Madera nightlife. Madeira: life with taste Banks sell real estate, but do not give mortgages to Russians

28.09.202127.05.2017

“Along the slope of the mountain were vineyards, from behind which villas peeped out. Half a hill, on a ledge, is a church dominating the gardens and the city. The city of Funchal ... Is it really a city: these whitening houses at the very bottom, on the shore, like crumbs of sugar or plaster that has fallen off from somewhere? The closer we got to the shore, the warmer it got. You feel someone's close hot breath on your face. "

This is how the classic of Russian literature I.A. Goncharov in his book "Frigate" Pallas ".

Madeira is a large Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean. Located 1200 km from Lisbon and 500 km from Africa. Madeira is called the island of eternal spring due to the fact that many plants bloom here at any time of the year.

From Lisbon, Funchal (capital of Madeira) can be reached by plane. The Portuguese airline TAP operates regular flights on this route.

Transport

You can get from the airport to the center of Funchal by regular bus for 5 euros or by taxi for 30.

City buses are the cheapest form of transport in Madeira, travel around the city costs about 3 euros. It will be cheaper if you take a travel card for a month. A taxi ride around the city costs about 10 euros on average. The car can be rented directly at the airport or at the hotel for 27 euros per day. Plus gasoline - about 1.90 euros per liter.

It is worth considering that riding on the island has its own specifics. There are very steep ascents and descents, many narrow streets and long tunnels. It will be very difficult for an inexperienced driver or cyclist here.

Climate

Madeira has a subtropical climate. The sunny and hot summer lasts from May to October. In October, it rains, it gets cooler, and frequent storms in the ocean do not allow swimming. But even during this period, there are warm and sunny days when you can go to sunbathe on the beach. In addition, the island has a wide variety of microclimates: in autumn, when in one part of Madeira the sky is covered with clouds and it is drizzling, it can be sunny and hot on the opposite coast.

Nature

Madeira can be called an ecologically clean island. It is located far from the mainland and there are no industrial facilities. Laurel relic forests of Madeira (laurisilva) are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a huge number of unique species of animals and plants. Dolphins, killer whales, sperm whales, fur seals and other animals can be observed in coastal waters.

Neighboring islands

Near Madeira there is a small inhabited island of Porto Santo and two uninhabited ones - Desertas and Selvanges. These are all parts of one archipelago. Porto Santo is famous for its 9 km long beach. The Lobu Marinho ferry runs daily between Madeira and Porto Santo. Tickets can always be bought at the port before departure.

Accommodation

Many Portuguese migrate to work in richer countries, and prefer to rent their houses, so it is relatively easy to rent an inexpensive private house, apartment or room in Madeira for a long time. As a rule, the further from the city, the cheaper. You can search for accommodation, for example, using thematic groups in social networks or on the airbnb website. Accommodation can be quite cheap (from 250 euros per month) if you conclude a lease with the owner of the property for a period of 6 months. Another option for inexpensive accommodation is the Phil's Haven hostel.

Food

Madeira has low food prices. Especially for fruits, vegetables, seafood and wine. Funchal's main market, Lavradores, is brought in fresh goods every Friday, so it's best to go there on that day of the week. Here you need to be able to bargain, as sellers often try to capitalize on the inexperience of tourists. Next to the market is the Dolce Vita shopping center, where you can also buy groceries at a bargain price. It has a fast food cafe where you can get a full meal for 5 euros.

Portuguese products are usually natural and of high quality. The local cuisine consists mainly of seafood, meat and vegetables. There are many cozy cafes and restaurants in the center of Funchal. Here you should try traditional Madeira dishes: espetada and espadas. At least once you need to go to a local fish restaurant. For example, in Lareira Portuguesa.

In addition, in Madeira, next to a private house, there is usually a small garden plot where you can grow vegetables, fruits and herbs on your own. This can significantly reduce food costs. Locals grow potatoes, zucchini, passionfruit, mango, and bananas in their gardens.

