Madeira and the Azores

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

Porto Santo Island is a Portuguese island situated fifty kilometres northeast of Madeira Island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most beautiful, peace and quiet islands in Europe, and its long sandy beaches and ochre-yellow coloured soil earned it the name of “Golden Island”. Due to these various shades of brown and yellow, Porto Santo has a beauty of its own and is very different to Madeira. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1418 who appreciated its sheltered anchorage. Christopher Columbus the famous explorer lived on Porto Santo for a while.

The small island of Porto Santo lies 21 miles northeast from Madeira, a two and a half hour trip by local ferry. As a result of this close proximity, Porto Santo’s history has been associated with that of its larger sister island since the 14th century, when both appear on a Genoese map. It was in the early 15th century that the Portuguese explorer, Joao Goncalves Zarco, landed on uninhabited Porto Santo after being blown off course while exploring the coast of Africa. He returned the following year on a voyage sponsored by Henry the Navigator; this time he spotted Madeira on the horizon. Compared to Madeira, Porto Santo still remains largely unspoiled, with beautiful sand beaches. Its climate is fairly predictable - dry and warm with few differences in temperature between the seasons, which allows swimming almost year-round. In addition to fine beaches, the island’s major claim to fame is based on the fact that Christopher Columbus lived here for some time and was married to the daughter of the local governor. In the small capital, Vila Baleira, the house of Columbus has been converted into a museum. Another attraction on Porto Santo is the Pico do Castelo. The fort, standing on the highest point of the island, was erected in the 16th century to ward off attacks by French and Algerian pirates. In recent years, thousands of trees have been planted in various parts of the island in an effort to stem the erosion of precious soil. Results so far offer pleasingly green patches in an otherwise dry and arid landscape. Remote Porto Santo still offers visitors an air of tranquility and a look at an unhurried way of life, where stress has not yet had its effect on the 5,000 or so islanders. On the other hand, one must also keep in mind that tourist facilities on Porto Santo are not of the same high standard as on the sister island, Madeira. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Santo. The pier is about two miles from Vila Baleira, the island’s small capital. Taxis may be found in limited supply for the short ride to town or for a trip around the island. Rates should be agreed on before leaving the pier. Facilities at the port include telephone and fax services, a pharmacy and a rental car office. Shopping Local souvenirs include objects made from straw such as miniature windmills and dolls. They can be found in shops around Vila Baleira. Opening hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., opening again at 3:00 p.m. Most shops accept U.S. dollars. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine If you feel like having lunch ashore, seafood is your best choice, which you can find at either Mar e Sol or Por do Sol in Vila Baleira. Other Sites Of interest in town are several churches, the town hall square, a monument dedicated to Portuguese discoveries and the Museum “Casa Colombo.” Around the island you find ruins of 16th-century fortifications and a geological monument at Pico Ana Ferreira. Most of these sights are covered on the tour.

This attractive capital of Madeira is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, or multi-coloured mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetising Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas museum, and the golden panelling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira's cable cars. Its panoramic cabins transport you over the city to top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.

The town of Vila do Porto has managed to retain vestiges of its history on certain houses that have ogive-shaped doors and Manueline-style windows. Some of its streets still bear the memories of its past grandeur with palaces, doors and portals to admire. Here you’ll discover the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the island’s oldest churches, which has a large, 17th-century, sculpted wooden altarpiece in its upper choir. Our Lady of Victoria - a convent and church - built in 1607, destroyed by pirates in 1616, rebuilt in 1725 and modified for the last time in 1822 is also well worth a visit.

The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stands on the southern coastline of São Miguel Island, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On your way to the town centre from the port, youﾒll pass through the Doors to the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex bordering the Atlantic. The historic district features a beautiful square framed by the three Baroque arches of the City Gates. A few steps from the shore youﾒll find the Gothic church of São Sebastião and the Renaissance fortress, Fortaleza de São Brásainsi.

Offering solace on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is the Azores Islands' largest city, and a welcome relief for any weary sailor. Located on an archipelago of Portuguese islands, some 1,100 miles from the mainland, you can explore humbling volcanic scenery, as well as Sao Miguel's verdant landscape - which glows with colour when the hydrangeas that the Azores are known for bloom into life during the summer months. The striking black and white facade of the Church of Sao Jose welcomes you to the city itself, while you can head to the markets to pick up the pineapples, tea leaves and coffee beans that add a little flavour to the island. As the largest city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is well stocked with places to eat delicious local seafood, or pick up a little shopping, as you enjoy setting your feet on dry land, following a long journey at sea. Volcanic firepower has carved these stunning islands, and a journey up to Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a must do, where you can hike beside the water-filled crater, and admire views of steep green walls, and the uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond them. Lagoa de Fogo offers yet more humbling views, with the crater lake dropping off sharply to rippled ocean far below.

Offering solace on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is the Azores Islands' largest city, and a welcome relief for any weary sailor. Located on an archipelago of Portuguese islands, some 1,100 miles from the mainland, you can explore humbling volcanic scenery, as well as Sao Miguel's verdant landscape - which glows with colour when the hydrangeas that the Azores are known for bloom into life during the summer months. The striking black and white facade of the Church of Sao Jose welcomes you to the city itself, while you can head to the markets to pick up the pineapples, tea leaves and coffee beans that add a little flavour to the island. As the largest city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is well stocked with places to eat delicious local seafood, or pick up a little shopping, as you enjoy setting your feet on dry land, following a long journey at sea. Volcanic firepower has carved these stunning islands, and a journey up to Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a must do, where you can hike beside the water-filled crater, and admire views of steep green walls, and the uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond them. Lagoa de Fogo offers yet more humbling views, with the crater lake dropping off sharply to rippled ocean far below.