Magical Madeira, Pearl of the Atlantic
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The Madeira Islands’ most famous exports and gifts to the world are, of course, Portuguese footballer Christiano Ronaldo, and Madeira wines.
And increasingly the Portuguese archipelago is “importing” tourists, including hikers, surfers and wealthy vacationers who rent apartments overlooking scenic vineyards or the Atlantic Ocean. Around a million tourists visit the rich and fertile region throughout the year.
Because Madeira Island itself (around 800 square kilometers) is the top of a volcano, the surrounding water is very deep and the main port of Funchal can accommodate cruise liners. October is off-season and the average high this month is 24 degrees Celsius, the average low is 18 degrees Celsius.
The main islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, and three smaller islands, are known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. They lie around 500 miles southwest of Portugal and were discovered by Portuguese sailors around 1420.
Though they are just 300 miles from the African continent, they are culturally, economically and politically a strong part of Portugal.
Madeira has a long history of agriculture and is called a floating garden because of its rich volcanic soil, mild Gulf Stream climate, and plentiful rainfall. It has scenic river valleys, rugged interior, terraced hillsides planted with vines and bananas, and dense, primitive forest.
Houses have bright terra-cotta roofs that contrast with lush greenery.
Festival culture
The natural beauty, friendly culture, and many festivals attract tourists throughout the year.
The festivals or parties are known as efestao (fiestas in Spanish) and everybody joins in. There’s plenty of traditional folk music dancing and traditional foods. Seafood is a big draw. In June alone, there are festivals to celebrate Saints Joseph, Peter and Anthony.
It’s famous for toboggan rides on wooden sleds that look rather like large two-seater sofas encased in wicker frames. Toboggans are pulled uphill by two mean hauling ropes, and then the sleds rush down, very fast, on toboggan runs. It can be risky when traffic and houses are in the way. Rides are available at Monte and Tierreiro da Luta on Madeira Island.
Tourists usually take taxi back to the top for around 10 euros (US$13.5).
The island of Madeira was first settled by Portuguese farmers from the Algrave region and many festivals celebrate local products such as cherries, bananas, sugar cane and, of course, Madeira wine.
Madeirans love food and wine. Seafood and local fruits are abundant. Beef, pork and lamb are usually imported from Portugal or the nearby Azores. During major festivals, beef and lamb kebabs are popular, washed down by local beer or Madeira wine.
Specialties include fish soup, tuna steak and fried maize, pickled pork and garlic, fresh black scabbard fish and Madeira honey cake (which goes well with cream or strawberries).
The Levadas formation is a network of prehistoric water channels meandering 1,930 km across the island’s slopes in the lush landscape.
Hikers can follow these channels, savoring magnificent views, as well as pure and healthy mineral water from the streams.
Madeira wine
Madeira is a robust fortified wine made in the Madeira Islands in a variety of styles, ranging from dry to sweet.
They can be consumed on their own, as aperitifs and dessert wines. Cheaper wines are used in cooking. There are many varieties, red and white. Vintage is at least 20 years old and is the most expensive. Aged wine is costly. Grapes are pressed and processed at their vineyards.
Things to do and see
Golf
Golf is increasingly popular because of affluent expatriates to retire on the islands. The 27-hole Campo de Golfe do Santo da Serra and the 18-hole Palheiro offer spectacular ocean views from cliffs.
Santana village
Santana village on Madeira is surrounded by hills covered with banana plantations and flowers. It’s famous for its three small and empty fairy tale-style triangular houses, or palheiros, as they are known. They look like something out of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Funchal
The major port of Funchal itself is a tourist attraction, with a 16th century cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art and Botanical Gardens on terraced hillsides, with species form around the globe. The city with its beautiful architecture has a very Mediterranean feel.
Deep-sea fishing
Deep-sea fishing is popular among locals and increasingly popular with tourists because of the deep, clean waters near the islands. Madeira is renowned for big fish, particularly blue marlin and tuna. Many fishing tours and charters are available for all budgets. You can see the lights of fishing boats at night and in the morning, fishermen display they catch in the funchal market.
Pico Ruivo
There are stunning views from the top of Madeira Island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, 1,861 meters above sea level. At the top you are literally standing above the clouds in magical scenes. Some Madeira walking tours are titled “Walking above the clouds.” Even more breathtaking are the views atop 1,818 meter-high Pico do Arieiro. Both peaks are partially accessible by road. Then visitors hike the rest of the way, it takes around an hour.
Nossa Senhora de Monte Church
For views around Funchal, visitors can take the cable car to the beautiful Nossa Senhora de Monte Church, a pilgrimage site. Every August 15th, pilgrims climb the 74 steps to the entrance on their hands and knees. The area conveys the culture of Portugal and its Christian heritage. The ambience is delightful.
How to get there:
The main airport on Madeira Island is 10 miles from the center of Funchal and easily accessible by taxi or bus. TAP Air Portugal has regular flights from most major European cities. From Shanghai, you can fly to European cities and take a connecting flight to Madeira. Madeira International Airport, known as Funchal Airport, is served by at least 10 international carriers.
Taxis are available 24 hours a day, although in the evenings and late at night advance bookings may be necessary.
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