Madeira and Porto Santo

The Climate in Madeira 

The climate in Madeira is similar to that in the Mediterranean and coastal California - this is one of the reason why the islands are such a popular holiday destination.  The Atlantic Ocean maintains a regular and moderate temperature which in turn protects the islands from extremes of temperature (both hot and cold).  Generally the summers are warm and sunny with clear skies and occasional light rainfall.  The winters are mild with fine and settled weather - although it can be wet, particularly at higher altitudes where it can be cloudy or stormy for a few days at a time.

About Madeira 

The Portuguese occupied and settled the Madeira Islands in the 15th century.  Lying off Morocco's west coast, the archipelago consists of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo (46 kms north east of Madeira) and the uninhabited islands of Salvagens and the Desertas.

Sitting 22 miles south east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, the Desertas islands of Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio are a protected area where access is restricted as they are the only sanctuary of the monk seal.

The islands of Madeira can be reached by sea or air (a 1 hour 30 minute flight from Lisbon).  There are two airports: an International Airport on Madeira and Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo. Cruise liners frequently visit the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo and connections between the islands can be made by air or ferry boats. The islands' modern road infrastructure make land travel easy.

There is a great tradition of local crafts that include wickerwork, tapestry and embroidery, and, of course Madeira is famous for its distinctive Madeira wine. 

A great destination for water-sports including diving, surfing and sailing.

Generally shops are open from 9:00 to 13:00 hrs and 15:00 to 19: hrs - Monday to Friday, and 9:00 to 13: hrs on Saturday. Some shopping centres are open daily between 10:00 and 22:00 hrs. Banks are open from 8:30 to 15:00 hrs, Monday to Friday.    Major Credit cards are generally accepted in restaurants and shops. The islands have a good telephone/internet network. There are 67 health centres and 2 hospitals (both in Funchal) on the island of Madeira; and one health centre on the island of Porto Santo.

Madeira

Madeira is a very beautiful island with mountain peaks rising to more than 1,800 m (6,000 ft).  Often described as a ‘floating garden' it is famous for its profusion of flower.  The rich soil and mild climate have contributed to the contrasting landscapes of lush river valleys, terraced hillsides with vineyards and banana plantations, and dense forest.

Towns,villages and places of interest include:

• Boaventura
• Câmara de Lobos
• Eira do Serrado
• Fajâ dos Padres
• Funchal
• Garajau
• Machico
• Ponta do Sol
• Porto da Cruz
• Porto Moniz
• Ribeira Brava
• Santana
• São Vicente 
• Western Madeira

BOAVENTURA

Boaventura is an agricultural village to the north of the island, set in a mountainous landscape, with several bars and restaurants.

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

The picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos is one of Madeira's main fishing centres.  Winston Churchill painted the village following his visit in 1950.

EIRA DO SERRADO

Set about 15 km from Funchal, the village of Eira do Serrado sits in a spectacular deep valley and has scenic views over the Curral das Freiras (Nun´s enclosure).

FAJÂ DOS PADRES

The remote cove of Fajâ dos Padres is set in Cabo Girão to the south of the Madeira.  It has a little pier and a restaurant.   A lift gives access up and down the sheer rock face.

FUNCHAL

Dating back more than five centuries, Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is now a modern city and a popular holiday destination.   This seaside city is known for its abundance of flowers and is set off by a mountainous backdrop.

• art galleries
• botanical gardens
• historic sights
• shopping centres
• market
• beach
• restaurants – particularly seafood
• night clubs
• cafés
• bars 
• cable car

GARAJAU

The resort of Garajau has plenty of restaurants, water sports and diving.  It is a marine nature reserve and is set at the eastern end of the bay of Funchal.

MACHICO

Machico is a quiet coastal town with a marina and beach.

PONTA DO SOL

The pretty coastal town of Ponta do Sol is set amongst vineyards and sugar cane and banana plantations; and has excellent modern shopping centres and a beach.

PORTO DA CRUZ

The village of Porto da Cruz is set on the north east coast of the island, close to the Penha d'Aguia rock formation.  It has a very contemporary bathing complex and is known for its dry red wine.

PORTO MONIZ

Porto Moniz is situated to the north-west of Madeira, and has natural swimming pools, which were formed by lava flows rising from the seabed.

RIBEIRA BRAVA

The charming small resort of Ribeira Brava is set on Madeira's southern coast.

SANTANA

Santana is well known for the unique triangular thatched houses which were first built in the 16th century.  Unfortunately none of the original buildings survive but there are examples which date back about 100 years.  The town is set in a fertile valley where fruit, vegetables, and the willow used for wicker products are grown.

SÃO VICENTE

Set close to volcanic caves on the north coast of Madeira, the coastal village of São Vicente has some excellent fish and seafood restaurants. 

WESTERN MADEIRA - this area has lots of seaside coves including Ponta Delgada, Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar.  Known for its world class surfing conditions, there are festivals in September and October with parades, food & all night parties.

Porto Santo

Often described as "paradise", Porto Santo is a popular holiday destination where you can relax and get away from it all.  This small, unspoiled and exclusive island has a mountain at either end;  gently undulating sand dunes; and a 6 miles (9 kms) sandy beach!  

The former home of Christopher Columbus is now a museum set in the island's capital , Vila Baleira.  The town has a great choice of restaurants (the local fresh fish is excellent) and a lovely sandy beach.

Set to the north of Vila Baleira is the hillside lookout point at Portela where breathtaking ocean views and a panoramic view across the island can be enjoyed.  

Golf in Madeira

PALHEIRO GOLF, MADEIRA

the above images are all subject to © Palheiro Golf, Madeira

Set about 10 km east of Funchal and set in the Palheiro Estate, Palheiro Golf commands magnificent views of the town and bay.

Designed in 1993 by Cabell Robinson, this 18-hole, par 72 course challenges all handicap levels.  In 2003, 2 holes were replaced and a 6 hole academy built.  The course is now noted for its tight fairways, well-placed bunkers and fast undulating greens that reward accurate play. 

The clubhouse, sitting some 500 m above sea level, enjoys open views of the Funchal harbour and the Atlantic Ocean.

PORTO SANTO GOLF, PORTO SANTO

The southern course is similar to the best, traditional American courses, set against a beach backdrop.  It demands a good and accurate long game with an abundance of strategically placed lakes testing any golfer's concentration. 

 SANTO DA SERRA GOLF CLUB

Originally, the Santo da Serra Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones and has since grown into a 27 hole course.

All holes have spectacular views of the mountains, valleys and Madeira’s dramatic coastline.  It is situated in an  unspoilt natural setting.   The course has been the home of the Madeira Island Open (PGA European Tour) since 1993.

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