Portugal is not only about the mainland, there are also beautiful islands with different landscapes that make each one of them unique.
Portugal’s Azores and Madeira islands set in the Atlantic Ocean are one of the greenest and most magnificent places on Earth. If you are looking for a combination of sun, nature, sport, adventure and tranquility you can be sure you will find all this there.
Madeira
The pearl of the Atlantic, here is the Portuguese tropics. How can such a small territory be so beautiful? Madeira is the island of thousand-and-one exotic flowers and fruits, mountains, unforgettable sunrises, dense forests and adventurous paths. Around it – the magnificent ocean. Madeira includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas together with the separate archipelago of the Savage Islands. The last two are uninhabited. The capital city of the Islands is Funchal.
On the island of Porto Santo, you can enjoy one of the most impressive beaches in Portugal, nine kilometers long. Water temperature in summer ranges between 21-24 C. Due to its proximity to Africa Madeira’s climate is warmer than the Azores making it a destination that you can visit the full year. Madeira is full of hills so cable cars in Madeira are incredibly convenient if you want to overcome them. Some of the best cable car rides are those of Funchal and that of Achadas da Cruz, which gives access to the most remote village on the island. Both cable car rides give you access to amazing views. If you want to have some fun that would rush your adrenaline, then try the traditional Toboggan ride in Funchal. In the past, Madeirans have been using these sledges to get fast to the city center through the hills. Nowadays, it is used only for fun, and it is a very famous activity among tourists that visit Funchal.
For flora lovers one of the places you should visit in Funchal is Monte Palace Tropical Garden – is 70,000 square meters of walks through exotic plants and exhibition space.
Like the amazing semi-tropical landscape with a lot of green, waterfalls and palm trees, the sea around Madeira is full of marine life and a hotspot for divers as well as being one of the best spots for whale and dolphin watching.
Madeira’s culinary is also a must-try. A famous local bread Bolo do Caco and the amazing Madeira wine, less known than the famous Porto wine but equally delicious. From winter to summer Madeira can offer a lot to tourists.
Azores
Nine fantastic islands erected in the middle of the Atlantic by volcanic forces, now dormant. At every corner, the impact of the landscape takes us to an almost unbelievable world. Did you know that an extraordinary wine is made here too? The Azores are a truly unique universe, tailored to our great passion for a purer planet.
Most of the islands are named after their most characteristic feature, namely Corvo (Crow), Flores (Flowers), Faial, Graciosa (Graceful), Pico (The Peak), Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel (The Green Island) and Terceira (The Third). Each of the islands of the Azores is known for its own highlights and has to be explored separately. In this post I will give some examples of some of the most impressive things that you can see in some of them.
São Miguel is the biggest of all Islands, very green and with a lot of places to see, but one place with the most incredible view is the Sete Cidades lake. If you are a fan of hiking this trail you should definitely take.
São Jorge Island is also an amazing and beautiful place to visit and provides excellent conditions for activities like surfing, sailing, kayaking and diving.
Angra do Heroismo in Terceira is a city that worth a visit for its rich history and cultural importance that is why it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flores (Flowers), gains its name to the very beautiful landscape full of flowers, waterfalls, lakes, sea cliffs and natural swimming pools. This island is a haven for eco-tourism
Pico Island has the highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean. There is a hiking trail to the top, which is feasible to do but you should be fit. Additionally, there are plenty of tours in several islands for whale and dolphin watching, which make the Azores a very special place to see these animals.
Azores weather can be difficult during winter, with strong Atlantic storms, making late spring and summer the best time to visit the Azores.
Your posts keep inspiring me! This place is on my list for a long time, but it is not that easy to get there haha.. Here is the video that touched me and motivated me to visit the Azores once – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC-4aR4SgLU (in russian)
Thank you, Sofia! Yes, the best way to get there is through a transfer flight in Lisbon. Madeira is easier. Thank you for the video. It is very interesting.
THANKS ELENA.EXCELENTE JOB.
Thank you!