The tradition and daily life of the inhabitants of Madeira

SMadeira, in addition to being a haven of exuberant nature and vibrant culture, is also a pleasant tourist destination.

For those who live on the island, everyday life is a constant encounter between the charm of the landscapes and the routines that make each moment a unique event.

In every detail of local life, it is possible to find stories of tradition, resilience and harmony between people and nature, which define the essence of Madeira.

Mr. Ribeiro, a man in his seventies, lives in his small stone house in the heart of the village in Madeira. Widowed for more than a decade, he found in the simplicity of the island a refuge that reflects his serene soul.

On the Island, he wakes up before sunrise, when birdsong echoes through the mountains, and prepares his coffee while watching the mist dissipate over the slopes. Madeira is not only the place where she lives, it is her life partner.

In the morning, Ribeirinho, as he is called by his longtime friends, has always walked along trails that he knows like the back of his hand, greeting each inhabitant who crosses his path.

When you decide to explore beyond your village, you have the comfort and practicality of a rental car, but it guarantees quality and comfort for your daily life. “It’s like having wings on wheels,” he jokes, as he adjusts his rearview mirror before driving along roads that wind all the way to Funchal. In the afternoons, Mr. Ribeiro makes a point of having lunch in some restaurants in the locality, and enjoys a plate of swordfish with banana while talking to the owners, and sharing stories from times past.

His car, which comes directly from Insularcar, is his great ally in these adventures around the Island, taking him to corners of the island where he rediscovers traditions and landscapes that seem frozen in time. At nightfall, Mr. Ribeiro always parks at a viewpoint to contemplate the sunset of the incredible Madeira Island. For him, driving through Madeira is more than a means of locomotion, it is an experience that connects his soul to the island.

Like Mr. Ribeiro, the other inhabitants of Madeira enjoy the same intensity in relation to the Island.

Madeira offers all inhabitants and visitors the best living conditions, for those looking for a vibrant culture and exuberant nature.

Rent a car and explore Madeira Island in 3 days… Read more»