Madeira is the most beautiful and unusual place. All the most interesting things in one magazine

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Nature has given Madeira a wealth that has earned it the love of tourists from all over the world. The Portuguese island, part of which is declared a protected area, enjoys excellent weather all year round. Therefore, in any season you can come here, tired of ordinary European routes, for unity with nature or a gastronomic adventure - and Madeira will not disappoint anyone.

Madeira Climate

Madeira is an island where summer lasts almost all year round. Madeira has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Moreover, this climate is considered one of the mildest in the world: the difference between daytime temperatures in summer and winter does not exceed 8 °C. The rainfall season is November-February, and rain is rare in summer. It is noteworthy that summer in Madeira passes without sweltering heat. The average temperature is +26 °C, the ocean warms up to +23 °C. The best time for swimming is June-September. The coolest month is January - the air is heated to +17 °C.

Madeira Map

Holidays in Madeira

The island cannot be called an ideal place for a beach holiday. Its shores are mostly rocky or covered with volcanic sand, but this does not frighten tourists, who are attracted to Madeira by its wild beauty. In some areas of the coast there is imported yellow sand, in particular on the beach Machico. Also on the island of Madeira there is a natural sandy beach Prainha. A distinctive feature is that there are no ocean waves here.

While fans of paradise beaches are skeptical about Madeira, lovers of natural beauty consider the island one of the ideal places for a relaxing holiday. People come to Madeira for relaxation - both against the backdrop of nature and in excellent thalassotherapy centers. Also, the nature of Madeira is conducive to active recreation. This is a paradise for lovers of trekking, horse riding, fishing and windsurfing.

Sights of Madeira

One of the striking attractions of the island is the Monte Palace, built in the 18th century. Already in the 19th century, the residence was converted into a hotel, becoming the most prestigious holiday destination in Madeira. It was here that famous personalities came to enjoy solitude. The palace has remained unchanged and today operates as a museum. Two floors are reserved for a collection of sculptures, and the third contains an interesting collection of minerals from different continents. The palace is famous for its observation deck. It offers views of the Atlantic and the city of Funchal. The main pride of the palace is its luxurious Tropical Garden, which has grown significantly since its foundation. Today trees and flowers from the Canary Islands, Belgium, and New Zealand grow here. The garden is decorated with artificial lakes and all kinds of sculptures.

In Funchal, it is worth visiting the 16th-century Cathedral, which has survived unchanged. The Gothic structure has a high ceiling and is decorated with carvings and figures of saints inside. One of the main relics of the cathedral is a large silver cross, intended for religious processions.

But the main attractions of the island are of natural origin. Almost 60% of Madeira is a protected area with many beautiful places. One of these is Piku Ruivo. This is the highest point of the archipelago and the island of Madeira, which can be reached on foot along specially equipped trails. Along the way you can meet representatives of the animal world, and at the top you can admire the views of the island. You should definitely see another natural attraction - Bridal Veil Falls. It is unique because it originates from a sheer cliff and falls into the ocean. If you look closely, you can see an old road nearby - one day it collapsed under the onslaught of the elements.

Waterfall “Bridal Veil”. Photo: tourister.ru

Shopping in Madeira

A pleasant component of a holiday in Madeira is shopping. First of all, a souvenir. Tourists willingly buy “edible” souvenirs on the island, including wine. This drink is cheap and of high quality here - the price per bottle starts from 2 euros. Volcanic soils provide Madeira with many varieties of grapes, from which the famous Madeira wines of different types are produced. It is also worth paying attention to homemade liqueurs and locally produced coffee. Local olive oil is in no way inferior to its analogues. It costs less than in Italy or Spain, and is sold in tin cans that are easy to transport.

You can take home products made from cork as original gifts. In Madeira, it is used to make bags, jewelry, cards and umbrellas. Leather products are of high quality. In Madeira it is worth buying summer shoes or a bag. Also, the island and Portugal in general are famous for ceramic products. They sell beautiful and inexpensive plates and teapots here. Especially good are those decorated with traditional patterns.

As for shopping for those who want to update their wardrobe, Forum Madeira operates in Funchal. This shopping center features boutiques of well-known brands Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Calzedonia, H&M, Oysho, as well as dozens of shops of Portuguese brands. At Forum Madeira you can buy cosmetics, travel accessories, souvenirs, sweets and jewelry.

Madeira Restaurants

A special pleasure for tourists is getting to know Madeira cuisine. It is characterized by both common Portuguese and authentic dishes prepared from environmentally friendly products. First of all, Madeira is an island with an abundance of fish. Therefore, any restaurant will offer a wide selection of seafood. Unlike more popular tourist destinations, the island has reasonable food prices - both in large cities and in remote villages.

Funchal is worth a visit Med Restaurant, which recreates the atmosphere of Mediterranean countries - Portugal, Greece, Morocco, Spain. The menu includes sea bass medallions, traditional sauces, several types of wine, light Mediterranean salads, and vegetarian dishes.

