With settings that combine impressive works of nature, the Madeira Archipelago is a refuge located amidst the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Of volcanic origin, its privileged geographic position provides a year-round mild climate, perfect to enjoy what its islands have of best, like the mountainous landscapes, the sea with pleasant temperature and the attractions that invite their visitors to an unforgettable experience.
Considered the best island destination in the world, it is formed by a group of islands that belong to Portugal, the main and unique being the island of Madeira and Porto Santo, with a population of 270,000. Desertas and Selvagens are natural reserves uninhabited, but open for guided visits.
Madeira is the largest and main island of the archipelago. It has an impeccable hotel infrastructure, most of which are five-star enterprises, award-winning and attractive restaurants that are worth visiting. Its capital, Funchal, has cosmopolitan airs that blend with local history and culture. An example of this is the Old Town, which surprises with the best of nightlife among historic buildings and doors that are works of art. On board the cable car, tourists delight in the spectacular view of the ocean and the lush green hills during a 20-minute drive to Monte, the upper reaches of the city. The best way to return is with the traditional and fun basket car, a typical Madeiran transport that provides plenty of adrenaline in a descent of about ten minutes to Livramento, half the way to the center of the city.
Another attribute of the island is the stunning Laurissilva Forest. Recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, it is unique to Macaronesia and has large trees and dense subtropical vegetation, forming panoramas full of color and movement. Approximately two-thirds of the island is protected by the Natural Park of Madeira, created in 1982 and classified as Biogenetic Reserve, since it shelters unique flora and fauna.
This exuberant natural landscape is the ideal environment to be outdoors and enjoy the natural pools and belvederes, or practice radical activities such as canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking, paragliding and surfing. Whether on land, water or air, what is not lacking are options for all tastes, distributed in places like Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, Câmara de Lobos, among others. In addition, it is a must to walk through one of the numerous levadas, irrigation canals that reach 1,400 kilometers and which were built to bring large amounts of water from the north of the island to the south side.
The Madeiran gastronomy is a charm apart. Being an island destination, its base is seafood, such as limpets – a type of local mollusc – and fish, such as the Black Sword. Another delicious dish is the “Espetada”, barbecue of beef that is always accompanied by fried corn and Caco-cake with garlic butter. Do not forget to taste the poncha, a typical drink made with sugar cane, lemon and sugar.
The destination is also much sought after by wine lovers. Madeira’s award-winning drink is served as an aperitif or as a digestive and its delicious aromas have already won supporters around the world. It is a fortified wine with more than five centuries of existence, produced in the slopes and wineries of the Island of Madeira.
It is in the capital that you can also get to know the customs of Madeira. The typical embroidery is a centuries-old tradition of meticulous delicacy, used for home decor and clothing.
The island also features a vast list of cultural events that take place throughout the year. The main ones are the Carnival Festivities, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival, the Wine Festival, the Colombo Festival, the Nature Festival and the New Year’s Eve Party. This last one counts on the famous spectacle of fireworks, already classified like the “Greater Pyrotechnical Show of the World”.
You can not leave the area without knowing Porto Santo – the other inhabited island of the archipelago – accessible by plane or boat. The most common way is to use the ferry that leaves in the morning of Madeira Island and returns in the late afternoon. Its extensive golden beaches have earned it the nickname of the Golden Island, as they travel practically all its southern coast and join the turquoise blue sea. The climate is ideal for spending all day on the beach, relaxing and enjoying the view and the sand, which has proven therapeutic properties. The sea water of Porto Santo is also used in thalassotherapy treatments, due to the high amounts of strontium, chromium and iodine, elements beneficial to health. Vila Baleira is the only city and home to the Christopher Columbus House-Museum, which recreates the primitive environment where the famous discoverer of America lived.
Photos: Reproduction