Madeira

Madeira

Left top – Curral das Freiras; Left down – Pico do Arieiro; Right top – Typical house of Santana; Right down – Ribeira Brava;

The Portuguese island of Madeira,

is known for its cake, wine and stunning scenery around the island. Funchal is the capital and the largest city of Madeira. The sub-tropical beauty of Madeira has a wild landscape with mountains, waterfalls, gardens and cliffs with breathtaking views. Madeira is 740 km sq (290 sq mi), has volcanic origin and have emerged from a sub-Atlantic volcano 5 million years ago whose eruption was 6500 million years ago. On the south coast, the Cabo Girão (Cape Girão), a cliff 589 meters (1932 ft) high, one of the most beautiful places on the island. Do not miss a place called Curral das Freiras with its breath taking views. A visit to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, two high peaks, are also a things to do in Madeira Island. Two events can not be missed at least once in your life, the Madeira Carnival and the Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks. There’s a place on the island, known worldwide by the quality of its to surfing, it’s Jardim do Mar. There are two famous plateaus on the island, Paul da Serra and Santo da Serra, known for its beautiful golf course. The Portuguese navigator João Gonçalves Zarco went through the neighboring island of Porto Santo in 1418 and three years later founded the city of Funchal, capital of Madeira. In Funchal there is the harbor, very nice to stroll and fabulous cathedral. Also in Funchal there is an area with wonderful views when you can descent on a basket car, it’s Monte.  Hotels in Madeira

Madeira became an important stopping point between Europe and the “New World”. Forest Laurisilva Madeira was declared World Heritage by UNESCO. There are about 2150 km (1350 mi) of “levadas“(irrigation channels) crossing mountains and serve to bring water from the northwest to the southeast of the dry slopes of the island. It’s a good choice to walk this floating garden. During Carnival and New Year, Madeira becomes even more special with excellent performances of light and color. On the north of the island lies a small town known for its charming houses, Santana. Don’t miss the cities and small villages like Machico, Santa Cruz, São Vicente, Calheta, Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava. Porto Moniz has a beautiful natural pools.

 Transports in Madeira

Madeira Airport (FNC) – There are flights from Lisbon, Oporto and several European cities

Map of Madeira Island

Map of Madeira Island