*Câmara de Lobos

* Population of* Câmara de Lobos* (1849 - 2011)* 1849* 12,391 — * 2011* 35,666 +3.0% * The municipality of Câmara de Lobos, in accord with the 2001 census, has a population of 30,814, while its resident population is 31,476

inhabitants (47% to 53%, male to female composition). While 22.7% are seniors (the lowest percentage in Maderia), its active population represents 10,986 of the population.

* There are five parishes that constitute the municipality of Câmara de Lobos:* Câmara de Lobos - The central urbanized area of Lobos (an area of 7.74 km²) is primarily residential and commercial: the parish

population is approximately 17,986 inhabitants. This core parish, is boxed in by Funchal (to the east), Quinta Grande (in the west) and Estreito de Câmara de Lobos (to the north). Many of these areas are highly development housing units, constructed during the late 20th Century, during the extensive growth in tourism and financial services on the island. Farmlands, which located in northern tracts have since given way to residential and commercial businesses.

* Curral das Freiras* Estreito de Câmara de Lobos* Jardim da Serra* Quinta Grande* Twin towns — Sister cities[edit]* Câmara de Lobos is twinned[4] with:* Spain Garachico, Canary Islands, Spain (1997)* Italy Forio, Island of Ischia, Italy (2008)* Economy[edit]* Although agriculture and fishing are still considered the primary sources of income, the area has grown as an extension of the tourism

industry in the neighboring parishes. Its local development prospects are tied to the growing tourist market, while for six centuries of history it has been associated with the fishing and agriculture, in particular bananas and other fruits common to the island. Further, Madeira Wine, an important industry on the island, continues to drive the cultivation of local vineyards

Câmara de LobosIt was this traditional fishing village, situated five kilometres from Funchal, which inspired the late Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. The village was given its name by the explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions (‘lobos’) living there at the time. Câmara de Lobos, apart from its wonderful bay, has several points of interest such as Pico da Torre, Curral das Freiras, Boca dos Namorados, Boca da Corrida and Cabo Girão.

Coming from Funchal, when you arrive at this recently designated ‘city’, you will be faced with a dazzling bay, the full beauty of which can only best admired from Pico da Torre.

Going towards Estreito de Câmara de Lobos parish, you will see that the banana plantations give way to vineyards and then, a little further up, to cherries.Once in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, you should visit the mother church and move forward to Jardim da Serra parish, where you have two options: go to Boca dos Namorados and admire the dazzling landscape of Curral das Freiras or pass through Boca da Corrida and finally stop at Quinta do Jardim da Serra.

Not easy to be missed, the Cabo Girão (second highest cliff in the world) will present you with breathtaking panoramic views. Absolutely amazing...

Câmara de Lobos is also home of the ‘poncha’, a mixture of lemon juice, honey and sugarcane spirit, available at the many local taverns.THE location of the modern town is believed to be the original landing point for the Portuguese discoverer João Gonçalves Zarco, who is credited with the discovery of the Madeira Islands. When the explorer disembarked in this area (1419), he observed a thin cliff that extended into the ocean, and another cliff face that formed an amphitheatre-like harbour that could shelter ships from Atlantic storms. There Zarco and his men also found a large colony of marine animals that would become the reason for naming this area Câmara de Lobos.

Port with dry fishThe name, lobos, is a Portuguese derivation for sea-lions (Portuguese: lobos-marinhos), which were the animals discovered by Zarco and his men in the sheltered bay. Because of the large colony of these animals, the area was baptised câmara dos lobos.[1] This was a pejorative term, since câmara is the Portuguese word for municipal chamber (sometimes erroneously referred to as the city hall or city council), and the sailors named the area, literally as, the Municipal chamber of [the place where there are] Sea-Lions. Today, the species of monk seals (Latin: monachus monachus) are rare, being an animal common to the Mediterranean, but today confined to a small colony on the Desertas Islands.[2]

The municipality was created by ministerial decree on 25 May 1835, and invested in its executive on 4 October 1835. Initially, this administrative division included the parishes of Câmara de Lobos, Curral das Freiras, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and Campanário, all territorial parts of the Funchal. With many alterations, the newly constituted municipality of Câmara de Lobos operated with those parishes as its core, until Quinta Grande was constituted from sites in the parishes of Campanário and Câmara de Lobos, but maintaining its total area. On 6 May 1914, Campanário is deannexed to the newly created municipality of Ribeira Brava, and on 5 July 1996, the parish of Jardim da Serra was constituted from the higher altitude localities of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.

On 15 September 1994, the parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos was elevated to the status of town, while two years later, on 3 August 1996, the village of Câmara de Lobos attained the status of city.

Geography[edit]

Aerial view of the built-up areas of Câmara de Lobos along the coast, with the steep cliffs of Cabo Girão in the distance

The main settlement of Câmara de Lobos, and first area settled by colonists to this areaCâmara de Lobos is the second largest city by population in Madeira with the largest (45%) contribution of youth under 25 years. Located within the metropolitan zone of Funchal, it is limited to the east by Funchal (through the parish of Estreito de Câmara de Lobos); to the west by the municipality of Ribeira Brava and the steep cliffs of Cabo Girão (one of the highest cliffs in Europe: 580 meter elevation); and north by the municipalities of Santana and São Vicente (and the mountains of Pico de Arieiro); while fronting the Atlantic Ocean to the south (except an area in the southwest near Quinta Grande (Fajã dos Padres) whose coast is part of the neighbouring parish of Campanário in Ribeira Brava

