The beautiful, verdant, subtropical island of Madeira , known as Portugal’s “Jewel in the Atlantic” and “floating garden”, is situated 800 kms off the north west coast of Africa, 1000 kms south west of Lisbon. It is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, and is 22 kms wide by 57 kms long. Due to its volcanic origin, Madeira is very hilly, and the coast is steep and rocky, with high cliffs and deep valleys running down to the Atlantic and no sandy beaches. The island has a population of 245,000, and the language is Portuguese, although many speak excellent English, for tourism is the largest industry, and the English make up the majority of visitors. The cosmopolitan capital, Funchal, is alive with restaurants, bars, discotheques, and a casino.
The landscape is covered in a green mantle of rich subtropical foliage. The variety and profusion of flowers makes the island a permanent flower show. Birds of Paradise, with their bright orange beak-like flowers, blossom in open fields. Fragrant hydrangeas line walking paths (levadas) that skirt the edge of mountain terraces.
The island is a haven for those who enjoy being outside, whether your taste runs to gentle strolls or hard core hiking. Madeira’s system of irrigation channels, known as levadas, carry water down from the mountains on gentle gradients. These levadas provide a ready-made system of trails. There are 1300 miles of them, crisscrossing the island, and they have level footpaths running along their entire length. Walkers of all ages and abilities can take in some of the finest countryside, surrounded by colourful foliage and spectacular views.
Madeira’s greatest attraction has to be the subtropical climate, sometimes known as “the island of eternal spring”. Even in winter the temperature rarely falls below 17C, and rarely exceeds 23C in high summer.
A haven of civilised peace, Madeira is a place of moderation in most things, where respect and old world manners have yet to become outdated. The people a gracious, helpful and friendly.
The landscape and vegetation, coupled with the ever friendly Madeirans and the appetizing food, combine to ensure that Madeira is a place of immense appeal which draws one back again and again.
