The 3-Year-Old Who Vanished on Vacation: Madeleine Mccann | Episode 15
What happened to Madeleine Mccann in Portugal
▸ Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old British girl, disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, while her parents dined at a resort restaurant nearby. Despite worldwide media attention and extensive investigations, no conclusive evidence has been found regarding her fate.
SOURCE: CNN.COMDespite countless theories, worldwide media coverage, and a multimillion-dollar investigation spanning over a decade, Madeleine had never been found. Suspects came and went, but no definitive answers emerged.
NEW LEADS
But in recent years, shocking new evidence has surfaced—including a convicted predator with ties to the area. In 2020, German authorities identified Christian Brueckner as a prime suspect, but do not have enough evidence to confidently prosecute him.
Welcome to True Crime Travelers Podcast
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We’re Alexa and Emilia—award-winning travel experts with backgrounds in travel safety and sociology who help women navigate the world smarter and safer.
In this podcast, we investigate real cases involving travelers who disappeared, were targeted, or found themselves in dangerous situations abroad. Each episode is designed to uncover what went wrong—and what we can learn from it.
Discussed on
Episode 15 of True Crime Travelers…
▸Christian Brueckner, a German sex offender and convicted pedophile, was named a prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance in 2020. He was in Praia da Luz at the time of her disappearance, but despite ongoing investigations, no charges have been filed against him.
Watch the full 60 Minutes Interview with the German Prosecutor: Watch Here
▸ In 2023, Julia Faustyna (or Julia Wendell), a Polish woman, claimed she might be Madeleine McCann, citing physical similarities and memory gaps from her childhood. DNA tests later proved she was not Madeleine but of Polish descent, debunking her claim.
Watch her Dr. Phil interview here. Watch Here
SOURCE: CADENASER.COM
SOURCE: BBC.COM▸For more about this case, "The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann" is an eight-part Netflix documentary released in 2019, exploring the case through interviews, theories, and archival footage. While the McCanns declined to participate, it examines potential suspects, police missteps, and the global media frenzy surrounding the case.
WHERE IT HAPPENED…Praia da Luz, Portugal
Praia da Luz, a small coastal town in Portugal’s Algarve region, blends golden beaches with a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. Once a quiet fishing village, it now attracts visitors with its soft sands, rugged cliffs, and the gentle rhythm of the Atlantic. The whitewashed houses and palm-lined promenade add to its laid-back charm, while local seafood restaurants serve up grilled sardines and fresh clams with ocean views.
Despite its idyllic setting, Praia da Luz is forever tied to the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a case that turned the peaceful retreat into an international focal point. Yet, beyond the headlines, life in Luz continues at its unhurried pace—locals gather in cafés, surfers chase waves, and holidaymakers soak in the Algarve sun, drawn by the town’s quiet beauty and warm hospitality.
▸The McCanns were staying at the Ocean Club Resort, is a family-friendly holiday complex with self-catering apartments, pools, tennis courts, and a kids’ club. Once popular with British tourists, it became infamous after Madeleine McCann disappeared from Apartment 5A in 2007. The hotel still operates under a new brand and name: Luz Ocean Club Apartments.
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The Find Madeleine Fund
The Find Madeleine Fund, officially called Madeleine’s Fund: Leaving No Stone Unturned, was set up in May 2007, shortly after Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
The fund was created to support the search for Madeleine, assist with legal costs, and raise awareness about her case. It was initially funded through public donations, fundraising events, and even celebrity contributions. The McCanns also launched a website, findmadeleine.com, to provide updates and encourage donations.
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We’re not here to scare you,
we’re here to prepare you.
This episode’s travel lesson: Routines can be dangerous, especially when traveling.
When we travel, routines can give us comfort. But comfort can be dangerous when it turns into complacency.
In the case of Madeline McCann, her parents and their group of friends followed the same evening routine every night while vacationing in Portugal:
Dinner at the same restaurant. Same time. Same table. Each parent would take turns checking on their kids—who were asleep in nearby apartments.
But when routines become predictable, they become traceable. Someone could have easily watched the group for days and figured out exactly when the children would be left alone and when the parents would be gone.
✈️ Travel Safety Tip:
When you’re in one place for more than a couple of days, switch up your routine.
• Don’t walk the same route every night.
• Don’t post your daily schedule on social media in real time.
• Don’t assume what felt safe yesterday will still be safe today.
Predictability might feel safe—but for the wrong person watching, it’s a roadmap.
If you haven’t listened to the episode, listen here:
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What do you think happened?
Do you have any other theories?
Join us on Reddit to discuss this case!
See you on the next case of True Crime Travelers…
xo, Alexa + Emilia
