Funchal is the capital and the administrative seat of Madeira island, an autonomous region of Portugal that lies in the Atlantic ocean. Despite its proximity to the African coast, the regions has been a part of Europe  since 600 years. Funchal is the busiest port in Madeira and is known for its tourism.The city is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Portugal and derives its name due to the abundance of funcho(Portuguese for fennel) in the island.

Funchal is perhaps best known for the Madeira Botanical garden that is home to more than 2000 species of flora. The other places of interest in Funchal includes cathedral and palaces. Se Cathedral, that is located in the central point in Funchal and is perhaps the most visited place in Funchal. It was constructed in the 15th century and is particularly noted for its wooden ceilings. The Santa Clara convent is another one that was made a national monument was is noted for the azulejo tiles.

(Image courtesy of  JUVPRONDZ)

A group of islands in the Atlantic islands, Azores is an autonomous region and is made up of 9 islands. All of the islands are of a volcanic origin thought the region rarely experiences volcanic activity. São Miguel is the largest of the islands in the Azores and has two cities, Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. The island like the rest of the islands in the Azores experiences a tropical climate with high humidity.

São Miguel is not particularly noted for its beaches like most of the tropical islands. Much of the shoreline is rocky and full of cliffs. São Miguel is known for its hot springs and geysers found scattered all over the island though mostly concentrated in the middle highlands. Near the town of Sete Cidades is a beautiful volcanic twin lake. What was once a volcanic crater turned into a beautiful volcanic twin lake one with azure water and another with grey. There are also a number of hiking trails near the town of Sete Cidades and can be a real great experience to a first time hiker.

(Image courtesy of Jsome1 )

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and is an archipelago in the Atlantic ocean. Despite being closer to the African coast, the region is a part of Portugal and has been ethnically and politically related to Europe for 600 years and has been a part of the European Union. Madeira was rediscovered by a few Portuguese sailors in the year 1418 and has been a region of Portugal ever since.

Madeira is noted as a year long tourist resort and is known for its famous Madeira wine,flowers, handicrafts and the New year celebration with a grand display of fireworks, that is considered to be the largest in the world. Madeira is not well known for its sandy beaches, but the island has much more to offer in the form of hillsides with beautiful flora.The island is also well known for other recreational and adventure activities which include, deep sea fishing, scuba diving or even playin a game of golf in one of the two 18-hole golf courses found here. Madeira is equally known for its nightlife that appeals to people of all age groups.

Algarve, which literally means “the west” in Arabic, is the southernmost region of Portugal. Algarve is considered to be one of best tourist destinations in Portugal. Algarve has some of the best beaches and also some of the best golf courses are dotted along the coastline. It has been a favorite tourist destination because of the beaches, the pleasant Mediterranean climate and the relatively low costs. Algarve is also known for the spa town of Caldas de Monchique which is known to have waterfalls with healing properties.

Alvor is another traditional Portuguese port and it’s known for its various fish dishes. Another city, Albufiera, is known for its narrow streets and preserves the heritage. It is also known for the famous dish of Cataplana, which is a special type of steamed shellfish. The region is also known for the famous Fisherman’s beach which is dotted with tourists all the year round. Temperature of the region is always between 15 C and 31 C. If you are a person looking to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate, then perhaps July and August will be the best time to visit.