Seixal, Madeira: The Most Beautiful Place We Found on the Island (& Maybe Ever!)

After a few lively days exploring the colorful streets, gardens, and coastline of Funchal, we were ready to slow down and experience another side of Madeira. We packed up and headed to the north coast of the island to the tiny seaside village of Seixal — a place we had heard whispers about but didn’t fully understand until we arrived.

What we discovered was one of the most breathtaking landscapes we have ever experienced.

Seixal sits where dramatic emerald mountains plunge straight into the Atlantic Ocean. Black sand beaches stretch beneath towering cliffs, waterfalls spill down the hillsides, and the air feels lush and alive. It’s quieter than the southern part of the island, less developed, and deeply connected to nature.

Over the course of a week, we explored misty mountain forests, soared down cliffside cable cars, jumped into impossibly blue water, and wandered through volcanic landscapes that felt almost prehistoric. And in between all the adventure, we found time to simply slow down and enjoy the magic of being there.

Madeira has many beautiful corners, but Seixal quickly stole our hearts.

Beaches, Europe, PortugalLindsay KellerJuly 29, 2024Seixal, Madeira, PortugalPortugal, Madeira, Europe, IslandsComment

Ireland Part 3: Are You Ready For Moher?

Here we were, entrenched in our mother-daughter adventure through the small country of Ireland. On this particular day we were buzzing along a narrow, winding, and picturesque Irish road at 8:30 in the morning. The sun dazzled brightly in the blue sky, the weather was a hint warmer than the previous day, and our bodies sensed we were about to have a notable outing with each other. Today was Mother's day and we were driving towards one of our bucket list items. A place we had both longed to visit for several years. Little did we know we were about to treat ourselves to one of the best Mother’s Day experiences of our lives. And together. After parking our rental in a near-emtpy parking lot (visit in the off season, people!) and using the restrooms for a quick pit stop, we busted out in one of those "shopping mall lady" powerwalks to catch our first glimpse of the world famous, most outstanding coastal features in all of Ireland: The Cliffs of Moher!