Wine

The variety of Portuguese wines to taste in Madeira is overwhelming. The price per bottle starts at 2 euros. The famous fortified wine "Madera" is produced here.

“The guides suddenly stopped at a house, shouted something, and they brought us three mugs of wine. They also serve me - how not to try: after all, this is Madeira, also straight from the source! " (IA Goncharov "Frigate" Pallada ").

Madeira can be purchased at almost any retail outlet, but the most pleasant way to buy it is at the local wine museum, which is located in the center of Funchal. This is a very atmospheric place. Here, the wine is stored in giant wooden barrels, and visitors are given the opportunity to taste the drink before purchasing. The price and taste depend primarily on the aging, which is indicated on the bottle label.

In Madeira, you can taste Portuguese green (young) wine. It contains less alcohol than white or red. Here it is often drunk during lunch. Also worth trying is the local gijin - Portuguese cherry liqueur.

Sugar cane is also grown on the island and rum is made from it, which, in turn, is used to make ponches. Ponsha is the most popular local alcoholic beverage. It is a blend of rum, cane molasses and orange juice. All the establishments in Madeira are trying to gain a reputation as a place where they make the best ponche. A glass of this drink usually costs around 3 euros.

The ratio of rum to juice in a drink may vary. Sometimes, instead of orange juice, maraccuja, mango or kiwi juice is used. A good and inexpensive place where you can try this drink while sitting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean is the cafe " Barreirinha". When ordering an alcoholic drink in any institution, they always bring a light snack (most often peanuts or olives).

People

The Portuguese are a very cheerful and friendly people. They treat foreigners well. Tourists are their main source of income. Most Portuguese speak very good English, thanks in large part to the fact that local television broadcasts foreign films in their original language with subtitles.

In addition to the Portuguese, downshifters from different EU countries can often be found on the island. Especially from Germany and Scandinavia. Russian-speaking emigrants also live here, mainly from Moldova and Ukraine. You can contact them and find a guide even before arriving on the island. For example using group in social networks dedicated to Madeira... Here you can find a lot of useful information, including finding accommodation on the island, music festivals, exhibitions and other events.

Volunteering

Madeira is a suitable place for volunteers who are willing to work several hours a day in exchange for housing and food. Phil's Haven Hostel also provides occasional volunteer opportunities. Information about this can be found in the Russian language

- a mild climate, picturesque nature, gourmet cuisine and wines, as well as the world's largest New Year's fireworks. More than 1,000,000 tourists visit the elite resort annually. Consequently, real estate in Madeira is expensive, but the choice of investment opportunities is quite attractive.

Geography and beyond

The Portuguese island of Madeira is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and was discovered in the 15th century, despite the fact that the island appeared on the maps in the 14th century. Madeira is located just 400 kilometers from the Canary Islands, 500 kilometers from Africa and 1000 kilometers from Portugal. The largest city and administrative center is Funchal. It is also considered a major harbor and a significant transit point. The length of the island's coastline is 150 kilometers.

Why Madeira?

One of the main features of the island is its mild climate, the average temperature of the hottest and coldest months differs by only 6 degrees. The average annual rate is 18.5 degrees above zero. Madeira is great for windsurfing, diving and hiking with over 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails. The cost of living on the island is an order of magnitude lower than in Europe, while the education and health systems are well developed.

As a popular tourist resort, the island became known in the 19th century, where such famous personalities as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Gregory Peck rested here. The life of the modern island is inextricably linked with tourism. The infrastructure is constantly evolving, new transport interchanges and trade networks appear regularly.

Madeira boasts a picturesque landscape, lush vegetation and clear waters. The island has beaches for every taste, both with pure white sand and black volcanic. The main tourist destination is the proud Funchal, the main attractions of which are gardens, restaurants, a market and a cathedral (16th century).

Madeira gastronomic

As with any island, Madeira's main dish is fish, with swordfish, blue marlin, tuna and wahoo being popular. One of the most common fish garnishes is fried bananas. Also, restaurants often serve beef marinated in red wine. Undoubtedly, the presence of different types of fruits and vegetables will please.

