This beautiful archipelago in Portugal
Since December 2021, Kerguelen has been based on the island of Madeira. Nicknamed the Garden of the Atlantic, the Island of Eternal Spring, the Island of Flowers, or even the Pearl of the Atlantic, its rugged landscapes and lush natural surroundings won us over straight away. Since then, we’ve been exploring this island 700 km off the coast of Morocco without missing a beat.
But Madeira is actually a Portuguese archipelago. Madeira Island is probably the best known, but Porto Santo and the Desert Islands are also part of the Madeira archipelago. The Selvagens Islands, geographically closer to the Canary Islands, are administratively part of the Portuguese archipelago.
The PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço hike allows you to discover the only semi-arid part of Madeira. Here you will discover the steep cliffs drawn by the wind and the sea. You will observe simultaneously the north and the south coast of the island. You will plunge your eyes and your mind in the clear waters that border the cliffs. In short, it deserves to be one of the island’s must-sees!
The PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most popular hikes on Madeira Island. It follows a levada, that particular irrigation system, and plunges into the heart of the Rabaçal valley covered by the primary forest of Madeira. As a bonus, it offers a breathtaking view when you reach the source of the levada.
The PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hike is undeniably the easiest hike on Madeira Island. You will follow a levada, the irrigation system so specific to the island, for a very short distance before enjoying a breathtaking panorama. And if, like us, you feel adventurous, we suggest you to follow an alternative and more sportive path for the return.