The decree of 1955 (No.40.221/5 July 1955) defines these limits more explicitly. but allows for interpretations:"In the north, from Pico do Arieiro, the municipal limit follows the line from the heights defined by Pedra Rija, Pico do Cidrão, Pico do Gato, Pico das Torres, Pico da Cágada, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Pico da Lapa da Cadela, Pico do Coelho, Pico das Eirinhas, Pico da Laje, Pico das Torrinhas, Pico Casado and Pico do Jorge. On the west, follow Pico do Jorge along a line in the altitudes specified by the Pico Arranha-Mata, Pico do Cerco, Pico Grande, Pico do Serradinho, Boca do Paço de Aires, Boca dos Corgos, Alto dos Aviceiros, Lombo do Covão, or Estrebaria, Pico do Trevo, Eira das Moças and Pico da Cruz, where they follow the road of Achada in Campanário until Vera Cruz, continuing through the escarpment of Partilha until an escarpment overlooing the sea, conforming to demarkations signed by cadastral services. To the south, the municipality is limited by the foremetioned escarpment until the mouth of the Ribeira da Quinta Grande and then by the coast line until the ravine in Socorridos, but not including the Fajã dos Padres. The east corresponds to the western limit of the municipality of Funchal, or specifically the line that exits Pico do Serrado and follows Lombo da Partilha until the confluence of the ravine of Eiroses and Socorridos, which serves as the municipalities limit until the ocean."[3]Human geography[edit]

* Funchal se – located south of madeira

* Sé (Portuguese for Episcopal see) is a civil parish in the municipality of Funchal in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. It includes the historical centre of Funchal. The population in 2011 was 2,656,[1] in an area of 3.82 km².[2] Its administrative authority includes the distant, uninhabited Savage Islands, with an area of 2.73 km². –

* The Cathedral from Funchal (Sé) has been classified as a National Monument since 1910, and constitutes the main religious building of the Archipelago, and is greatly visited both by the inhabitants and visitors of the city of Funchal.

* Of undeniable historical, architectural and artistic value, one of the interior highlights of the Cathedral is the chancel’s altarpiece ordered by King D. Manuel I in 1510-1515. The altarpiece, surmounted by a Gothic canopy, is in the form of a large polyptych, composed of gilt woodwork, supplemented by small sculptures, and oil paintings on wood. The high value of this altarpiece derives from the high technical quality of execution and the fact that it constitutes the only altarpiece of the Manueline period which remains, entirely, in its place of origin.Funchal’s Cathedral (Sé) also features one of Portugal’s most beautiful ceilings, made with wood from the island and the stalls of the chancel boast in Flemish style.The main entrance displays Gothic lines and the gilded woodwork pieces of the 17th Century point to some features of the Manueline period.The church also features an exceptional processional cross, donated by D. Manuel I, considered one of the masterpieces of the Portuguese Manueline goldsmithery.

* Funchal se maria major

* Santa Maria Maior (Portuguese meaning Saint Mary the Great) is a civil parish in the eastern part of the municipality of Funchal on the island of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 13,352,[1] in an area of 4.86 km².[2]

* History[edit] The walled fortifications of the Fort of São Tiago, built to protect the coast from piracy during the 16th-17th century* From the initial founding of Funchal, the island of Madeira was peppered with small settlements along the coasts near access to the sea. The settlement that would later take on the name of Santa Maria Maior developed

spontaneously from the first homes constructed in 1425.[3] This agglomeration extended from Ribeira do João Gomes until Corpo Santo, along the beachfront, and concentrated around a small temple constructed to the invocation of Santa Maria, or Santa Maria do Calhau as it was briefly known. Santa Maria do Calhau, constructed in 1430, served the congregations east of the bay of Funchal, and was also known as Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Baixo (English: Our Lady of the Conception), or simply Santa Maria Maior.[3] The chapel was the seat of the parish of Santa Maria Maior until 1508, when the Church of the Sé Catedral was completed, and the parishioners were obligated to transfer there for services. Santa Maria Maior was the first parish to be instituted in Funchal. Its name was given, as some historians believe, because it was constructed in larger proportions than the chapel consecrated in the name of Nossa Senhora da Conceição ordered built by João Gonçalves Zarco (on the present site of the Church of Santa Clara).[3] Zarco's chapel was known as Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Cima (meaning, geographically, top for its location), in opposition to Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Baixo (which means "bottom"), but referred to as Nossa Senhora do Calhau, because it was built on the coast (calhau is Portuguese for rock-covered beaches, typical of the Azores and Madeira).[3]

* The Church of Nossa Senhora do Calhau was destroyed, various times, by storm surges that battered the southern coast, eventually forcing many to concentrate in central Funchal, forming the central agglomeration of that municipality.[3] Meanwhile, the construction of the Sé Catedral resulted in a dramatic population growth, and Santa Maria Maior lost its role as the parish seat to Sé.[3] In 1557, Santa Maria Maior is divided into two individual parishes: Sé, seat in the Sé Cathedral and Santa Maria Maior, whose seat remained at the Church of Nossa Senhora do Calhau. On 18 November 1557, in accord with ecclesiastical authorities, the parish of Santa Maria Maior was established: its head was the vicar António Mourão.[3]

