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Madeira

Overview

Madeira is a singularly beautiful island. The scenery is memorable and remarkably diverse, especially bearing in mind the island’s modest size. Madeira has been described as a ‘floating garden’, reflecting centuries of cultivation. The rich volcanic soil, mild climate and abundant rainfall (especially in the north) have been responsible for contrasting landscapes: lush river valleys, terraced hillsides planted with vines and bananas and dense primeval forest.

The most enjoyable way to explore the island is to follow the course of the levadas (irrigation channels) which crisscross the countryside. The island’s burgeoning coastal resorts are geared to the demands of modern tourism and the expansion of Santa Catarina Airport is expected to lead to a marked increase in the number of foreign visitors over the next decade.

General Information

Atlantic Ocean, 990km (619 miles) southwest of Lisbon.

Area

741 sq km (286 sq miles).

Population

250,000 (2006).

Population Density

337.4 per sq km.

Capital

Funchal. Population: 140,000 (2006).

The group comprises the main island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo, the three uninhabited islets of Ilheu Chao, Deserta Grande and Ilheu de Bugio, and the Selvagens (a group of uninhabited islets located south of Madeira). The islands are hilly and of volcanic origin and the coast of Madeira is steep and rocky with deep eroded lava gorges running down to the sea. These are particularly impressive on the north coast of Madeira island. The largest of a group of five islands formed by volcanic eruption, Madeira is in fact the summit of a mountain range rising 6.5km (4 miles) from the sea bed. At Cabo Girão, west of the capital of Funchal, is the second-highest cliff in the world. Inland, Pico Ruivo is the island’s highest point (1,862m/6,109ft) with the slightly lower Pico de Arieiro (1,810m/5,940ft) nearby. Both are destinations for sightseeing tours, commanding fine views of the surrounding mountains. Madeira’s volcanic origin means that it has no sandy beaches, although there is a small beach, Prainha, near the whaling village of Canical on the extreme east of the island. Madeira itself is 56km (35 miles) long and 21km (13 miles) wide. Porto Santo is much smaller, only 14km (9 miles) long and 5km (3 miles) wide, with a long, golden sandy beach.

Time

GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.

Entertainment

Food and Drink

Regional specialities:
•Caldeirada (fish soup).
•Bife de atum e milho frito (tuna steak and fried maize).
•Carne em vinha d’alho (pickled pork and garlic).
•Espada (fresh black sword fish).
• Bolo de mel (Madeira honey cake).

Regional drinks:
•Malmsey (Malvasia), a popular wine.
•Bual isa sweet dessert wine.
•Serceal is a dry wine.
•Galão, a glass of milky coffee, and bica, a small cup of black coffee, are popular.

Nightlife

Some hotels have excellent nightclubs with music for dancing and international cabaret entertainment. Folk entertainment is also included in the weekly programme of these hotels and, in most cases, non-residents are welcome.

Shopping

In Funchal, there is a wide variety of shops selling everyday goods, as well as many souvenirs. Special purchases include Madeira folk art such as embroidery, tapestry and wickerwork. Madeira wine is a popular gift.

Top things to see

• Do not miss the sights of Funchal, including its remarkable 16th-century Cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Botanical Gardens - 5 hectares (12 acres) of terraced hillside, planted with myriad species from around the globe.

• Make a beeline for Santana, the most visited village on the island, which is known for its unusual triangular-shaped houses or palheiros.

• Take the cable car from Funchal to Monte, where the church, Nossa Senhora de Monte, becomes a centre of pilgrimage on 15 August, when worshippers climb the 74 steps on their hands and knees.

• Visit Machico, Madeira’s second-largest town and check-out the 15th-century parish church, the Chapel of Miracles (a place of pilgrimage) and the small but picturesque 18th-century fort.

• Drive towards the summit of Pico do Arieiro (1,818m/5,965ft) (the road does not go all the way) and appreciate the spectacular panorama. The island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,861m/6,106ft), is accessible on foot.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top things to do

•Hike along the coastal path and savour the dramatic cliff top views. Walk through tranquil terraced valleys further inland. The levadas, a network of ancient irrigation channels stretching some 2,130km (1,333 miles) across the island’s slopes, are popular.

• Try a traditional toboggan run. Today, the toboggans carry tourists with two men using ropes to control the wide carro, a large wicker basket mounted on wooden runners. Runs to Funchal are located in Monte and Terreiro da Luta.

• Sample some of the distinctive and world-famous Madeira wine. The grapes are pressed where they are grown and carried down the hills in goatskin bags by porters. The famous Madeira Wine Festival takes place annually in September.

• Unwind over a round of golf. The Campo de Golfe do Santo da Serra (27-hole) (website: www.santodaserragolf.com) and Palheiro (18-hole) (website: www.palheirogolf.com) are the two courses on the island, the former offering spectacular panoramic ocean views from its 500m- (1,640ft-) high location.

• Have a go at deep-sea fishing, for which Madeira is well-known, particularly blue marlin. A number of companies offer fishing tours to suit all budgets and tastes. Special charters can be arranged for groups.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Communications

Telephone

Telephone and mobile services are similar to those offered in mainland Portugal.

Internet

Internet services are widely available in kiosks and hotels.

Media

Public TV and radio services are operated by Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP). In 2004 Madeirans were granted access to standard (RTP) services without having to pay satellite subscription charges.

Press

• Diario de Noticias and Jornal da Madeira are among the most important local newspapers in Madeira.

Radio

• The public broadcaster Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) operates RDP Madeira.
• Even some of the small villages in Madeira have their own radio stations; these include Radio Journal de Madeira.

Climate

Mild climate with warm summers and extremely mild winters.

Required Clothing

Mid-seasonal wear.

Map

While you're there

Climate
Map

Just You is part of the Page & Moy Travel Group.

Company details: Just You, Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7QD, United Kingdom. Registered in England, Company Number: 1329030

Just You offer escorted touring holidays for single travellers, including ocean cruises, short breaks, river cruise holidays and holidays by air and coach to Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Central and South America, Africa, China and Asia, and the Middle East. Many of our singles holidays include guided local excursions, no single supplements, and the chance to extend your holiday with a range of add-ons. Enjoy a short city break to some of Europe’s top destinations, a Kenyan Safari or an around the world trip with Just You – holiday specialists for singles travellers.

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