Madeira Islands
Facts:Archipelago
Estimated Population is 280 000
Country:Portugal,
Status:Autonomous
Set in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, Madeira, and Porto Santo is widely known as the Pearl of the Atlantic.
The volcanic origins of Madeira can still be seen and surprisingly mountainous with peaks of 1,860 metres; over 6,100 feet high! Fortunately for all, volcanic activity stopped about 6,500 years ago. This activity has endowed the island with a fertile landscape where much of the island was, until recently, covered in ancient subtropical rainforest, hence the name Madeira, wood”.
Parts of this forest (Laurisilva) still remain, mainly on the northern slopes and have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the superb blooms for which the island has become famous may be found in abundance all year round. One of the nicest ways to see the dynamic and panoramic vistas is to take a Levada Walk, along side the water channels designed to supply irrigation to the drier parts.
Produce includes bananas, sugarcane and Madeira Wine, but much of their economic growth is from tourism.
Madeira Weather |
Madeira has a gentle climate. It’s almost never too hot or too cold, with an average high of 24ºC and low of 17ºC during summer months, dropping by just 4ºC in winter. The Leste, an east wind that blows off the Sahara can knock temperatures up into the 30s on some days of the year. | |
Things to do in Madeira | |
Madeir´s relatively small size can be most deceiving, it takes longer to get around the island than you might think, which is due partly to the mountainous landscape, but also because there is simply so much to see and to do. Madeira’s tourism is also changing, bringing a greater variety of tourists from many different age groups and walks of life. The island, generally popular with the older generation has of late been rediscovered by the younger more affluent set, now seen as the home of “Ronaldo”. It is no longer seen as a small, quiet island, but as stunning all year round summer island destination that is in easy reach of most of Europe and is fast attracting a younger crowd who not only like to enjoy a night out but also love the spectacular drives and friendly people that can be found in abundance. Madeira’s Nightlife, fine dining, water sports, perfect climate, and spectacular scenery, are second to none and highly intoxicating. Once you visit Madeira you will most surely be back for more. |