* Socially, the population was dominated by artisans and "men of office", although subsistence agriculture was important.[3]* After an alluvial flood in 1803, that destroyed a great part of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Calhau, the parish seat moved to the Church of São Tiago (who had become the patron saint of Funchal).[4] Finally, the ruins of the

chapel were demolished in 1835, so that in its place (at the beginning of the Rua de Santa Maria Maior) was possible the construction of the Mercado da União (English: Union Market), which too was later removed in 1911.[3]* In 1851 the Jewish Cemetery of Funchal was built in Rua do Lazareto, which still exists today.* Santa Maria Maior too was influenced by the evolution of the economic cycles, primarily wheat, sugar and wine, which developed the island in successive decades.[3]* The administration of the parish remained under the ecclesiastical administration of the church, and through parish commissioners, who were later substituted by magistrates who were proposed by the municipal council.[3]* Geography[edit]* Santa Maria Maior, along the coast, showing the rugged escarpments of Madeira* It is located about 3 km east of the urban centre of Funchal, 4.5 km southwest Camacha and only 3 km west Caniço. The area is an urbanized section of the municipality of Funchal linked by ancillary roads to other sections of the

island, as well as roadway that extends across the island. Until the mid-20th century, much of the interior of this parish was pasture and agricultural lands (central and western section), with denser forest in the northeast and northwest. The encroachment of urban housing, especially after the Carnation Revolution resulted in a transformation of this area into an ancillary bedroom community of Funchal.

*Funchal – sao martinho

* São Martinho (Portuguese: Saint Martin) is a civil parish in the municipality of Funchal, in the archipelago of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 26,482,[1] in an area of 7.95 km².[2]

* History[edit]* The Church of São Martinho as seen from Pico dos Barcelo* During the island's early settlement, the area that includes the present parish was part of the much large Sé, and later São Pedro, when it was finally deannexed in 1597. The lands immediately around the commercial centre of Funchal were quickly acquired and put into service for cultivation of subsistence crops. As with the other settlements in the Portuguese Empire, these settlements eventually formed from

communities of living in the shadow of small chapels that dotted the landscape. The same was true for São Martinho: a small artesanal business and chapel constituted the first buildings in this region, owned by Afonso Anes, who was responsible for guiding the influencing development, becoming a parish on 3 March 1579. Much later a new church was a formal church constructed, by the 19th century.

* The establishment of an Administrative Code in 1878, defined the creation of a level of government below the municipality, giving rise to the civil parish system that coincided with the older ecclesiastical parishes. On 23 June 1916, by decree law 621, the parish of São Martinho was created.The Centro Cívico de São Martinho (São Martinho Civic Centre) with the Church of São Martinho in the background* Geography[edit]

* The parish covers the southwestern part of Funchal, located three to four kilometres west of Funchal and approximately three kilometres east of Câmara de Lobos. It consists of the localities Ajuda, Amparo, Areeiro, Casa Branca, Igreja, Lombada, Nazaré, Pico de São Martinho, Pico do Funcho, Pilar, Piornais, Poço Barral, Quebradas, Vargem, Virtudes and Vitória.

* Island* Madeira

* Municipality* Funchal

* Center* São Martinho * - elevation 239 m (784 ft) * - coordinates 32°38′34″N 16°56′22″WCoordinates: 32°38′34″N 16°56′22″W * Area* 7.95 km2 (3 sq mi) * Population* 26,482 (2011) Density* 3,331/km2 (8,627/sq mi) * Settlement* fl. 1597 * - Parish 3 March 1579 * - Civil Parish 23 June 1916 * LAU* Junta Freguesia * - location Caminho de São Martinho President Junta* João Pimenta (PPD-PSD) President Assembleia* José Valentim Caldeira (PPD-PSD) * Timezone* WET (UTC0) * - summer (DST) WEST (UTC+1) Postal Zone* 9000-273 Area Code & Prefix* (+351) 291 XXX XXX * Patron Saint* Saint Martin

*madeira

* Madeira Island, geographically speaking, belongs to Africa, but politically speaking, belong to Portugal.

* Since 1976 Madeira became known as the Região Autónoma da Madeira, Autonomous Region of Madeira. * Madeira is located about 1000 km from Lisbon and and 500km from Africa and is at the same level as Casablanca, Morocco. * The archipelago consists of the following islands:* •Madeira Island* •Porto Santo Island (approximately 42km from Madeira)* •The Desertas Islands (uninhabited islands and nature reserves)* •The Selvagens Islands ((uninhabited islands and nature reserves)* The Canary Islands are a neighbouring archipelago also volcanic in origin that are located about 400km from Madeira Island.* Madeira Island occupies an area of 741 square kilometers, about 57 km long and 22 km wide. * The population of Madeira Island is of approximately 280,000 people, half of which live in the capital city of Funchal. * onta do PargoPonta do Pargo* Sea and Mountain ... * The harmony between Madeira Island´s coast and mountains is truly spectacular!

* Access from the coastlines to the mountains is easy and fast.

* The highest point in the island is Pico Ruivo with 1862 meters.

* The interior of the island presents itself with a mountainous landscape, consisting of green deep picturesque valleys.

* The coastline is composed of cliffs and/or many rocky pebble beaches, many of volcanic origin. * Madeira Island, Regions, Culture and Attractions

* A tropical archipelago with a wonderful subtropical climate and breathtaking scenery, Madeira is justifiably known as ‘the floating garden’ or ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’. It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, some 560 miles (900 kilometers) from continental Portugal and about 370 miles (600 kilometers) from the coast of Morocco; an outpost of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean. Forming part of the Archipelago are the inhabited islands of Madeira and Porto Santo plus small groups of uninhabited islands, the Desertas and Selvagens. The Island of Madeira is the largest of them.

