WORLD TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS:   MADEIRA

Funchal

City panorama of the capital of Madeira. Madeira covers an area of 741 sq. kms. It is 57 kms long and 22 kms wide.The total population is about 300.000 of which some 150.000 live in Funchal.

Madeira is situated in the middle of the north Atlantic Ocean, some 500 kms from the African coast and 1000 kms from the Portuguese mainland. 

The archipelago is composed of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens.

Funchal

The City Market. Here you will find exotic flowers, tropical fruits and rare fish. 

There's an abundance of tropical fruits such as bananas, passion fruit, mangoes, avocados, water melons as well as oranges and grapes, grown in the rich volcanic soil, where hardly any chemicals are needed.

Atlantic fresh fish and seafood is another treat - crabs, caramujos, lapas, along with succulent tuna and scabbard.

Madeira is also famous for it's wines. Sercial is the driest and a wonderful aperitif. Verdelho is medium dry and Malmsey is the perfect end to a meal.

Funchal Jardim Botanico

Jardim Botanico is one of the famous Botanical Gardens of Madeira. It once belonged to the Scottish Reid family, the family who also build the Reid hotel in the 19th century.

Some of the flora that you'll see are exclusive to Madeira. Laurissilva can be found, the are now a rare species world wide. Orchids, bougainvillea, lilies, hydrangeas, magnolias, jacarandas and azaleas bloom effortlessly throughout the year and delight the eye at every turn.

From the terrace of the cafe you'll have a beautiful view over the bay of Funchal.

Camara de Lobos

The harbour of Camara de Lobos. The most famous and oldest fishing village of Madeira is situated only 15 kms west of Funchal.

When visiting Camara de Lobos  go to the Fanal Verde cafe, situated in a small street ending at the harbour. You have to try the original Nikita coctail.

Cabo Girao

Cabo Girao is the world's second hightest sea cliff. On top of the cliff it's always very busy, every tourist bus makes a stop here. 

You can look straight down 550 metres  to see the brave farmers who has cut the terraces in the rock face.

Serra de Agua

Panorama of a beautiful mountain village. All the way from Ribeira Brava to Sao Vincente you will find these terrific views around every corner.

Pico Ruivo

The highest point of Madeira is Pico Ruivo, (1862 metre). The easiest walk starts in Achada do Teixeira and brings you to the top of Pico Ruivo in about one hour. 

Another very beautiful, but longer, walk starts in Pico de Arieiro. From here the walk takes about four hours to Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. You have to book a taxi in Pico de Arieiro to pick you up in Achada do Teixeira.

Santana

Colmos, the traditional farmers houses of Santana and surroundings.

More than 100  "casas de colmo" still exist in Santana, some of them are open to the public.

Monte

The Toboggan of Monte. The ride starts in Monte and goes down to Funchal.

West Coast

The west coast of Madeira. The most beautiful coastal views you'll find at Achadas da Cruz and Ponta do Pargo.