Monday, January 1, 2024

MADEIRA & PORTO SANTO ISLANDS - VILLAGES, CITIES AND INTERESTING PLACES

 MADEIRA ISLANDS




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Madeira Archipelago
The Madeira archipelago is a group of islands in Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises three islands and two islets, of which the two main and two secondary islands are the only permanently inhabited islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, Selvagem Grande, and Selvagem Pequena. Politically and administratively, the archipelago currently constitutes the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Location
The Madeira archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean between 30° and 33° north latitude, 978km southwest of Lisbon and about 700 kilometers from the African coast, almost at the same latitude as Casablanca, relatively close to the Strait of Gibraltar.  Despite being normally considered a European territory, the archipelago is geographically located on Africa's continental shelf. Its closest maritime neighbor is the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands.

Of volcanic origin, it is formed by:
Madeira Island (740.7 km²);
Porto Santo Island (42.5 km²);
Ilhas Desertas (14.2 km²) - three uninhabited islands, one of which is seasonally inhabited;
Selvagens Islands (3.6 km²) - two inhabited islands and 17 uninhabited islets.
Of the three islands, only the two largest (Madeira and Porto Santo) are inhabited, with the main accesses being Madeira Airport in Funchal and Porto Santo.
By sea, Funchal has a port that receives several ships, mainly cruises; and the remaining islands are inhabited by nature watchers, biologists and maritime police who protect these nature reserves.


Territory and climate
The territory of the archipelago contains two main islands: the island of Madeira and the island of Porto Santo; in addition to these, there are two groups of uninhabited islands, the Desertas and Selvagens islands.

The island of Madeira has a very rugged orography, with the highest points being Pico Ruivo (1862 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico do Arieiro (1818 m). The north coast is dominated by high cliffs and in the western part of the island there is a plateau region, Paul da Serra (1300–1500 m).

The relief, as well as the exposure to the prevailing winds, mean that the island has different micro-climates which, combined with the exotic vegetation, is an important attraction factor for tourism, the region's main activity. Precipitation is higher on the north coast than on the south coast. There are no major thermal variations throughout the year, maintaining a mild climate.

The island of Porto Santo, on the other hand, has a geomorphological constitution completely different from that of the island of Madeira. Very flat, it has a sparse vegetation cover with poor soils not suitable for agriculture. It has a 9 km long beach of fine golden sand of organic origin (limestone), unlike the beaches of mainland Portugal which are of siliceous (inorganic) origin, and is an increasingly popular regional, national and international tourist resort. internationally. This island has some peaks, especially to the north, with Pico do Facho (517 m) being the highest point.

Geomorphology
The Madeira archipelago is part of Macaronesia and is located on the African plate. It is located at one end of the mountain range (submarine) Tore[disambiguation required], NE/SW direction. It is considered a hot spot, hence its volcanic nature and the NE direction that the archipelago draws.

In summary, the archipelago has its genesis during the creation of the North Atlantic, starting to develop during the Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago.

The island of Porto Santo was the first to form, 19 million years ago, during the Miocene, emerging 11 million years later (8 million years ago). The most recent is the island of Madeira, with the same date of formation, having emerged during the transition from the Miocene to the Pliocene, approximately 5 million years ago, currently presenting a less eroded relief than the other islands.



MADEIRA  ISLAND

32° 39′ 4″ N; 16° 54′ 35″ W

The island of Madeira is the main island of the archipelago of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Portuguese coast, annexed to the European Union. It constitutes, together with Porto Santo, Ilhas Desertas and Ilhas Selvagens, the archipelago of Madeira and the Autonomous Region of Madeira, whose capital is the city of Funchal. Madeira Island has a volcanic origin, 742.4 km², extensive endemic, native and exotic flora, and its climate is typically Mediterranean in much of the south face, changing to a Temperate climate at higher elevations. The economy is largely focused on tourism.


Geography

Geographic positioning
Madeira Island is one of the largest in Macaronesia. The city of Funchal, the island's main urban center and port, is located on the south coast (32°38'29.8"N 16°54'45.6"W) and is approximately 685 km from the African coast (Cape do Sem, Morocco ), 973 km from Lisbon, 520 km from Gran Canaria, and 891 km from the island of Santa Maria, the closest to the Azores archipelago. The island has a maximum length (west-east) of 53.90 km and a maximum width (north-south) of 23 km.