* Madeira has a variety of rare attractions besides its luxurious blue skies and sea and its imposing valleys and mountains where plant life is abundantly diverse. The Island is famous for Madeira wine, embroidery artisans, 'Bolo de mel', exotic flowers, tropical fruits, striking scenery and its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks, considered the biggest in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. Add all this to its balmy climate and it’s easy to see why the ‘Paradise Island’ has become the aspirational holiday destination of the 'old world'.

DISCOVERY* The Portuguese Captain João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira discovered Porto Santo Island in 1418. The following year while trying to settle in Porto Santo they observed on the southwestern horizon a great dark cloud;

they sailed and found a beautiful island, which they named Madeira - Island of Woods.* FUNCHAL* With its relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated life-style, Madeira's cosmopolitan capital Funchal is virtually crime free.* Funchal was declared a city on the 21st of August 1508 the largest city in the Island and now the main centre of trade. It’s situated on the south coast of Madeira and is one of the Atlantic Ocean’s most popular cruise-ship ports

of call. Funchal has a rich historical heritage; a bustling colourful city with stunning views of the mountains and with plenty to see and do. An excellent starting point for exploration is the busy vibrant Market “Mercado dos Lavradores” where you can buy a variety of exotic flowers and local crafts, tropical fruits, vegetables and fresh fish. From here visit some of our wonderful museums, monuments, art galleries and gardens. The Sé Cathedral, a landmark located in the centre of the old town was built between 1485 and 1514; it’s one of the few Manueline style buildings still standing.

* Take a walk along the seaside promenade to Funchal harbour and enjoy the wonderful coastal views and surroundings over a ‘chinesa’, a traditional coffee in one of the many cafés by the Marina. A longer walk out onto the breakwater will reward with great views of the Funchal ‘amphitheatre’ and stunning mountain backdrop.

* THE ISLAND COAST* Away from Funchal, the coasts and interior offer a diversity of landscapes rarely found in such a comparatively small area. Volcanic in nature and blessed with sheer cliffs, blue seas and skies, verdant mountains and the most

wonderful flora, Madeira Island is truly diverse. The popular south coast, sheltered from the prevailing trade breezes is the calmest, whilst the rugged north coast is a spectacle of blue, green and white as the relentless Atlantic surf outlines each cliff, bay and cove

* MADEIRA’S MOUNTAINS* The mountains are sheer and spectacular, their tops sometimes shrouded in mist, a micro-climate all of their own; it’s hard to believe that they are just a few miles from the warm sunny coast. With so many attractions to visit,

why not let someone else do the driving and take a luxury coach tour of the most interesting and picturesque parts of the island.* With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Madeira Island appeals to the discerning tourist looking for something beyond the hustle of many a Mediterranean package holiday.* PORTO SANTo* A charming sandy island is not far from Madeira though the two islands are completely different. While Madeira is generally green with a rocky and steep coastline, Porto Santo has a golden colour due to its 9 km sandy beach.

The most popular way to get there is by the Ferry although flying is also an alternativE* UNINHABITED ISLANDS* The Desertas are a group of Islands known as Deserta Grande, Bugio, Ilhéu Chão and Prego do Mar about 22 miles southeast of Funchal. They are now a Nature Reserve and play host to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the

twelve most endangered animal species on earth. Also present here are tarantula spiders (absent on Madeira) and wild goats.* The Selvagens Islands are a Nature Reserve, a group of three small islands, Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena and Ilhéu de Fora. They are 180 miles south of Madeira. In 1971 these islands were declared a Nature Reserve;

due to their characteristics we can find a diversity of flora and fauna. With ideal nesting conditions the islands are an important seabird sanctuary sheltering some of the most significant colonies in the world.

MADEIRA

*North Atlantic ocean

*Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago situated in the east of the north Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal.*Set in the Atlantic Ocean c.350 mi (560 km)

off the coast of Morocco, Madeira, the ... The north remains mainly rural in nature whilst the south, especially in and ...*Madeira Islands facts, ... about 360 miles

directly west of Morocco, Africa in the north Atlantic Ocean.

* Ponto do sol* Ponta do Sol highlights:* – Known as the best climate in Madeira* – 500 year old traditional village* – Relaxing and charming village unaffected by tourism* – Friendly locals* – Contrasting scenery – from the rocky coast above the ocean, and the terrace hills filled with banana plantations to the subtropical mountains* – Explore and discover the “real Madeira”* – Numerous levada-walking opportunities* – Surfing beaches in the area* – A diving center in the beach of the village just in front of the hotel* – Most famous banana and sugar cane plantations* – Pebbly beach* – The sunrise and the sunset

* Distances:* – From Airport: 40 minutes* – From Funchal: 25 minutes* – From Ribeira Brava Village: 5 minutes

* Activities:

* Canyoning* Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for this activity, an exhilarating sport that takes place in a mountainous watercourse, where one has to swim, jump and do rappels in small

waterfalls to overcome the obstacles of nature.

* Trecking & Walking Paths* Madeira “levadas” walks are famous worldwide, walking through these open irrigation channels, that started being built in the fifteenth century, is the healthiest way to enjoy some

fantastic views of mountain scenery through the Laurisilva forest, which is indigenous to the island.

* Diving* Madeira has a warm climate that allows year-round diving in one of the deepest sea coasts of Europe, with a varied underwater life. Diving in Madeira is certainly a plus, with or without

experience. There is a diving school just in front of the hotel.

* Surfing and Paddling* Madeira Island is commonly considered the Hawaii of Europe. The quality of the waves, the water temperature, the mild weather with an average temperature of 21 º C during most of the

year, the sun, the beautiful landscapes and the proximity to the European continent, make Madeira a destination of choice for surfing and paddling.