Madeira wine

Madeira has long been famous for the production of traditional wines. The island's winemaking process is unique as it involves heating and special oxidation of the wine. This technology is also used to produce wines in Crimea and California, giving them the name Madeira, despite the fact that such a name can be given to wines produced exclusively on the island. In addition to fine wines, Madeira is famous for its brewing, liqueur and brandy production.

How to get there

The international airport is located 16 kilometers from the administrative center of the island. Previously, it was possible to reach the island by ferry from the port of Portimão, but due to the high cost of tickets and lack of popularity, the ferry service was closed.

Real estate market situation

In recent years, the situation on the real estate market in all regions of Portugal has been quite unstable. Over the past year, prices have risen by an average of 1.81%, but in the city of Funchal have declined by 3%. The average cost per square meter in the capital is € 1270, the average cost across the island is € 1182. The most expensive housing is from € 1816, and the cheapest is from € 944.

Madeira Island is a world-renowned resort with developed infrastructure, so purchasing real estate here is a profitable investment decision. There is also a low crime rate and an affordable standard of living. Moreover, the purchase of real estate implies the right to obtain a multi-visa or residence permit (5 years). Many experts argue that Madeira, just like its wine, only gets better over the years.

Find out about your holiday in Madeira! We have prepared an overview of the weather and temperature by month, a list of all the beaches and the main attractions of the island.

Madeira's climate is extremely favorable, in general it can be described as mild oceanic subtropical. It should be noted that the climate changes from north to south due to the peculiarities of the island's relief (high mountains and deep gorges), the influence of two currents (the Gulf Stream and the Canary), as well as the distance from the land and the direction of the winds.

We will take a closer look at the weather in Madeira by months - we will give the average monthly values of temperatures and precipitation, as well as tell you what is better to do and what to see during your holiday in Madeira.

Madeira Monthly Weather

March

The temperature in Madeira in March is kept at around +18 ° С, the water temperature is also around +18 ° С. Mostly the weather is sunny, but there are sometimes cloudy and cloudy days. In addition, quite a lot of precipitation falls in March in comparison with the rest of the spring and summer months, but they are short-lived. It is quite windy in March - the wind speed reaches 7 m / s.

Despite Madeira's mild climate, it is still too cold to swim and sunbathe in March. The best time to devote time to exploring this beautiful emerald island is to climb the mountains and descend into the gorges.

April

On average, the temperature in April in Madeira is about + 20 ° C, and the water temperature is about + 18.6 ° C. In contrast to March, the amount of precipitation is much less, and there are more sunny days, although cloudy days are not excluded. April, as well as March, is good for excursions and long walks around the island - spend your holidays in Madeira with health benefits and explore the island. In addition, you can take part in the cultural life of the island - the Flower Festival is held in April - this is how the inhabitants of Madeira celebrate the beginning of spring.

May

As summer approaches, it gets warmer - in May in Madeira the air temperature reaches + 21 ° C on average, and the water temperature is about + 19.6 ° C. The amount of precipitation is practically minimal - in May, the weather is mostly dry and sunny, with the exception of some cloudy days. In May, it is also good to go on excursions or explore the island on your own - you can see the botanical garden and climb to the crater of the volcano, walk along the old streets of cities or visit fishing villages. Holidays in Madeira can be very varied - you can always find something to your liking.

(photo © franciscoantunes / flickr.com)

June

The air temperature in Madeira in June averages + 23 ° С. The water warms up to +21 ° C, and in principle you can swim, but the water temperature is not so comfortable. There is practically no rain in June - it is one of the driest months of the year. This month is perfect for both beach and active rest in Madeira. In addition, the Atlantic International Fireworks Festival and City Day (June 21) are held in June.

Tip: the high season begins in June - Europeans come here for beach vacation so house prices are soaring. If you want to have a budget vacation in Madeira, it is better to go here during the low season - it starts in November.

