Description
Madeira (IPA: [mɐˈðejɾɐ]) (Portuguese for "wood") is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 700 kilometers west of Africa and 850 kilometers southwest of the Portuguese coast. Together with Porto Santo and the Ilhas Desertas and Ilhas Selvagens, located further south, it forms the archipelago and the autonomous region of Madeira, Portugal. The Azores have the same status within Portugal. The largest city on Madeira and also the capital of the autonomous region is Funchal. Madeira has a very mild climate, with temperatures almost always between 16 and 22°C. The island is popular with hikers and nature lovers because of its natural beauty, abundant forests, and mountains. Because the coast consists mainly of steep cliffs and sandy beaches are virtually non-existent, Madeira is not prone to mass tourism. The islands are of volcanic origin. The highest mountain is Pico Ruivo (1,862 m). Madeira's most famous culinary specialty is the fortified dessert wine named after it. Besides Madeira wine, the island is also known for the espada, the black swordfish (Aphanopus carbo). The many exotic flowers growing wild on the island are so characteristic of Madeira that it is also known as the "flower island." The island boasts several endemic bird species, the most famous of which is the Madeira finch. In addition, Madeira is home to a large number of laurisilva trees, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Due to their volcanic origins, no native mammals are found on the islands. Madeira is characterized by its unique network of levadas: narrow irrigation canals that cut through the mountains across the island. Because of the steep northern coast, colonization of the island began on the gentler southern coast, where the capital, Funchal, is also located. Water from the northern mountains was brought to the relatively dry south via the levadas. A footpath has always been constructed along these levadas to facilitate maintenance work. In some places, these paths are only 20 centimeters wide and run right along a steep drop. In other places, they are almost two meters wide. If you pay close attention to the signs and follow any advice from locals, they are suitable for walking.