A gem among Funchal restaurants - A Malga. They cook here from simple ingredients, but they do it with high quality and offer it to customers at a reasonable price. A Malga specializes in tapas dishes and offers the opportunity to taste the best wines of Madeira.

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- an archipelago lying 520 km from the coast of Africa and 1000 km from Portugal, of which it is an autonomous region. In the past, the largest producer of sugar cane, who switched to the production of the famous fortified wine, in our time Madeira has become an attractive tourist destination for beach and educational holidays for travelers from all over the world. Mild climate, evergreen forests, sandy beaches, mountain slopes, steep coastlines - Madeira has everything to become an ideal holiday destination. The archipelago has one disadvantage - its remoteness from densely populated continents, but many tourists consider this disadvantage an advantage.

Video: Madeira

Geographical location and nature

The islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal. The archipelago includes the largest island of Madeira, which is significantly smaller in size than Porto Santo with adjacent small islands, and the Ilhas Desertas archipelago. The uninhabited islands of Selvagens are administratively classified as autonomous, but they are a separate archipelago. Madeira is of volcanic origin, the main island is the peak of a volcano protruding from the water, which last erupted more than 6 thousand years ago.

Climate

The climate of the archipelago is very mild, Mediterranean, the temperature difference between winter and summer is minimal, precipitation falls mainly in the autumn-winter period. The Gulf Stream and the cold Canary Current pass near the islands, which become moderately warm in this area. As a result, there is no severe heat in Madeira; the water temperature stays within +18...+22 °C. It is rainy on the northern coast of the main island, dry on the southern coast. Peaks in visitation to the islands occur in March-April and July-August.

Madeira Island

The island is a trapezoid with a maximum size of 57 by 27 km. The average altitude of Madeira is 1300 m above sea level. The largest peak, Pico Ruivo, with a height of 1862 m, is famous as an excellent observation deck. Any physically fit tourist can climb it, but doing this in cloudy weather and fog is not recommended. The peak is located above the cloud line, and if visibility is poor, you can miss the occasional fence and fall down. There are two ways to get to the top. An easier way is to get to the village of Azhada do Teixeira and cover the 45-minute route on foot. A more picturesque option is to park at the site at the neighboring Pico do Arieiro with a height of 1818 m, have lunch at a local restaurant, look at the souvenir shop and go to conquer Pico Ruivo. Part of the journey will take place in a tunnel, so sportswear, comfortable shoes and a flashlight are required.

The mountainous island was once completely covered with evergreen forests, but now, due to the rapid development of agriculture, only 20% of them remain. Madeira's unique remaining laurel forests, or laurasilva, have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. In the marine reserve of Garajau, in the suburbs of the autonomous capital of Funchal, you can observe various species of dolphins, pilot whales, Bryde's whales, sei whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and beaked whales that come close to the shores. 15 km from Funchal there is an unusual natural site - the highest cape in Europe, Cabo Girao, reaching a height of 580 meters.

Another, this time natural-man-made attraction of the island of Madeira is the levada grooves. Due to the climate, the southern part of the island needed additional irrigation for agriculture, so narrow canals were dug here from the northern, rainier part. Paths were built along them - the favorite routes of tourists. The first levadas appeared in Madeira in the 16th century, the last - 70 years ago. Their total length is 2000 km. One of the most accessible routes is the 7-kilometer Mimosa Levada, so named because of the plants blooming along its edges. More difficult directions can be dangerous due to the narrowness of the path and the steepness of the cliff.

Porto Santo Island

The island is located 43 km northeast of Madeira and is 17 times smaller in area. Only 9 km of the coastline in the southwest are occupied by white sand beaches, the rest are bare rocks plunging into the sea. The climate on the entire island is dry; there is a chance of rain only in winter. The mountainous part of Porto Santo consists of peaks about 0.5 km high, with 100-200-meter hills concentrated in the southwest. The first settlers recklessly brought rabbits to the island, and since then almost nothing has remained of its green cover.

Sandy beaches of Porto Santo island

Ilhas Desertas Islands

The archipelago is located between Madeira and the Canary Islands, 25 km from the eastern coast of the main island. It consists of three high and narrow rocky islands. Ilyash-Dezertash is a nature reserve home to various species of birds, rabbits, the endemic wolf spider, goats and rodents; special permission is required to visit it. Fresh water is only available on the Big Island, where monk seals have set up a rookery.

History of Madeira

In antiquity, the existence of the remote Blessed Islands was already known. They appeared on geographical maps in 1339. The Portuguese settled the islands during the time of Enrique the Navigator, when Portugal was the leading maritime power. The pioneer was João Gonçalves Zarco, the commander of a ship washed ashore in Madeira after a storm in 1419. The island of Porto Santo was also annexed to Portugal, and within a year settlers appeared here.