July

July in Madeira is the peak of the season, it is one of the hottest months of the year: the temperature reaches + 25 ° C, and the water is already warmed up enough for swimming (up to + 23 ° C). There is little precipitation, but the weather is changeable - sometimes cloudy and cloudy days. July is good because you can combine lying on the beach and swimming with walks around the island on cloudy and cloudy days, because it is much easier to climb the mountain when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

August

The weather in Madeira in August is the same as in July - warm and sunny. Average water and air temperatures are also about the same as in July. There is little rainfall, which allows tourists to enjoy both relaxing on the beach and a variety of excursions and walks - go to explore the flora and fauna of the island, because there are many botanical gardens and national parks in the Madeira archipelago.

September

The first half of September in Madeira is considered velvet season: the air temperature decreases slightly (on average + 26 ° С), but the ocean is still warm - about + 24 ° С. The amount of precipitation in September increases, which may somewhat darken the holiday. However, this does not scare tourists - precipitation is still quite rare and short-lived.

At the beginning of September in Madeira the "wine season" - the grape harvest begins and the traditional wine festival takes place Festa do Vinho da Madeira, it's time to taste the famous Madeira wine, named after the island.

V october in Madeira, they almost never swim, as the temperature of the water and air drops, a cold wind blows.

(photo © / flickr.com)

Madeira beaches

Beaches in Southwest Madeira

Piscinas das Salinas is a beach on the Camara de Lobos bay.
Praia do Vigário is a nice pebble beach in Camara de Lobos bay.
Praia da Fajã do Cabo Girão is an isolated, hidden pebble beach under the Cabo Girão cliff with no amenities. You can get there either by cable car or by sea. It's nice and clean here.
Praia da Fajã dos Padres is another isolated pebble beach with crystal clear waters. It is located in Quinta Grande, at Cape Cabo Girau. You can get there by sea or by lift.
Calhau da Lapa is a great pebble beach under a cliff in Campanario. Clean, calm and secluded.
Ribeira Brava is a sandy beach (formerly pebbled) in the center of the village of the same name. There are many amenities.
Ponta do Sol is a pebble beach with amenities in a picturesque village.
Madalena do Mar is a fully equipped pebble beach in Madeira.
Calheta is one of the most popular beaches in Madeira. This is an artificial beach with imported golden sand. Facilities, bars, the opportunity to practice active sports.
Jardin do Mar beach, Portinho, Enseada and Vigia are clean pebble beaches with little or no amenities. Here you can "catch a wave" - the waves sometimes reach 8 meters.
Paúl do Mar - consists of two pebble beaches. The purest water and stunning landscapes. The beaches mostly attract surfers.

(photo © carlosoliveirareis / flickr.com)

Beaches in the south-east of Madeira

Prainha is a sandy beach with black sand. There are amenities.
Piscinas do Caniçal - a complex of swimming pools in the eastern part of Funchal (Canisal village), access to the sea.
Praia da Ribeira de Natal is a free public pebble beach in Machico.
Praia de Machico is a fully developed golden sand beach in Machico. Bars, restaurants, various activities.
Praia das Palmeiras is a beach in Santa Cruz, divided into two parts - the pebble beach itself and the pools with sea water.
Praia de sao Fernando is a landscaped pebble beach in the center of Santa Cruz.
Praia dos Reis Magos is a popular pebble beach near the village of Caniso.
Galomar beach complex is a private comfortable beach complex. You can get there by lift.
Praia da Cana-vieira is a secluded free public beach in Caniso. You can go up the stairs. The beach is not well maintained.
Praia do Garajau is a quiet pebble beach in Caniso with amenities. Suitable for diving.

Funchal beaches in Madeira

Barreirinha beach complex - a complex of beaches east of Funchal, near the Old Town.
Praia de São Tiago - located at the yellow fort of São Tiago, in the Old Town. Free public beach with amenities.
Praia Formosa is one of the largest free beaches in Madeira. Consists of 4 sandy and pebble beaches.
Lido pool complex is a popular pool complex with sea water and access to the sea in Funchal. Connects to Formosa beach. Developed infrastructure.
Praia do Gorgulho is a free pebble beach with facilities, located along Lido Street.
Ponta Gorda pool complex - a complex of swimming pools with access to the sea in the tourist area of Furshala.
Doca do Cavacas is a small complex of natural volcanic pools near Formosa beach, connected to it by a tunnel.

