Paddle the Pearl of the Atlantic, Madeira Island

The history of Madeira begins with the discovery of the islands by Portugal in 1419. There is no record of anyone living on the islands at that time. Portugal began populating the island in 1420.
Settlement of the islands began around 1420 or 1425. On 23 September 1433, the name Madeira Island appeared for the first time on a map in a document. Since its discovery, the archipelago has been the property of the Order of Christ, which promoted its settlement.
The island of Madeira is the main island of the Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, south-west of the Portuguese coast and annexed to the European Union. Together with Porto Santo, the Desertas Islands and the Selvagens Islands, it makes up the Madeira archipelago whose capital is the city of Funchal. Madeira Island has volcanic origins, 742.4 km2, extensive endemic, native and exotic flora, and its climate is typically Mediterranean on much of the southern side, changing to a temperate climate at higher altitudes.
The island is very mountainous, with deep valleys embedded between the highest peaks and cliffs along the longest stretch of coastline.. The average altitude is 1,372 metres, with the highest points being Pico Ruivo (1,862 metres) and Pico das Torres (1,853 metres). Fine sandy beaches are rare. The easternmost point, called Ponta de São Lourenço, forms an elongated and relatively low-lying cape. On the south coast, west of Funchal, lies Cape Girão, one of the highest cliffs in the world.
It has a network of levadas with great heritage and tourist value. The island’s vegetation is largely laurel forest, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The current forest contains endemic species as well as plants brought over by the settlers and cultivated tropical varieties such as bananas and passion fruit, among others. The volcanic soil is generally very fertile. (around 3 times more fertile than that of mainland Portugal) and the mountain’s humidity favours the growth of lush vegetation.
The driving force behind Madeira’s economy is tourism. However, the island is also known for producing bananas, sugar cane, tea and wine.
During our tour we will have the opportunity to visit banana, tea and wine farms.
We’ll also have the chance to do some famous walks, known as “levadas”, which will take us to the island’s most beautiful natural sites and hidden and unique places.
Paddling along the coast of Madeira will give us unique views of the cliffs, the marine life and the forest.
Our tour will begin in the historic city of Porto – Portugal’s second largest city, located in the north of mainland Portugal. We’ll have the opportunity to visit and get to know the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the 2nd day we’ll fly to the beautiful island of Madeira.
It will be nine days on the island of Madeira to paddle, discover unique places and savour the famous local cuisine.
Come with us on this unique and unforgettable Sea kayak tour around Madeira Island, known as the Pearl of the Atlantic.