Madeira Island
Madeira Island, a Rainbow in the Middle of the Ocean
Lush, extravagant, breathtaking... All these words are usually used when describing Madeira. It is a small volcanic island which lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Being only 56 km long and about 21 km across at its widest point it practically represents only the pick of a huge volcanic mass. This Portuguese island, is a place that can take months to discover entirely.
Madeira Island
The youngest and largest of the Madeira archipelago is one of the most esthetic arrangements of wonderful sceneries and views over the Atlantic Ocean, extraordinary vegetation, very good food, lots of sport activities and traditions still kept alive. It's a must for every traveler, rarely having the opportunity to admire the view over the mountains and ocean from Pico Ruivo - and then head to get some sun and a swim in the ocean while passing through forests, gardens with luxurious vegetation, small villages where you can stop for the traditional poncha or where you can assist to the colorful
festivities. And if you love the combination of mountain and ocean, here you have it: 90% of the landmass is above 500 meters and 33% above 1 000 meters.
Most of the people live on the southern coast of Madeira island, where also
Funchal, the capital of this autonomous region of Portugal, is found. Funchal is also the place where most of the touristic resorts and activities are found, but don't get stuck here if you get on Madeira island. Full of restaurants and five-star hotels, Funchal sometimes risks becoming a fake image of this island. And although its old city centre, fish and fruit markets, its fortress and the port are a must see, get out afterwards and try to see as much as possible.
Go to Monte for a ride with the carro de cesto, admire the beautiful vineyards and banana plantations, see the most eastern point and the single arid part of the island - Ponta de Sao Lourenco-, get to one of the highest cliffs in Europe - Cabo Girao -, enjoy the traditional celebrations (festas) in the small villages, drink the poncha and the Madeira Wine and eat the scabbard fish with bananas. If you love the past,
Madeira history is most fascinating. Last but not least, get some sun and dive into the Ocean. And don't worry if you are planning to go to Madeira island during the winter - if you are lucky you can still catch some sun. The island's climate is considered as subtropical, with a medium temperature that varies between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius all year round. And by the way, if you get to Madeira Portugal during the winter, take into consideration spending there the New Year's Eve. The
festivity is absolutely spectacular, with fireworks set off from approximately 50 posts around Funchal, which made the island get into the Guinness World Records for the largest firework display.
If you have some more time, try to explore also the area around Madeira island. There are boats that get you to the smaller islands close to Madeira where the scenery changes completely into a rocky, arid and deserted land and the boat to the second inhabited island from the archipelago, Porto Santo, leaves every day from the port of Funchal.
You don't have to love the postcard image of a palm tree and the relaxed tourist with a cocktail in his hand to decide to go to the Madeira islands. The island won't offer you that, but it will give you the dizziness and happiness of having so much to see and to do in such a small place.