Most people hear the word Madeira and think of the fortified wine rather than its namesake volcanic island located off the coast of Africa. As my plane prepared for touchdown, I looked out the window, immediately spotting the rugged beauty of the coast – dark volcanic rock, dramatic cliffs, and a land swept by brushstrokes of green. This island was an autonomous region of Portugal and a stark contrast to the city of Lisbon that I had left earlier this morning.

Right after landing, I grabbed my supermini rental car (Clio) and drove to Ponta de Sao Lorenca – a nature reserve on the eastern tip. The wind was strong and the sun shone brightly as I headed out on my 5ish mile hike. Each turn or hilltop brought about a different viewpoint of the magnificent coast and the sculpted land resting upon it. The grass itself was rather dried out, but it didn’t take away from the overall beauty of the Point.

Waves crashed upon the rocks down below.

A vivid blue water swirled and foamed alongside of the land.

Rocks rose up in unique patterns alongside the trail.

The ever-changing altitude left me rather tired and dehydrated – I hadn’t expected there to be no drinking water available at the trailhead. Low and behold, when I crested the hill around mile 2, I spotted Casa do Sardinha in the distant. As is typical in Europe, there are often guesthouses or refuges found along trails, something I learned while hiking in Northern Italy. Casa do Sardinha didn’t offer lodging, but they had an assortment of food and drink to replenish the weary traveler. I grabbed an omelet and beer as my late afternoon snack. I inwardly laughed at the absurdity of having a mini restaurant in the middle of nowhere while I enjoyed my meal surrounded by stupendous views.

The walk back to my car was uneventful and peaceful, full of fresh perspectives of the world around me.

My week in Maderia had just begun, and I was excited to see everything else it had to offer.