A Personal Welcome

My name is Mike, and I’m the guide behind Misty Mountains — a name inspired by the place I call home and the forest that shaped my guiding style: Fanal.

I live overlooking this ancient laurel forest, and every day I watch how mist, clouds and sunlight transform it. Guiding here feels natural — like sharing a secret that’s different every day.

Before moving to Madeira, I spent years working as a head sommelier, creating memorable experiences for some of the most powerful people in the world at a prestigious private members club in St James, London. Transitioning from wine to guiding might seem unusual, but both rely on the same foundation: atmosphere, hospitality, storytelling, and helping people feel something special.

I’m originally from Poland, and I’m proud to offer tours in both English and Polish — perfect for Polish travellers who want deeper insight and a more comfortable, personalised experience on the island.

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🌫️ What Makes My Tours Different

Fanal is my backyard

Many tours include Fanal — but no other guides live close enough to see the forest from their living room.

This gives me a unique advantage:
I can tell exactly when:

• the mist is building
• the mood turns magical
• the crowds thin out
• the light becomes cinematic

This allows me to time your visit so you experience Fanal at its best — the way people imagine it from photos.

Some places can be scheduled.
Fanal has to be felt.
And living here lets me read its atmosphere in real time.

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A Sommelier’s Approach to Guiding

Years in hospitality taught me how to create calm, enjoyable, personalised experiences.
On every tour I focus on:

• comfort
• attention to detail
• good energy
• professional service
• understanding your preferences

These qualities elevate private tours into something more meaningful.

And if you enjoy wine, I offer an optional Madeira wine tasting add-on, combining my sommelier background with the island’s winemaking heritage.

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Local Knowledge of Madeira’s North

I specialise in the north: mossy forests, deep valleys, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful roads less travelled.
I explore these landscapes daily, so I know:

• where to go for the best conditions
• how to avoid the crowds
• the hidden viewpoints
• the mood and light of each area
• how the weather changes hour by hour

This allows me to guide in a flexible, intuitive way — adjusting the route live so you get the best possible experience.

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🌱 My Guiding Values

Slow, meaningful travel

No rushing. No pressure. Just time to genuinely connect with nature.

Authenticity

Real places, local knowledge, honest experiences.

Flexibility

Each tour adapts to the weather, light, and your interests.

Connection

I guide because I enjoy meeting people and creating moments that feel personal.

Respect for nature

Madeira’s landscapes are fragile and precious — I guide responsibly and with care.

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🌄 What You Can Expect on My Tours

• A relaxed and friendly atmosphere
• A completely private, personalised experience
• High-quality photos in the best light
• Insight into nature, culture, and daily island life
• The right place at the right time — not the “standard route”
• Hidden spots and beautiful quiet locations

Every tour is shaped by the island’s mood and your preferences.

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🍷 Optional: Madeira Wine Tasting

As a former sommelier, I offer an optional wine-tasting experience featuring Madeira’s iconic styles.
It’s a perfect way to finish or enhance your adventure.

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🇵🇱 Tours Available in Polish

Jestem Polakiem i z przyjemnością prowadzę wycieczki również po polsku.
Dzięki temu polscy podróżnicy mogą czuć się swobodniej, zadawać więcej pytań i poznać Maderę w komfortowy, ciekawy i bardziej osobisty sposób.

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🤝 A Final Word From Me

I started guiding because I fell in love with Madeira — especially the north and the mystical beauty of Fanal. Sharing these places with travellers is not just a job; it’s something I genuinely enjoy.

If you’re looking for a private tour that’s personal, atmospheric, and crafted with care — I’d love to guide you.

Let’s explore the mist, the mountains, and the magic of Madeira together.
— Mike

👉 Book your private tour now