The island of Madeira, which is part of the territory of Portugal, is often called the paradise on earth. A wonderful climate, amazing nature, an endless number of bright, colorful holidays (including the Wine Festival, the Flower Festival and the Carnival) - all this makes the island a dream of many, many travelers, tourists from different countries of the world. The Emerald Island, where orchids, azaleas, magnolias and many other flowers bloom all year round, looks like a fairy tale that has become reality, like a wonderful dream that has come true.
Not surprisingly, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the island every year. On average, each vacationer spends a little less than a week here. Someone devotes most of their time to scuba diving, someone to sightseeing, for someone the main thing is to visit corners of nature untouched by civilization (some of the local natural attractions are protected by UNESCO) … The answer to the question of where is the best place to stay in Madeira.
The island is divided into several municipalities, each with its own characteristics. In the following sections of the text, we will talk about them in detail.
Areas of Madeira
The island is divided into ten districts (municipalities):
- Funchal;
- Machico;
- Calheta;
- Santana;
- Camara de Lobos;
- Ponta do Sol;
- Ribeira Brava;
- Santa Cruz;
- San Vicente;
- Porto Moniz.
Each of the named municipalities has its own attractions, each has its own characteristics; even the climate of some of them has its own distinctive features.
Funchal
The center of this municipality is the main city of the island - Funchal. The seaport is located here. The city is dominated by white buildings with red roofs (tiles). There are many gardens and parks, the greenery of which contrasts beautifully with the white walls of the houses. Volcanic stone is used to pave the streets in this amazing city.
The city was founded in the 20s of the 15th century - shortly after the island was discovered by Portuguese sailors. Interestingly, at first the sailors mistook the island for a cloud darkening in the distance; intrigued by the stillness of the "cloud", they headed towards her and found the ground. The colonization of the island began almost immediately after its opening, one of the first steps was the construction of the city.
Today the city is one of the most important tourist centers of the island. Its main attraction is, oddly enough, the market. Here you will see an incredibly rich, amazing selection of tropical fruits.
But, of course, the market is not the only local attraction. There are several museums and galleries in the city. Its attractions also include parks, monuments, the Botanical Garden and the embankment.
If you decide to visit the city on New Year's Eve, you will see an amazing fireworks display. They know a lot about fire shows: one of these pyrotechnic spectacles got into the Guinness Book of Records.
Machico
This area is located in the eastern part of the island. On the territory of this municipality there is a nature reserve created in the 80s of the XX century. Another local natural attraction is the beach. It is sandy, the sand is light. If you love spending time on the beach, if you dream of being at one with nature, you should stay in this municipality.
The history of this area of the island began in the middle of the 15th century. From those distant times to the present day, a church has survived, which today is one of the main local attractions.
Calheta
This municipality is one of the oldest settlements on the island. Its history began in the 30s of the 15th century. Probably, at one time in this area there was a tax collection point, therefore the name of the municipality in translation means "collection". However, this is only one of the versions of the origin of the name of the area.
Most of the territory of the municipality of Calheta is mountainous. Grapes, vegetables, various types of tropical fruits are grown here, and there are also sugar cane plantations. The local population is also engaged in animal husbandry and fishing. Tourism is, of course, an important branch of the local economy.
One of the main attractions of the area is the lighthouse. There are also several ancient temples and a manor. Separately, it is necessary to mention the artificial beach. Sand was brought to it from various places (in particular, from northwest Africa).
The five-kilometer hiking trail through virgin forests is very popular with visitors to the island.
Santana
The municipality of Santana is located in the eastern part of the island. There is a nature reserve created in the 90s of the XX century. The initiative for its creation belonged to the local population. Rare plant species can be seen in this reserve. Monk seals are found here (another name is white-bellied seals).
In this area there are many traditional islanders' dwellings - houses with a triangular shape. They are covered with thatched roofs.
The highest point of the island is located in the territory of the municipality.
Camara di Lobos
The area of Camara de Lobos is located in the south of the island, on the coast. Accommodation here can be recommended to young people and everyone who loves nightlife. This municipality is the center of the island's nightlife. In addition, fans of gastronomic tourism will like it here: the area is famous for its cuisine. It was appreciated by Churchill himself, who was here in the 50s of the XX century.
But this is not all that the municipality offers to the guests of the island: when talking about this area, it is necessary to mention the magnificent views that come off its famous observation deck.
White-bellied seals can also be seen here: they are found in coastal waters. The image of this animal is on the flag and coat of arms of the city, which is the center of the municipality.
Ponta do Sol
The Ponta do Sol area is located in the southwestern part of the island. Its name can be translated into Russian as “the place where the sun sets”. According to legend, the name was given to this area by one of the Portuguese sailors who discovered the island.
The main local attraction is the temple of the late 15th century. While examining it, pay special attention to the unusual roof, decorated with green ceramics.
Ribeira Brava
It is one of the southern municipalities of the island. The administrative center of this region is one of the most ancient settlements in Madeira. It was founded at the mouth of a river, conventionally dividing the island in two. At the beginning of the 20th century, a harbor was built here. Most of the area is mountainous.
Among the local attractions are a 16th century temple, an old fortress and a museum, the expositions of which are devoted to local culture. Once in the building of the museum there was a workshop in which sugar cane was processed. The museum was founded in the first half of the 80s of the XX century.
Santa Cruz
Another southern region of the island is Santa Cruz. It is here that the international airport is located. The main attraction of the region is the reserve. Here you can admire the bright exotic fish (this is the only marine reserve in the country).
The history of the region begins in the 15th century. According to legend, Portuguese sailors who discovered the island found fallen trees in this area, from which they made a large cross and installed it here. It was later replaced by a marble one. Alas, the marble cross has not survived to this day: it stood until the 80s of the XIX century.
Local attractions are ancient temples and sculptures depicting Christ. He stretches out his arms, as if trying to embrace the whole world. The sculpture was installed here at the beginning of the 20th century.
San Vicente
Sao Vicente is the northern municipality of the island. Here you can visit mysterious caves and visit the so-called "volcanic center", discovered in the 90s of the XX century. In this center you can get acquainted with the geomorphology of the island. It will be interesting for both adults and children: the topic is presented with the help of modern audiovisual equipment.
In addition, there are observation platforms on the territory of the district, from where stunning panoramic views open up.
Porto Moniz
This municipality is located in the northwest of the island. A significant part of it is mountainous. The main local attraction is the Aquarium, located in the building of an old fortress. It was opened in the early years of the 21st century. Here you can see about seven dozen species of fish and animals. As for the fortress, it was built in the 30s of the 18th century to protect against pirates.
There are also natural attractions on the territory of the municipality - these are virgin forests and the highest waterfall of the island. Its name, translated into Russian, sounds very nice: "the veil of the newlywed." Also, tourists love to visit the local park; the local cable car is also popular.
