Madeira Travel and Tourism Portugal Environmental Guide Vacation Honeymoon

Madeira Travel and Tourism Portugal. Madeira History. Environmental Guide, Vacation, Honeymoon. The Portuguese island of Madeira really is an idyllic spot and the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Located just over 800 km / 500 miles to the far south-west of mainland Portugal, Madeira is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and part of a small volcanic archipelago. Funchal serves as the island's capital city and lies on the southerly coastline, being surrounded by popular beaches and resorts. Although Madeira has become well known for its senior holiday makers, who come here to enjoy the plentiful year-round sunshine, the island certainly offers an enviable younger tourism vibe. There are many stunning hiking trails along the cliff tops, where you may even be able to spot a sperm whale swimming close to the shore. Once you've arrived on Madeira, you won't find it hard to find sources of up-to-the-minute tourist information, particularly if your are staying at Funchal, or in or around the resort towns of Boaventura, Machico, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz, Santana and Sao Jorge. The majority of hotels will provide a selection of leaflets and attractions, together with shops and travel agencies. Whatever your age, the island of Madeira will likely suit your holiday requirements. Those who can drag themselves away from the Madeira beaches and are looking to explore some of the island's most popular attractions may like to visit the appealing villages of Camara de Lobos, Curral das Freiras, Pico do Arieiro, Porto Moniz and Ribeiro Frio, the latter of which enjoys a secluded setting, surrounded by woodland and mountains. Ribeira Brava and Santa Cruz are two particularly lively island resorts and are home to a selection of beaches and related attractions, such as pools, esplanades and vantage points. Much of the island's action understandably takes place in its capital of Funchal, where the biggest selection of hotels and restaurants are located. Many tourist attractions in Funchal are based around the Municipal Square (Praca do Municipio) and off the adjoining alleyways