The enterprising Portuguese took up agriculture in Madeira: they built irrigation canals and cut down some of the forests. Soon they grew wheat not only for their own needs, but also supplied it to the metropolis. Sugar cane turned out to be more profitable - exotic for Europe and therefore especially valuable. Madeira's monopoly on this market lasted until the 18th century, when Latin American supplies of sugar brought down the price. Then the islanders changed their specialization and began producing fortified Madeira wine, and they still have no competitors in this area.

The main events of European history took place away from Madeira. During the Napoleonic Wars, mainland Portugal was captured by France, and Madeira, on the contrary, was occupied by Britain, which returned the islands back after the war. The dynastic wars of the first half of the 19th century for the Portuguese crown ended with government troops being sent to the islands, but otherwise the archipelago developed peacefully as a leading European resort, along with the Mediterranean coast of France.

Man-made sights of Madeira

The main architectural attractions of the main island are concentrated on its southern coast, in Funchal, the administrative center of the autonomy. The name of this flower-filled monument of urban architecture with straight sunny avenues and lush park areas is botanical: it is translated from Portuguese as “fennel plantation,” a popular spice. There is also a real botanical garden here; you can get to it to admire exotic plants and views of the sea and mountains by cable car from the city center.

The first fortifications appeared in Funchal in 1424, almost immediately after a forced stop on the island of João Gonçalves Zarco. He also became the owner of half of Madeira and the fortress in which he lived with his family. In Funchal, a monument was erected to the navigator - and quite rightly, because a more successful place for the capital cannot be found: the city is reliably protected from the land by an amphitheater of hills; it is a convenient port, popular with both travelers and traders.

Monuments of Catholic architecture have been preserved in Funchal. The floors and walls of the 15th-century monastery of St. Clare are decorated with unique ceramics that appeared here two centuries later. The 15th-century Funchal Cathedral, designed in Gothic style, is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. A silver processional cross from the 15th century is kept inside the temple. Next to the elegant building made of white and dark bricks stands a monument to Pope John Paul II.

Museums of Madeira

The main museums of the island of Madeira are connected to the capital. The 16th-century fortress-palace of San Lorenzo houses the Army Museum and the governor's residence. One of the most revered new museums is CR7. The trophies of Cristiano Ronaldo, a local icon, are collected here. CR7 was founded by the footballer himself in 2013. The exhibition: photographs of stars, medals, cups - is located in two halls with a wax figure of a player preparing for the decisive blow. Fans can take a photo with their virtual idol. Entrance to the museum costs 5 euros; in the souvenir shop you can buy mugs, soft toys, stationery and balls with the symbols of the football player.

The Bishop's Palace houses the Museum of Sacred Art with a collection of sculptures, paintings, and jewelry from the 15th to 19th centuries. During the heyday of the sugar cane trade, Madeira could afford expensive purchases - valuable Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 15th-16th centuries date back to this period. Access to the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, ticket price is 5 euros.

The fairytale Monte Palace, surrounded by a garden with sculptures, terracotta panels, peacocks, swans and ducks, was built at the end of the 19th century. Inside the palace there is a museum with a collection of minerals on the first floor and modern Zimbabwean sculptures on the second. The garden is open from 9:30 to 18:00, the palace from 10:00 to 16:30. Ticket price is 12.5 euros, admission for children under 15 years of age is free.

On the northern coast of the island of Madeira are the caves of Sao Vicente and the volcanic museum. A total of 150 m of lava tunnels are open to the public; in fact, there are many more underground passages. The cave halls visually depict the island's volcanic history, taking visitors on a virtual journey to the center of the Earth. A ticket to the depths costs 6-8 euros.

Museums of Porto Santo

The first head of the island of Porto Santo was a native of Italy, Bartolomeu Perestrella. It was on his orders that the ill-fated rabbits came to the island, but he is famous not only for this. Christopher Columbus, who often stayed on the islands, married his daughter. The navigator's house on Porto Santo has survived to this day - it is now a museum. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 17:30, with a break from 12:30 to 14:00, on Sunday from 10 to 13. The entrance ticket costs 1-2 euros.

Madeira Holidays

The atmosphere of year-round summer is conducive to festivities, and the people of Madeira really celebrate all dates on a grand scale. During the New Year's Eve, the fireworks line stretches for several kilometers. On July 1st, the Madeira Day celebration takes place, commemorating the 1976 event when this part of Portugal gained autonomy. Although the holiday is officially recognized only in Madeira, Portuguese living in other countries do not forget to have fun on this day. A Columbus festival is organized in Porto Santo in September: a medieval fair is held in Vila Baleira, and after that Columbus and his crew enter the bay on the Santa Maria caravel. May 23-24 is the day of Saint Joan, patron saint of the island of Porto Santo.

Active holidays in Madeira

Local surfers fell in love with the coastal waters of Madeira Island back in the 70s, and foreigners followed 20 years later. Connoisseurs recommend the coast of Paul do Mar with the best tunnel waves up to 8 m high. For beginners, the coast of São Vicente is optimal; a surfing school is also open here. There are golf courses near the capital, and the same conditions can be found near the beach shores of Porto Santo. Tourists on the small island also have tennis courts and stables.

