The Madeira Archipelago consists of inhabited: Madeira Island and a slightly smaller Porto Santo (“Holy Port”) as well as uninhabited Ilhas Desertas and Ilhas Selvagens.
Madeira and Porto Santo are very different from each other. Madeira is famous for its beautiful, high mountains, cliffs, levadas (hiking trails along mountain water channels), natural lava pools – a diverse, wonderful, dramatic landscape, exotic flowers and, unfortunately, dark, usually pebble beaches. The south of Madeira is very developed, Funchal is quite a big city with a growing number of hotels, while the north of Madeira is a paradise for hikers, fans of peace and nature.
Porto Santo is a paradise for beach lovers. However, it is much smaller than Madeira, has a smaller airport and does not have many attractions, especially in the low season.
SEE ALSO: 20 BEST ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES ON MADEIRA ISLAND
Overall the information is fair. It is missing some major points while not stresssing others enough.I have lived on both, and if the weather was a bit better and not so much rain, I would definitely stay on Sao Miguel, Acores. The beauty of Sao Moguel compared to Madeira, well there is no comparison. For the diversity, lush forests tp Swiss style rolling green hills with cows to black sand beaches, the diversity and beauty of Sao Miguel is beyond compare. Also the local governemnt seems to take care of the island much better especially the infrastructure than the local… Read more »
Thank you for the information!