Madeira Locals: Embrace Island Hospitality

Star Observation in Madeira

The autonomous region of Madeira has been since just a few years ago a local target of several studies in order to assess its potential for stargazing. Star Observation in Madeira Evidence shows that “Encumeada Alta” (1,770 m), located in the municipality of Santana, presents good atmospheric transparency (McInnes, B. (1981), QJRAS, 22, 266 e Smith, F. G. (1981), QJRAS, 22,254) which makes it considered one of the best locations for astronomy in the world. Meanwhile, UMa’s Astronomy Group (GAUMa) studied in detail the location, and the final conclusions point…

Locals

Funchal Shopping Tour Self-Guided

Selmo Madshopping, Shopping Tour3 Comments

Although Madeira may be a small island, but in Funchal trade is very large, with many streets full of shops and several top shopping malls, where are gathered the big brands like McDonald’s. Dolce Vita Shopping Centre The “Dolce Vita” is the newest shopping mall and is located in the city centre. Opened in October 2007 this shopping centre has over 50 stores, a supermarket, restaurants and clothing stores. Forum Madeira Shopping Centre The Forum Madeira was inaugurated on April 5, 2005, required an investment of 70 million euros and…

Locals

Caniçal: Location with traditions in fishing

Selmo MadCaniçal, fishing, Tourism4 Comments

Caniçal is a parish in the municipality of Machico , with 11.46 km ² and about 6000 inhabitants , being an essentially young population. Density : 524 inhabitants / km ² . It is located at latitude 32.733 ( 32 ° 44 ‘ ) north and longitude 16.733 ( 16 ° 44’ ) west. Has coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the north and south. It has mountains to the west. It was elevated to a town in 1994. It was here that created the Industrial Free Zone of Madeira…

Locals

Paul do Mar – Quiet seaside

Selmo MadPaul do Mar, Quiet seaside4 Comments

Once , many years , have a single access , where there was an obligation to go back and forth, the village of Paul do Mar now enjoys over another. Thus, get this dirt floor planted by the sea is easy and affordable. No longer its people emigrate in search of a better life. The parish is distinguished from the others on the island due to its characteristics: the extent of land that borders the sea of perfect waves for surfing. Located southwest of the island of Madeira . It…

Locals

Madeira Whale Museum

Selmo MadWhale Museum4 Comments

The Madeira Whale Museum is located in the village of Caniçal and is a testament to the history of whaling and the activities associated with it. Opened a new space in September 2011 , is one of the most innovative museums of its kind internationally . Equipped with a valuable ethnographic collection / museum, which retrieves utensils and past experiences, the museum documents accurately the history of whaling in Madeira elapsed throughout the twentieth century. The Museum uses a large room with models of whales and dolphins in real size,…

Locals

Funchal´s Cathedral – Igreja da Sé

Selmo MadFunchal´s Cathedral, Igreja da Sé4 Comments

Sé is the abbreviation for Sedes Episcopalis (Episcopal Headquarters). Construction of the Sé Cathedral began in 1493 by order of, and, on land donated by King Manuel I. Completed in 1514 the Sé Cathedral was consecrated in 1517 by Bishop Duarte as the spire of the bell tower and a few additional details were finalized in 1517-1518. Contrary to the simple exterior of this gothic style building, the interior is quite impressive, a true architectural phenomenon. Funchal´s Cathedral The ceiling of the chancel is lined in native wood, ivory inlays,…

Locals

Ingenuity Society Mills Calheta – Sociedade de Engenhos da Calheta

Selmo MadCalheta, Engenhos da Calheta, Society Mills3 Comments

Calheta, also has one of the few mills cane sugar still in operation on the island of Madeira, Mill Machinery Society of Calheta , which arose in a period of great industrial development, more precisely in the second cycle of the sugar archipelago that occurred at the end of the century . And early nineteenth century XX . Ingenuity Society Mills Calheta This engine , today represents the link between the historical past and present, in the case of a beautiful living example of our past sweet sugar , especially…

Locals

Pedagogical Quinta dos Prazeres

Selmo MadPedagógica, Pedagogical, Quinta dos Prazeres3 Comments

In the Parish of Prazeres , Quinta teaching , is another of the places to visit. This is a draft valuation rural promoted by local parish , which offers visitors a wide variety of teas , which can be consumed in tea house that exists there , and fruits that are consumed in the form of natural juices , jams and even liqueurs . The cultivation and harvest of each plant this fifth place in the natural environment , using the wisdom and environmentally friendly techniques , to ensure the…

Locals

Leisure in Madeira Islands – Good times

Selmo MadLeisure1 Comment

After a brief experience of the local lifestyle, you might wonder why on earth anyone needs leisure activities on this island. Hurried is not a word that comes to mind when contemplating the pace of island life and stress doesn’t seem to affect to the locals. Luckily, the climate in Madeira is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities both on land and sea. Leisure in Madeira Perhaps the most unique activityi on the island are the walks along the Levadas madeira. These water channels that run along the contours…

Locals

Ponta do Pargo lighthouse

Selmo MadPonta do Pargo4 Comments

The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse in Madeira combines breathtaking ocean views with historical significance, making it a top attraction for visitors. In Ponta Vigia , rocky area and very high ( 290 meters altitude) , which focuses on the verge of the sea , is the lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo , inaugurated in 1922 , with its striking silhouette, to dominate the top of the arriba. The altitude of its focus is 312 m , being sometimes hidden by the clouds , becoming invisible , although the luminous efficiency.…