Madeira
Madeira
Europe's Tropical Paradise
Welcome to Madeira, Portugal – a beautiful and enchanting island located in the Atlantic Ocean!
Madeira is known for its stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
With a happy, laid-back atmosphere and plenty of exciting activities to enjoy, it's no wonder that Madeira is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists looking for a tropical paradise.
Today, Madeira is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, stunning beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
Once you arrive, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can explore the island's many hiking trails, visit its museums and art galleries, or simply relax on one of its many beautiful beaches.
Madeira is also home to several charming towns and villages, such as Funchal, the island's capital, which is known for its historic architecture and vibrant nightlife.
So, let's dive into some fun facts and background about this incredible destination!
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, located off the coast of Africa. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.
The archipelago is made up of two main islands - Madeira and Porto Santo - as well as several smaller islands.
It was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1419, and since then, they have been a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and adventure.
First, let's delve into the history of Madeira. Discovered by the Portuguese in early 15th century, the island was initially used as a base for explorers and traders heading to Africa and the Americas. However, it wasn't long before settlers began to take advantage of Madeira's fertile soil, which was perfect for growing sugarcane. This led to the development of an extensive sugar industry, which brought great wealth to the island and led to the construction of many traditional, beautiful buildings and monuments.
One of the most unique aspects of Madeira is its geography. The island is incredibly mountainous, with steep cliffs, lush valleys, and rugged coastlines. The island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, rises to a height of 1,862m, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Madeira is also home to some of the world's most beautiful gardens, including the Botanical Garden of Madeira and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
But that's not all – Madeira is also famous for its levadas, which are narrow channels that carry water from the mountains to the fields and orchards below. These levadas run for over 2,000km throughout the island, and walking along them is a popular activity for tourists. The walks can range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, but all of them offer breathtaking views of the island's natural beauty.
Let's get to the GOOD part, shall we?
It’s no secret that the Portuguese culture is so associated with food that every celebration means an opportunity to celebrate life with eating, drinking and being merry.
When it comes to food, Madeira is a paradise for seafood lovers. The island's location in the middle of the Atlantic means that fresh fish and shellfish are always on the menu. Some of the most popular dishes include espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana), lapas (limpets), and bolo do caco (a type of bread). Madeira is also famous for its wine, which is made from a grape variety unique to the island.
In short, Madeira is a true gem of Portugal – a destination that offers stunning views, delicious food, and endless opportunities for adventure. So come and experience the magic of this beautiful island for yourself – you won't be disappointed!
Below you can find a super helpful article compilation that will tell you everything you need to know about Madeira (what to visit, where to eat, what to enjoy!)
Come Discover Madeira with us!
Porto Awards
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Portugal Awards 2020 (27 awards)
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