Sightseeing in Madeira - what to see. Complete travel guide

Madeira is the island of the eternal spring. This place became a well-known European resort yet in the XIX century. Madeira is a place where celebrities, lords and kings come to have some rest.

The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean. Its distance from Madeira to mainland Europe (Portugal is the closet one) is about 1000 km. The distance to Africa is around 700 km. The person who had discovered Madeira was Joao Goncalves Zarco. In 1419 he landed on this island while escaping from a huge storm. In those days the island was completely covered by impenetrable forests and this fact gave the name to the island as "Madeira" means "a tree, a forest". Near this island are located other islands of the archipelago - Porto Santo and several wild uninhabited islands like Selvagens and Desertas. Both islands are turned into nature reserves.

Visitors will also find a unique ancient forest named Laurisilva in Madeira. The forest appeared yet during the Tertiary era and managed to survive thanks to the moderate and mild climate.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and an interesting place with numerous fascinating attractions like Se Cathedral made of lava with the ceiling inlaid with ivory and wood, Franciscan Monastery, the Santa Clara Church and the famous botanical gardens. The main attractions of the city include popular carnivals, the festival of the Atlantic Ocean and Columbus, the holiday of flowers and wine, as well as water rides along livada channels.

The island's guests should definitely visit the Madeira Story Center. This museum is dedicated to the most significant events in the history of the island. This museum positions itself as interactive. It features interesting thematic expositions, which, when activated, you can immerse yourself in the world of sounds and smells. The museum stores ancient national costumes, musical instruments, household items and works of art, as well as many other interesting exhibits. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

No less interesting is the Museum of Art, which is housed within the walls of the ancient Fortress of Sao Tiago. The bases of its exposition are the paintings of famous Portuguese artists of the mid-20th century. Some of the museum's halls are used for modern exhibitions. In some of these events, visitors of the museum can get themselves wonderful pictures.

An important cultural center for the island is the Quinta das Cruzes Museum. Its location is an ancient mansion, which hundreds of years ago, belonged to the discoverer of Madeira João Goncalves Zarco. Among the exhibits of this museum are the most interesting collections of antique furniture, porcelain dishes and works of art. Here you can see some of the belongings of the former owners of the mansion. Another interesting feature of the museum is the surrounding lush garden. It has many exotic plants and flowers, among which are preserved, ancient sculptures and decorative elements.

An important natural symbol of the island of Madeira is Mount Monte, which you can climb to the top by a cable car. Here on top of the mountain, there is a beautiful ancient palace surrounded by exotic gardens. Now this garden is perfectly designed for rest, it has many fountains and artificial reservoirs. It will be pleasant to relax in it even on the hottest day. There are also several viewing areas in the garden, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of different parts of the island.

For travelers who want to get acquainted with the life of the islanders, it will be interesting to visit the miniature village of Curral das Freiras. It was founded in the 16th century. It was in this village, that the local nuns sought refuge from pirates and conquerors. Now the village attracts with its distinctive atmosphere. Beautiful old houses are preserved in it, and a church, on the square in front of which, a wonderful farmer's market functions every Sunday.