Climate
The climate of Madeira, according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, is Mediterranean with hot summers (Csa) at lower levels, changing to a Mediterranean climate with cool summers (Csb) at higher levels. According to the Bioclimatic Classification of the Earth applied to the island of Madeira, it presents three bioclimates, the Oceanic Xeric Mediterranean, Oceanic Pluviseasonal Mediterranean and Hyperoceanic Temperate.

Average annual temperatures reach values above 20 degrees Celsius. The sea water temperature varies between 26 in summer and 17 in winter. The prevailing winds are from the west to the northwest in winter, and from the northeast in summer (the trade winds). Annual precipitation varies from 500 mm in the southeast of the island to over 2,000 mm on the northern slopes. The Selvagens Islands that are also part of this archipelago have a desert climate with rainfall below 200 mm annually.

It is commonly called "eastern weather", the meteorological situation of reduced visibility and increased atmospheric pollution due to the movement of hot, dusty and sandy air masses from the Sahara desert that affects the island and also the Canary Islands, more often in the summer months but not exclusively.


Landscapes
The island is very mountainous, with deep valleys embedded between the highest peaks and cliffs along the longest stretch of coastline, which totals around 160 km in length. The average altitude is 1,371.6 m, with the highest points being Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) and Pico das Torres (1,853 m). Fine sand beaches are rare. The eastern end, called Ponta de São Lourenço, forms an elongated and relatively low cape that extends to two nearby islets. On the south coast, west of Funchal, is Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in the world. it has a network of levadas with great heritage and tourist value.

The vegetation cover of the island is largely forest of the laurissilva type, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The current forest contains endemic species and also plants brought by the settlers, in addition to cultivated tropical varieties, such as banana and passion fruit, between others. The volcanic soil is generally very fertile (about 3 times more fertile than that of mainland Portugal) and the mountain humidity favors the growth of exuberant vegetation.


Transport
Currently, the island of Madeira has undergone major changes in all types of transport. In terms of road transport, highways and expressways were built, which combat the island's geological obstacles, through tunnels, bridges and viaducts.

It is important to mention the expansion of the Madeira Airport runway, through the placement of 180 pillars.


LEVADA

Levada is the name given to an irrigation channel or aqueduct flanked by a pedestrian path, common on the island of Madeira. There are older examples in the Terras de Basto region, in Mondim de Basto, where the Levada de Piscaredo is located, which dates back to the 13th century. The region of Basto was where some of the original settlers of Madeira Island came from. They are also called levadas to channels, usually smaller, which carry water to the water mills.

The most popular Levadas, Picos (peaks) and Veredas (paths) for short stays on Madeira Island

PR 18 - Levada do Rei

Built to transport water from Ribeiro Bonito to agricultural land in the parish of São Jorge, this levada connects the Quebradas Water Treatment Station, in S. Jorge, to the source of the levada in Ribeiro Bonito. Winding through a beautiful and verdant valley, this levada flows under the canopy of laurel, lemon and wine trees that abound there. The name Levada do Rei is because this was one of the paths used by the court when the King traveled to the Region.

Distance : 5.1 km (+ 5.1 km return)
Duration : 3h30min / 3h
Difficulty: Medium
Max altitude: 710m
Min altitude: 530m
Home : São Jorge WWTP
End: São Jorge WWTP


LEVADA DO MOÍNHO

The Levada do Moinho begins in Lombada da Ponta do Sol, next to the Church of Lombada.

At the beginning of this route, the very well cultivated agricultural land stands out, providing a pleasant view for walkers. Among them, the fantastic panoramic landscapes of the valley and the beautiful village of Ponta do Sol, which this route offers us, stand out.

Enjoy the path and everything it has to offer. Enjoy the views, the endemic flora and fauna and the waterfalls.

At the end of the route you can climb the path that gives access to Levada Nova. Once there, follow the opposite direction until you reach the imposing waterfall of this levada. It is undoubtedly a fascinating vision that deserves a few moments of contemplation before continuing.

You can continue the path along Levada Nova, although it is important to know that there are several areas with chasms and no protection, which is why it is not recommended for less experienced hikers.

The return route takes the same route, arriving again at the Church of Lombada.


LEVADA NOVA

32.694191,-17.087598

 Levada Nova begins and ends at "Estrada Nova da Lombada", at the above geographical coordinates.
Alternatively, you can also access Levada Nova, via a staircase, on your right, at the end of Levada do Moinho (see previous video).
On the Levada Nova route, you will find a waterfall of unusual beauty.
You must take the necessary precautions because you will not find side protection on parts of the route.       


PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Following the levada from Queimadas and walking for approximately 6 km through forest and tunnels excavated in the basalt rock, when you arrive at Caldeirão Verde, enjoy a refreshing breeze and the tinkling sound of water that falls in a trickle through the huge gorge that is Caldeirão Verde.

Distance : 6.5 km (+ 6.5 km return)

Duration: 5h30min

Difficulty: Medium

Max altitude: 980m

Min altitude: 890m

Home: Queimadas Forest Park

End: Queimadas Forest Park


LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES


https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-6-levada-das-25-fontes/


PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

This 3 km trail (+ 3 km return) will take you to discover the eastern tip of the island, with panoramic views over the north and south sides.
PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a trail of moderate difficulty, with an estimated duration of 2:30 hours, which goes along the peninsula with the same name.
Although it is an undulating path, the good conditions of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offer a pleasant hiking experience.
It is a peninsula of volcanic origin, mostly made of basalt, but with some limestone sediment formations.
At the end of it, there are two islets: Desembarcadouro Islet and Farol Islet.

The semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds explain the low vegetation and the absence of trees in this place, contrasting with the rest of the island.
It is classified as a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, home to rare plants and a diversified fauna.

Details
Distance: 3 km (6 km round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2:30 hours
Start/End: Baía d'Abra / Casa do Sardinha
Max. altitude/ Min. Altitude: 126 m / 23 m






PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo

Starting at Achada do Teixeira, this path climbs along the slope that separates the slopes of Faial from those of Santana, until reaching the top of Pico Ruivo. This entire area, due to its exceptional natural wealth, is part of the European network of sites of community importance – Natura 2000 Network. In this area, meteorological changes are sudden and this area is often immersed in a sea of ​​clouds, which despite being a beautiful spectacle , requires extra care.

Distance : 2.8 km (+ 2.8 km return)
Duration: 1h30min
Difficulty: Medium
Max altitude: 1861m
Min altitude: 1535m
Home : Achada do Teixeira
End : Achada do Teixeira



PR 11 - Vereda dos Balcões

Near the Parque Florestal do Ribeiro Frio you will easily find a sign indicating the direction of Vereda dos Balcões. Walking along the levada and enjoying the shade of the treetops you will quickly reach the panoramic Miradouro dos Balcões.

Distance : 1.5 km (+ 1.5 km return)
Duration: 1h30min
Difficulty: Easy
Max altitude: 630m
Min altitude: 630m
Start : ER103 (Ribeiro Frio)
End : ER 103 (Ribeiro Frio)



At the end of Vereda dos Balcões, you will find a viewpoint. There, birds eat birdseed from visitors' hands.
Right in front of the entrance to Vereda dos Balcões you can find the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park -Laurisilva Forest (Parque Florestal do Ribeiro Frio - Floresta  Laurissilva), several small waterfalls and a trout breeding facility, which you can visit.



PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro

Through the Central Mountain Massif, in an area that is part of the Natura 2000 Network, this trail connects the highest peaks on the island. Starting at Pico do Areeiro, this walk extends for several kilometers between climbs to the beautiful peaks that make up the central mountain range, offering unique landscapes where the warm colors of fantastic geomorphology merge with the green of the high-altitude vegetation.

Distance: 7 km or 5.6 km

Duration : 3h30min / 3h

Difficulty: Hard

Max altitude: 1861m

Min altitude: 1542m

Home: Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint

End: Pico Ruivo



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History
On the island of Madeira, the introduction of the levadas was motivated by the need to transport large amounts of water from where it abounds, on the north-facing slopes, which are fed by the water-producing forest, the Laurissilva, to the south side of the island, more easy to live in and where most plantations have always been located, namely sugar cane.





The levadas began to be built in the 16th century and the most recent date from the 1940s, promoted by the Administrative Commission of Hydraulic Uses of Madeira, supplying water to hydroelectric power stations and for irrigated agriculture.

The main springs of the levadas are found in the Natural Park of Madeira, with a series of processes taking place to promote the candidacy of the levadas on the island of Madeira as a World Heritage Site.




Routes and Tourist Trails
Traveling through the Levadas on the island of Madeira and its trails is a cultural, scenic and impressive journey. These channels are over 3000 km long and are likely to be traversed on foot, being a much sought after way of visiting the most remote places and with the most dramatic landscapes on the island, constituting a botanical relic, since most of the routes find within the boundaries of the Madeira Natural Park.

