In this category, we will focus on all things the North Coast has to offer. Because we are true affectionados of the North Coast, you will find LOTS of blog posts here. The North Coast is rugged and beautiful.
But is also the best place to stay if you want to discover the Laurisilva or climb the Pico Ruivo. Interestingly, you can swim in lava pools and visit vulcanic grottos. But you can also choose to stroll in charming villages like Sao Vicente or Ponta Delgada.
Or you can…yes you can also…go to the beach. Or take a surfing class.
The Praia do Porto Beach The Praia do Porto do Seixal Beach is a black sand beach. This really is true for all of the natural beaches on Madeira. The dark sand beaches on Madeira Island are born from sea erosion of volcanic black rock. Except for the color, the dry or wet sand has a similar …
Porto Moniz Porto Moniz is a charming small village perched on the dramatic north western tip of Madeira. The region offers towering mountains and views over endless deep Atlantic Ocean blue. Historically, the topography of the region isolated Porto Moniz from the rest of the island. Yet it survived by specialising in whaling, a practice …
What to expect from the laurel forest The Laurisilva or laurel forest of Madeira is a true garden of Eden. Visiting it is much like traveling back 3 million years to a typical Western European forest. On the whole, that’s because the laurel forest is an outstanding relict of a previously widespread laurel forest type. …
Madeira Most Scenic Route – Part one From the emerald green North Coast to the more inhabited South Coast, through all the twists and turns, the ups and downs this round up of Madeira’s most beautiful roads shows that sometimes the journey is as important as the destination. There is nothing like a good road …
Jurassic Park on Madeira? The Levada do Caldeirâo Verde trail is located in the Municipality of Santana at approximately 900 meters of altitude. It starts in the Queimadas Forestry Park in a fairy tale like setting. ID Card One of Madeira’s favorite Levada walks This is one of Madeira’s all-time favorite levada walks. Surely one …
Terras de Avô Terras do Avô is a family run business. This winery is the proud creation of Duarte Caldeira. The 13 hectares of land of the estate, once belonging to his grandfather, are in Seixal on the North Coast of Madeira. 31 different plots of land make up these special 13 hectares. Some pieces …
What to expect Driving to the rugged North Coast of Madeira is getting ready for some beautiful scenery. Tall waves crashing into basaltic rock. Lush, emerald green forests on seemingly vertical slopes. Waterfalls crashing down. Ancient paths and roads perilously carved in the mountainside. Well we thought pictures speak more than words. History has …
Calhau Surf School Calhau Surfing School is Madeira’s first and thus oldest surf school. It organized private and group surf and paddle lessons. The school is certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation. The central person of the Calhau Surf School is Rodolfo Machado. Originally from mainland Portugal, he travelled the world as an architect and …
Casa das Queimadas If you decide to go for a levada walk on Madeira, you will likely take a trail starting in the famous Queimadas Park Forest. Not only is this forest home to the beautiful Laurissilva flora, it is also home to the Casa das Queimadas. History and construction This house looks like it …
The São Jorge Lighthouse Designed in 1948 and built in 1959, the São Jorge lighthouse overlooks the bay with views from Porto Moniz to Santana. If you want to do something on Madeira island which is not mainstream, visiting this lighthouse is a good and original idea. Lighthouse Facts The lighthouse tower is 14 meters …
Madeira Theme Park – Parque Temático da Madeira Did you know that there is a Madeira Theme Park on the island? If you are running out of ideas for family activities, this could be something to add to your list. It is perfect for families who want to learn more about the island in a …