Surfing in Madeira

Food in Madeira

Due to its remote geographical location, Madeira cuisine, based generally on Portuguese traditions, has acquired specific features. Numerous cafes and restaurants on the islands serve fish dishes with dense meat - saber, marlin, tuna, often with a side dish of bananas. Bacalhau, a dish of dried and salted fish, is popular in Madeira as it is in Portugal. The local version of kebab is espetada beef, rubbed with salt and garlic and roasted over a fire on bay branches. The meat is first marinated in Madeira, wine vinegar and olive oil, and served with a flat flatbread called boco do cacoo. Asorda, a bread soup with garlic and herbs, and feijoada, beans with pork and cassava flour, have an unusual taste.

A local feature is the abundance of recipes with black molasses obtained from processing sugar cane, for example bolu di mel - Christmas cake. Of the drinks, Madeira certainly deserves attention, which, contrary to European ideas, can be both sweet and dry. Interesting beer, which has been produced in Madeira since 1872, poncha - a drink based on alcohol, sugar, lemon, honey and fruit additives, coffee from local plantations.

Security questions

In terms of the personal safety of tourists in Madeira, everything is calm, but there are also epidemiological nuances here. Local mosquitoes carry dengue fever, which in its hemorrhagic form is fatal to humans. Europeans, fortunately, are not susceptible to the latter option, but the usual fever, reminiscent of a severe flu, is also not very pleasant. The last epidemic on the island was recorded in 2012. Another danger of the islands is the instant spread of fires. In 2010, fire destroyed 95% of Funchal's Ecological Park. At the slightest danger, people are evacuated, so tourists need to be vigilant and respond to warnings.

Transport in Madeira

The roads in Madeira are of excellent quality; almost any point of significance for tourists can be reached by bus. In Funchal, in addition, there is a gondola lift, built to replace the old mountain railway. Its lower station is located in a park in the city center, and its upper station is in the Monte district. The length of the cable car is 3.7 km, the height difference is 560 m, the journey takes 15 minutes. There are 39 cabins with a capacity of 8 people moving along the route, the fare is about 10 euros one way. Having gone up the mountain in a gondola, you can go down in a more exotic way. For 25 euros, two people in uniform and straw hats will give guests a ride in a toboggan - a basket mounted on runners. The two-kilometer descent through the ancient streets evokes many strong sensations.

Where to stay

July-August is the peak season in Madeira, so hotel rooms must be booked in advance. On the big island you can find inexpensive options starting from 2,000 rubles per day. Popular more expensive hotels include the Savoy Calheta Beach, 25 km from Funchal, with a swimming pool, gym and sandy beach, or the Royal Savoy in the city center, on the seafront.

There are fewer offers in Porto Santo, the cost of living is on average higher, a decent room will cost from 5,000 rubles per night in season, in modest hostels like Colonia de Ferias you can stay for 2.5-3 thousand rubles. Some of the small island's best hotels include the 5-star Quinta do Lorde Resort and the secluded 4-star Quinta do Serrado, ideal for a romantic getaway.

How to get to Madeira

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is located in Funchal. It serves 30 European routes, and Lisbon is a 1.5 hour flight from here. From the airport to the capital you can take a bus for 5 euros. Atlantic cruise ships call at the port of Funchal. Porto Santo also has an international airport that accepts flights from Porto and Lisbon and charters from Western and Southern Europe. There is a ferry between Porto Santo and Madeira once a day, but it is much more convenient to use aviation services and fly to the place in just 15 minutes.

Plane lands on Maideira

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The capital and largest city of Madeira, recognized as one of the safest in - The crime rate here tends to zero. We recommend starting your acquaintance with it with a walk through the Sao Tiago fortress (locals call it the “yellow fort”), built in 1614 to protect against pirate raids. Today there is a museum of modern art here, which you can visit for €1-1.5. We recommend having lunch at the Do Forte restaurant located on the territory of the fortress, which is one of the best in the city. Prices are above average, but this is justified by the taste of the dishes, the level of service and the view from the terrace.

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Don't forget to check out the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the oldest church on the island, whose ceiling is decorated with mosaics and the walls are decorated with paintings by Flemish artists. It is also worth including the wine museum, the gardens of Quinta do Palheiro and the colorful Municipal Market in the Old Town, where you can buy fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and handicrafts. The Madeira Casino, located at the Pestana Casino Park Resort (Rùa Imperatriz D Amelia), awaits gamblers.

Monte

Suburb , located on a hill. From the center of the capital you can get here by funicular; a ticket costs €5.5-11 one way or €8-16 round trip (for children under 6 years of age the ride is free).

At the top, in addition to the most beautiful views of Funchal and the surrounding area, several interesting attractions await you:

• Church of the Virgin Mary, where the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary is buried. There is an observation deck on the roof of the temple, where it is best to go up in the late afternoon (in the morning the sun hits your eyes and interferes with photography);
• the tropical garden of the Monte Palace, laid out on a hillside. The area is large and you will have to walk a lot, so choose comfortable shoes. Tickets cost €12.5, children under 15 years old have free admission.

