BJJ in Madeira

Duration: 10 days, 9 nights

Island: Madeira, POR

A co-worker was telling me story`s and his experience about Madeira.

At Christmas 2015 I flew over to check it out by myself.

Luckily, I found the Gracie Garcia Madeira academy of Fabiano.

Training

I was able to train in his gym twice during the time I stayed. Because of Christmas the schedule was a bit limited.

The gym is located close to the city and my Airbnb was nearby so I could walk over.

The team was mixed with all colors of belts and they gave me some hard times during the rolls.

Everybody was super friendly and some of them invited me for a beer after training.

Fabiano also invited me to his own cafe and in the night, we went to an amusement park under the airport bridge.

Food and drinks

Espetada: This is a traditional dish made with skewered beef, seasoned with garlic, salt, and bay leaves, then grilled over an open flame. It’s often served with fried maize, known as «milho frito,» and a salad.

Bolo do Caco: A popular Madeiran bread made with sweet potato, wheat flour, and yeast, cooked on a hot stone slab or skillet. It’s typically served warm and buttered, sometimes with garlic butter.

Lapas: Grilled limpets, a type of mollusk commonly found along the rocky shores of Madeira. They’re usually seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and butter.

Black Scabbard Fish (Espada): A deep-sea fish found in the waters around Madeira, often served with banana and passion fruit sauce. The fish has a delicate flavor and firm texture.

Bolo de Mel: Madeira honey cake, a dense and moist cake made with molasses, nuts, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a popular dessert during festivals and special occasions.

Sopa de Tomate e Cebola: Madeira tomato and onion soup, a hearty and flavorful soup made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes chorizo or bacon.

Poncha: A traditional alcoholic beverage made with aguardente (a local rum), honey, sugar, and lemon juice. It’s a potent drink often served hot and enjoyed during social gatherings.

Gaiada: A traditional dish made with marinated pork or rabbit, seasoned with garlic, wine, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender.

Other stuff I did

One thing you should notice is, that the island is in the middle of the ocean and it looks like a mountain coming out of it. Due to the location it can be very windy and difficult to land. The airport is a bride built next to the ocean.

Madeira has one of the most beautiful nature and wildlife. Thanks to the mild climate and the location, plants grow there that only exist there.

I rented a car and drove around the Island. Madeira is a paradise form hikers and nature lovers.

Some of the cliffs on the island looks like you stay at end of the world

Around the island you will find a lot of natural pools. I visited two of them and it`s totally worth to see it.

The food is typical Portuguese with some of their own islands made dishes.

Good to know

check if you need a Visa.

You will need a car here.

The currency is Euro.