Interesting Places Around Funchal Madeira
The north and east of the island of Madeira are famed for the charming villages, spectacular sea cliffs and stunning mountain passes that one will find here. One such village is Câmara de Lobos, first settled by fishermen and just three miles from Funchal. It was first made famous by Winston Churchill, who took great pleasure in painting this very pretty area. The voyagers Tristão Vaz Teixeira and João Gonçalves Zarco were inspired by the large population of sea lions here and shape of its natural harbour. Hence they named the village Câmara de Lobos. Nearby is the incredible Pico da Torre viewing point. From here, a visit to Cabo Girão, the world's second highest sea cliff, is a must. From here, if one heads north, they will come across the Serra D'Água, a series of dramatic valleys. At its uppermost point is Encumeada, from where one can look out over Madeira's north and south coasts. From here, make your way to the lovely village of Porto Moniz (complete with volcanic pools), via the highest plateau in Madeira. This is an area with fantastic views of the island, that will stay in the mind's eye long after the visitor has left. Pass through Paul da Serra and Bica da Cana, two of Madeira's premier havens for nature, on your way back to Funchal.
Madeira's south and east are famous for willow craft, traditional dances and iconic straw-roofed houses. A few miles outside Funchal, one will come across the village of Camacha. This is the heart of the island's willow craft and folklore groups. From here, continue to the stunning views offered by the 5964 feet high Pico do Arieiro mountain. While driving from here back down to the coast, one will pass through prehistoric Laurissilva forests and the last place on the island where people still live in traditional thatched homes. At the easternmost point of the island, one is treated to views of both the rugged north and sun-filled south. From here, make your way to the village of Santana, home of the famous triangular houses, with roofs covered by straw.
Madeira's north offers the undisputedly finest views of both the island and the Atlantic. Following the east coast out of Funchal, one will first arrive at the village of Porto da Cruz, then Faial. At Cabanas de São Jorge, an amazing village neighbouring mountains and vineyards, yet also looking out over the ocean, one is obliged to stop and take in this incredible panorama. From here, continue to the village of Ponta Delgada - yet another place on this magnificent island where the true beauty of its flora and fauna has to be seen to be believed. Head west, following the northern coast, and you will arrive at the fascinating São Vicente Caves. The return journey from here back to Funchal will take one through both chasms and valleys, as well as the very scenic Ribeira Brava area.
Nuns Valley, in the heart of the island of Madeira, is a quaint village (Curral da Freiras) in a grassy valley, surrounded by misty mountain peaks. On the way here from Funchal, the traveller must first climb the mountain to the lush Eira do Serrado, with breathtaking views. From here the remote village is just a 20 minute descent by car. The chestnuts that grow around here are absolutely scrumptious, and the village is renowned for its annual Chestnut Festival.
Madeira's 'levadas' are literally mini canals; they were constructed in the 1500s to transport water between the humid north and parched south. In this way, crops could be irrigated and cultivated. Nowadays, the island has a far-reaching network of these levadas, covering 1553 miles. Walking along the levadas is a very popular pursuit; many are only slightly sloping, and the paths alongside are kept clear, to avoid blockages. Every year, Funchal hosts a Walking Festival, which takes part over the course of one week.
Christine Brookes writes for various travel journals and websites including Hotel Reservations Global where Hotels in Funchal can be booked from a wide range of Portugal Hotels.
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