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Madeira Escape from the continent, travel far out to sea, and discover the magical, colonial archipelago of Madeira, whose warm climate is windswept by the forgiving trade winds, whose charming locals are welcoming, whose beaches are pristine and idyllic, and whose historical attractions hearken back to the days as a vital Portuguese outpost in times of both war and peace, a testament to the country’s grandeur and wealth, a veritable string of diamonds amidst an otherwise rough Atlantic.
Atlantic cruise liners regularly make these splendid shores one of their most prized ports of call, although such a short stay on Madeira is enough to inspire sadness. Anything less than a week exploring the emerald brilliance of Madeira’s countryside, the white-walled splendor of its architecture – well, regardless of how long you stay, you are bound to spend time in the biggest city on the island, Funchal, Madeira’s port of call.
In Funchal, the Cathedral is one of the most oft-visited historical attractions, and several wine bars will let you taste the local elixir that truly puts these islands on the map. But do please try your best to escape the hordes of Funchal and get out to experience the quaint charm of the untouched Santana and Monte Palace villages on the main island of Madeira. Monte Palace is a fine testament to aristocratic splendor of the island, which extensively landscaped gardens that provide a romantic maze of flowers and hedge work for you and a loved one to get lost in. In addition to the splendid gardens the city, whose houses crop up upon a hillside, is a trendy destination for the rich and famous.
Santana, a small village, is a destination replete with historic wonder and intrigue. If you are taking a tour of the island, be sure that you do so with this city in mind. Throughout the islands, elegance is the name of the day. Vacationers will experience some of the finest, most upscale nightlife in Portugal, although hundreds of miles away! |
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