Madeira Island - 7 Secrets to Discover

duarteolim@solucoesnet.com

By Gordon Phillips

Madeira Island is one of the islands in the Madeira Archipelago, and was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 1400's. It's still part of Portugal today, and is a popular holiday destination with tourists from all over Europe. The stunning coastal scenery with a backdrop of soaring mountains, mixed with a rich heritage and artistic culture, make it a fascinating place to visit and stay awhile. Here are seven little known places to visit on Madeira Island - discover them for yourself!

Caniçal

Whaling has always been part of Caniçal's history, and in the past it was the center of Madeira's whaling industry. Whaling ceased in 1981, and now the waters around Caniçal have become a marine mammal sanctuary. It is illegal to kill whales, seals or dolphins here now. The old whaling company's offices have been converted into a very interesting whaling Museum (Museu de Baleia), and if you've watched John Huston's movie Moby Dick (1956), you might recognize some of the local scenery.

Santana

This is a fascinating area on Madeira Island, and is a perfect place to see the triangular thatches houses unique to Madeira. These houses were originally built in the 16th century, although currently the oldest examples are only around 100 years old. The steep triangular shape protects the house from the rain, and they are mainly for sleeping in, with bathrooms located well away from the houses. There are thatched cow byres dotted around the hillsides, and the valley is home to fruits, vegetables and willow trees in abundance.

Ilhéu da Camara de Lobos

Did you know that Winston Churchill enjoyed painting? Ilhéu da Camara de Lobos was one of his favorite subjects. It's still home to fishermen today, and still manages to maintain the feel of a picturesque fishing village. There's a 15th century chapel named after St Nicholas, which contains some fascinating decorations. Overlooking Ilhéu da Camara de Lobos is the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão, which rises 589m above sea level.

Machico

When the Portuguese first settled the island, it was divided into two parts. Funchal, the current hub of Madeira Island, became the center of the western part, and Machico the eastern side. Unlike Funchal, Machico developed slowly and quietly into a primarily agricultural town. There's a beautiful 15th-century church, the Igreja Matriz, and also the lovely Chapel of Miracles (Capela dos Milagres).

Golf

Golf is very popular in Madeira, and in face that Open da Madeira is part of the European PGA Tour. It's held around March, and is held at the Santo da Serra Golf Club. This course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, and currently contains 3 nine-hole golf courses. A new clubhouse with every possible amenity was opened in 2000. There are other golf courses dotted around the island, including the recently completed Estalagem do Santo.

Teleférico - Cable car

Catching a cable car is always fun, and if you're wandering around the old part of Funchal, give this one a go. It travels up to Monte, which is near the tropical gardens of Caminho das Babosas. It takes about 30 minutes return, and gives you a unique birds eye view of the city and surrounding hills. In colder months, it's even possible to toboggan back down to Funchal.

Quinta Vigia

This now the official residence of the Regional Government, and is a magnificent old building. It was originally built in 1662, and has received many illustrious guests over the centuries, including Princess Adelaide (Queen Victoria's daughter) and the Empress Sissi. It has charming gardens, and along with the house itself makes it worth a visit.

These are seven highlights worth visiting on Madeira Island, but there are plenty more to explore. Give yourself plenty of time to discover everything this beautiful and historic island has to offer.

If you want to read more about traveling in Portugal [http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com], click over to Gordon's site at [http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Phillips

10 Useful Portuguese Phrases

Below are a few useful Portuguese phrases with their English translations which may prove very useful for travellers

Holidays in Madeira Mean Unmatchable Aquatic Adventure

Madeira is a significant tourist spot in Portugal. Every year millions of people plan Madeira holidays especially to get drenched in excitement of beach activities. You can indulge in numerous aquatic activities while vacationing at the beach.

What to do in Madeira?

Madeira holidays are quickly becoming some of the most popular trips to take if you are looking to explore the world and enjoy yourself. This Portuguese peninsula is a beautiful archipelago that will allow you to enjoy a luxury vacation at a budget price.

Cheap Holidays to Madeira and Unlimited Fun and Excitement

Numerous adventure cravers plan cheap holidays to Madeira as this is area where there is no dearth of aquatic and land based activities. Scuba diving is among the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in the waters surrounding Madeira. There are several things that make this area an incredible place to enjoy the sport. Its climate that remains same all through the year offers great conditions to dive into the waters and explore the exuberant underwater beauty.

Madeira – the Best All Round Climate in Europe?

With a summer maximum of 29° centigrade (OK, occasionally there have been exceptions), and a winter low of around 17° centigrade, where else can you find such bearable temperatures. Even the sea only wavers a degree or two above and below the 20° centigrade mark all year around.

Explore Typical Madeira Markets in Madeira Holidays

Many markets were set up for selling flowers but with the time they are expanded into complete markets and you can buy many other things from here. Now you can find agriculture products and local food specialties from here such as grilled chicken‘bolo de caco' bread and wheat soup which can be consumed right there or take away.

Best Churches to Explore in Madeira Holidays

Madeira Holidays gives the opportunity to explore best religious places of the town. You can visit popular churches of this attractive tourist destination. Madeira is best known for different museums and art galleries due to the rich culture of this place. But if you are searching for historical and religious holidays you can plan your cheap holidays in Madeira to see best churches.

Madeira Portugal Pearl of the Atlantic

Madeira volcanic soil, plants and flowers blaze as creating a palette with a Tahitian Gauguin. The island grows a variety of colors - this zhakaranda, weight bougainvilleas, orchids, geraniums, puansettii, Cannes, wisteria. Scrub apples, avocados, mangoes and bananas grow on the island. Scents such as vanilla and wild fennel, mixed with the smells of the sea breath, get into the valley and create a unique charm of the island.

Explore Natural Richness of Madeira with Funchal Holidays

Nature lovers from around the world visit Funchal especially to visit gardens in Madeira Island. Some of the travel writes have referred Madeira as the "Floating Garden in the Atlantic." This is one of the most notable attractions in the city. While strolling around this city, you would come across variety of gardens. Some of these gardens are natural whereas others are maintained very carefully so that they don't lack even an ounce of the natural feel.

Funchal Holidays – Experience the Real Excitement of Visiting Portugal

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Portugal? Yes! If you don't want to lose even a single aspect of Portugal, look out for Funchal holiday packages. Funchal is the city that summarizes the country. Visit the city to experience different colors of Portugal.