Why is Madeira so green?

In reality, the Laurel forest which occupies about 20% of the island, and where most Levadas/hikes go across, is not very sensitive to the dry months and it is kept lush and green by the fogs and humidity that typically occur in the region, any time of the year. Same applies to most of the North Coast.



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Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

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Although Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than Europe. Sitting 434 miles west of Morocco and 528 miles southwest of Portugal and mainland Europe.

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Quantitatively, Portuguese, North Africans (Algerians), Spaniards and Canary Islanders (in this order) are the most important parental populations to Madeirans.

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Although Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than Europe. Sitting 434 miles west of Morocco and 528 miles southwest of Portugal and mainland Europe.

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The favorable climate of the island also contributed to the land thrive, and wheat production has become one of the greatest wealth of the island. This cereal was exported on a large scale for the Portuguese possessions on the African coast, giving thus the first cycle of Madeira economic history.

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The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

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Delicious dishes in Madeira include espetada, a beef brochette; battered black scabbard fish, which is similar to sword fish; bolo do caco, bread with butter and garlic; grilled limpets; and bolo de mel, a dense sponge cake with nuts and spices.

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The Canary Islands are probably a safer bet if your top priority is hot weather but that of course can't be guaranteed and the weather in Madeira is generally good too. Madeira is much more beautiful though with lots of things to do.

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I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.

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We went in April and whilst I agree that Madeira is a stunning island particularly in the interior we found it much cooler than the Canaries at the same time of year. It depends what you want in a holiday but you only need to look at how green the island is to realise that there must be significant rainfall.

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Madeira Island has numerous reasons why it stands out as an ideal retirement destination. Its year-round temperate climate, captivating natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage make it an irresistible choice for retirees seeking tranquillity and a high quality of life.

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With both rent and restaurant prices being around 25% cheaper than in Lisbon, Funchal allows you to live your island dream without paying the more expensive prices of mainland Portugal.

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Natural Beauty: Madeira is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush green valleys, rugged coastlines, and majestic mountains. The island's diverse scenery offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a high quality of life for nature enthusiasts.

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Funchal is usually a very safe city. However, as in any other places you go, common sense is required. Probably the unsafest place to go in Funchal is Zona Velha (near the cable car) at night, because it usually gets very crowded because of the nightlife.

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Not only is Madeira an excellent choice for those seeking the ultimate luxury escape due to the fact that it is an island tucked amid the Atlantic, but it is also a winning bet because of its accessibility.

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Domestic travel was responsible for the highest number of visitors in Madeira in 2022. Overall, almost 470 thousand Portuguese tourists visited the archipelago.

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Madeira is probably 4 or 5 times bigger than Malta and I agree with what other have said about culture and history. The Spanish first discovered the island but the Portuguese claimed it and colonised it, it had no indigenous population.

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Together with the islands of Porto Santo and Desertas and the Selvagens—Madeira forms an autonomous region of the country of Portugal.

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Honestly, Madeira is essentially the European version of Hawaii. It's cheaper (WAY cheaper), closer and a lot less touristy. If you're dreaming of Hawaii, I'd seriously consider Madeira. Stay anywhere other than the capital of Funchal and you'll feel like you have the whole island to yourself.

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