(photo © Madeira Island / flickr.com)

Beaches in northwest Madeira

Porto Moniz pools - volcanic seawater pools. A popular holiday destination in Madeira, the beach is fully equipped.
Ribeira da Janela is a beautiful pebble beach in the north of the island with wonderful views. Popular with surfers, there are facilities. Nearby - camping, parking, you can take a walk along the hiking trails.
Praia da Laje is a quiet and secluded black sand and pebble beach in a bay in Seixal.
Piscinas Naturais do Seixal - natural pools with clear water. This place is located near Praia da Laje.
Praia do Club Naval do Seixal is another black sand beach in Seixal. Large natural pool.
São Vicente - The beach consists of three beaches and is popular with surfers.

Beaches in the northeast of Madeira

Balnear da Ribeira do Faial is a pebble beach with amenities.
Praia da Lagoa Porto da Cruz is an excellent black sand beach, convenient access to the sea. Popular with surfers.

Porto Santo Island

The island of Porto Santo, which is part of the Madeira archipelago, is worth mentioning separately. He is known for his 9 km long sandy beach with soft golden sand, which mainly attracts tourists, and a varied landscape. Porto Santo beach has a developed infrastructure; you can get there from Funchal by ferry or plane.

Madeira landmarks

Madeira is primarily famous for its stunning natural landscapes, national parks and botanical gardens with rare plants. Let's make a small list of what you need to see in Madeira during your vacation or independent travel:

Funchal- the capital of the once main commercial port of Madeira. What to see there? The old town, museums and old churches with beautiful paintings, gardens and much more. The city is surrounded by mountains and a bay, which in itself makes it picturesque and worth seeing.
Monte- a suburb of Funchal, considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madeira. Visit the ancient palace and tropical garden of the Palais de Monte, the 18th century Igreya de Monte church, the botanical garden and more. One of the activities is to ride the cable car and enjoy the view of the bay.
Machico- most Old city and the first capital of Madeira. See the city with its churches and forts, then drive to Pico do Facho, an ancient observation post where torches were lit when pirates approached.
Calheta is also a popular town with tourists. In addition to two sandy beaches with golden sand, there are many ancient attractions, since it was from here that the active development of the island began (the village was founded in 1430). There are many churches, an interesting art center on the rock, where exhibitions are held.
Ponta do Sol is a beautiful and secluded village located in the sunniest part of the island.
Pico do arieiro will be of interest to lovers of hiking and climbing. This mountain is the third highest mountain in Madeira (1818 meters). The views from the mountain are amazing! Also worth climbing is Pico das Torres (1850 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m), the highest point in Madeira.
Santana- a cute town in the north-west of Madeira, where traditional triangular houses of the local population have been preserved since the 16th century.
Câmara de Lobos is an extremely picturesque fishing village.
Village of Prazeres is one of the most beautiful villages in Madeira. There is a small zoo and hiking trails.
Ponta de São Lourenço known for its natural black sand beach, stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic and extraordinary volcanic formations.
Arco de São Jorge- another picturesque village by the sea, surrounded by high mountains and vineyards. There is a rose garden with a huge collection of roses - Quinta do Arco Rosarium.
For lovers of tranquility and solitude, we recommend visiting the village Boaventura- pacification is guaranteed for you.

Madeira island on world map

Madeira is an archipelago of volcanic origin, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 700 km from the northwestern coast of Africa and 450 km north of. Madeira is also the name of the main island of the archipelago. The islands belong to Portugal.

In fact, in Madeira, every city / village is a landmark, so it is difficult to list them all. Fly to Madeira and explore!

