Monica van Zanten
- The Madeira Travelista

I wasn’t born here, but ever since I landed on Madeira for the first time in 2014, I feel a strong connection to the island.

When I booked my one-way ticket to Madeira back in January 2018, I had no idea how deeply this island would make an impact on me. I was 26, chasing a dream with no backup plan. And not long after arriving, everything around me started to fall apart: my relationship of 5 years ended, I had to move out of the house I was living and I wasn’t sure if my work contract would be renewed…

The easy thing would’ve been to go back to the Netherlands. But the idea of saying goodbye to the island hurt so much and felt like a full-body NO — this was not an option. I simply couldn’t do it.

So I stayed.

I stayed on my own, without knowing where to live, without knowing what was next, just trusting that somehow it would work out. And the moment I definite decided I would stay - without having all the answers - everything seemed to line up perfectly. Within days I found a little place to live in Ponta do Sol, and my contract at the big tour-operator I worked for at that time got extended. From there, life started flowing — on the outside and, more importantly, on the inside.

Over the years, I got to know Madeira not just as a travel guide, but as someone who gets to live where most vacation; through hikes, storms, slow days, friendships, solitude, sunsets, and yes… even lockdowns.

With a background in International Tourism and Events Management and over a decade of experience in the industry, I choose to share real, unfiltered travel advice for curious travelers, like you, who want more than just the usual highlights.

People who want to really experience Madeira, not just tick off some boxes, but always with the best interest for the island in mind. I am truly sad to see how tourism has changed in the last few years and how ‘mass-tourism’ has shaped the world. I hope that with my efforts I can spread a bit awareness and help Madeira live and thrive.

This island has shaped me in ways I can’t fully explain and The Madeira Travelista is my own way of giving back.

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