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The most interesting feature of Monte is riding a traditional wicker sleigh down the mountain. As you understand, there is no snow in Madeira, so the route, about two kilometers long, is paved. Fortunately, the coating was polished so much that the speed develops decently. The pleasure costs about €35 per person.

Machico

From here the development of Madeira began - in 1419, Portuguese sailors Gonçalves Zarco and Trishtan Vaz Teixeira landed here. Then, until 1496, Machico was the capital of the island.

The slopes of the surrounding mountains are dotted with so-called levadas - man-made canals in which rainwater is collected, which is then used for technical needs. You can climb along them to the top to admire the surroundings (there are routes of varying difficulty, some of which can only be completed in the company of an experienced guide). Those interested in military architecture will be interested in visiting the Fort of Nossa Senhora do Amparo (18th century ). For lovers of hiking and picturesque landscapes, we recommend checking out the nearby nature reserve on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. You have to walk 4 kilometers one way, but the views and the opportunity to see rare birds and monk seals up close make up for this slight inconvenience.

And here is the only sandy beach in Madeira, for which sand was brought from Morocco. If you are planning to visit the island with children, this resort is the best choice for a comfortable stay.

Selvagens National Forest

Located 280 kilometers south of Madeira, it includes three uninhabited islands: Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena and Ilheu de Flora. Rare endemic plant species are collected here, as well as a huge number of birds (ideal conditions for nesting have been created). You can enter the reserve only as part of an excursion group.

Santana

A small town in the northeast of the island, notable for its original triangular houses made of stone, reeds and thatch (16th century).

Santana can be called an ethnographic open-air museum. If you want to learn everything about the history, traditions and culture of the country, visit the theme park. In July, a folklore festival is held here with the participation of groups from all over Portugal.

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Hardy tourists who are not afraid of difficulties can climb on foot to the highest peak of Madeira - Pico Ruivo (1861 meters above sea level), from where one of the best panoramic views opens.

Those who are accustomed to a more relaxing holiday are invited to Quinta do Furão, a wine farm where you can taste the “drink of the gods” while admiring the ocean, and in early September, take part in the grape harvest.

Ponta do Sol

The sunniest point of the island, the water and air temperatures here are usually 5-10 degrees higher than in other resorts. People come here for a relaxing beach holiday (the coast here is rocky, so there are few families with children) and beautiful sunsets. Nearby there is an interesting object for fans of diving - the Bowbelle ship that sank during a strong storm. Local schools organize excursions to it for everyone.

The second tallest rock in the world and the highest in Europe (585 meters). At its top there is a glass observation deck, from where it is convenient to admire the Atlantic Ocean and Funchal, and in good weather, whales swimming past. The rock is often used for BASE jumping.

You can go up by cable car, the inclination level of which is 70 degrees. Small cabins hang over the abyss, making passengers experience delight and horror at the same time.

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Paul do Mar

High waves attract surfing fans and those who want to learn how to control a board to this fishing village. In 2001, the World Surfing Championship was even held here!

When the season ends and the athletes leave, Paul do Mar is very quiet and sparsely populated. It is enough to spend a day here - stroll along the empty beaches, feast on fish and seafood delicacies and climb one of the surrounding hills to photograph the village from above.

Porto Moniz

A small town in the northwest of the island. Its main attraction is the natural volcanic pools, where both tourists and locals swim in the summer.

Visit Fort São João Baptista. It was built in 1730 to protect the city from pirates, and has now been converted into an aquarium, home to about 70 species of fish.

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Families with children and those who are interested in science should plan a visit to the Center for Contemporary Science.

Not far from Porto Moniz there is the Miradouro da Santa observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.

Faja dos Padres

An isolated village in the southern part of the island, accessible by cable car. There are only 10 houses here, at different times up to 50 people lived in them.

The first inhabitants of these places were monks who, in the 15th century, grew Malvasia grapes on the hillsides and made wine from it (one of the best in Madeira). Thanks to the unique microclimate, tropical fruits and vegetables that are not found in other parts of the island also grow here. The only historical attraction is the ruins of a chapel, destroyed by pirates in 1626. However, people come here not for excursions, but to retire and enjoy the silence.

Gastronomic tourism. What to try in Madeira?

Of course, wine! For example, the famous Madeira, which is aged in oak barrels. The largest production facilities are located in Funchal, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente and Ribeira da Janela. The harvest is harvested from mid-August to October-November (the timing depends on the altitude of the vineyard). Some farms still crush the berries with their feet and then send them to a machine press. From the end of August to mid-September, Funchal and other localities host the Harvest Festival - a noisy event with music and dancing, during which everyone can visit farms and take part in the grape harvest.

1. Festival of Flowers - May 4-21.
2. Fireworks competition - June 24.
3. The holiday of the most revered Saints among the people is June 12-29.
4. Wine Festival - August 27-September 10.
5. Columbus Festival in Porto Santo - September 14-16.

