ocean views (romantic way to spend Valentines Day with all our fellow yogis).
• Lago do Vento: A more serene walk leading to a tranquil lake, perfect for those moments when you need to reflect on life or freeze your extremities off with a refreshing dip.
• Pico do Arieiro: Climbing up to the third-highest peak on the island (although you actually drive most of the way), where the views are worth every huff and puff (even if you have to shared them with 100s of tourists).
• Pico Ruivo: The highest peak in Madeira, offering an enjoyable & rewarding hike. Reaching the summit feels like standing on top of the world—or at least on top of Madeira.

Another highlight was swimming in natural pools at Porto Moniz to the sound of the humongous waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocks. We took a mini road trip along the Southwest Coast, and particularly loved the digital nomad set up in Ponta do Sol.

Finding Our Favourite Cafes (and Eating Way Too Many Pastries)

Our wanderings have also led us to discover some of Madeira's most charming cafes, offering a space to relax, refuel, and watch the world go by. From the bustling streets of Funchal to the quieter, picturesque villages, to the altitude-busting mountain tops, these cafes have become our little havens, offering delicious pastries (and a new-found love for pastel de natas), aromatic coffees, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Our absolute favourite, and top recommendation, is the Achada do Teixeira Mountain Spot Café near the start point for Pico Ruivo.

Pro-tip: ordering a coffee with milk is significantly cheaper than asking for a cappuccino.

The Yoga Retreat (or How We Tried Not to Fall Over)

In addition to our outdoor adventures, we spent a rejuvenating week at a yoga retreat nestled in a traditional Quinta overlooking Funchal, courtesy of the wonderful Adventure Yogi. This retreat has been a cornerstone in our adjustment to sabbatical life, providing us with the opportunity to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves. The daily yoga sessions, combined with meditation and wholesome plant-based meals, have instilled a sense of balance and tranquillity that we carry with us as we continue our journey. Just don't ask how I coped with the chanting and the ohming…

Living in Madeira (and Becoming Part-Time Locals)

Living in Madeira for three weeks has been an enriching and eye-opening experience. The island's pace of life, coupled with its natural beauty, has offered us a gentle yet profound shift from our usual routines. We've enjoyed the simplicity of daily living, the friendliness of the locals, and the vibrant culture. It's been a journey of discovery, not just of new places, but of ourselves as well. We've even tried to blend in with the locals, though our attempts at speaking Portuguese have provided them (and us) with some entertaining moments.

Driving in Madeira (and annoying the locals)

Lee Ann has been our chauffeur during our time on the island (absolutely no way she’d let me drive).  We used Girassol who were absolutely brilliant. The only offer automatics and will deliver and pick up the car from your accommodation.

 Together with my questionable navigation skills we managed to conquer the steep hills, endless tunnels, hair pin bends, and narrow streets but we did have one minor faux pax….stupidly ignored a ‘no entry’ sign (on the assumption it was for the adjacent road) and were promptly met head-on with an animated local in and orange WV beetle….Lee Ann had to reverse the length of the one-way street, avoiding ditches and parked cars, creating a build up of traffic in the process, with locals shouting at us from their houses.  Oops.

Overall the driving wasn’t as bad as we thought.  There are a LOT of tunnels but in the main these replace a lot of the older, twisty costal roads. Parking is in abundance, and when its not free, it is super cheap (1 euro for 4 hours).

Adjusting to Micro Retirement (and Loving Every Moment)

The concept of a sabbatical or micro-retirement was something we had longed for, and now that we're living it, the reality has exceeded our expectations. The freedom to explore, the time to relax, and the space to think have all contributed to a deeper sense of fulfilment and joy. We've learned to embrace the slower pace, to savour the moments, and to appreciate the richness of our experiences.

The first phase of our break is all about health, well being and adventure and Madeira has definitely delivered on all fronts, but what have we learnt so far?

• Even without work there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything you want!
• Being in nature and getting our daily vitamin D really does make a big difference to your general state of being
• We have absolutely no regrets about embarking on this adventure & the transition has been super easy
• Creating Instagram reels and trying to crack the algorithm is way more time-consuming than I anticipated

Looking Ahead (and Saying Goodbye to Madeira)

Our next destination is mainland Portugal and we carry with us the memories and lessons of our time in Madeira. This island has been the perfect starting point for our adventure, but we look forward to what lies ahead. Whether climbing mountains, searching for the perfect pastel de nata, or simply being present in the moment, we are so grateful for this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore, discover, and live our sabbatical dream.