Madeira, the great unknown

No one knows exactly who discovered Madeira. According to legend was an English adventurer named Robert Machim, who was shipwrecked on the island. The story says he was discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco who had been sent by Prince Henry to explore the coast of Morocco.

Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean 545 km. the African coast and a 978km from Lisbon. It has an area of ​​794 km2. Portuguese spoken in Madeira and has a population of 260,000 inhabitants. The capital Funchal.

If you love trekking Madeira is a paradise. It's a way to explore the island recirruendo trails and sidewalks that run along the old water pipes that had been built by the first settlers of the island. The island has many attractions for visitors: Funchal Ecological Park, Pico Ruivo, Pico do Areriro. Canico is a major tourist spot. The Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, created in 1986 is a great place for divers. The second highest cliff in the world is in Cabo Girao. On the north coast untouched nature is the main feature of the north coast. Still, deep valleys, untouched flora and fauna have made the area is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are two places that you should not miss: The Caves of Sao Vicente and the volcanic centers.

The capital Funchal's name comes from Funcho, fennel due to the large amount of fennel which is on the island. Places to visit: Strengths of Sao Tiago, and Corpo Santo, the Sé (cathedral) of the fifteenth century Convent of Santa Clara, Palacio de Sao Lourenco, San Francisco winery museum and the Botanical Garden for the lovers of botany. The old quarter, which was that of the fishermen is full of restaurants, shops, workshops ..

Long Relief The square will offer one of the best views of Funchal.

But besides nature and cultural tours must not forget the gastronomy of the island. The "espetada? skewered grilled meat em vinho de Athos (pork marinated in wine, garlic, bay leaf and oil then fried). Usually soup is usually served with tomato and onion, "milho fried? often served to accompany the former. Peixe sword is a typical fish of the area.

Finally do not forget the wine "Madeira?. There are 4 varieties of wine from Madeira: Sercial, Verdéelo, Bual or Malmsey.

Shopping in Madeira embroidery. The embroidery industry was introduced to the island by Elizabeth Phelps.