On the archipelago of the same name in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest in the archipelago, its area is 741 km2. Along the island, stretched from east to west, lies a central mountain range with heights of up to 1220 meters. This oldest luxury European resort is a real paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The island of Madeira is able to enchant any tourist with the beauty of its nature, comfortable climate and natural resources - delicious seafood, juicy fruits and luxurious flowers. It is not for nothing that the island received the second name “Island of Eternal Spring”.

Story

The first mention of the island is found in Pliny, who calls it the Happy Island. The island of Madeira was marked on the map in 1433, when these places began to be inhabited by people.

At first, the main income of local residents was grain production. But after a drop in production rates, sugar cane plantations began to actively appear here in 1455. It became the main factor in the economic recovery and increased the need for workers. The island of Madeira gained fame as a resort in the 19th century; famous writers, members of royal houses and politicians came here to relax. July 1 is Madeira Day, which residents celebrate in honor of the island's political autonomy from Portugal, which was acquired in 1976 during the democratic revolution.

Map

How to get to Madeira Island

Until recently, Russian tourists could not get to the island by direct plane; they had to make a transfer in Lisbon. However, now there is a flight from Moscow to Funchal, the capital of the island of Madeira. But most tour operators still offer flights to Lisbon, from where you can reach your destination on flights from Portugal's national carriers. Another option is to travel by plane to the neighboring island of Porto Santa, and then by water transport.

For those traveling via London, it will be convenient to fly directly to Madeira Island on a low-cost flight. In winter and with early booking, the cost of such a flight is quite low. The journey from Russia, including transfers, takes from 10 hours to a day, but the price is low.

When is the best time to go?

The tourist flow at the oldest European resort never dries up, but for Madeira there are two times of the year when there is a particularly high influx of tourists. Of course, the main time of year is summer, when everyone goes to enjoy the warm sea and rays of the sun. The second time of active influx of foreign guests is the New Year holidays, at this time hotels offer many entertainment programs, and various carnivals and festivals are held on the island. During the peak season you can most often meet tourists from France, Germany, England and Canada.

If you are not eager to relax among a large number of people, you can visit the island in the low season, when prices are reduced by 15-25%. But this time cannot be called favorable for a beach holiday; the season of low prices is designed for lovers of excursions, surfing, and those who simply want to be in peace and quiet.

Weather in Madeira

The geographical position of the island and the mountainous landscape create a comfortable climate, which varies slightly from north to south. The climate is characterized as subtropical, strongly dependent on the Gulf Stream. The average annual temperature in Madeira is 20 degrees in winter and 23 degrees in summer. The temperature remains at this level almost all year round; it drops below 20 degrees only from December to April.

The island's climate is its main advantage. It is not cold here in winter, and there is no sweltering heat in summer; the temperature rarely rises above 25 degrees. The weather also favors the growth of unusual plants, many of which are endemic.

Attractions

The main wealth of Madeira is its magnificent nature, which is simply impossible not to admire. Almost every tourist route will invite you to enjoy the grandeur of the local nature and contemplate its beauty.

• Funchal is the capital of the island. This remarkable place will reveal to you the variety of flowers, steep slopes and all the charm of being on the island. Here is the Botanical Garden and Gardens of Monte, where nature lovers can see the most interesting specimens of flora from all over the world. It is also worth visiting the capital's market, where fresh Madeira fruits and handicrafts are always on sale;
• The Praia Formosa beach complex is the largest public beach on the island. It is marked with a blue flag for its cleanliness. The complex has 4 sand and pebble beaches;
• Funchal Cathedral is a 16th century building built in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary. The architecture of the cathedral, designed in a strict Gothic style, has survived to this day almost in its original form;
• The Monastery of Santa Clara, on the territory of which the remains of the discoverer of Madeira are buried;
• The national reserve, opened in 1982, will show tourists a huge variety of flora and fauna. It features endemic species and amazing animals and plants from around the world;
• Ilhas Desertas is another reserve that is located on small islands south of Madeira. The reserve was created to protect seals. Scuba diving is not allowed in this place, and to disembark by boat you must have a special permit;
• The Church of Nosa Señora Lu Monti is a beautiful structure created in the 18th century. Its luxurious and solemn interior decoration amazes the eye. The wooden statue of the Virgin Mary is the main relic of the temple. Parishioners believe that if you climb the 74 steps on your knees, you can be cleansed of your sins;
• The island of Madeira has many interesting, distinctive places. One of them is the fishing village of Camara de Lobos. At one time this place was marked by Winston Churchill.

Excursions, entertainment

For lovers of a fun holiday, the island can offer quite a variety of activities.