There are several types of levadas with different levels of difficulty, most of the routes are identified. Before setting off in search of adventure, the hiker must remember that he is almost always in a mountain environment and in some cases in high mountains, which entails high risks in some places due to their remoteness and high altitude, the climate of high mountains can become unstable, so always check with the local authorities before going on an adventure, adapt the routes to your experience and level. Others are easily accessible and perfect for simple walks in the middle of nature and in the Laurissilva forest.



Levadas today
Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island, they also provide hydroelectric power. There are more than 2,170 kilometres (1,350 mi) of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths. Some provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges where a slip could result in serious injury or death.





A popular levada to is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde which continues as the Levada Caldeirão do Inferno. Altogether it is about 37 km (23 mi) long. Along both parts there are long sections which may cause hikers to suffer vertigo; and several tunnels for which flashlights and helmets are essential. The Levada do Caniçal is a much easier walk. This levada runs 11.5 km (7+1⁄8 mi) from Maroços to the Caniçal Tunnel. It is known as the mimosa levada because acacias (commonly misnamed mimosas) are found all along the route.







































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PORTO SANTO ISLAND

33° 03′ 43.0″ N; 16° 21′ 23.0″ W

Porto Santo Island is a Portuguese island 43 kilometres (27 mi) northeast of Madeira Island in the North Atlantic Ocean; it is the northernmost and easternmost island of the archipelago of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean west of Europe and Africa.

The municipality of Porto Santo occupies the entire island and small neighboring islands. The sole parish of the municipality is also named Porto Santo. The population in 2011 was 5,483, in an area of 42.59 km². The main settlement on the island is Vila Baleira.

Geography
Physical geography
The island is characterized by two areas: the accidented northeast (mountainous, with rocky ledges and cliffs), and a coastal plain in the southwest (that includes a nine-kilometer long white sand beach, giving the island an advantage over neighboring Madeira). The mountainous northeast part of the island, consists of two geomorphological structures that includes: an area of peaks, Pico do Castelo (437 meters), Pico da Juliana (447 meters), Pico da Gandaia (499 meters) and Pico do Facho (517 meters); and between the eastern coast and this area, a series of minor peaks, Pico do Maçarico (285 meters), Pico do Concelho (324 meters) and Pico Branco (450 meters).

The southwest part of the island, although relatively flat, includes a series of elevations 100 meters in height or greater, such as Pico Ana Fereira (283 meters), Pico do Espigão (270 meters) and the Cabeço do Zimbralinho (183 meters). The slope of the western part of the island slopes from 150 meters to the south coast reaching the sandy beaches of Porto Santo. A third system, in the west-northwest, that includes Cabeço da Bárbara Gomes (227 meters) and Cabeço das Canelinhas (176 meters) is distinct from the areas identified. The island is encircled by an oceanic platform between 20 and 37 km2, with a minimum depth of 8 meters (Baixa do Noroeste), and limited by the flanks of a large submarine volcano.

The island's submarine activity occurred during the Miocene epoch, producing basaltic eruptions that persisted to the Quaternary period. There were three phases of distinct volcanism, followed by periods of calm associated with sedimentation.

Climate
Porto Santo has a warm subtropical semi-arid climate (BSh), with mild to warm winters and warm to hot summers. The driest months are July and August, and the wettest are November and December.

Unlike mountainous Madeira, which effectively traps rain clouds and the moisture of oceanic currents due to its high orography, the comparatively low profile of Porto Santo results in a dry climate. Despite this lack of precipitation, humidity remains high, averaging 77% year-round. The sunniest months are August and September.

Human geography

The main urban area is the city of Vila Baleira also known as Porto Santo.

Although a small island, the Porto Santo community has its own schools, health-care centre, police detachments, a gymnasium, churches, several local squares, a Congress Centre, museum, shopping centres, bars, hotels and restaurants.

Economy
The main industry on the island of Porto Santo is tourism, which has emerged through hotel construction in the 20th century and is based on the attractions of the beaches and temperate climate.
The island has an international airport, with daily flights to Madeira Airport (about a 15-minute flight away). The Porto Santo Airport (PXO) has connections with both domestic (Lisbon, Porto) and (occasionally) international flights (including several charters to England, Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, Belgium, France and Spain). The airport regularly serves as a diversion location for aircraft unable to land at Madeira Airport, due to the latter's frequent closures as a result of high winds coupled with its strict meteorological requirements for landing.


















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