Funchal
This is the capital of Madeira Islands. It is a large city with a population of 110,000 approximately. It was founded by Joao Goncalves Zarcoin in 1421 and fostered by King Manuael. The city derives its name from Fennel which grows in large quantities in this area. Funchal is well connected by road to Faial and Santana. The Savage Islands and Desertas Islands are part of Funchal Islands. These are two large nature reserves about 160 Km south of Funchal. Funchal is bypassed by Madeira’s superhighway which accesses the Santa Cruz, the Madeira airport and camara de Lobos.
Porto Santo Island
Located at about 50 m northeast of Madeira Island, the Porto Santo Island is one of the main urban developments in this region. The parish is Vila Baleira and has a population of 5000 people approximately and the whole Island is 9 km in length. It is well connected by air with Funchal. The nearest place is Machico and it serves its port to Funchal. The Island was discovered by Joao Gancalves Zarco in 1419. The largest golf course of the region is located on this Island and can support 500 persons playing golf at any given point of time. There are two 18 hole golf courses and one 9 hole golf course in this complex. Eight Tennis courts, and horse riding center is also located in the golf complex on this island. Therefore this place attracts tourists and sports personnel from all over the world. Apart from this Porto Santo has a number of schools, a lyceum, a gymnasia, a number of churches, a museum and so on which also draws tourists to this place. The Southern and central parts of the Island have farmlands and the coast line has a few good beaches, while forests and grasslands lie to the west.
Machico
This town is located in the Northeastern part of Madeira Islands. The town was founded in 145 and is the easternmost municipality on the Island by cape. Machico includes the parish of Ribeira seca. This Island is largely dry. It is linked by road to Funchal, Santana and Canical. It has mountains on the west and a small range in the north east. The forests lie to the central and western regions of the Island. The main occupation of the people is agriculture and fishing. It has an excellent harbour and a wonderful view of land and sea. It has a few schools, lyceums, a gymnasium, few banks, post office, beaches, plazas etc.
Camara de Lobos
The name of the Island means Chamber of Wolves. It is a parish in West central part of Madeira and derives its name because of the number of sea wolves “lobos marinhos” that are found here. The Monk seals are also seen in the court of arms. It has the second largest population after Funchal. In size it is one of the smallest parishes and has a density of 667.96 km2(the second most dense area). It is well connected by road to Calheta and Funchal. It has a range of mountains in the North. There are a number of residential areas in the north while high rises and condominiums lie 800 m North west in a row so much so that it appears to be connected with the urban sprawl of Funchal. The major industries are agriculture and fishing with a few small businesses in the down town area. The Madeira Wine of this region is very famous and a number of vineyards are found around this Island. The second steepest cliff in the world lies here. A port in the southern part of the Island is of some interest. |