• If you want to see a miniature Brazilian festival, come to Madeira in February. The February festival takes place during this time. The Flower Festival in late April - early May and the Wine Festival in September are also traditional;
• Surfing enthusiasts can come here at any time of the year, and during the low tourist season they can save a lot. At this time, the cost of the trip is reduced by 15-25%;
• In addition to surfing, the island of Madeira gives outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to play tennis, golf, rock climbing, diving, water skiing, mountain biking or horseback riding;
• In the water park of the city of Santa Cruz you can go down indoor and outdoor slides, swim in a pool or an artificial river;
• On New Year's Day, Madeira traditionally hosts various carnivals, festivals and shows. One of the most spectacular is the magnificent fire show, which is considered the best New Year's fireworks display in Europe;
• Sledding from Mante Peak to Funchal is one of the most popular activities on the island.

Beaches of Madeira

There are various beaches on the island, tourists can choose the option according to their taste. The unusual beach with black volcanic sand is very popular. One of the most comfortable and picturesque beaches is Prainha Beach, located in the Machico area. A beach holiday will be as comfortable as possible thanks to the cleanest water, equipped recreation areas, restaurants and bars.

A more relaxing holiday can be enjoyed at the private beach resorts that are present in Madeira. Access to them is available for an additional fee. Those who want to relax at the highest level go to the south-eastern part, where they have at their disposal a pebble beach, a large area with swimming pools and an elite yacht club. In the eastern part of the island there is a resort popular among vacationers with children. This resort, in addition to the benefits described above, also has a children's pool.

What else to see, where to go

About 1,700 hectares of Madeira Island are occupied by vineyards that have made this place famous throughout the world. A grand wine festival celebrates the start of the harvest season. During the festival, guests will see and be able to participate in colorful processions, exhibitions, concerts and, of course, taste the famous drink. Those interested will also be able to attend a master class on grape harvesting.

On a larger scale than festivals, only religious holidays are held in Madeira. At this time, there is a special feeling of reverence and awe in the atmosphere. All dates of the Catholic calendar are revered by the islanders. On August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary takes place in Monte. At this time, the city becomes a center of pilgrimage; a huge number of believers from all over Portugal arrive there.

Where to live

As the oldest resort in Europe, Madeira offers tourists a variety of hotels: there are luxury room options, and there are more modest, budget rooms. However, they all comply with European standards. Many hotels offer access to a pool and spa, and some have their own small pebble beach. A mountain view from a window will cost less than an ocean view.

If the hotel is located on a cliff, which is quite common, then a special descent is equipped for tourists. On the island, tourists will be able to choose a suitable room based on price and service without any unnecessary problems.

How to get around Madeira

Regular buses run around the island, the schedule of which can be found at bus stations or in hotels. As a rule, buses can only take you to the coast, and it is better to get to mountainous areas and inland by taxi or rented car. Excursion buses will take you to the most popular places in Madeira as part of an organized group.

There is also a water transport from this island that can take you to the neighboring island of Porto Santo, located 40 km away. You can also get there by plane. The island will appeal to lovers of sandy beaches, which, as you know, do not exist in Madeira.

Where to eat

Local residents harvest their crops several times a year, and in the ocean off the coast you can catch wonderful fish. Therefore, the cuisine of restaurants is represented by a large number of fresh seafood dishes and fruit desserts.

A traditional local dish is Asorda soup, made from bread and eggs with the addition of various spices and herbs, and olive oil. Meat in Madeira is usually a dish cooked over charcoal using a bay leaf sprig as a skewer. There are a large number of restaurants and cafes on the island, where you can always have a delicious meal. There are restaurants serving local and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as dishes from top Portuguese chefs.

What to bring from Madeira Island

Shopping on the island is not particularly developed, because... tourists come here primarily for beach or active recreation. But in Funchal there are three modern, fairly large shopping centers where you can buy traditional souvenirs. As a rule, people here prefer to buy handmade embroidered products, a variety of wickerwork, knitted products, and azulejos - ceramic tiles with a printed pattern. And, of course, a traditional souvenir from Madeira - different varieties of Madeira wines and green wine - Vino Verde.

Shops are open on weekdays from 9.00 to 19.00, and on Saturdays until 13.00. Shopping centers are open any day without a lunch break.

About 950 kilometers southwest of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean is the Portuguese Madeira Island. More precisely, this is the entire Madeira archipelago, which consists of the island of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo, and a ridge of uninhabited smaller islands of Ilhas Desertas, scattered over a limited area of ​​the ocean. Geographically, Madeira is located somewhat closer to Morocco than to Portugal - 737 kilometers west of the Moroccan coast.

If we translate the name of the island from Portuguese, it will mean “forest, tree,” which, in fact, corresponds to reality. Subtropical trees and flowers, palms - all this grows on the island.
Popular in Europe, the resort of Madeira has been known since the nineteenth century (at that time two seaside resorts were loved - Madeira and the French Riviera). Members of royal houses, writers and politicians loved and love to relax on the island.

