Despite its name, Vila Baleira is Porto Santo’s only town of around 5500 people and it’s adorned with beautiful streets lined with palm trees.
If you decide to visit this place, you cannot miss Christopher Columbus’ former house in Vila Baleira, which represents the island’s main cultural reference.
Casa Museu houses a small museum. Besides several information boards about the history of Porto Santo, with English translations available, you’ll have the chance to see artifacts, maps, navigation instruments and charts from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Considered the highest point in Porto Santo, Pico Facho is 516 metres high. Due to the geographic position of the island and the high altitude,if pirate ships were seen, bonfires (fachos) were made here to warn the rest of the archipelago and the island of Madeira in order to be prepared if an attack was initiated.

Another of Porto Santo’s viewpoints, Pico do Castelo (Castle Peak) is at 437 metres high, where you can take a walk up to the top, admire the gorgeous landscape and breathe the salty ocean air. The views of the island and the ocean will definitely worth the effort.
Although there was never a castle there, the name is due to the fact that it was one of the places where the island’s inhabitants took refuge when pirate attacks ocurred.

Not far, Ana Ferreira Peak is 280 metres (918 feet) high. From here you can see the Facho and Castelo Peaks. You can also admire the basalt columns, probably the most beautiful geological formations on Porto Santo Island.

Before leaving this lovely island, you have to stop at Porto Santo Beach, where you can have a great time, enjoying the sunny weather , swimming and getting tanned. Located 4 km from Vila Baleira, the beach, as the whole of Porto Santo’s sand strip, is reputedly known for its therapeutic effects.

Enjoy the beautiful places of this fascinating island with your family and friends, trying new experiences and creating unforgettable memories!

The post Discover Porto Santo’s attractions appeared first on Madeira Airport Transfer.

So here is all you should know that is interesting to explore on the great Island of the Eternal Spring this December 2018.
December 28th 2018 is the epic day of the Sao Silvestre Race in Madeira and its surroundings. Its history goes back to 1958, when the Athletics Association and the Region of Madeira first organized this event. Since then, it has thrived into a local tradition as one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Portugal and actually in the whole of Europe. About 2000 contestants of all nationalities and ages come here year after year to compete most amicably. The event entails several events starting with the Wheelchair race, followed by the Health March and the races. This is an exciting event for all those who decide to participate, so if you have the opportunity, you really should go for it!
In recent years, Madeira has also become famous for its spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. So this year on December 31st, prepare to join the thousands of people that gather on the bay to see the sky alight as if by day time in the middle of the night. This is a wonderful opportunity to relish in the opportunity to explore the city and get its true and authentic feel.
This is a great opportunity to also take your time to visit the city and its surroundings more in depth.
If you rent a car in Madeira, you will enjoy all the freedom of movement that you may need to achieve this and much more.

The post December in Madeira: the complete calendar – Part 2 appeared first on Madeira Airport Transfer.

December 2018 is fast approaching bringing with it the sound of jingle bells and the scent of fir tree. We are all preparing for the celebration of Christ’s Nativity, for a time of family and gift giving.
The Island of the Eternal Spring celebrates Christmas in a unique and purely traditional way. For despite the fact that they are quite away from mainland Portugal, the traditions and customs of the mother country live here and are observed closely. So certainly, the end of this December you are in for an amazing Christmas if you find yourself in Madeira.
So here a few of the highlights of the month to come:
From December 1st to January 6th, when the season’s celebrations are officially over, Christmas lights will bathe Funchal in light. So you might be willing to attend the official switching on of the lights on December 8th, although the locals will be preparing for the jolly season long before this date.
Christmas celebrations in Madeira last for about a week, from December 16th to December 24th. They are of course followed by Christmas with the special mass on the 25th and the family bliss that follows in the next days.
All this while, if you want a Madeira tour or a Funchal airport transfer, you can opt for it by booking online. It is best to make all such travel arrangements online beforehand and this way you can get the best prices and services.
As we approach the end of December, there are other interesting events to occupy our time and attention, but we will mention these in our next article.

MADEIRA
December 2018 is fast approaching bringing with it the sound of jingle bells and the scent of fir tree. We are all preparing for the celebration of Christ’s Nativity, for a time of family and gift giving.
The Island of the Eternal Spring celebrates Christmas in a unique and purely traditional way. For despite the fact that they are quite away from mainland Portugal, the traditions and customs of the mother country live here and are observed closely. So certainly, the end of this December you are in for an amazing Christmas if you find yourself in Madeira.
So here a few of the highlights of the month to come:
From December 1st to January 6th, when the season’s celebrations are officially over, Christmas lights will bathe Funchal in light. So you might be willing to attend the official switching on of the lights on December 8th, although the locals will be preparing for the jolly season long before this date.
Christmas celebrations in Madeira last for about a week, from December 16th to December 24th. They are of course followed by Christmas with the special mass on the 25th and the family bliss that follows in the next days.
All this while, if you want a Madeira tour or a Funchal airport transfer, you can opt for it by booking online. It is best to make all such travel arrangements online beforehand and this way you can get the best prices and services.
As we approach the end of December, there are other interesting events to occupy our time and attention, but we will mention these in our next article.

The post December in Madeira: the complete calendar – Part 1 appeared first on Madeira Airport Transfer.