* Ultra Trail* The volcanic origin of the island makes the mountains of Madeira the perfect place for ultra trail activity, with mountainous terrain, steep footpaths and water channels.

* Paragliding* Just 15 minutes from the hotel, there is one of the best spots for this activity, where you will find unique valleys, and beautiful mountain and ocean views.

* BTT, Mountain Bike* The volcanic origin of Madeira can still be seen. The island is surprisingly mountainous, with peaks of over 1,800 meters of altitude, which make the perfect setting for Mountain Bike, BTT

and downhill bicycling experiences.

* Whale Watching* The unique deep ocean coast of Madeira makes it possible to watch whales, dolphins and big turtles from the stretch of sea very near the shore. One of the best spots for it is just 10

minutes from the hotel and you can even swim with the dolphins if you want.

* Ponto do sol - Windsurfing and KitesurfIng* Enjoy the thrill of windsurfing and kitesurfing in Madeira! These radical sports are very popular in the island, and there are excellent conditions for people of all ages and skill levels. Ponta do Sol

(literally ‘Sun Point’) is – as the name already implies – a region where you will find more sun throughout the year than in any other part of the island. It boasts breathtaking landscapes and encompasses the three parishes Ponta do Sol, Canhas and Madalena do Mar.

* Extended forests and the high plateau of Paúl da Serra are the highlights to visit in this area. Furthermore the council of Ponta do Sol offers excellent bathing conditions, although you won't find sand here... but a pebbled beach. The major beaches are those from Madalena do Mar, Anjos, Lugar de Baixo and Ponta do Sol.

* We could say that the strong points of this area are the warm seawater, the low undulation and the excellent sun bathing areas.* * * Ponta do Sol “Sun point” located in the southwest; a peaceful and beautiful village by the sea and the sunniest point of the island, where you can enjoy an excellent pebble beach and beautiful

sunsets.

* Just offshore of Ponta do Sol divers can visit the wreck of the Bowbelle, a gravel dredging boat that once operated on London’s river Thames. This is the notorious boat that collided with the Marchioness in 1989. It was subsequently sold to a company in Madeira, where during a storm it sank off the coast and now diving schools make trips to this area.

* The main agriculture here is sugar cane, banana and wine production. Historically the sugar cane was worked by slaves owned by a Flemish lord João Esmeraldo, a close friend of Christopher Columbus.

* Ponta do Sol (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõtɐ ðu ˈsɔɫ], English: Point of the Sun) is a municipality in the southwestern coast of the island of Madeira, in the archipelago of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 8,862,[1] in an area of 46.19 km².[2]

* History[edit]

* The settlement of Ponta do Sol began shortly after the discovery of the island of Madeira, around 1420.

* Geography[edit]

* The rugged coastline near the parish of Ponta do Sol

* Cascata dos Anjos Waterfall on old road in Anjos, Ponta do Sol* Ponta do Sol is located between Ribeira-Brava and Calheta, on the southwest coast of Madeira, linked to Funchal (the capital) and surrounding communities by the main regional road.

* The municipality is crossed by a few pedestrian hiking trails, that usually follow the levadas (English: aqueducts) carrying water from the mountains.

* Human geography[edit]

* Administratively, the municipal government is located in the parish of Ponta do Sol, while local government is handled through the three parishes:* Canhas* Madalena do Mar* Ponta do Sol - in 2011, the parish had a population of 4,577 inhabitants, in an area of 27.45 km²

* Economy[edit]

* Historically, the main sources of income in this region has been agriculture, fishing and trade. Ponta do Sol's main harbour, although small, was a crucial commercial gateway to the western part of the island. These importation and exportation businesses fostered the creation of new activities in what became the central part of the community and created a flow of goods into the hinterland (such as local and imported goods).

* Today, commercial activity is scattered throughout the municipality, while the port area of Ponta do Sol has declined in importance. In its place, the economy of the municipality has been dispersed to other parishes, particularly Canhas, which were essentially agricultural parishes, but have developed into important economic nodes, while still retaining its rural landscape. While agriculture remains the primary activity in the interior, and the fisheries industry has declined significantly, construction and industrial enterprises have conquered a prominent role in the municipality. The service industry, particularly tourism, has carved-out a portion of the income stream, with high-quality hotels or residential inns located in the countryside and urban centres.

* Porto moniz – ribeira de janela

* http://www.madeira-rural.com/madeira-travel-guide/location/porto-moniz/ribeira-janela/111* The path of the Ribeira da Janela traverses an ancient footpath that links the high ground in the parish of Ribeira da Janela to the

Fanal.

* Away: 2, 7 km* Duration: 1:30* Home: Fanal* Order: Corral Falso (Ribeira da Janela)* Maximum altitude: 820 m* Minimum altitude: 400 m* Degree of difficulty: 2/3

* The path of the Ribeira da Janela starts below the area of Fanal, (curral falso), and the route is done downhill, toward the Ribeira da Janela during 2, 7 km, which should take about 1:30 until you get near the first couples.

* This trail is an old footpath used by sites that used to go to the Sierra, in particular to cut Heath and Fang, needed for agricultural activities. Also served as a road to link with some municipalities of the South, particularly the Calheta and Ponta do Sol was for these tracks that carried to the backs of the men, the barrels of wine produced in the North, to be sold/traded for other products.

