How many have been to Madeira? Reviews about the rest there are the most benevolent, and tourists talk about it as if spending time in paradise. This archipelago, lost in the Atlantic, really resembles Eden. And its very name, translated from Portuguese, means "forest." The islands were discovered at the beginning of the 15th century by accident: a Portuguese ship under the command of João Gonçalves Zarco fell into a storm and was nailed to a fabulously beautiful evergreen island. The vegetation was so lush that the Portuguese simply set fire to the forests to develop new lands. The fire did not stop for 7 years.
Then, however, people caught on and began to correct what they had done. Now Madeira - the reviews on this subject are unanimous - the greenest island I have ever seen. Two thirds of its territory is occupied by the National Reserve. Pure streams run off cascades from the mountain peaks, foamy waterfalls rustle, forming bowl-lakes, and coastal cliffs and tiny islands are full of life. Wildlife sometimes gives way to cultivated botanical gardens - locals have been importing various exotic plants from around the world for 300 years, and now mangoes and bananas, citrus fruits and kiwis grow here.
The archipelago became a world famous resort two hundred years ago. Members of the royal families, prominent politicians and celebrities prefer a holiday on the island of Madeira. You can come here all year round: thanks to the Gulf Stream, a stream that brings water masses from equatorial latitudes, the sea off the coast is always warm. In January, the thermometer’s needle does not fall below +19, but in summer the same Gulf Stream smoothes the heat: +26.
But the avid beach people who gathered on the island of Madeira, reviews warn: there is no coastal sand or pebbles on the island itself - the mountains descend steeply into the abyss of water. All beaches are located on the nearest land plot, Porto Santo, which is famous for its healing sand. But literally every hotel has a huge swimming pool - to compensate for your disappointment. And the service here is excellent: SPA centers, water parks, sports fields - which 4, 5-star hotels just do not offer. By the way, private housing can also be rented without problems.
For those who are going to visit Madeira Island for the first time, reviews recommend climbing to the highest point - Ruiva Peak, visiting the seal reserve Ilyas Desertash, going on an excursion to the capital of the archipelago - the city of Funchal, but also not to forget about the villages of Curral dash Freiash, Camara Do Lobošt, Santana and Santa Cruz. In Funchal, don’t miss the Klara Cathedral, the Burdadosh embroidery museum, and in Kamara learn how to prepare the island’s famous wine of the same name.
Holidays in Madeira will also be remembered for the fact that they always celebrate something on this archipelago. The festival before Lent is not inferior in scope to the Brazilian. At the end of April, a flower festival takes place, and in September - wine. Lovers of active pastime will find here a huge field for violent activities: diving, snorkeling, water skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, windsurfing, mountain biking, countless hiking mountain trails.