Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira (Travel Guide)

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These channels were created in the 16th century to transport ("levar" in Portuguese, hence the name levadas) water from the rainy northern point of the island to the south point, where crops such as sugar, bananas and grapes were grown.

A drive to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third highest point, will reward visitors with a magnificent landscape of the central ridge and its peaks.

Located 18 km from Funchal, Ponta do Sol is home to one of the best-preserved historical centres on Madeira. The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as diving, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Quiet during most of the year, it is the perfect place for those seeking an escape from the busy Funchal. Practical information on Eating Out, including a handy glossary and detailed restaurant listings, as well as a comprehensive A-Z of travel tips on everything from getting around to health and tourist information. Get the adrenaline pumping by sliding back to town in the traditional wicker sledges —"Carros de Cesto"— an experience unique to Madeira.

With its spectacular landscapes and rewarding hikes, Madeira will also not disappoint nature lovers. Our NEW additional WebCams are located along the oceanfront and provide views of the fantastic Lido Swimming Complex, Ponta Gorda Beach, Barreirinha Beach Complex in Funchal, and Praia dos Reis Magos in Caniço de Baixo. Cais da Ponta do Sol and Ponte do Caminho Real, two platforms over the sea, are a must-see for any visitor. Now the town's biggest tourist attraction, these quaint straw houses were originally used by farmers during the settlement of the island.Leave winter behind and enjoy a fabulous short break in the stunning all year round summer destination of Madeira. You'll find all the information you need to plan and prepare for your holiday, plus a wealth of related material. If you are looking for a holiday accommodation in Madeira, we show you our top recommended Hotels, Apartments, Resorts, Villas and Hostels, which you can book online.

Madeira Web's design team also publishes a ' daily digicam image' with stunning photos from around the island and the capital, Funchal. This ancient forest survived the ice ages–estimated to be over 20 million years old, this place is an open-air museum for botanists and nature lovers alike. This pocket-sized guide is a convenient, quick-reference companion to discovering what to do, what to see and how to get around Madeira. Take a look at our videos for that extra-special experience, browse through our extensive dynamic image libraries for stunning photos, or visit our Madeira Island News page for the most recent TOP stories on tourism and activities around the island.Free eBook download with every purchase of a printed book allows you to access all of the content from your phone or tablet, for on-the-road exploration.