Special Sub-Topic: Madeira Island Click Here To Play: Madeira Island

The Islands Desertas, part of the Madeira Archipelago, contains how many islands?

Three. Islands Desertas are composed of Ilheu Chao, Deserta Grande and Bugio, located 22 miles Southeast of Funchal. They are the last sanctuary of the monk seal, Monachus Monachus, for this reason the islands were declared protected territory by the government in 1990. Access to the islands is restricted but special authorisation can be obtained. Any fishing is forbidden.

The village of Camara de Lobos has a typical drink. What is its name?

Nikita. Nikita has the following ingredients: 0,5 L white wine, 0,5 L beer, 3 scoops vanilla ice cream, 2 slices of pineapple and sugar. Except for the beer, place everything together in a blender for a couple of minutes. Pour everything into a jug and then carefully add the beer. Bottoms up!

What is true about the Pico do Arieiro?

It is one of the highest mountains on Madeira at 1.818 m. This Pico do Arieiro is the second highest peak on the island. Passing through mist and sometimes rain to emerge on a sunlit landschape of volcanic rocks. At the top awaits a view of clouds in the valleys and dramatic mountain ridges.

The town of Santana is famous for what?

Its triangular thatched houses which are unique to Madeira. Santana is famous for these typical houses. Originating in the 16th-century, the oldest surviving examples are no more than 100 years old. The triangular shape serves as a protection from the rain and for sleeping (bathrooms are set well away from the houses). The hillsides around are also set with thatched byres where cows are kept to protect them from wondering along narrow terrace paths. They valley is ripe with fruit, vegetables and the willow branches that are then made into wicker products.

What is the name of the capital of Porto Santo?

Vila Baleira. Vila Baleira, Porto Santo's capital that trickles down to the sandy beach. Here you can see the house of Christopher Columbus (Casa de Colombo)located behind Nossa Senhora da Piedade. Built from rough stone here Columbus is supposed to have lived with his wife Filipa Moniz.

If you drive with a car from the east coast of Madeira to the west coast, in which order do you pass these villages and towns?

Canical - Funchal - Ribeira Brava - Porto Moniz.

In which town can you find a statue of the man who discovered Madeira: Joao Goncalves Zarco?

Funchal. You can find the magnificent statue in the middle of the town, at the Avenida Arriaga.

What is the name of the high sea cliff in the south of the island, that is peaking 589 m (1,932 ft) above sea level?

Cabo Girao. Further along the road from Funchal through Camara de Lobos, and up into the mountains, you will arrive at Cabo Girao. According to the tourist office on the island, it is the second highest cliff face in the world. Standing at the iron railings of the viewpont, is quite a breathtaking experience.

In which town can you find natural bathing pools which lie between bizarre lava rocks and are filled by the tide with crystal clear water from the ocean?

Porto Moniz. The main attraction of Porto Moniz is undoubtedly the natural bathing pools. People think that the name of Porto Moniz came from Francisco Moniz, who was married with one of the granddaughters of Goncalves Zarco, who discovered Madeira.

On the 15th of September 2000 Madeira Island inaugurated one of the biggest constructions ever made in the region, costing a total investment of 98 billion Portuguese escudos. What was it?

The new airport near Funchal. Landing in Madeira a few years ago was synonymous with 'dread' due to the size of the mini-runway, nowadays you can sit relaxed while the pilot makes the final landing manoeuvres. Madeira's new Intercontinental Airport, with a runway of 2,781 meters length, has given the island a new image in this millennium. The new airport capacity is 3.5 million passengers a year and all classes of passenger aircraft are now able to land and take off from Madeira Airport. This is one of the most ambitious constructions, especially if one considers the characteristics like 60 meters tall pillars that are also 60 meters deep under sea level. The old runway has been turned 3 degrees to the North to assume what is now its final position.