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Madeira map |
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Madeira island
Known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is set against
a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains, which tumble into the ocean.
Blanketed with flowers, the island is home to beautiful gardens, bursting
with orchids and bougainvillea, and carved into its hillsides, picture-postcard
villages, magnificent churches and breathtaking waterfalls are waiting
to be discovered. |
| Madeira map |
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Overview
The Madeira archipelago comprises the main island of Madeira, the
smaller island of Porto Santo (50km from Funchal), the three uninhabited
islets of Ilheu Chao, Deserta Grande, Ilheu do Bugio and futher
south the small group of the Selvagens islands which are a nature
protected reserve area.
The island of Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal situated
900km from Lisbon, Portugal. It was discovered by João Gonçalves
o Zargo and Tristão Vaz Teixeira in the 15th century and
given its name due to the forests and foliage that covered it and
impeded exploration (Madeira means "wood" in Portuguese).
Although it is a volcanic island, these have been inactive for over
400 years. Constant erosion has meant that the terrain is rough,
with deep valleys and high mountains. However, it is also lush and
fertile, renowned for its flowers, gardens, fruit and especially
the famous Madeira wine.
Find out more about Madeira and about the sports and activities
you can do!
 Madeira
Sports & Activities
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