"ilha da madeira" Madeira Island by quartinb

Madeira Island Travel Guide: 776 reviews and 1,839 photos

funchal

dedicated to micas_pt

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Rising like a miracle from the Atlantic about one thousand kilometres south west of Lisbon, Madeira has been a holiday destination since the end of the 19th century. Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira and Porto Santo being the only inhabited islands. It is also part of the European Union.

Madeira, known originally to the Romans as the Purple Islands, was rediscovered, possibly accidentally, by Portuguese sailors and settled by Portugal in 1418. It is a popular year-round resort, famed worldwide for its Madeira wine, a perfect climate, striking scenery, flowers, embroidery artisans, and New Years' Eve celebrations with a spectacular fireworks show.

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The capital, Funchal, is an lovely town set on a wonderfull bay against a background of soaring green mountains. overlooking the harbour and featuring beautifull buildings and last century mansions.The Autonomous Region of Madeira is composed by Madeira Island, Porto Santo Island, Desertas Islands and Savage Islands.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, is on the south coast of the principal island. Other main cities are:Ribeira Brava, Machico, Câmara de Lobos, Santa Cruz, Caniço, Ponta do Sol and Calheta

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the pearl of the atlantic also is known for its flowers and huge gardens.Madeira Island is the largest island of the group and a coastline of 80 or 90 miles. Its longer axis lies east and west, in which direction it is traversed by a mountain chain, the backbone of the island, having a mean altitude of 4000 feet, from which many deep ravines radiate outward to the coast. The highest point on the island is Pico Ruivo, at 1862 meters.

Pros and Cons

Pros:good weather and medium temperatures all year
In a nutshell:THE ATLANTIC PEARL

Intro Updated Oct 17, 2006
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Reviews (30)

natural pools Things to Do (13)

on location the main reason that took us there. the natural pools. gorgeous lava rocks making unforgiveble view of the... more travel advice

local Restaurants (3)

more travel advice

belvedere Things to Do (13)

porto moniz from above. on the way to the beautyfull spot of porto moniz a must see belvedere. so obviously yu must stop... more travel advice

ferry boat Transportation (3)

a wonderfull 3 hours travel from madeira island to porto santo island. a ferry boat with all acomodation for that... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All pool
Local Customs (1)
faith
Shopping (2)
See All mercado2
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All sao lourenço

Warnings and Dangers (1)
camara de lobos
Nightlife (1)
stroll
Hotels (1)
small cosy hotel
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Comments (47)

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kahooilokane Aug 13, 2009 at 9:42 AM

The mercado in Funchal is a good place to visit if you've never been to an open market BUT the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. 9.80E for a kilogram of mango? They definately cater to tourists. The Pingo Doce supermarket is a much better buy.
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Toshioohsako Feb 12, 2008 at 4:30 AM

Coming to madeira at end of March. Thanks for showing me these photos- I look forward to seeing the island with my own eyes and of course eyes of my camera. Good day.
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victorwkf Dec 12, 2007 at 6:28 AM

Great tips and photos of Madeira, hope to be able to visit this beautiful island in the future!
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labahian Nov 19, 2006 at 12:38 PM

...lovely!
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guantanamo43 Oct 30, 2006 at 2:19 AM

bonita a madeira caraças...!
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catalysta Jul 8, 2005 at 9:28 AM

Beautiful!!! Sigh...someday I'll get there...
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kenHuocj Apr 5, 2005 at 8:57 AM

amazing landscapes and info ;-)))
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mazzap Jan 7, 2005 at 1:05 PM

You make Madeira sound very inviting - is it a true Canary Island?
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Lilasel Dec 22, 2004 at 2:37 AM

You have an amazing page about Madeira, Vitor!!! So bright pictures! It makes me want to go there one day... All the best
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Bwana_Brown Oct 30, 2004 at 5:19 PM

This looks like a fantastic spot Vitor! Your photos are amazing, so clear and great colours! It is just like being there - almost! This is a spot that I have always wanted to visit.