* This route is good to enjoy some of the fauna of Madeira, namely the trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz), endemic species of wood (exclusive of Madeira). At the time of migration can also find at the mouth of the River some migratory birds of passage as the White Heron (Egretta garzetta), the Red Heron (Burns purpurea), the duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

* The vereda da Ribeira da Janela can also be made up, starting from the Ribeira da Janela and end at curral falso, where you can walk the PR14-Levada dos Cedros, which goes to the Fanal. If you want to, you can continue to go up, using the PR13-Vereda of Fanal. You can also start in Paul da Serra and do the three Rails down..

* Ribeira da Janela is a parish in the municipality of Porto Moniz, with 19.90 km ² of area and 228 inhabitants (2011). Its population density is 14.6 inhabitants/km ². It is located at a latitude 32,833 (32° 50 ') North and longitude 17.15 (17° 9 ') West, being to an altitude of 575 meters. Is in this parish the only campsite of Madeira Island, a modern facility on the side of the road.

* The name derives from the river which has the mouth near the town, and which is also the longest the Madeira Island.

* Porto moniz - seixal

* Seixal is a civil parish in the municipality of Porto Moniz in the Portuguese island of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 656,[1] in an area of 36.37 km².[2]

* History[edit]* Much like its continental twin, Seixal's name origin came from the abundance of pebbles on the beach.

* Geography[edit]* Agricultural fields along the slopes of Seixal* It is located on the eastern frontier of Porto Moniz on the border with the municipality of São Vicente. The largest parish in Porto Moniz by area, it extends from the Atlantic

Ocean into the interior of Paul de Serra.

* Located in the north of the island of Madeira, the municipality of Porto Moniz has about 3,000 inhabitants distributed over a geographical area of 80.40 km2.

* Porto Moniz was finally connected to the rest of the island after World War 2, when the emblematic road connecting Porto Moniz to the municipality of São Vicente was built. This road was literally dug into the hillside, and is occasionally crossed by waterfalls that flow into the sea. This is considered one of the most beautiful roads in wood. For safety reasons, due to falling rocks, today there are tunnels that shorten the distance, but still allow the passage through the most emblematic places along the road.

* Besides Porto Moniz, three parishes make up this municipality: Achadas da Cruz, Ribeira da Janela and Seixal.

* Porto Moniz owes its name to Francisco Moniz, an aristocrat who lived here in the late 16th century. Although initially referring only to the harbour, the designation later came to refer to the areas around it.

* * With a geographical area of 80.40 square kilometres, the municipality of Porto Moniz is located in the north of the island of Madeira and is formed by its four parishes: Achadas

da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela and Seixal, and its bordered by São Vicente (east), Calheta (southwest).* The municipality of Porto Moniz presents a multifaceted economy, which besides the primary sector, registers a strong development of the tourist sector, especially hotels

and restaurants.

* Undoubtedly, Porto Moniz is one of the municipalities of the archipelago with more tourist potential, boasting good accesses, landscapes of unmatchable beauty and numerous tourist attractions.

* In the municipality of Porto Moniz you can find traditional Madeiran cuisine disches, such as “Espetada Madeirense” (small pieces of meat in a laurel stick), black scabbard fish fillets and tuna steak cooked or fried, grilled limpets, octopus and shrimp dishes, among others make the delight of those who visit us.

* Wilted potatoes with fried black scabbard fish, sliced potatoes with beans and corn cobs, the cabbage, yam and wheat soup are some of the signature dishes of this Municipality.

* The Trout (freshwater fish) , rice limpets, the typical “bolo-do-caco”, with garlic butter, the traditional “Honey Cake and the passionfruit pudding are another gastronomic references of Porto Moniz.

* Seixal is famous for its vineyards, which gives the tastiest grapes of Madeira.

* So to accompany your meals you can choose one of high quality wines, red or white, produced by the grapes from this parish.

*Ribeira Brava

* Ribeira Brava (wild stream) is a small town on the southwest coast of the island. Now a lot easier to access since the construction of the two-lane motorway from Funchal. The town boasts many street cafés and shops and is certainly the place to spend a few hours taking in the sights and sounds.

* The town has made enormous progress in the last few years and has geared itself up to tourism. Many new facilities keep the locals 'local' and the long sunshine hours on the west coast attract many bathing fans.

* Ribeira Brava was one of the first parishes of the island and was inhabited early in the island’s history. * Writers think that its name came from the wild (Brava) river (Ribeira) that used to flow in this area and, when the rain falls heavily, occasionally it still does.

* The council of Ribeira Brava includes the parishes of Ribeira Brava, Campanário, Tabua and Serra de Água.* Ribeira Brava (Wild River) is named after its river; when it rains heavily in the mountains, waters rapidly run down to sea. It is a small town on the southwestern coast of the island with steep

valleys on either side and is a very pleasant tourist stop. In between these valleys is the Madeira Sports centre with excellent facilities, which attract all types of sports and athletics.

* Visit the local church “Igreja de São Bento“, considered over the years as the best preserved and presented regional monument containing valuable paintings dating back to the 16th century. This church is open to the public.

* By the sea but protected from the Atlantic waves for safe swimming is a man-made black sandy beach, children’s swimming pool and promenade with cafes, snack bar and restaurants where you can spend a quiet and enjoyable afternoon. Climb the spiral staircase at the east end of the town for a spectacular view, or walk through the adjacent rock tunnel to the fishing harbour.

* pronunciation: [ʁiˈβɐjɾɐ ˈβɾavɐ]) is a municipality on the island of Madeira, in the Portuguese Autonomous Region of Madeira. It is located along the southern coast (approximately centre), and is west of Câmara de Lobos and the regional capital Funchal, south of São Vicente, and east of Ponta do Sol. The population in 2011 was 13,375,[1] in an area of 65.41 km².[2]

* The municipality gained its name due to its river - Ribeira Brava, which translates as 'the angry river'. In rainy seasons, the river had an extremely strong and powerful current, that often wreaked havoc over the entire eight kilometres of the route.

