The Flora of the island of Madeira

Portugal, travel 3 Minutes

Happy Sunday everyone!

The rebirth of Spring reminded me of my last trip of 2020 to the island of Madeira. Madeira is known for its amazing rich flora. Even though it was the end of Summer when I visited, at the end of September, the atmosphere was still warm. I was immediately impressed by this, how even at night I could be walking in shorts and t-shirt, without having to worry about it getting chilly. And this is one of the reasons why all kinds of plants love Madeira. The island has the perfect atmospheric conditions all year round, and being a volcanic island, there are lots of minerals that contribute for the dense and varied vegetation.

It was my first time visiting a Portuguese island. With the pandemic amidst us, it was one of the only possible trips. I got tested for Covid-19 and happily brought my negative result with me to the airport gate in Lisbon. I was so impressed it that I would even love to go back there. The island made a great impression on me. The diversity of climate and sights was what shocked me the most, but even more how stunning everything is.

Unfortunately, my health wasn’t the best at the time either. I mean, physically I was okay. But due to some mental/anxiety problems of mine being at its peak, I was suffering from unbearable and lasting headaches. The last three days in the island were in a way tainted by it. Meds were helping just slightly and so I still managed to survive and the willingness to explore won over my headache.

I picked some of my favourite photos demonstrate the rich and varied flora of the Island, and added some edits to make them look vintage. I love this effect. And, afterall, this is a memory. All my memories look like this in my mind. Of course I did write a bit more about Madeira and feel free to read through those posts which I will link down below.

The typical houses of Santana Region. I was a bit disappointed, as I was expecting some sort of explanation about the history of these houses, no longer used by the residents. Only a few are exposed for the pleasure of tourists and well… Instagram.
This photo captures the irregularity of the lines of the island. Rocky slopes, not made for humans to inhabit. And yet they did. In the first plan you can see the well known flower of Madeira, also known in Portuguese as Estrelícia
As I mentioned, flowers are a big thing in Madeira. When we arrived, the annual Flower Festival had just finished. But you’ll find multiple stands with vendors selling flowers and seeds that you can take with you to try your luck in your home country. We bought a few and are patiently waiting they do grow this Spring.
This is quite cliche, but who doesn’t love palm trees? Everything looks tropical, a promise of a happy life. I also love the colours of the rocks here. So many layers of different materials, all telling a different story.
This is the view from a parking lot, in the village Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley), located in the centre of ths island, one of the only spots where you can’t see the sea.
These tiny flowers were covering the grounds in certain parts in my big hike in Ponta de São Lourenço.
And there are so many cacti, in many different shapes and sizes.
Let’s not forget that bananas since to grow everywhere in the island. I also love the flower on the right.
I really didn’t expect finding the Nordic Forest in Madeira. I was utterly impressed. It was so damn beautiful, I felt I was in a completely different part of the world.

Love, Nic

If you want to see and read more about my trip to Madeira, check the articles below.

Published by Nic

Published

7 thoughts on “The Flora of the island of Madeira”

  1. Ahh, I love this post … flowers put me in an instant good mood 😊.
    The Estrelicia is also a popular flower in South Africa and I’m always intrigued in its different colours.
    Thanks, this was a great post to read on a Monday morning 💌.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Pingback: March 21 – it’s a wrap! – The Winged Bone

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