Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal that is highly sought after by tourists, due to its exuberant nature and the belief in its therapeutic power due to the climate. The most famous place is the capital, Funchal, super lively at New Year. But you also can’t miss Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world (580m), and Porto Santo, which it has 9km of golden and therapeutic sand beach, voted as the best sand beach in the 7 Maravilhas – Praias de Portugal (7 Wonders – Portugal Beaches).
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Other places that worth a visit are Ponta do Sol and Calheta, with their beautiful beaches of Jardim and Paúl do Mar (the largest plateau in Madeira, an incredible view), and Porto Moniz, which has natural pools formed by the lava that has flowed in the ocean.
The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools are paid – the others are free – but the amount charged is quite symbolic: €1.50 from 3 years old. Children under 3 years old are free. And there is an excellent infrastructure, with bar, changing rooms, children’s playground, first aid station, sun loungers and umbrellas for renting.
Great tours and festivals in Summer time
- Levadas: to make agriculture possible in Madeira, in the 16th century canals were opened to connect the north to the south, the so-called Levadas, which ended up becoming a relaxing tourist tour of the region.
- Trails: Vale da Serra D’Água, Risco, 25 Fontes, Lagoas da Madeira and several other options.
- Semana do Mar Festival (Sea Festival Week): in Porto Moniz, usually in the end of July, with recreational and sporting nautical events, a gastronomic fair and music.