Madeira is an archipelago located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two inhabited, several uninhabited islands and rocks. It is an autonomous region of Portugal with the capital in the city of Funchal. The main island of the archipelago is Madeira. This place is considered one of the best for a relaxing beach holiday.
Where is?
The Madeira Islands are located 500 kilometers west of the African continent and 1000 kilometers southwest of Portugal.
Description
Madeira is an archipelago of volcanic origin. The relief of the islands is mostly mountainous. They, in fact, are the tops of underwater rocks. The most flat is Porto Santo. It is the second largest island of the archipelago. On its coast stretch of sandy beaches with a length of nine kilometers.
Madeira is the largest island and covers an area of 741 square kilometers. Here, on the western plateau, you can see several volcanic lakes. Some of them are connected by waterfalls.
The Madeira Islands in Portugal have a unique nature and are rich in nature reserves. It has developed many hiking trails for tourists. For travelers making long trips, 22 houses have been built where you can spend the night. To do this, you must obtain permission in Funchal.
Beach holidays are mainly developed in Porto Santo. Madeira also has such an opportunity. There are stairs installed on which you can go down to the ocean, but the local beaches are pebbled. But on this island there is a unique opportunity to swim in the natural pools formed in the rocks. These ponds are filled with sea water. You can clearly see the volcanic basin of Madeira Island in Portugal in the photo below.
Climate
The archipelago is located in the subtropic zone and has a rather mild climate. In summer, daytime temperatures reach 21-23 degrees above zero, and in winter - 15-17 degrees heat. Water does not cool below 17 degrees, so Madeira is a year-round resort. Most precipitation occurs in autumn and winter.
sights
On the islands of Madeira in Portugal there is something to see for tourists. This resort has become a popular holiday destination back in the nineteenth century. It is deservedly called the island of eternal spring. World celebrities, politicians and people of noble origin are often here.
In Madeira, Portugal, the ancient forest of Laurisilva has retained its originality to this day. It originated in the period of the Tertiary era. Due to the fact that the local climate is quite moderate and mild, the forest has been preserved in its original form.
The capital of Madeira is very rich in sights. Tourists will be interested to see the Cathedral of Xie. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is laid out of lava, and its arch is decorated with ivory and wood. It is also recommended to visit the Franciscan monastery, to visit the church of Santa Clara.
If you want to enjoy nature, the botanical gardens are suitable for this purpose as well as possible. Those who are interested in the past life of the island should definitely visit the center of Madeira’s history. This is an interactive museum. There are many exhibits of antiquity.
For lovers of beauty, the doors of the Museum of Art are always open. It is located in the ancient fortress of San Tiago. Some rooms have exhibitions where you can buy paintings for yourself.
To get acquainted with the life and culture of local residents, it is recommended to visit the small village of Curral dash Freiras. It dates back to the sixteenth century and to this day has preserved ancient houses and a church. Farmer's markets are held on Sundays.
Entertainment
On the islands of Madeira there is everything for a fun and active holiday. Here you can go surfing or go on a cruise along the coast, or simply admire the dolphins.
For sports lovers, excellent conditions are created. There are golf centers, tennis courts, and walks are organized around the picturesque corners of nature.
Funchal offers a wide variety of entertainment options. Shopping centers are ready to provide a wide range of products for shopping lovers.
All year round, holidays and festivals are held in the capital and other cities of the region. Tourists will find entertainment for every taste, you won’t be bored.
How to get there
Features of the geographical location of the Madeira archipelago make tourists think about how to get there. Let's consider different options.
To get to Madeira Island in Portugal by plane, you have to make transfers. There is no direct flight from Russia. You can make a transplant in many cities in Europe. For example, in Vienna, Berlin, London, Prague, Dusseldorf, Munich or Lisbon.
The journey from the capital of Portugal to the airport of Madeira Island will take about an hour and a half. A two-way ticket costs between 35 and 80 euros per person. Baggage is charged separately.
All the way from Moscow to Funchal will take at least nine and a half hours. Its duration depends on various factors, such as season, weather, type of aircraft.
If you consider the flight in terms of cost, it is better to choose the Baltic city as the departure point - this is the cheapest option. On average, a trip from Moscow with transfers will cost 90–140 euros (6,700–10,500 rubles) per person. The cost of tickets purchased from tour operators may vary depending on the season.
It is important to choose the right flight so that in between the transfers there is enough time for paperwork.
You can also get there by rail, if you are in one of the cities of Europe. Tourists prefer to travel from Paris or Madrid. It is here that the largest selection of trains, tickets for which can be purchased at different prices.
It is better to choose a train that leaves from Madrid late in the evening. In this case, you will arrive at the place in the morning. The journey takes about ten hours. A ticket will cost from three to four thousand rubles. Travelers are provided with cars of various levels of comfort.
There is no direct train from Paris to Lisbon. Have to make a transplant in the town of Hendaye. The road will take 36-38 hours.
From Lisbon to Madeira can be reached not only by plane. If you get to Portimao first, you can use the services of a ferry. The journey will take 20-24 hours.
In addition, cruise ships leave for Madeira once a week.
Reviews
Madeira Island in Portugal is visited annually by a huge number of tourists. We learn what they say about the rest at this resort.
In general, the reviews are positive. Tourists who have visited Madeira recommend splitting up their vacation into several parts and visiting one after another for several days in different parts of the region. The amazing nature of these places, clean air and excellent infrastructure are noted.
The island captivates with its exquisite cuisine.
In Madeira's restaurants, the most popular are fish dishes. In addition to them, they recommend trying Pastel de Nata. These are famous custard cakes.
The disadvantages of tourists include a small number of sandy beaches, the vagaries of the weather and a long travel time.
In general, the reviews are positive, tourists who have visited Madeira recommend a vacation at this resort.