Viewpoint at Cape Cabo Girao The second tallest rock in the world is located on the island of Madeira, 2 km north of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Take the first step onto the glass floor observation deck not all are resolved. Locals love to talk about how tourists faint when they are at an altitude of more than 500 meters and see a cliff beneath them. The adrenaline is really enough for several days in advance.

Winston Churchill terrace The small town of Camara de Lobos is famous for its bars and fish restaurants. Half a century ago, in the place where the nightlife of the island of Madeira is now concentrated, there was a fishing village where the British prime minister liked to stay. His favorite hotel is still open in the town. Be sure to look for the terrace where Winston Churchill painted landscapes for hours before taking a stroll along the coastal road to Funchal.

1 /6

Black Beach In the north of Madeira there is a small but absolutely unique Seixal beach with black volcanic sand and natural swimming pools. It is located near the town of Seixal. Must visit!

Mol Club On the dock in Funchal, from where the ferry departs for Porto Santo, there is night club with a restaurant. Its huge neon sign is visible from almost anywhere - it's hard to get lost. Mol is the only disco on the island, so dance is definitely here. By the way, the cook of the five-star hotel next door is in charge of the kitchen.

Levada Madeira is proud of its ecotourism opportunities. The most common among tourists and local residents are trekking trails along the levad (a system of irrigation canals dug by the first settlers). The total length of the Levads is about 1400 km throughout the island, and they stretch from the coast to mountain peaks... Routes - from a couple of kilometers to a couple of dozen. You can consolidate your success with a glass of ponche (a mixture of cane sugar, honey and lemon moonshine) in a home restaurant in the mountains. Locals advise against drinking more than one serving at a time.

A special entertainment in Madeira is fishing. This part of the Atlantic is home to whales, tuna, swordfish, giant marlins and deep sea saberfish.

Waterfalls Descent with mountaineering equipment down the waterfall is an extreme form of entertainment for those who have nowhere to get a fresh dose of adrenaline. In the north of the island there are many waterfalls with absolutely mesmerizing views. If desired, the descent for both beginners and experienced climbers is organized by the staff of the Clube Naval de Seixal (address Sítio da Serra de Água 9270-130 Porto Moniz).

Cellars with Madeira Tasting the famous wine is an indispensable must-do in Madeira. Madeira is prepared by several factories at once, and each has its own cellar, through which excursions are conducted. Many manufacturers give a discount on wines of their own brand when they have a ticket for an excursion, and some even promise to deliver your order for free to the airport of Funchal or even Lisbon. By the way, Portuguese restaurants also offer lighter varieties of wine than Madeira. Here

We travel the world. Madeira Island - the pearl of the Atlantic

There are places on our planet where you want to settle forever and live your whole life without leaving these blessed places.

And it doesn't matter whether you were there or not, the main thing is that you know that there is such a place.

One of these places is the island of Madeira, which, although it belongs to Portugal, has autonomy, its own anthem and is closer to Africa than to Europe.

An amazing little island lost in the Atlantic Ocean. The island of eternal spring. An island where there are no problems - at least that's what the locals say.

An island to which you want to return again and again. Madeira is located 1000 km south-west of Lisbon and 700 km from the African coast, due to which the island has approximately the same air temperature (19 degrees in winter and 22-25 in summer) and water temperatures (18-24) all year round.

Neither the whims of the weather, nor fashion trends, nor even fire rule over Madeira! In 1420, landing on the cliffs here, the Portuguese navigator João Gonçalves Zarco was delighted with the abundance of lush vegetation.

The island was named "Madeira" - "forest", "wooded". But, having made an attempt to make their way through the lush thickets, the discoverers suffered a fiasco and set fire to the island of paradise in retaliation.

The fire engulfed Madeira for more than seven years, destroying the entire island to the last bush. And suddenly, having changed his mind about returning to Portugal, Zarka returned to the ruined land, deciding to settle here. And this time forever. Since then, the island of Madeira has retained the status of "autonomy" and its own governor.

