The island of Madeira
Madeira, the Garden Island
Madeira is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, and while some might think that it is actually just one island, the title of Madeira is meant for an entire archipelago which features only two populated islands, the largest.
Madeira
Scenery, exotic flowers and crystal waters all around
Madeira – The garden island
The actual island of Madeira, is also known as the Garden Island thanks to its plethora of flowers which are in bloom pretty much all year round thanks to the mild climate, however that is just one of the reasons for why people enjoy spending their vacation time here, Madeira isn’t just for ladies who love flowers.
The islands of the Madeira archipelago are blessed with great seascapes which are coupled with a rich marine wildlife and you can enjoy both of these features the best if you go on a boat-trip or fishing trip around the archipelago, you can find many places that offer half or full-day excursions through Madeira’s bays as well as the Nature Reserve of the Desertas Islands.
The Desertas Islands are two groups of unpopulated islands which are part of the Madeira archipelago, they are called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands.
This is definitely a great place for those who adore splendid sceneries, Madeira is known both for its sub-tropical flora and fauna as well as its touches of colonial charm. A great way of experiencing the interior of the island is simply to walk around it because the levadas or irrigation channels that criss cross the island also form a very expansive network of trails which are just great to attack on foot in order to explore the wonderful volcanic landscapes. This is actually one of the main activities that you can engage in while in Madeira that doesn’t imply any sort of water-based activity.
Madeira
The eastern part of Madeira is also a nature reserve which offers great panoramic views of the Atlantic as well as the islands’ spectacular rock creations created by volcanic activity. Some other of the activities that you can enjoy while in Madeira are sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, horse riding, and as it is more or less traditional for Portugal, golf.
However you cannot visit Madeira and not visit the historic Botanical Gardens that are set above Funchal. Despite the fact that the views from this place, of the city and the surroundings are great, the real attraction is the plethora of exotic plant life.
If you are planning on going there for the first time, you should probably spend a few days in Funchal, Madeira’s capital, this will be rather easy to do since this is where your plane will touch down. Funchal is a great destination all year-round because the summers are never too hot here and the winters are mild, not to mention the fact that the “old city” or center of the city is a wonderful place just to wander around exploring its narrow streets, shops and establishments. You could actually spend your entire holiday in Funchal and never grow bored, or hungry.
This has been just a quick overview of what Madeira has to offer its visitors, but it is rather clear that it can satisfy pretty much any type of vacationer out there.
Madeira Related Link List
- Car Hire Madeira
- Low cost and quality car hire services in Madeira.
- Funchal Airport Transfers
- Low rates for Funchal Airport Transfers to anywhere in Madeira.
- Madeira Car Hire, Portugal
- Low rates and quality services for Algarve car rental services.
