The Islands

Praia Formosa is probably the best (if not only) beach on the Azores island of Santa Maria. Given that there really aren't any other options in terms of beaches on this island it is fortunate Praia Formosa is such a gem.

The sand is fine and almost white and the backdrop of lush green hillsides and cliffs is stunning. Towards the middle of the beach are the ruins of the fort of São João Baptista. At the eastern end there is a campsite.

Given its location there is no shortage of surf at Praia Formosa.

View down to Praia Formosa on the Azores (Açores) island of Santa Maria. This is the view from the Miradouro da Maceda.

Santa Maria is the most southerly and closest to the mainland of the Azorean islands.

Typical terraced fields in a Madeiran village. The terraces allow farming on hillsides, which there are plenty of on Madeira

The quickest (and perhaps most unique) form of transport down the hill from the Monte district of Funchal

The harbour town of Ribeira Brava 20 kilometers to the west of Funchal. The town is relatively modern and is reasonably sized with a population of around 12,500

The north coast village of Porto da Cruz. Known for its sugar cane factory, vinho seco americano (a dry red wine) and the nearby Penha d'Águia - an imposing rock formation

The São Tiago Fortress in Funchal

Ponte de Castelo is located towards the eastern end of Madeira where the coastline becomes more wild and rugged.

Paul da Serra Plateau is the highest and largest plateau on Madeira
It is a popular walking / hiking destination and is crossed by many levada

The village of Santana is famous for these traditional homes with straw rooves extending down to the ground making a triangular house.

Most of these houses are now tourist attractions but in the past they would have been farmers houses.