Photo: Ivana Kovačević

What would life be without dreams and desires ?!

I think we all know what it looks like when the eagerly hope that your dream come true. The biggest … I am this year began counting … Madeira, eagerly awaited destination.

In it I fell in love a long time ago, I read a lot of articles, look at a handful of photos waiting to come to her order. I came.

Flight from Belgrade is not cheap at all, so we connect flights, combine and make a round trip.

I was supposed to fly over Eindhoven in Lisbon, where we jump on a plane and in no time we are in Madeira.

However, with us not going to do anything easily. Our plane was late (which is a problem with flights that are not in the same airlines) so that two days being planned stay in Lisbon. Only then can we have the first available flight to Madeira.

I can not say I was not upset, but shortens visit to Madeira or what to do, we’re on vacation, what now.

I love Lisbon, I was visiting him several times, he bought me more at the first visit, so that this punishment which we have to wait is not that bad. Yet we are in a city that has an insane energy and that it is impossible not to love.

Lisboa Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Wonderful 29 degrees in October and where we go first? On the beach, of course. Cascais, a fishing village, now is a meeting place european elite. The railway line linking Lisbon and Cascais, and along the way you will encounter and the several beaches that attract both locals and tourists.

Portuguese royal family in the 19th century, searched for the best places in which to rest and enjoy. When they discovered Cascais, he simply blossomed, became famous and started to grow rapidly.

Cascais, Esplanada Santa Marta Photo: Ivana Kovačević

On one side are the city and the sandy beach, and right behind the line on the other side of the wild rocks and cliffs Atlantic ocean not save its waves.

Cascais, Boca do Inferno Photo: Ivana Kovačević

A leisurely stroll along the coast and in no time you are in Estoril. Here is one of the largest european casinos, or to enter the same must be properly dressed. However, we go toTamariz beach and enjoy the ocean. Why do I say next and not in it? Because here the Atlantic ocean much cold and did not for swimming.

Estoril, Tamariz Photo: Ivana Kovačević

In the evening we return to Lisbon, the train passes through Belem, so we getting off to see him and get to eat some the most candy, Pasteis de Belem. During the day this is the unprecedented crowded , tourists and visitors have quite a lot and spend all day in queues and waiting. Therefore, if you visit in the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy everything Belem has to offer.

Fortress is most photographed attraction in Lisbon. Certainly because of its beautiful exterior but also due to the fact that this is a place where the famous navigator Vasco de Gama set out in maritime conquest.

Torre de Belem, Lisboa Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Monument to the Discoveries was built in honor of all the sailors who have shattered the myth of the end of the world. Portugal was then able to move around and spread the only possible route – across the ocean.
Geographical discoveries tale of the one after the other: first, Bartolomeo Diaz discovered the Cape of Good Hope. A few years later, the two explore the Portuguese territory of North America, and Vasco de Gama sail around India in 1498.
In honor of this event, built the monastery Jeronimo and in 1522 one of the ships of the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan first sail around the world.

At the station Cais do Sodre is market Mercado da Ribeira. Of course, as in any market, you can find everything you need, but there is one part, and the vast hall, which houses more than 30 restaurants with different food. Whatever you come up with and that you feel like it – there are.

Mercado da Ribeira Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We enjoyed a brief in Lisbon, it is time to finally head to Madeira or, as its inhabitants call it, Madera.

The island of eternal spring, where temperatures of air rarely fall below 21 degrees Celsius, and the temperature of the Atlantic ocean is still two degrees lower than the temperature. The island is known for its tourism and the wine is located 978 km southwest of Lisbon and 700 km from the African coast.

The island is of volcanic origin, Pico Ruivo is its highest peak and is located at 1862 meters. Name the island of Madeira in Portuguese means wood and that the island is actually forested.

Madeira Airport has long been one of the riskier. Short runway is causing significant problems, and if we add to that is built on a high embankment which falls directly into the sea, you will understand why. Lately runway is upgraded, placed on piles and extended. However, shortly before the island pilot must make a u-turn 90 degrees and closer to the mountains, and then another 90 degrees to the runway. An unforgettable experience.

Madeira Photo: Ivana Kovačević

What you can do on the island !? Hike, explore, sail, go in search of dolphins and whales, play golf … All in all an active vacation, what I love most.

Funchal is the main city, the largest and active. Located on the island’s gentle slope, we will be our base in the coming days.

Funchal Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We arrive in the afternoon and immediately embarking on walks and reconnaissance. The seaside promenade is beautifully. What you will immediately notice and feel the smell of the ocean. You know that smell you remember from childhood how not smell? Precisely, the smell, and everywhere accompanies you.

When the little indent in the city and begin to wander the streets you’ll come to the same architecture as in Lisbon, on the cobbled streets and squares. Houses decorated with ceramic tiles, many parks and greenery.

