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West tour - the opportunity to see, in a day, important highlights of the island. Stop is Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava. From Ponta de Sol begin the ascent to the plateau of Paul da Serra (at 1400m).
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Câmara de Lobos, located on Madeira's south coast, was the first place inhabited by João Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator who discovered this 'pearl of the Atlantic'. He stayed there between 1420 and 1424, so this was the first settlement created in Madeira, elevated to parish status in 1430. Populationaround 35,000. The name of this municipality comes from the fact that, when the island was discovered, there was a large number of sea lions in the cove that we can still find here today with the same configuration. Today the sea lion is an endangered species and lives in the Desertas Islands. The fishing port is a working town that specialises in fishing of the night dwelling fish, the Scabbard. During the day, the fish descend to depths of 1,500m and this deep water survival has evolved the ugly appearance of the fish, with big eyes, long snouts and fang teeth. The steep hills that encapsulate the valley have been agriculturally cultivated into banana and cherry plantations and higher up, vineyards. As you drive into this town, you can see the hundreds of banana trees planted at eye level. The landscape that surrounds this city is marked by the presence of its characteristicfishing boats knownas 'Xavelhas'.
Câmara de Lobos Bananatrees up to the sky
Banana plants take around nine months to grow up and produce banana tree fruit, and then once the bananas have been harvested, the plant dies. This is when suckers, or infant banana plants, begin to grow from around the base of the parent plant. The corm has growing points that turn into new suckers. These suckers (pups) can be removed and transplanted to grow new banana trees and one or two can be left to grow in place of the parent plant.
Brachychiton Hybrid, Flame Tree Câmara de Lobos
Bananatrees up to the sky Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos Passeio Maritimo - Streetdecorations for traditional Festas de São Pedro, (from June 28th to July 2nd)
From Camara de Lobos to Cabo Girao: bananas, bananas, bananas
Cabo Girão (one of Europe´s highest cliff skywalk, at 580m) is the second highest in the world
In the area of Cabo Girão is a panoramic elevator that gives access to Faja dos Padres, a beautiful beach that includes a restaurant and whose alternative access can only be done by boat.
At the foot of the cliff you can see a small area of cultivated land they call Fajãs Cape Girão. Were previously only accessible by boat but since August 2003 that farmers have a better lift to get up there .
Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum). Eucalyptus has spread extensively on the south slope of Madeira, displacing native species. Newbranches with blue leaves of the cut eucalyptus
The cultivation of sugarcane was the first significant agricultural product in Madeira, and was responsible great prosperity of the island. Mountains, tunnels, sugarcane and bananas, bananas, bananas....
Ribeira Brava was so named after the water line, with a wild flow, that crosses it and which in times of rains had a very strong flow, causing, in the past, damages along the eight kilometers of the route.
Church of São Bento, decorations for traditional Festas de São Pedro
Church of São Bento, 16th century. The main chapel is called by a magnificent altarpiece of gilded and polychrome carving of the end of the 17th century, attributed to the workshop of Manuel Pereira de Almeida
Our Lady of FátimaCeramic tiles (Azulejos) Church of São Bento
Forte da Ribeira Brava The São Bento Fort was built in 1708 to protect the coast from corsair attacks, and now the fort serves as Information Desk.
You will be amazed by the amount of banana plantations on the island.The Madeira bananas includes 2,900 producers and 14 % of the agricultural space of the area is allotted to this crop. Manufacturing, 85 % supposed to customers outdoors of Madeira, particularly in continental Portugal
View of the cliffs with the sea and the town of Madalena do Mar
Euphorbia piscatoria, the fish-stunning spurge, is endemic to the Madeira archipelago the latex they produce is very irritating
Text: Internet Pictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Internet Elena Ciceu All copyrights belong to their respective owners Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu https://www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda https://ma-planete.com/michaelasanda 2023 Sound:TUMa - Madeira
West tour: theopportunity to see, in a day, important highlights of the island. The first stop is Câmara de Lobos, the fishing village where the famous 'espada' or black scabbard is fished. Next, Cabo Girão (Europe´s highest sea cliff, at 580m) and continue the trip along the coast to Ribeira Brava. From Ponta de Sol begin the ascent to the plateau of Paúl da Serra (at 1400m). Descent to Porto Moniz, to admire the natural pools. Return trip along the northern coast, passing by Seixal and São Vicente. Climb to Encumeada (1700m) where you have a view of the sea on both coasts. Return to Funchal.
