With its tropical climate, looming volcanic mountains and stunning black-sand beaches, it’s no wonder Madeira, Portugal, has been called the “Hawaii of Europe”.
However, this autonomous island chain off the north-west coast of North Africa has a culture and history all its own that is leading more and more travellers to explore its far-flung shores.
Rajan Datar, from BBC’s The Travel Show recently journeyed to the archipelago to explore its unique ecosystem and look at the ways the area is tackling its increase in tourism.
Settled by the Portuguese in 1425, the island quickly became a hotspot for sugar production and local arts, including the bordado Madeira, a unique style of embroidery that has been passed down on these islands for generations. However, most people around the world know the name Madeira because of its famous fortified wine.
What makes Madeiran wine so unique is its ability to age almost indefinitely, which contributes to its complex flavour. Winemakers heat the wine to a temperature of 45C to 50C for around three months and then let it gradually cool before beginning the ageing process. The type of grape used also greatly affects the wine’s flavour, which can range from a dry, tangy Sercial to a dark raisin- or caramel-flavoured Bual.
As in Hawaii, Madeira’s natural environment is a main draw for travellers, and the mountainous and densely forested landscape offers countless opportunities to get outside. One of the most popular things to explore on the archipelago’s main eponymous island of Madeira are the levadas (water channels), which were created in the 15th Century to carry water from the more humid north of the island to the drier south. The 3,100km network of levadas has created a number of popular hikes, like the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, but in recent months, some people have expressed concerns about overtourism of the sites.