* Geography[edit]

* The village of Tabua over one of the tributaries of the Ribeira Brava ravine

* The Ribeira Brava river, living up to one of its names: the angry river* The municipality's namesake, the Ribeira Brava ravine and river valley extends from the slopes of the west-central mountains of Madeira. Its waters provide the primary sources of drinking-

water (a small reservoir collects surface run-off) to the area and electricity to the island of Madeira. Approximately ten tributaries feed this river, whose course ends in the Serra de Água and which much later empties into the Atlantic along the village's coast.

* The primary urban agglomerations are the four civil parishes, constituted with their own local government. They include:* Campanário* Ribeira Brava* Serra de Água* Tabua

*Ribera brava - tabou

*Tabua is a parish in the municipality of Ribeira Brava in the island of Madeira. It is located on the south coast, west of Funchal. The population in 2011 was 1,156,[1] in an area of 11.03 km².[2] The municipality has a road which connects Calheta with Funchal, the capital, by road . The municipality of Ponta do Sol is to the west, and the municipality of São Vicente is to the north. On its southern border, the municipality borders the

*Ribiera brava – Serra de Água

* Serra de Água (Portuguese meaning literally mountain range of water) is a civil parish in the municipality of Ribeira Brava in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 1,049,[1] in an area of 24.16 km²

* Serra de Água's name is derived from the historical construction of a watermill used for sawmilling, that was named serra de água, and later became applied to the entire parish.[3] Wood was the first of livelihood and income for the early settlers to Madeira, and due to the abundance of vegetation in Serra de Água the sawmills, commercial exportation of wood was very profitable.[3]

* The parish was created on 28 December 1676 (but never became a functioning ecclesiastical parish until 1680), from a portion of the municipality of Ponta do Sol.[3]

* Administratively, it was an annex of Ribeira Brava after 18 October 1881.[3] Later, it functioned as part of Ponta do Sol, after the creation of Ponta do Sol (in 1835), returning to the redefined municipality of Ribeira Brava in 1914, as an autonomous civil parish.[3]

* In 1953, the parish was the first site of a central hydroelectric station on the island.[3]

* Geography[edit]

* The main square and parochial Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda in the main town* The parish is situated in the southwest part of the island, encircled by dense vegetation and high mountains, including specifically the Picoda Cruz, Pico do Cedro and Pico Grande.[3] The lands are

irrigated by numerous ravines, such as the Ribeira da Fajã das Éguas, Ribeira do Poço and Ribeira da Serra de Água (which are affluentes of the Ribeira da Ribeira Brava, the main waterway in the municipality).

* Serra de Água is situated 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the municipal seat of Ribeira Brava, connected by a regional road.[3] It is bordered on the west by Tabua, São Vicente to the northwest and northeast; Ponta Delgada in the northeast; Curral das Freiras and Campanário to the east, while Ribeira Brava is to the south.

* Economy[edit]

* Encircled by tall mountains, the parish is located in a valley and supported by diverse ravines, making agriculture difficult to sustain.[3] Saw-milling was one of the first industries to establish itself, owing to the availability of wood and forest.[3]

* Yet, agriculture is the predominant economic activity in the civil parish, a function that has persisted on a subsistence basis since the settlement of Madeira.[3] Around 60% of the population is involved in cultivation, with 80% of these lands taken by small parcels, usually for self-consumption.[3]

* Secondary industries are primarily hotelery and civil construction, which occupy a considerable portion of work placements* The village of Serra de Água is located in a large, deep valley, which is surrounded by high mountains. The first hydroelectric power plant was built in 1953 on the island of Madeira in this village.

The only route from here between North and South was the Encumeada pass. Through the Encumeada tunnel, which until 2000 was completed, the cross has been simplified much of Ribeira Brava to São Vicente. The town of Serra da Água was founded in 1876 and was until 1914 the municipality of Ponta do Sol. The construction of a saw mill - driven by the water power of the river - the residents brought a little wealth through trade and export wood

*Santa cruz

* Santa Cruz (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɐ̃tɐ ˈkɾuʃ], "Holy Cross") is a municipality, a parish and a city in the eastern part of the island of Madeira. It is the second most populous municipality, behind Funchal. The population in 2011 was 43,005,[1] in an area of 81.50 km².[2]

* History[edit]

* "...passing a turn in the land, they entered a cover in the beach, in which they saw a deliteful valley covered in the trees in order, where they found on land a few older fallen columns, from whom the captain ordered the construction a cross, which they raised to the heights of a tree, giving the place the name of Santa Cruz, where later that founded the noble village."[3]

* To commemorate the construction of this cross, a second cross was raised, of marble, but was later destroyed, around 1889.

* Geography[edit]

* It is located southeast of Santana, southwest of Machico and northeast of the regional capital (Funchal); it is linked by an expressway to Funchal and Machico, as well as an ancillary road linking it to Santana. Urban sprawl from Funchal extends along Santa Cruz's western frontier, while the eastern part of municipality is the base for Madeira's international airport.

* Five parishes comprise the municipality of Santa Cruz:* Camacha* Caniço (city)* Gaula* Santa Cruz (city) (includes the offshore Desertas Islands)* Santo António da Serra

* Economy[edit]Madeira International Airport, was expanded onto pylons over the ocean, as part of the island's economic expansions* Agriculture and fishing are still considered the primary industries in this region, although widespread expansion of tourism in the south, and the development of the international airport has increased the number of commercial and tourist-related activities (primarily in the city of Santa

Cruz).* Santa Cruz located in the eastern part of the island near the International Airport and by the sea. It’s a wonderful town with many attractions. In the centre of Santa Cruz is a beautiful historical Church; the Igreja Matriz built in the 16th Century.

