Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean & Nathalie

Those who visit Madeira and hike through the island, soon discover that everything on the island is either downhill or uphill. Plane landscape can not be find here. However, Paul da Serra will surprise you. It is a huge plane. Another World.

If the weather is nice, you can see both a northern and southern coast of the island. But it is very occasionally and rather do not expect to be so lucky.

Do not underestimate the clothes, as here on the plateau may be a lot colder than at the sea. Also fogs can be formed very quickly and remain long enough. Therefore, be prepared for those natural changes. It is also recommended to go on guided tours.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jörg Schmalenberger at wikipedia.com

Paul da Serra attracts tourists by its unusual landscape and beautiful scenery. At the road to Porto Moniz you can get into a nice valley of Rabacal. Here you can choose from two popular hiking trails leading along the irrigation canals Levadas. The first route is easy, it’s more comfortable for walking. After fifteen minutes you get to the Risco waterfall. The second route is more challenging. The steep climb takes you to 25 Fontes (which means to 25 springs). The whole tour takes about three hours. Both routes are very attractive and should be included in all the maps of Madeira.

View Paul da Serra – unexpected plateau in the middle of the mountains of Madeira Portugal in a larger map

The post Paul da Serra – unexpected plateau in the middle of the mountains of Madeira | Portugal appeared first on Best of European Union.

In Madeira you can find several worlds at one place, despite its seemingly small area. Beautiful green mountain, partly similar to South America. The seaside towns offer breathtaking views of the wide blue ocean. Madeira has unlimited number of natural resources. In the wild nature you can see orchids, Strelicies and other exotic flowers. The flowers can be seen at each step in Madeira and their beauty and fragrance caress the soul of every man.

Irrigation canals are built around the whole island (in total length of 2000 km), along which you can easy walk and hike the island.

For the lovers of nature and mountains Madeira is an ideal place for active recreation. Of course, for the lovers of bathing it is a land of rest, but do not try to find the extensive beaches.

Best travel tips in Madeira – Interesting tips for travel around Madeira, that you should not miss.

Porto Santo
Madeira consists of two main islands, Madeira and Porto Santo but also includes the Desertas and the Savage Islands. In Porto Santo you can find beautiful long beach with golden sand, so this could be a paradise for swimmers.

The city of Funchal
Do not miss the capital city of Madeira – Funchal. Beautiful historic center, picturesque streets, Funchal’s bay and Botanical Gardens definitely worth seeing.

Mountains and inland
Inland of Madeira will enchant you with its magnificent mountain peaks, rising from the ocean to the heavens. The highest peak is Paul da Serra located in region of Santana. Its elevation is 1,862 meters above the sea level.

Festivals and celebrations in Madeira

Madeira held four distinct and major festivals.

Carnival
Carnival takes place in late February. Streets change to the rhythm of Brazilian samba for four days and four nights. Masks, music, dance and happy mood are everywhere in the city streets.

Flower Festival
Flower Festival is held in late April or early May (two weeks after Easter). The whole city of Funchal is decorated with flowers. On Saturday children’s parade takes place when each child bears a flower and put it into the hole in the “Wall of Hope” on the square Praça do Município.

Wine Festival
Wine festival is held in early September in honor of the grape harvest in several villages.

New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve, like in other countries is to celebrate the end of the year. It belongs to the largest ones. If you want to see an amazing fireworks just over the ocean, do not wait and book your hotel in advance.

View Madeira – explore beautiful nature in Pearl of the Atlantic Portugal in a larger map

The post Madeira – explore beautiful nature in the Pearl of the Atlantic | Portugal appeared first on Best of European Union.