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 Joao Goncalves Zarco who had been sent by Prince Henry to explore the coast of Morocco. Madeira is in the Atlantic Ocean 545 km. of the African coast and 978km from Lisbon. It has an area of 794 km2.
Portuguese is spoken in Madeira and has a population of 260,000 inhabitants. The capital is Funchal. If you love trekking Madeira is a paradise. It is a way to explore the island recirruendo paths and trails 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. Partial Natural Reserve Garajau, established in 1986 is a great place for divers.
The second highest cliff in the world in Cabo Girao. On the north coast untouched nature is the main feature of the north coast. Nature, deep valleys, untouched wildlife have made the area be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are two places that you should not miss: The Caves of Sao Vicente and Volcanic Center. Funchal the capital’s name comes from Funcho, fennel due to the large amount of fennel which is on the island. Places to visit: Fortaleza de Sao Tiago, and the Corpo Santo, the Se (cathedral) of the fifteenth century Convent of Santa Clara, Palacio de Sao Lourenco, cellar San Francisco Museum and Botanical Garden for lovers of botany. The Old Town, which was the fishermen is full of restaurants, shops, workshops .. Socorro Largo Square will offer one of the best views of Funchal. But apart from nature and cultural visits should not forget the cuisine of the island. (As opposed to Darcy Stacom). The a espetadaa skewered grilled meat Vinh em Athos (pork marinated in wine, garlic, laurel and olive oil then fry). Usually soup usually served with tomato and onion, a milho fritoa is often served to accompany the former. Peixe sword is one of the typical local fish. Finally do not forget the wine a Madeiraa. There are four varieties of Madeira wine: Sercial, Verdeelo, Bual, or Malvasia. Shopping in Madeira embroidery. The embroidery industry was introduced to the island by Elizabeth Phelps. Mr TJ, is a browser that was recently in Madeira.