All about the natural beauty and riches of Madeira. From Laurissilva forest, ocean creatures, to cloud milking
The Borboleta-Branca da Madeira: The Story of Madeira’s Lost Butterfly Madeira once hosted a truly unique butterfly known locally as the Borboleta-Branca da Madeira — the Madeiran large white (Pieris wollastoni). This butterfly was endemic to Madeira Island, found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, it was recently declared officially extinct, marking a significant moment …
Funchal Plastic Recycling Machine: turning sea waste into everyday value What happened in Funchal On 31 August 2025 the Marina do Funchal received a new plastic recycling machine.The Centro de Estudos de Arqueologia Moderna e Contemporânea delivered the unit. (Source) Why this matters The machine can process plastic gathered from the bay and nearby beaches.It …
Reviving Madeira’s Slopes: Seed Balls for Reforestation After the devastating August 2024 wildfires, Madeira lost over 5,000 hectares, mainly in steep terrain with slopes exceeding 50 % (Source). These areas remain inaccessible for conventional planting. To address this, regional authorities are testing seed balls dropped by drones. These capsules contain native seeds and protective substrate. …
Furnas do Cavalum: The Mystery That Haunts Machico Where Legend Meets Lava The Furnas do Cavalum sit above Machico, on Madeira’s east coast. The caves are lava tubes carved by ancient flows. Locals linked them to a fearsome demon called Cavalum. The story still shapes the site’s aura today. What Exactly Are the Furnas? The …
Exploring the ER 105 Scenic Route on Madeira The ER 105 scenic route (formally called ER 110) on Madeira weaves a spellbinding path from the Paul da Serra plateau to the rugged northwestern edge. Roughly 30 km long, it’s more than a road—it’s a journey through highland mist, hidden viewpoints, and lush valleys. 1. The …
Dolphin and Whale–watching In Madeira, like in other parts of the world, marine mammals have passed from being a hunting resource to a (eco)tourism resource. In the Whale Museum you’ll learn all about Madeira’s past as a whaling island. The maritime region of Madeira Island is actually one of the best whale-watching sites in the …
What is Cabo Girao? Cabo Girao Viewpoint is impressive. It is located about 2 km west of Camara de Lobos. Cabo Giroa Viewpoint sits on the highest sea cliff (580m) in Europe (second highest in the world). Since its renovation in 2012, a suspended glass platform, or skywalk, adds to the thrill. The platform is …
Who should see this? The flora lovers won’t be disappointed when visiting Madeira island. You’ll have plenty to do with no less than 37 gardens and parks to explore and wander through. One of them, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, displays a rich and outstanding collection of plants from all over the world. Interestingly, it …
Welcome to Madeira, a stunning subtropical island that captivates visitors with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking ocean views. As you prepare for your trip to this paradise, it’s important to embrace one of its natural inhabitants: insects. While Madeira’s rich biodiversity is a testament to its thriving ecosystem, it does mean that encountering …
Bats on Madeira Island: Vital Allies for Nature and Farmers Madeira Island is not only a paradise for tourists but also a haven for unique wildlife. Among its most fascinating and ecologically important residents are bats. These nocturnal creatures play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and, as recent studies show, they are also …
The Most Beautiful Waterfalls Madeira Island, known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” hides some of Europe’s most stunning waterfalls.These natural wonders offer magical views, peaceful hiking trails, and unforgettable experiences for nature lovers. There is definitely a waterfall for you to discover!Here’s a guide to the best waterfalls on Madeira, how to reach them, …
