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 Madeira: the tropical exuberance of the Atlantic Ocean. Come and sample this feast of breathtaking sheer cliffs overlooking the sea
Let yourself succumb to the charms of Madeira.
It is not difficult. First, there`s the island`s exceptional climate, with its mild temperatures all year round (between 16ºC and 25ºC) and its exuberant natural features and tropical vegetation, in which flowers and fruit have been turned into a genuine cult. Then there`s its rich historical heritage and luxury hotels - attractions enough to satisfy even the most demanding of tourists.
First discovered by the Portuguese navigator João Gonçalves Zarco, this beautiful island, 700 km from Casablanca and 900 km from Lisbon, soon became a major port of call for the caravels ploughing the waves on their way to the distant lands of the Far East.
Come and sample this feast of breathtaking beauty: sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, natural swimming-pools carved out of the rocks, high mountains swathed in mist, narrow footpaths running alongside the `levadas´ or irrigation channels, offering the visitor the possibility of countryside walks in the midst of the most extraordinary landscape.
As soon as you arrive in Funchal, the island`s capital, you will probably find yourself bumping into all kinds of famous people, for this is traditionally one of their favourite spots for a relaxing holiday. Overlooking a wide and sheltered bay, the city successfully blends together its special vocation as a tourist resort and its ability to provide all kinds of cultural events that testify to its history, amongst which one of the special highlights is its colourful festivals.
You will also certainly enjoy the traditional embroidery and basketwork, revealing the great talent and skilled hands of the island`s inhabitants, who have produced some truly genuine works of art. Not forgetting the famous fortified `Madeira´ wine, which for more than four hundred years has spread the name and flavour of the island all round the world.
It is well worth taking the time to extend your visit a little further to the north east so that you can discover the island of Porto Santo, roughly 40 km away. Although this is much flatter than its `mother-island´, there is a wonderfully extensive beach waiting for you here, with sands that are famous for their great therapeutic properties. At Vila Baleira, the island`s picturesque capital, you must make sure to visit the house where Christopher Columbus once lived.
Cmara de Lobos:
The fishing port, with its colourful boats, is one of the sights which Winston Churchill had from his terrace when he dedicated himself to painting back in the 1950?s. Most important monuments: mother-church of São Sebastião (16th century), Nossa Senhora do Calhau Chapel (15th century) and São Bernardino Convento (15th, 18th and 19th centuries). In the suburbs, Cabo Girão and Estreito de Cmara dos Lobos, Madeira wine production centre.
Curral das Freiras:
Situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, this village, in the island?s deepest valley, has kept its Santa Clara Convent (16th century), where nuns used to hide from the pirates who regularly pillaged Madeira.
Funchal:
The island?s capital, with manors and gardens that descend into the ocean, evokes a natural Nativity scene. Numerous examples of religious architecture: the Cathedral (15th century), with its Manueline pulpit; the churches of Carmo (17th century); Santa Maria Maior (Baroque façade, 16th-17th centuries), São Paulo (15th century), São Pedro, with its beautiful tiles (16th, 18th and 19th centuries), São Roque (18th century), Colégio, with its tiles and Baroque gilded carvings (17th century), Monte (18th century); Santa Clara Convent (15th century, and its 18th century tiles), Recolhimento do Bom Jesus (17th century). One may also visit the chapels of Santa Catarina (15th-17th-centuries), Corpo Santo (15th-17th-centuries) and Consolação (16th-19th-centuries). Special reference to the following civic architecture buildings: Paços do Concelho (18th-century), Customs? Building, Palace-Fortress of São Lourenço (16th-century) and he forts of Pico and São Tiago (17th-18th-centuries). Most importante museums: Sacred Art (Flemish and Portuguese 16th-century art, gold objects and collection of statues), Quinta das Cruzes (furniture and decorative arts), Vicentes Photographia Museum (19th-century photo studio), and Frederico Freitas (dwelling-museum). You can also visit gardens (particulary the Botanical Gardens) and farms (where one can even take a tour on a typical bull cart).
Machico:
In this seaside historic town, visit the mother-church (15th century, beautiful paintings and tile works); the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, São Roque fountain and the forts of Nossa Senhora do Amparo and São João Baptista (17th century).
Terreiro da Luta:
Next to the Monte Church, this belvedere, which overlooks Funchal, is also the departure point to an unforgettable experience: a ?toboggan? ride in a wheelless vehicle, expertly driven by two men down the steep slope to the capital.
Porto Moniz:
On the coast and famous for its natural pools in volcanic reefs. If you continue on to São Vicente, you will be dazzled by the beauty of the road along the ocean, driving along abysses, tunnels and waterfalls.
Santana:
Typical houses, Santana.
Picturesque village where you will find enchanting cottages with pointed thatched roofs. Walking trips up to Cova da Roda, Queimadas and Pico Ruivo (Madeira?s highest point, with 1861 m, offering breathtaking views).
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST IN MADEIRA
Cabo Girão, Calheta, Camacha (handicrafts), Pico do Areeiro, Paul da Serra (with 25 waterfalls, the highest being approximately 100 m high), Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz, Santo António da Serra (golf), São Jorge and São Vicente.
ILHA DE PORTO SANTO
With its 9 km of white sandy beaches, the centre of this paradise-like island is Vila Baleeira. Worthwhile visiting: Christopher Columbus? house (15th century), mother-church (15th century), São José Fort (18th century). Other points of interest: Ponta da Calheta, Pico da Atalaia, Pico do Castelo and Pico do Facho.
REGIONAL GASTRONOMY
Sword-fish and seafood
Espetadas (meat on laurel spits)
Tuna fish steaks
Fried corn
Honey cake
Madeira wines: verdelho, malmsey, and others
Liqueurs
FESTIVITIES
Flower Festival Funchal, April
São Pedro Festivities Ribeira Brava, June
Music Festival Funchal, June
Nossa Senhora do Monte Festivities Terreiro da Luta, August
São Silvestre Festivities Funchal, 31st December
HANDICRAFTS
Embroideries and tapestries
Wicker and broom works (baskets and furniture)
Red-rimmed leather boots |
