Madeira: The exotic island called ‘Havai of Europe’

The is an island complex belonging to Portugal and located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Morocco and a little further north than the Canary Islands. The Madeira island complex (in Portuguese it is pronounced as Madeira and means “the island of wood”) consisting of the island of the same name and several islands (known initially to the Romans as the “Porphyria Islands”) is a popular destination for tourists throughout the year. CORVERSE It is no coincidence, therefore, that the exotic island of Portugal with the tropical climate, volcanic mountains and amazing beaches with black sand are also called the “Havai of Europe” It is also worth noting that in the São Pedro community of Funsal, which is the capital of Madeira, one of the world’s leading footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo, was born. The archipelago was recently visited by Rajan Datar, from the BBC’s The Travel Show show, in order to explore his unique ecosystem and examine the ways in which the wider region faces the growing wave of tourism. CORVERSE When did the settlement of the islands begin? In 1419 two governors of Prince Henry the Seaman, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira were led by a storm on the island named Porto Santo. The name, meaning “Saint Port”, was given gratitude for their rescue. The following year a mission was carried out to settle the island, in which the two governors along with Bartolomeu Perestrello, occupied the islands in the name of the Crown of Portugal. The discovery of Porto Santo and Madeira is first mentioned by Gomes Annes de Zurara (Gomes Eanes de Zurara) in the “Chronics of the discovery and conquest of Guinea” (Chronica da Descoberta e Conquista da Guiné). The settlement of the islands began between 1420 and 1425. The first written mention of the name Ilia da Madeira (Creatia Island, meaning wood island) appears on a map of 1433. The islands are famous worldwide for Madeira wine Cane production (sugar) became an important factor in the island’s economy, and a unique style of embroidery (bordado Madeira) was developed, carried from generation to generation. However, most people worldwide know Madeira about its famous wine. What makes Madeira wine so unique is its ability to aged almost indefinitely, which contributes to its complex taste. Winemakers heat the wine at 45°C – 50°C for about three months and then let it cool gradually before the aging process begins. The grape species also largely affects the taste of wine, which can range from a dry, spicy Sercial to a dark Bual with a raisin or caramel flavor. As in Hawaii, the natural environment of Madeira stimulates the interest of travelers, offering the possibility of hiking in the mountain and dense forest. One of the most popular sights you can explore in Madeira, are the levadas (water canals), which were created in the 15th century to carry water from the wettest northern part of the island to the driest south. The 3,100 km long levadas network has created a number of popular hikes, such as Levada do Caldeirão Verde, however, in recent months, some have expressed concern at the overtourism of these areas. Miguel Silva Gouveia, from the Caminho Real da Madeira Association, proposes an excellent alternative. Consisting of six paths that ordered the king of Portugal to be created in the 19th century, Caminho Real (“Royal Road”) is a 181 km trail that makes almost the tour of the island, while other smaller walks cross the mountainous interior of Madeira. “Caminho Real was built to transport goods, so that is its purpose,” Gouvelia explained. “It is a good alternative for visitors to get to know Madeira,” he notes. Some Caminho Real routes offer magnificent views of one of the main natural features of Madeira that remind the visitors of Hawaii: its amazing, colorful beaches. The beaches of Madeira have crystal clear waters and vary to those with golden sand coming from Morocco, but also to those filled with black pebbles created by ancient volcanic activity. At the same time, on the island one can enjoy a wide range of water sports, such as surfing, diving, and even whale observation. Thus, this remote corner of Europe attracts many tourists especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to local guides, however, a significant change in the profile of tourists was observed. “After the pandemic, the island has visited families with children, digital nomads, but also young people who just wanted to visit an exotic place,” said Ana Isabel Faria, who works as a guide on the island. “They arrived here and said: God, where am I? They were surprised.” As Madeira with its natural beauty becomes a pole of attraction to several tourists, residents try to preserve the island’s relaxed culture and preserve its ecosystem.