Madeira, Spring Archipelago
With 2 inhabited islands and 3 “desertas”, Madeira is a beautiful area of Portugal characterized by its mild climate throughout the year. Located 400 kilometers from Tenerife and 770 from the Azores, it is a paradise worth visiting at least once in your life. We invite you to take a walk through this archipelago of volcanic origin … you will not regret it!
Madeira : Of woods, emperors and wines
Although we can think that the tourist activity began a few years ago, already in the 19th century several “famous” travelers arrived on the island to enjoy a stay of several weeks or months. The most important cases are those of Empress Sissi and Emperors Carlos I of Austria (who died in Madeira) and Maximilian I of Mexico.
The capital is Funchal and it is to the south of the largest island in the archipelago. The area was known to the Romans and later rediscovered (in the 15th century) by Portuguese navigators. The name, which in Spanish means “wood”, is due to the fact that we can find a humid forest in Macaronesia, declared a World Heritage Site.
The temperatures are pleasant and range between 17 and 26 ° C. This is due to its geographical position and the mountainous topography. In addition, the subtropical oceanic climate is influenced by the currents of the Gulf.
Are you one of those who love to go to a place for its gastronomy? Then Madeira is perfect for you. Among the main dishes we have tomato and onion soup, tuna with fried corn, fish soup and sour pork with garlic. Among the desserts we find honey and wheat cakes.
And if you also like to enjoy a good wine … this archipelago will enchant you! Four varieties are produced in the local vineyards: dry, semi dry, semi sweet and sweet. You can’t miss the tropical fruit liqueurs and honey either.
Madeira attractions
The island that gave birth to Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has many places waiting for you. Get to know the most interesting ones!
Funchal
The capital of the archipelago has a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere at the same time. It is a cosmopolitan city, the main center of commerce and a port of call for cruise ships. Its historical heritage is really bulky and allows you to enjoy not only the nightlife but also the beautiful views of the mountains.
Do not forget to visit the Mercado dos Lavradores where you can buy everything from handicrafts to fresh fish and flowers or fruits. You can also walk through the cathedral (Sé), which was built in 1485 in the Manueline style. Walking along the most important avenue you will find monuments, gardens, galleries and museums that will attract your attention.
Coast and mountains
As we have already told you, in Madeira nature abounds. Leaving Funchal you can enjoy a large number of landscapes : cliffs, bays, coves and of course the rugged mountains with misty peaks and their own microclimate.
Porto Santo
It is the other inhabited island of the Madeira archipelago. They are 43 kilometers from each other and Christopher Columbus lived in its capital, Vila Baleira. It was discovered in 1418 by orders of King Juan I of Portugal.
It has a mountainous northeast with cliffs and a flat southwest with coasts. It has an airport and a small port (Porto de Abrigo) to which ferries from Funchal arrive. The tourist sites are the Picos do Castelo and do Facho, the islet of Cal, the Fonte de Arena and the Ponta da Calheta.
Desertas Islands
There are 3 of them and they are called Ilhéu Chao, Bugio and Deserta Grande. Its climate is desert with many cliffs and large reptiles. They are home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals and have been a nature reserve since 1995. They are southwest of Funchal and are a sanctuary for seabirds. If you like the local fauna (attention that there are tarantulas and wild goats), you can take an excursion to these islands.
If you are planning to go to Madeira we recommend that you do it when its most important festivals are celebrated : Carnival parades, Flower Festival and Atlantic Festival.
