Picture © Credits to istock/aldorado10
Picture © Credits to istock/aldorado10

Madeira


Madeira is one of Portugal’s Autonomous Regions located in the Atlantic. Madeira is an archipelago, comprised of small uninhabited islands, except for two, the larger main island of Madeira, and Porto Santo, a much smaller, beach filled island....

Madeira was discovered by portuguese explorers in the XV century and was promptly used as a colony and used for its fertile volcanic soil. Today it is one of Portugal’s most sought-after vacation destinies. It holds a vast number of wonderful attractions, from the rocky beaches located all around, to the hiking haven of its mountain ranges, to the vast greenery that offers great sights of its beautiful landscapes. Madeira has a subtropical climate and tends to stay warm almost all-year-round, perfect for discovering all its natural beauty all year round. For a more urban feel, Funchal is its capital, and the only real city around, but it boasts a fun and busy nightlife. To those interested in taking a swim in the warm waters bathing the island, Madeira has a great variety of beaches all around its coast, with rocky beaches like Ponta do Sol, curious black sandy ones like in Funchal and Seixal, and natural pools formed near the rocks like Porto Moniz and Ponta Gorda. In case the beaches in the island of Madeira are not enough, Porto Santo lives for its fantastic sandstrips too. For trips to the heart of the island of Madeira, none can beat the hike alongside the Levadas, the ancient water trails and irrigation channels that are still working today and that take you through beautiful routes through the island’s gorgeous green forests. The routes can be tight and slippery and they follow steep mountains, so with caution and preparation you are sure to get the most out of them. Another obligatory activity to try is the boat trip alongside the island, when you can spot the marine creatures on their transatlantic migrations like dolphins, whales, turtles and many more. Gastronomy is very relevant in the Islands, so be sure to try the local fish, the ‘bolo do caco’ delicacy, the tropical fruits, and drink the traditional poncha and wine.