When to go on holiday to Madeira

Madeira is a popular holiday destination; holidaymakers from all over Europe flock here and the tourist season does not stop all year round.
Madeira is known as the “island of eternal spring”, since the climate here is surprisingly constant and the island is not at all characterized by extreme values, for example, great heat. Average temperatures in winter are kept at 16 degrees Celsius, and in the summer months - 27 degrees.
The optimal months for a holiday on the island are considered to be from May to September.
Late autumn, early spring or winter is when Madeira is arguably the best holiday destination in Europe. On the continent at this time it is cold and damp, but on the island there is sun, ocean and palm trees.
The island is a popular place to celebrate the New Year, when the best fireworks artists gather here and Funchal is decorated with illuminations. Grand banquets are organized by hotels in Madeira.

Nature of Madeira

There are no beaches in the usual sense in Madeira, since the island itself is of volcanic origin and its shores are rocky. There are special platforms for swimming in the ocean.
But 50 km from Madeira is located. Porto Santo, where small planes fly and ferries sail, has a beautiful sandy beach stretching for 6 km. This island became the last refuge of H. Columbus, since the daughter of the local governor was his wife.

And although there are relatively few beaches on the island, it is considered a real paradise for walking and hiking. Madeira also has a number of natural attractions worthy of attention and admiration, such as the Laurel Forests, the lava cave in Sao Vincent, the botanical garden in Funchal, and the Levada irrigation canal.

There are also natural ponds and pools in which you can swim comfortably.

Should I go that far? with baby– Let everyone decide for themselves. But if you want “tasty” clean air, saturated with ocean spray, silence, and organic fish on the menu, then a holiday in Madeira will delight you to the fullest.

Accommodation

Surrounded by the eternal ocean, the island helps you relax and disconnect from all the bustle of the world. Most hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Funchal. Founded many centuries ago, Funchal is the capital of the island; hotels and shops, ancient palaces and squares - you will find all this in the city. In Madeira you will not find fun and noisy parties, but this does not mean that this is an island of old people, established people with money relax there.

In addition to four and five-star hotels, tourists on the island host various private apartments with varying levels of comfort, boarding houses, as well as private houses in rural areas. By the way, some apartments are located in former landowners' estates.

Travelers also pay attention to the satellite cities - Garajao, Machico, and Canisa. Having visited this island at least once, people fall in love with it, with its regularity and beauty.

Hotels, restaurants, the port are all located in the southern part of the island, everything there is given to the benefit of civilization, and here travelers can feel like they are part of the restless life. The northern part, covered with forests and wild plants, awaits vacationers to admire the pristine nature.

Sights of Madeira – what to see

For those who appreciate natural beauty, we invite you to visit Funchal gardens, they consist of a botanical garden, a fabulous and most exotic tropical garden with the Monte Palace and a parrot nursery. There is a very large collection of exotic plants here. But be prepared to climb a lot of steps.


Great place to relax with children - theme park "Madeira Magic", part of which is the curious “Living Science Center”. Address: Funchal, Rua Ponta da Cruz, 25
In addition, with children it is worth checking out seawater aquarium in Porto Moniz, which is located in the former fort of São João Batista.
In the old part of Funchal there is cable car– an unusual opportunity to take a bird's eye view of the city.
The municipality of Santa Cruz has Aquapark, which is open from March to November. His website is http://aquaparque-stcruz.webnode.pt/

But still the main attractions of Madeira are created by nature. For those who love an active holiday, the island offers walking routes through its amazing beauty.
Peak Aireiro - Peak Ruivo, the length of the route is 8 km, runs through the mountains, above the clouds, breathtaking landscapes will open up to your eyes.
Rabasal-Waterfall and Rishko-Waterfall. There are 25 springs, the length of this route is 6 km along irrigation canals to waterfalls hidden in the gorges.
Santo da Serra Portela is a small, non-tiring route that will allow you to enjoy the cleanest air and see the beautiful panorama of the northern coast.
The unique place of Lauri Selva is provided by the pre-glacial forest. Tourists come only on excursions, since this world lives without human presence. Railings made of ropes stretched along all tourist paths.
And there is also the Valley of the Nuns, Cape Lorenzo, Cabo Girado Cliff, Levada Balcones... It would take a long time to list the places where you should take stunning photos in Madeira...

How to get to Madeira

The only opportunity to get here on regular flights is provided by TAP or SATA airlines, which you will also have to get to if you decide to relax in Madeira. The flight will take one and a half hours. During the tourist season, charters fly from various European countries.
From Russia in high season to Madeira, some airlines can introduce direct flights once or twice a week (at least Transaero did this). But whether there will be such flights in the coming season - you should always find out directly closer to your planned trip to Madeira.

Numerous cruise ships also visit the island. You can get there by ferry from the port of Portimão (Faro region, 22 hours travel time), tickets can be purchased on the Naviera Armas website

Mobility

For unlimited mobility in Madeira, don't forget your driver's license at home and rent a car here. Various rental companies operate in Funchal, as well as at the airport.
If you don't drive, most towns and Madeira's main attractions are easily accessible by bus. But it’s still better to take organized excursions to the natural beauties of Madeira.