The ash that remained after the fire, with a unique interaction with the volcanic rocks of the soil, turned out to be an extremely favorable condition for the restoration of the former splendor of the island.

The burnt areas were gradually planted with all kinds of plants and crops, even the most exotic ones, brought or ordered from the most unexpected corners of the planet.

And to everyone's surprise, everything took root! And Madeira gradually turned into a real Botanical Garden “under the open sky”. The special pride of the modern island is the flowers, all year round pleasing the eye with a riot of colors and incredible shapes and sizes. Cala and bougainvillea, hydrangeas and magnolias, azaleas and strelitzia - what is there not here!

This island in the north of the Atlantic two hundred years ago was considered part of the miraculously survived fabulously beautiful Atlantis.

I just want to say in Yesenin's words - only blue sucks your eyes!

This is the view that opens when you stand on the edge of a completely sheer cliff of the Eira do Serrada peak, it is just over a kilometer high. When it’s so high, it’s not even scary: as if you’re flying on an airplane. Consciousness refuses to believe in the reality of what you see. It seems, take a step forward and ... fly ... like in a movie!

When you look at human habitation, scattered in the most incredible places on earth, you never cease to be amazed at how many of us are there. And everywhere life flows under the roof of your house, with its joys, worries, happiness and pain. And we are all important, unique and inimitable on this earth ... People have penetrated everywhere, even on this small island lost in the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, they climbed these mountains, sheltering themselves on the rocks. And to everyone their house is dear and loved.

Although the European (Western culture) believes that the island was discovered by the Portuguese, but long before them the Finnicians visited the island. It is strange that up to the Portuguese, Madeira was uninhabited, because Macaronesia or the Islands of the Blessed, according to the Phoenicians, were known to the ancient Greeks. Here, after all, there is exceptionally fertile soil, a lot of fresh water, plus an ideal climate, so today the already very high population density is doubled at the expense of tourists.

Madeira is surprisingly diverse. The alternating forested mountains and lush valleys offer breathtaking views. Bananas grow here right on the streets of the city, and the variety of flowering plants of all kinds of colors and shapes is amazing. Orchids, feces, bougainvillea, hydrangeas, magnolias and azaleas bloom here at any time of the year.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira.

Here you will find ancient monasteries, palaces in the Moorish style, and unique museums, and even an excellent market of local, but very exotic fruits. Every tourist who has visited the island of Madeira knows that it is best to buy a real Madeira as a gift in Funchal - in a shop at the Franciscan monastery.

The island is harvested 4 times a year. And of course, some harvest is better, some worse.

Typical "private plot" in Madeira. Bananas grow like potatoes ...

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world famous young football genius, was born in the best harvest on this island. This information was for boys.

Now for girls

Orchids, magnolias, hydrangeas bloom here all year round. And in general, a very romantic place.

There are absolutely no predators, no poisonous snakes, or even banal mosquitoes on the island. The most terrifying animal in the picturesque forests of Madeira is the hare. Therefore, birds of prey are cared for and cherished here (you yourself understand: give free rein to hares - they will clear the island of vegetation better than the first governor). Therefore, fans of the hunt can be sure that they will be provided with fresh hare for dinner.

The only thing that Madeira may lack is the gently sloping sandy shores. Local beaches are quite specific - small in area, rocky and going straight to a decent depth.

The local tropical botanical garden is a small piece of paradise on this earth ...

Nature and art, merging in complete harmony, fascinate with numerous paths, beckon to the depths of shady romantic corners, where you can enjoy the singing of birds, which create an atmosphere of complete satisfaction and peace.

Road to sky! What beauty, it takes your breath away!

And below the inhabitants are swarming ...

..and hardly anyone often turns their heads up

The rhythm of life on the island is unhurried, pacifying. Here all the worries brought to the island from overseas disappear, carried away by a salty breeze to unknown distances. Here you can stay forever and live on an island lost in the ocean among lush greenery, rocks, sun and wine. But even if you get back on board the liner and go into the distance, the island won't want to say goodbye. Better goodbye.