* Down the street is Palmeiras Beach, a pebble beach very popular with locals and tourists in the summer and equipped with kids swimming pool, beach toys, trained lifeguards and first aid centre. Enjoy a wonderful walk along the promenade, bounded by palm trees and the sea.

* Ribeira da Boaventura, located at Santa Cruz, has a bathing complex comprising two swimming pools, sundecks, locker rooms and esplanade. There is also a small, sheltered bay between the nautical area and the swimming pools allowing easy access to the sea.

* This area also boasts an aqua park with capacity for over 1,000 people, yet another recreational centre for holidaymakers in the archipelago. This park comprises five toboggan rides and four fast slides, two swimming pools (one of which reserved for children), a lazy river running round the pools, a bar and changing rooms.

* *

*Sao Vicente* São Vicente, located on the north side of the island, boasts excellent conditions for surf lovers, due to the sea always being rougher in this area. Opened in September 2004, São Vicente’s bathing complex now includes a

series of support facilities for water sports, along with a restaurant and bar, sundeck and a 620 metres long (2,034 ft) promenade that connects Varadouro with Baía dos Juncos.* Although considered a coastal village, São Vicente has progressed with time into the more sheltered hinterland.

* At the edge of the village directly next to the sea lies a great boulder, into which the São Vicente chapel was built.

* The council of São Vicente consists of the parishes of S. Vicente, Ponta Delgada and Boaventura. A trip through this council reveals a cultural patrimony left by all those who helped to enlarge these three parishes that it encompasses.

* Most of the rustic manor houses go back to the XVIII century, a time of economic relief and comfort, due to the good fortunes of viticulture. These gigantic houses were very ostentatious and consisted of two levels: On the first floor the winepress, the agricultural implements and the products of the harvests were kept. The second floor was the noble part of the house and the access was made through an outdoor staircase.

* * São Vicente (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɐ̃w viˈsẽt(ɨ)]) is a municipality along the north-west coast of the island of Madeira.* History[edit]

* The first human visitors to São Vicente appeared in the middle of the 15th century, colonizing the area much later than the settlers in the southern part of the island, owing to its fertility. This area of the island, due to its steep escarpments and deep river-valleys made early settlement difficult. The first settlers appeared in the areas of São Vicente and Ponta Delgada, respectively.

* The progressive growth of its population lead to dis-annexation of São Vicente from the Captaincy of Machico, and elevation to municipal seat by royal charter on 23 August 1774. At that time the parishes of Porto Moniz, Seixal, Arco de São Jorge and São Jorge where under the administration of the municipal authority.[1]

* In 1835, the restructuring of municipal government under the Liberal reformer Mouzinho da Silveira lead to the creation of two new municipalities (Santana and Porto Moniz) along the northern coast of Madeira, which reduced the area of São Vicente.[1][2] But, by 1867, under decree it reverted to its former dimensions.[1] In 1898, with the re-establishment of the former municipalities São Vicente began to function within the current territorial area.[1]

* Legend[edit]

* A legend exists that the toponomic name of the region, developed from an incident where Saint Vincent of Saragossa appeared in a rocky cove near the mouth of the river. Consequently, the settlers constructed a small chapel to the saint, owing to the great devotion to his personage.

* Geography[edit]Overlooking the main centre of São Vicente, with its parochial church* São Vicente is located west of Santana and Machico and east of Porto Moniz, linked by roadway to Santana and the western part of the island. It is also home to the São Vicente Caves.

* The municipality includes three civil parishes, that handle local government administration:* Boaventura - physically the largest parish, but with the smallest population density, it is located in the northeast coast of the municipality, and ultimately the last to be settled;* Ponta Delgada - a small parish, nestled between two promontories;* São Vicente - the largest parish in population and density, home to the municipal seat; it had a population of 3,139 (in 2011) in an area of 44.14 km²

* Notable citizens[edit]* Gregório Joaquim Diniz (c. 1863 - 20 December 1931) - doctor, Sub-Delegate for Health, and involved in the first hydro-electrical production facility on the island of Madeira, at Pé de Corrida

* São Vicente is a pleasant village in the north of the Island set in one of the most beautiful valleys of Madeira. The São Vicente Caves “Grutas de São Vicente” are the best underground channels of lava ever found in Madeira. The result of an eruption that occurred about 400,000 years ago they were first discovered in 1885. Enjoy a guided tour by a specialist through the caves and learn how they were formed.

* For other areas of interest visit São Vicente's main church in the centre of the village. Dedicated to Saint Vincent and built in the 17th century it has magnificent ceiling paintings, in one of which Saint Vincent is blessing the town.

* Down the valley by the sea find a small symbolic chapel built in 1694 constructed right on the very spot where it is said Saint Vicente appeared. Another interesting chapel is in Pico da Cova with a 14 metre high Chapel tower and a clock built in 1942. The town of São Vicente is fast becoming popular with surfers thanks to a pebble beach with excellent conditions where many surfers from all over Europe come to ride the waves.

* Bibliography

*Wikipedia *Funchal leaflets/guides and reps*http://www.madeira-web.com/*http://

www.madeira-live.com/en/madeira.html*http://www.visitmadeira.pt/en-gb/homepage *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Vi

cente,_Cape_Verde