Not far from there is market. The scent of tropical fruit spreads around it if you come from the top.

Funchal market Photo: Ivana Kovačević

And if you approach the bottom side, the first thing you will feel the smell of fish. At the fish market you will see fish species for us mainlanders science fiction.

Around the market there are bars where you can sit with the locals, drink local drinks and snack perfectly prepared fish.

Fruit novelty that I could not skip the pineapple-banana (here called philodendron), it’s very sweet, but tastes sticky, sweet summer afternoon …

Pineapple-Banana Photo: Ivana Kovačević

However, the flowers here sold me the biggest impression and I’m speechless. Let the colors speak!

Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We were accommodated in old part of the city (Zone Velha) full of restaurants. There are artists painted all the doors and made a small open-air gallery.

Funchal, zone Velha Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We got tired of walking, we finally sat down to try their local drink poncho. Local drink of brandy (rum), honey from sugarcane (molasses) and lemon. Pour the molasses and lemon and squeezes special wand in a glass of juice until you drop and then spill over brandy (rum). Sweet and pleasant taste, especially when chilled.

We sit, enjoy, in the background you can hear jazz, and it’s time to slowly go to sleep. The day is long.

On the first evening of an eye we were caught on the island come somewhat older tourists (probably because of the climate) and we were the younger (by that I do not mean that children, grandchildren who are grandparents took). Joking aside, the city is full during the day and alive, but for about 22 hours to empty and there is no life in it.

We had a premeditated plan to visit Madeira, or due to the fact that because of the delay on the plane lost two days, we have to change the plan.

In the port you will come across a tourist boats that you drive a tour of the island, dolphins and whales, however, it is for those pensioners in the previous paragraph. We take a catamaran and sail in a serious tour. We had a lot of luck and, although following devices, we saw whales. However, the view of the island from the water was worth every lunatic waves.

Madeira Photo: Ivana Kovačević

The best option for exploring the whole island is to rent a car and tour for you is enough for two days. Rent a car is not expensive, and so you can always stop and make some more photo, whatever you do at that moment finds himself in sight. Black volcanic beach, pools of volcanic rocks, a lighthouse, levada, wineries, traditional houses of locals, headlands, waterfalls …

Step by step: the infrastructure and roads on the island are excellent. Most highways and something that they call the fast roads. In no time you enter through a network of tunnels at one end of the island and out the other. No tolls.

Above Funchal is a very beautiful and interesting botanical garden Jardim Botanico. You can reach it by car or by cable car from the town. We went by car, quickly coming, not easy, since the drive to the mountains of serpentine is not something that I enjoyed. But because when you go up to the mountain of Monte where the garden of delight, the views of the city and the ocean below.

Jardim Botanico, Funchal Photo: Ivana Kovačević

In addition to these gardens that the city boasts also an interesting thing that is linked to the city’s fireworks.

The southern part of the island where the capital city of Funchal and the airport is a little tamer. Near the capital, when you go to the west, there is a lookout point Cabo Girao. This cliff from where there is the highest in Europe (with a vertical drop of 500 meters down) and turned it into a tourist attraction.

Summit itself cliffs wrapped with glass floor and look down the …. Pfffff!

Cabo Girao Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We go to the northern part of the island. First we visit the city of Porto Moniz. The beach is actually made up of a multitude of natural pools in the sharp volcanic rocks. Really the experience of swimming in the rocks scattered along the Atlantic.

Porto Moniz Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We drive away the ocean. This part of the island is wild: the sharp cliffs, the black beaches, green everywhere.

Sao Vicente Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Somewhere between Sao Vicente and Ponta Delgrada come to the waterfalls and waterfalls that descend directly to the way in which they should go. Of course, we take a photos and continue to Santana.

Ponta Delgrada Photo: Ivana Kovačević

If your feet are well served (there are heavier and less demanding tour) should not miss Levada walking through the forests of laurel and eucalyptus. Levada-specific Madeira, appeared because of the need for large quantities of water and tame channels (levada) is applied to the southeastern part of the island.

Given that the Madeira cascade and mountainous, some of the stocks and tours are demanding and dangerous. But be sure to follow the eating levada and enjoy the scent of eucalyptus and laurel trees along the road.

Santana (abbreviated from Santa Ana) are ethno park and traditional houses that have almost disappeared (there was only a few). Homes have triangular pitched roofs to the ground and protected by a straw. These are mainly rural house with white walls, red door and blue windows. Most of the surviving houses are now tourist attractions.

Santana Photo: Ivana Kovačević

From Santana road you further leads to the Porto da Cruz, and then descends towards the east an entirely different part of the island. In this part of the island has no vegetation except a little palm trees and wild vegetation.

