Car Hire Madeira - Mini guide to Madeira
Madeira lies 1000kms southwest of Lisbon and 800kms from the coast of Africa. This Portuguese archipelago of volcanic origin was discovered in 1419 by Portuguese navigators. It consists of the island of Madeira, the largest and more populated, and Porto Santo, the second major island of the Madeira archipelago.
Funchal, Madeira’s capital, offers cultural heritages, luxurious hotels and a cosmopolitan buzz with its bars, discotheques and casino. But it's charms are the numerous examples of religious architecture: the Cathedral (15th century), with its Manueline pulpit; the churches of Carmo (17th century); Santa Maria Maior (Baroque facade, 16th-17th centuries), all are examples of Portugal's strong religious faith.
Early birds are advised to spend a morning at the Mercado dos Lavradores (Market of the Workers) to see the vibrant flower vendors, fishermen, and local terrace farmers who sell an array of local wares (produce, fish, clothing, flowers, baskets, ceramics, prepared food, crafts) not seen anywhere else in Madeira.
On the outskirts Funchal at Cabo Girao and Estreito de Camara dos Lobos is Madeira's wine production center. Here the grapes are pressed where they are grown and carried down the hills in goatskin bags by porters. Madeira wine is particularly well known for its high alcohol content and its longevity. The famous Madeira Wine Festival takes place annually in September.
Most visitors make a bee-line to Porto Santo, which is easily reached by a boat or plane ride from Madeira. This small island is known for its wide beaches of golden sand along the southern coast. It's ideal for swimming or for long strolls. If you tear yourself from the beach for a day, you will find some minor attractions. Vila Baleira, a sleepy town of whitewashed stucco houses, merits an hour of your time. You'll be following in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus as you make your way along its cobblestone streets.
The airlines serving Madeira are TAP Air Portugal and GB Airways. Air Portugal currently operates two weekly direct flights from London to Madeira, and daily via Lisbon (schedules are subject to changes). There are internal flights between Funchal and Porto Santo.
