On the 14th of February, The Valentine’s Day, millions of people around the world celebrate love and romance, presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts.
The exact origins of this celebration are wrapped in mistery. Some experts believe that St. Valentine’s celebrations have been derived from both ancient Christian and Roman Tradition.
According to one legend the holiday has originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalis/Lupercalia, a fertility celebration that took place annually on February 15.
Later, in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day celebrated on the February 14.
St. Valentine was a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D. and left a farewell note for his beloved and signed it “From Your Valentine”.
Looking for something different to celebrate Valentine’s Day together?
Half way from Mainland Portugal, and only a few hours from the center and north of Europe lies Madeira Islands with it’s irregularly cut mountains full of lush vegetation, while the bays, the beaches and the cliffs meet the crystalline sea of the deepest blue.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and if you’re looking for that romantic vacation in relaxed environment, closer to Nature we’re here to help you.
All around the archipelago small cosy hotels, country houses, cottages, bed and breakfast, rural holiday homes and villas are offering special packages to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Discover the perfect romantic break for Valentine’s Day with our discount accommodations. Look at our offers online and book your dream weekend.
One of best ways to discover the true beauty of Madeira and Porto Santo is to ditch the car and have an adventure.
Jeep Safaris are a perfect way to see real unspoiled areas of the island. Tours are guided and a few stops are made at special points.
Since the beginning of the nineties a few portuguese pilots started to work out the possibilities of paragliding and hang gliding in the island. The archipelago offers excellent spots to take off in a hang-glider or a paraglider.
The main paragliding areas are at Arco da Calheta and Prazeres with the possibility of landing at the beaches of Madalena do Mar and Calheta, and at Pico da Cruz, just above Funchal’s hotel area landing near Lido.
The Madeiran Aeroclub in Funchal offers assistance and information for those who wish to come to fly. Hang gliding and paragliding tour and lessons are offered.
If you prefer to stay with your feet on the ground walking around the island would be a great choice. Madeira is walkable all year round, and it is never too hot or too cold.
Levadas are irrigation canals specific to the island of Madeira. The canals are carved into the steep rocks, winding their ways horizontally through the mountains. These paths offer easy and relaxing walks thought the untouched madeirean countryside.
Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island, but also provide hydro-electric power and a remarkable network of walking paths.
Make sure you pack some comfortable shoes and take a Levada walk in the hills of Madeira. It’s the best way to explore the beautiful countryside!
Covering much of Madeira’s mountains is Laurel Forest, classified in 1999 by the UNESCO as World Natural Heritage. This forest is among the last surviving of the Laurissilva that once covered Europe’s peaks.
Canyoning is a mountain activity with aim of surpassing natural obstacles like mountains and hills in canyons and rivers.
Canyoning evolves several techniques such as rappel, slide, and jumping down rocks pools. It’s becoming an increasing choice for many tourists visiting the island.