TRAVEL BLOG
Madeira: One of Portugal's Most Beautiful Islands
Madeira is an autonomous zone owned by Portugal, situated off the coast of Morocco. Its population is nearly 250,000 with most situated in the city of Funchal. The entire zone is actually an archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. Great places to see include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro, Ponta do Sol, Achadas da Cruz, Ponte Moniz, and Seixal.
What to see in Funchal on the island of Madeira
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous zone of Madeira, owned by Portugal. With a population just north of 100,000, it is the 6th largest city in all of Portugal. Some great places to check out include the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, Forte de São Tiago, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Jardim Quinta Magnólia, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Fuerte De Madeira.
A Trip to the Azores: A Summary
The Azores islands consist of 9 islands and are owned by Portugal. The islands of the Azores are Flores, Corvo, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. Created by volcanic activity, they boast incredible geographical landscapes and biomes. Considered the "Hawaii of Europe", it is one of two autonomous zones of Portugal, the other being Madeira.
A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island
Madalena is the largest city on the island of Pico, in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). Mount Pico is the most recognizable backdrop that accompanies the city. It is home to 6000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Faial island. The city is small but exceptionally quaint and is worth seeing while being in this part of the Azores.
A Trip to the Azores: Horta on Faial Island
Horta is the largest city on the island of Faial in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal). It is home to 7000 inhabitants and sits on the Faial channel, just 7 kilometers away from Picol island. The city is known for being a usual stop for transatlantic voyages where all sailors are known to commemorate their journeys with murals presented on the Horta Pier.
A Trip to the Azores: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island
Ponta Delgada (meaning "Thin Cape") is the largest city in the Azores (an autonomous region owned by Portugal), situated on the island of São Miguel. It was established in 1450 and is essentially the heart of the Azores islands economically, politically, and socially. Some notable places to check out include Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Forte de São Brás, and Plantação de Ananás dos Açores.
A Trip to the Azores: Pico Island
Pico (Ilha Preta) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Black Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it is known for its volcanic history and its emerging wine industry. Places to check out include São Mateus, Madalena, Lajes do Pico, and Lagoa do Capitão.
A Trip to the Azores: Faial Island
Faial (Ilha Azul) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Blue Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. The island's geography is remarkable with notable sites to see such as the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo, the Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, and the town of Horta.
A Trip to the Azores: São Miguel Island
São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Green Island", it is the largest and most populated island in the Azores . The geography and biome of the island make it an amazing place to visit. Great places to check out include Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Povoação, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ponta Delgada.
Do not go to Lisbon without seeing Sintra: a day trip guide
Just a short train ride away from Lisbon, the city of Sintra is a must see. It's best known as the site for the National Palace of Pena, the colorful Romanticist Castle and one of the Portugal’s Seven Wonders. Other places to see in Sintra include Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and Quinta da Regaleira (a lavish garden estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Sightseeing in Lisbon? Learn how to surf too!
Lisbon may be considered one of the most romantic cities in Portugal (let alone the world), but did you know you can also surf here too? In the town itself, check out the Tower of Belém, Castelo de S. Jorge, Carmo Convent, and Elevador da Bica. For a great bar with sweeping views of the city, head on over to PARK!