Madeira

Overview

An archipelago of inhabited and uninhabited islands that provide experiences ranging from shear blissful seclusion to frenetic nightlife. Strolling around, the visitor might like to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Laurissilva Forest, the Quita do Arco rose garden or the São Vincente Caves as just some of the examples of natural beauty around the islands. There are nature reserves on the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens where rare flora and the particularly scarce Mediterranean monk seal can be found. On the other hand there are natural swimming pools near the north coast, a great deal of sailing or the chance to indulge oneself on a beach for example on the island of Porto Santo. A particularly obvious historical sight is the method of agriculture that has been used for hundreds of years. This is the proliferation of terraces used to farm otherwise inhospitable terrain. Palaces, mansions and military fortifications await those who wish to see examples of the architectural history of the islands and museums such as the Porto Moniz Living Science Centre and Contemporary Art Museum in the S. Tiago Fort for other aspects of island life.

History

When to Go

Essentials