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Madeira is an archipelago located in the
North Atlantic Ocean, 1000 km southwest of mainland Portugal and
500 km from the African coast. It lies atop a massive shield
volcano and has dramatic hills, eroded valleys, and variations
in climate and vegetation. With a mild climate, it is popular
with cruise visitors and European holiday-makers.
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Its capital, Funchal, dates to 1492 when it was established as a
seaport by Portuguese sailors. |
Funchal's Botanical Garden has a unique setting in the hills
above Funchal. The garden features over 2000 exotic plants.
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Two gondolas rise from Funchal to the upper
town of Monte. A tourist attraction is to ride the gondola up,
and take a toboggan ride back down.
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Funchal's Praça do Municipio is surrounded
by the city hall, a religious art museum, and the Jesuit College
and church. Nearby are the historic city gate and Cathedral. |
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Blandy's is one of the best known of the producers of Madeira's
fortified wine.
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Fruits and vegetables unique to the island are available at the
Mercado do Lavadores (farmers' market).
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It is a delight to wander through Funchal's Zona Velha (old
town) with its fortress, converted manors and cottages, and its
painted doors.
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Cabo Girao is the second highest sea cliff in Europe. Boat
excursions and a glass-floored viewpoint on top are popular
attractions. |
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Camara do Lobos is a cute fishing village where Winston
Churchill sometimes stayed. |
Madeira has no beaches so promenades with pools and recreational
facilities are built over sea walls.
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Winding roads go up slopes and through valleys to reach villages
on the north shore. |
At Madeira's highest point, Pico do Areeiro, there is a NATO
radar station and a starting point for a variety of hiking
trails.
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Porto Moniz lies at the northwest point of the island. |
Porto Moniz has natural lava pools for swimming.
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Ponto do Castelo is where the original volcanic eruption
occurred.
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Madeira is astonishing for its topography where buildings, roads
and terraced farms climb up steep volcanic cliffs.
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Funchal has lovely winding streets with typical Portuguese
architecture and colorful cobbled streets.
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The Bank of Portugal is an iconic building
in central Funchal. |
There are several ecclesiastical buildings. the Jesuit
Church of Saint John the Evangelist is one of the most
beautiful.
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Traditional thatch-roofed houses in Santana
are UNESCO protected.
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Women in traditional clothing sell herbs, seeds and plant bulbs.
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