How to Enjoy a Sustainable Stay in Madeira
In recent years, Madeira has become one of Europe’s most popular places to explore and relax, but that doesn’t mean you cannot have a sustainable stay in Madeira. The island boasts luscious natural pools and trails combined with excellent food and vibrant local culture, meaning it ticks many of the major holiday dream list boxes.
Many visiting tourists are also now opting for sustainable holidays that decrease their carbon footprint, protect natural environments and contribute to local economies. A whopping 87% of holidaymakers say they want to travel more sustainably where possible.
If you’ve been looking for a way to make your trip to Madeira more sustainable, read on for your comprehensive guide. In this latest blog post, we learn how to enjoy a sustainable stay in Madeira that the whole family can enjoy.
Travel Madeira Sustainably
When visiting the beautiful Madeira region, there are several steps you can take to make your trip more sustainable. It typically involves taking a little more consideration for the local surrounding area and how your trip can affect the world’s climate. Sustainable holidays needn’t be a drag, and there are still plenty of ways for your entire holiday party to enjoy the best parts of Madeira. Find just a few ideas for your next trip abroad below.
8 Sustainable Madeira Tips
Get Amongst Nature
One of the easiest ways to participate in sustainable holiday activities in Madeira is to appreciate the region’s natural beauty in a non-harmful and respectful way. For example, taking part in guided tours or hikes where your money goes towards protecting the natural environment in surrounding areas or other conservation projects.
Many of these guided tours are run by Madeira locals, so not only is this supporting the region’s economy, but you’ll also be getting the most knowledgeable tour possible. It is also a great way to learn about local wildlife species and plants native to the island. Make sure to follow the leave no trace principles! You’ll be able to have a wonderful sustainable stay in Madeira.
One of the best things to do that is unique to Madeira is to go on a Levada walk. We recommend the Levada das 25 Fontes trek and the Risco Waterfall. It is among the most well-known Levada trails that are found on Madeira island. The hike is also referred to for its PR6 Fontes hike and can be translated as 25 fountains in English! If you want to find out more, please read Levada das 25 Fontes trek.
Go Whale Watching
Madeira is packed with astounding natural beauty, and this includes its wildlife. While Everyone should admire these creatures, they should be so in a way that doesn’t damage or disturb their natural environment and the way they live.
One of the best ways to have a sustainable stay in Madeira and see some incredible wildlife is through a whale-watching tour. Voyage out to the seas to observe these gigantic creatures in their natural environment and brush up on your whale knowledge with an expert guide. Once again, opt for a tour that gives money back to the preservation of whales and their natural habitat, and also take the experience to learn more about how you can help support these creatures in the wild.
Visit Markets
One of the best ways to shop sustainably is by visiting local markets with fresh produce offered daily. Not only are these markets packed with reasonably priced goods that are often better quality than supermarket alternatives, but you can also help to support local people. Shopping in markets means you give back to the local community, which means Madeira as a whole can thrive. Buying local produce means you avoid supporting bigger chain supermarkets that may contribute to over-farming and fishing, which damages our natural landscape the world over.
One of our favourite markets is Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, which is a fun experience. It is a bustling Farmer’s Market, with lots of crowds and sounds. Explore the stalls filled with flowers, plants and souvenirs. There are traditional headwear, fruit, and vegetables. We loved going to the top of the building to look at the market and see how awesome it looked. Make sure to find the vintage scales for weighing too. Having a sustainable stay in Madeira has never been better.
For more information, please read: Best Things to do in Funchal.
Give back through Volunteering.
When visiting Madeira, you may want to go further to give back sustainably to the community by volunteering. From a personal point of view, this can also significantly reduce the costs of your trip. There is a range of sustainable volunteering projects you could sign up to be part of, including environmental conservation, produce picking or even teaching. Research into local schemes you could join to give back to this beautiful region of Portugal.
Use Public Transport to Get Around
The easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling around Madeira is to make the most of your public transport options. It is a much greener alternative than, for example, hiring a car for your stay. Utilise all of the buses and trains available to you, or if you’re staying local, why not rent a pedal bike to get around? Public transport can feel like a hassle, but it’s easy with a little planning and often works out cheaper overall. Win-Win. It is one of the best ways to have a sustainable stay in Madeira.
Support Local Restaurants
Supporting a local economy is one of the best ways to enjoy Madeira sustainably. When dining out, visit small local businesses rather than larger chains. Not only are you likely to find some delicious local fare, but you’re also supporting local people to sustain their businesses and keep native culture and traditions alive.
Be Respectful
It goes without saying that when visiting Madeira (or any country for that matter), respect and consideration for the environment and people are an absolute must. It means making sure you aren’t causing any damage to natural wildlife or habitats, contributing to rubbish or water pollution, or disrespecting the local people’s traditions and ways of life.
Stay in Eco-friendly Accommodation
Where possible, try and seek out eco-friendly accommodation or steps towards sustainability. It could mean looking into hotels with an eco-policy, using renewable energy, or giving back to the local community. Do your research before booking your stay to make sure your accommodation aligns with your values when it comes to sustainability – many hotels will share this kind of information on their website.
Overall Opinions
So there you have it, some of the easiest ways to travel sustainably when visiting Madeira. Travel shouldn’t mean that you have to compromise on the planet. Not only can you take in all the sights of this beautiful island, but you can do so in a way that helps preserve our world for future generations. We hope you have a sustainable stay in Madeira.
If you’re interested in visiting Madeira, read our guide on how to have a wonderful Madeira road trip.