Pushed by volcanic forces four miles from the seafloor and a mile into the warm trade winds of the North Atlantic Sea are the dramatic cliffs and spires of Madeira Island. A place of legend since Roman and Viking seafarers first gazed upon these cliffs; Madeira’s fertile slopes were eventually claimed by Portugal in 1419 and settled soon after.

1. A Beginners Guide To Madeira Island/ Portugal-
Travel Guide 2022
Pushed by volcanic forces four miles from the seafloor and a mile into the warm trade winds of the North Atlantic Sea are the
dramatic cliffs and spires of Madeira Island. A place of legend since Roman and Viking seafarers first gazed upon these cliffs;
Madeira’s fertile slopes were eventually claimed by Portugal in 1419 and settled soon after. The volcanic activity may have settled
down millennia ago but the island’s rich soil and spring climate mean Madeira explodes in lush vegetation all year round.

2. FUNCHAL: Funchal is Madeira’s capital city and was named after the wild fennel which once carpeted its hillside. Funchal is
situated on the island’s southern coast and with a population of just a hundred thousand; this is the island’s only true city.

3. THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF MADEIRA: Set high on a sunny slope over the city the Botanical Garden Of Madeira showcases
plants that thrive across the islands’ diverse biomes. The garden features rare species native to the island as well as a hundred
more brought here by green-thumbed sailors and settlers throughout the ages.

4. PALHEIRO GARDENS: Just two miles away at the Palmeiro Gardens stretch your legs along trails that wind through sweetly
scented woodlands and exquisite flower beds centuries in the making.

5. GARAJAU: You will find plenty of colossal views just a fifteen-minute drive east of Funchal too. At Garage follow the steady gaze
of the Sacred Heart Statue out to the sea and watch drivers far below enjoying the undersea gardens of the marine reserve. If
you feel like joining them ride the cable down to the clear water below.

6. REIS MAGOS BEACH: Just around the corner in Cantico Reis Mago’s Beach is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy a little
reflexology. You will find plenty of places to cool off in neighbouring Santa Cruz too.

7. FORT SAO FERNANDO: Follow the promenade beneath the battlements of Fort Sao Fernando, past palm trees and pastry shops,
and into the whitewashed embrace of Old town. Madeira’s modern ring road and tunnel system string together coastal towns
and beaches each one a little different from the last.

8. PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO: Treat yourself to a blast of pure Atlantic air at Ponta De Sao Lourenco, the island’s easternmost point.
Follow the path along this narrow peninsula which drips like a dragon tail into the sea, only to resurface again in the far-off

9. PICO DE ARIEIRO: Once you have explored the coastline head to the mountains where the landscape becomes even more
extreme. Less than an hour’s drive from Funchal is Pico De Arieiro-Madeira’s third highest peak. Even at this harsh altitude where
the view stretches forever vegetation finds a home amid the nooks and crannies. Nothing is ever too late!! Neither your desire
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