Drag your map application and select a location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean - not as far west as Bermuda but south of the Azores. It will take some time to discover this small, volcanic island, but once you do, you will never want to leave.
I had never been as far away as Madeira. Although one of the two most autonomous regions of Portugal, the island has its rich culture and a distinctly diverse cliffs and botanical gardens.
But it was not the smooth introduction to this paradise island.
Touching the ground at Funchal's main airport, one of the world's smallest airports, is not for the faint of heart. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (yes, Madeira is the birthplace of a famous footballer) is known for being dangerous - its 1,600-meter trail is cut by high mountains and the sea.
Extreme winds mean that pilots must undergo special training before being allowed to stay on board.
But after a riot and meeting over the speed of adrenaline and those sitting next to me, we enter the ground, only to be met with solid COVID checks (probably the reason Madeira managed to stay on the green list!).