Living My Dream Life in Portugal | A Slow Day in Funchal
Living a dream life in Portugal often comes down to the little things — the warm sun, the cobblestone streets, and the joy of having time to slow down. On this particular day, Joen and I both had time off, so we decided to spend it in Funchal, the capital of Madeira.
For me, these are the days that remind me why I fell in love with this island in the first place. It’s not about big adventures or faraway travel — it’s about enjoying the beauty of where I am, right now.
Morning Stroll and Lunch in Funchal
A slow day in Funchal is always a treat. The capital of Madeira is over 600 years old, and it carries a timeless charm in its streets, markets, and historic buildings. On this particular morning, the sun was already warm, and Joen, Lara, and I decided to take a long walk through the city.
One of the things I love most about my dream life in Portugal is how walkable everything feels. From the colorful gardens to the hand-laid cobblestones, the city invites you to slow down and enjoy each corner. And of course, Lara loves joining us — she gets excited every time we wander into town.
For lunch, Joen chose one of our favorite vegan spots, Fala Fala. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of plant-based dishes that locals and travelers love. While I stuck to their refreshing homemade iced tea to stay on track with my current diet, Joen enjoyed a full meal, and Lara patiently hoped for a treat under the table.
What makes moments like this so special is not the food itself, but the feeling of being unhurried. Sitting outdoors, sipping tea, catching up with a friend who recently moved to Madeira — it’s all part of what makes life here feel abundant.
Exploring Hidden Gems in Funchal
After our relaxed lunch, Joen and I wandered deeper into the streets of Funchal. This is one of the things I treasure most about living my dream life in Portugal — the city is full of surprises, and even after years of living here, we’re still discovering new places.
We stumbled upon an old photography factory, established back in 1846, which today has been transformed into a small museum and café. The building itself is beautiful, with a sense of history woven into its walls. Inside, we were greeted by an unexpected delight — the owner’s personal LEGO collection on display, including a charming Polaroid set that immediately went on my wishlist.
It reminded me of something I’ve learned about slow living: you don’t always need grand plans or long travels to feel inspired. Sometimes, you just need to take the time to explore what’s already around you.
As we continued strolling through the cobblestone streets, we discovered another brand-new spot: Zebra, an artisanal ice cream shop making everything from scratch. Joen couldn’t resist their pistachio and mango ice cream, served in a chocolate-dipped, pistachio-covered cone. He declared it the best ice cream he had ever tasted. I stuck to my iced water, but secretly wished I could join in! Still, the joy on his face was enough to make me smile.
Local Flavors: Figs, Chocolate & Coffee in Funchal
As our stroll continued, I couldn’t resist stopping at one of Funchal’s charming produce shops. These little grocery stores are such gems — stocked with local fruits, vegetables, and seasonal treats. Right now, it’s fig season in Madeira, and I knew I had to bring some home. The figs looked plump, sweet, and perfectly ripe — a true taste of Portuguese summer.
Our next stop was one of my favorite cafés in the city, a place known for its artisanal chocolates. Each piece is crafted with local ingredients and looks like a tiny piece of edible art. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Joen treated himself to one alongside a garoto (the Portuguese version of a macchiato), while I stayed faithful to my diet with just the coffee.
Even though I didn’t indulge, I love visiting this café. It feels luxurious, yet cozy, and the creativity behind their chocolates inspires me. These little rituals — figs from the market, coffee with Joen — are what make me pause and appreciate that I’m truly living my dream life in Portugal.
Dinner with Friends & Ending the Day with Gratitude
Back at home, I rinsed the fresh figs we had picked up earlier and set them aside to dry while I showered. Lara, of course, got her little “good girl” snack — she knows when something tasty has entered the kitchen!
That evening, we welcomed a friend who’s staying with us for a couple of days while she sorts out her new apartment. Life in Portugal can sometimes move at its own slow pace, so her utilities aren’t set up yet. In the meantime, our guest room makes the perfect home base for her. She brought us a thoughtful gift from Denmark — a jar of chipotle salt that adds the most incredible kick to food.
For dinner, I prepared a fig and grilled halloumi salad, served with homemade tzatziki and chili-honey roasted beetroots. The figs added such a sweet, caramel-like flavor that paired beautifully with the salty halloumi. Joen and our friend loved it. I, on the other hand, stayed disciplined with my diet and had a simpler version of the meal — tzatziki with cucumber and some grilled halloumi. Even so, it was delicious, and I didn’t feel like I was missing out.
As we sat down together, laughing and sharing stories over good food, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These little moments — flowers from Joen, Lara playing with her ball, fresh figs from the market, and dinners shared with friends — are exactly why I call this my dream life in Portugal.
No Comments