Farol da Ponta Sao Lourenco Photo: Ivana Kovačević

First we stopped at Machico, the third largest city on the island. A nice little town, it was enough to just an hour to whizzed through it, then the direction of Canical. This city is the main cargo port and there is a museum of whales definitely recommend that you visit.

Machico Photo: Ivana Kovačević

We did not have time to go to the central part of island to Pico Ruivo but sometimes it should be to leave something for next time.

I owe you mention food. Unforgettable food. Fish, seafood, shellfish … anywhere you eat them perfectly prepared and very, very tasty. Prices are more than affordable. Baked hot bread with butter and garlic (Bolo do Caco) be served to you wherever you sit.

As for the wines from the island, they are far more recognized and known. Honestly, I have not liked. They are very sweet and syrupy.

First, following the island of Porto Santo.

Porto Santo Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Every day the boat in the morning go from Funchal, and in the evening returned. Driving takes about two and a half hours. Ticket price is not negligible (count on fifty euros). The island is located on the 43 kilometer northeast. Yellow sandy beach is nine kilometers only one that leaves an impression.

Porto Santo Photo: Ivana Kovačević

The island is not large, you can go in the bike tour, and if you loves, you can try and golf courses. In fact, the most beautiful experience of the voyage from Madeira to Porto Santo and back.

Madeira in a few words? The mild climate, warm ocean, unusual vegetation, the island without stress … Is there anything more to luck !?

Our road leads to Porto. I visited him a few years ago and now I come to find out something new material and see and learn … Investigate Porto is actually very simple: it is essential that you are comfortable shoes and straight.

Porto Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Porto is located in the northern part of the country and is the second largest city. Its old core is under the protection of UNESCO. Hilly relief, narrow and steep streets, green gardens, interesting architecture, fortified wines, Porto make it what it is.

Douro River divides the city into two parts. Its coasts are crowded with tourists and walkers, and moored ships from both sides surrounded by seagulls.

River Douro Photo: Ivana Kovačević

If you look up, you will notice one of the bridges spanning the river. Dom Luis I bridge is an imposing building which is located on all images of the city. This is one of the most picturesque parts of Porto, dotted with picturesque old houses from whose windows hanging washing out to dry and numerous restaurants.

Porto Photo: Ivana Kovačević

In the center of town there is a railway station Sao Bento, whose interior is decorated with painted tiles.

A large number of the facade is lined with blue and white tiles azulejo.

Church Santa Katarina, Porto Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Oceanic coast of the city just a few kilometers away and public transport is easily reached. Surfers and big waves will brighten your day while enjoying the beach.

Matosinhos, Porto Photo: Ivana Kovačević

A smile will coax Bolhao market. Tucked away in the center of the namesake neighborhood, hiding small restaurants that offer fresh fish and seafood at very low prices. Everything is very authentic and delicious as if your grandmother prepared.

Porto is for all the senses. The concept of capital is that there is no concept, but it has much contrast you heart desires …

Lisboa Photo: Ivana Kovačević

In Lisbon, you can enjoy a variety of ways. One of them is that before sunset climb on some of the gazebo and fully enjoy the view …

Lisboa Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Another way to feel unreal Lisbon is to wander aimlessly castle and eat with the locals.

The third option is oceanium (which is located within the marine research center). It is not biggest, not beautiful, but it’s not bad.

When you go the way of Sintra (train about 45 minutes from Lisbon) will welcome you to a fairy-tale glow. Tucked in a quiet, romantic town on a hill surrounded by woods palaces and castles. It is not possible for one day to visit them all. Given that I have already visited some, this time the choice fell on the Palacio de Pena. Once a royal palace (from the age of Romanticism), for more than 100 years, the museum is full of tourists. Certainly it is worth a visit.

Palacio de Pena, Sintra Photo: Ivana Kovačević

Nearby there is also the westernmost point of Europe: Cape Cabo da Roca, high rock overlooking the sea, the ocean. As long as you do the eye can see is just water.

Rt Cabo da Roca Photo: Ivana Kovačević

How to complete rest and reset before a new business wins, go to the beach. Carcavelos is proximity to the capital of one of the most popular beaches. It is famous for surf and soft golden sand. 1350 meters long and is located next to the imposing fortress St. Julian of Barra.

Carcavelos, Lisboa Photo: Ivana Kovačević

The end of one journey is just the beginning of another. You need to see what you are not first see, see again what you have already seen, to see in the spring what you saw years ago, to see at night what you saw during the day, to be in the sun there where before it rained, see the crops to thrive, mature fruit, stone moved, the shadow that was not there last time. It is necessary to return to the old rates that we repeat them, and we drew up new avenues next to them. It is necessary to re-start the journey. Always. ( “A journey through Portugal”, Jose Saramago)

By: Ivana Kovačević