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    24 Reasons You Should Visit Madeira, Portugal In This Lifetime

    The birth place of Cristiano Ronaldo and also, many rainbows.

    The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning future trips.

    1. Going sledding on concrete is a perfectly normal mode of transportation.

    2. Drinks come with this kind of view.

    hand holding glass of wine

    3. *This* is the constantly changing atmosphere you'll see after a levada hike to the Balcões viewpoint.

    4. There are rainbows everywhere. The proof was in the pudding as soon as I flew in.

    view of a rainbow from the airplane

    5. Here's another photo for good measure.

    a rainbow

    6. Passionfruit and black scabbardfish are big menu staples.

    the plate

    7. Doggy paddling in the natural infinity pools of Porto Moniz is a perfectly normal way to spend your afternoon.

    the infinity pools

    8. Madeira honey cake (aka Christmas cake) and butter biscuits with quince jam. Both things of great beauty.

    9. These three drinks: a fresh passionfruit mojito, Poncha (a traditional shot concoction of rum, honey, sugar, and orange or lemon juice), and Brisa (a passionfruit soda).

    the poncha

    10. Doors are covered in intricate artwork.

    the door with a painted photo

    11. You can face your fear of heights by hopping on the Madeira Cable Car.

    12. Driving from place to place = views like this one.

    the view

    13. And this one.

    the view

    14. The gelato is delicious *and* cheap.

    hand holding ice cream

    15. Touring traditional straw roof homes and sampling rum-based coffee liqueur = highly encouraged.

    16. The rum is incredible.

    rum bottles

    17. Big fan of high tea? Same. *This* is where you can enjoy scones and an English breakfast blend.

    the view from Reids Palace

    18. There's the multi-level Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

    the garden

    19. Meals look something like this.

    the meal

    20. And this.

    21. And this.

    the rainbow trout

    22. And this.

    the sandwich

    23. One can spend a morning with their head in the clouds. Literally.

    person standing on Pico De Ariero

    24. Every corner feels like a photo opp.

    a street

    What's on *your* travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!