Scenery Madeira X

Although close to Africa, Madeira is a semi independent part of Portugal with two main islands (Madeira and Porto Santo) and two smaller islands Desertas and Selvagens. 'Discovered' around 1420 by Portuguese sailors it was most likely know to several seafaring nations before that and probably also inhabited as well. The islands are rugged and mountainous with large parts too steep to cultivate and in many parts steep cliffs drop into the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the mild weather and superb natural surroundings, it is a popular holiday destination for many Europeans.