Madeira Islands Vacations, Portugal

Madeira is an archipelago of Portugal in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and it offers one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. As well as Azores, the archipelago is an autonomous region, with his own administration located in Funchal.

The Funchal Municipality has an area of 71,1 km2 and it includes 10 civil parishes: Imaculado Coração de Maria, Monte, Santo António, São Gonçalo, Santa Luzia, São Martinho, Santa Maria Maior, São Pedro, São Roque, Sé.

The archipelago is formed by two inhabited islands (Madeira and Porto Santo), and by two groups of small uninhabited islands (Desertas and Selvagens). It has 10 municipalities: Calheta, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Machico, Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz, Porto Santo, Ribeira Brava, Santana, Santa Cruz and São Vicente.

The islands are volcanic. The highest peaks of the region are, in Madeira Island, the Pico Ruivo da Santana (1861 m), and in Porto Santo, the Pico do Facho (517m). Due to their volcanic origin all the islands have deep ravines and rugged mountains. In the Madeira Island the beaches has no sand. The narrow coastlines are made by a black rugged material.

The growing rate of the population is high, and the socio-economic structure of the archipelago doesn't allow the use of all the workmanship of the region. For this reason there's a lot of migration to the mainland and foreign countries. In the same way the rural population, seeking for better socio-economic conditions, leave the countryside and go to Funchal.

Despite the irregular terrain, part of the soil is cultivated at the coast of enormous effort of the population. The cultivated area is about 30% of the surface of the main island (Madeira). This was achieved with the construction of terraces and irrigation channels. From the remaining surface 40% is covered with vegetation.

The most important products from the agricultural production, in the economy of Madeira are sugar cane, banana productions, cereals and wine. The wine is known all over the world. The cattle creation is an important part of the economy of the small farmers. The fishing is another activity that can be found in different locations across the coastline.

For the tourists visiting Madeira, you can find there magnificent scenery of beauty. There are big mountains, green and flowery valleys, the sight of the sea and the cliffs along the coastline, the white sand beaches in Porto Santo. The tourism is one of the main economic activity of the islands.

The archipelago has a pleasant climate all year round, the air temperature rarely falling below 16°C in winter or rising above 22°C in summer. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream the water temperature varies between 17° and 21°C. The prevailing winds are north-easterly and all the ports and anchorages are sheltered from this direction. Only the more variable winds of winter can cause problems, otherwise it can be visited all year round.

About the Author:

For more information about Madeira try visiting www.portugalturistic.com

where you will find information on a variety of subjects relating to the region.

Things To Do and See in Madeira

Marcado dos Lavradores

(Workers' Market), Funchal, Madeira
This open market is a hive of activity, noise, color and high-energy,

where you can buy any of Madeira's specialties from fresh fish and

vegetables to exotic flowers and local crafts. Purchase tropical fruits,

vegetables and spices on the upper floor; fish and meat are for sale

on the lower floor.
Attraction type: Flea/street market; Mall

Quinta das Cruzes

(Manor Estate of the Crosses Museum), Funchal, Madeira
This "Manor Estate of the Crosses" museum is considered one

of the most prestigious and well-kept museums of Madeira,

which houses a splendid collection of silver, filigree and antiques that

were part of a private collection of John Wetzler,

a Czech citizen who lived on Madeira.
Attraction type: Art museum

Botanical Gardens Madeira, Funchal, Madeira
A visit to the Botanical gardens provides visitors with the names

and origins of the splendid variety of exotic flowers, vegetables,

herbs and other useful plants found on Madeira.
Attraction type: Garden

Blandy's Wine Lodge, Funchal, Madeira
Blandy's Wine Lodge Right in the centre of the city, huge doors

lead into a fragrant courtyard.
Attraction type: Historic site; Winery

Monte Palace, Madeira
At Monte, a fashionable hill town in Madeira, are the magnificent

gardens that surround the chateau-like Monte Palace.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest; Historic site

Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, Funchal, Madeira
Garden enthusiasts should look no further than this superb estate,

owned by the prominent Blandy family, and the surrounding Blandy's Garden,

which is one of the most beautiful parks on Madeira.
Attraction type: Garden

Sacred Art Museum

(Museu de Arte Sacra), Funchal, Madeira
Housed in a former bishop's palace, this museum houses an extensive

collection of masterpieces by Flemish artists from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Attraction type: Art museum

Cathedral Se, Funchal, Madeira
A visit to Portugal's magnificent cathedral, dating from the 1400s,

is a must-see during a tour of Funchal.
Attraction type: Religious site

Levada, Funchal, Madeira
Attraction type: Hiking trail

Santo da Serra Golf, Machico, Madeira
Home to the Madeiran Open.
Attraction type: Golf course

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