A. Laukevičius, who has been working as a guide for fifteen years, leads tours in Madeira only for Lithuanians. Male compatriots show the most beautiful areas of the island, many places of non-mass tourism. He organizes excursions with a small transport, so he gets to where other companies and guides do not go.
The guide notices that more and more Lithuanians are discovering this island, which fascinates not only with its picturesque, breathtaking landscapes, but also with the well-managed situation of Covid-19. “The pandemic has brought many changes to our lives, and those changes are changing Madeira as well – more and more young people are coming here today. Before that, due to the mild climate, the island was called a seniors’ paradise, “says the guide.
Arriving today on the island, which is very popular with tourists, it is hard to believe that 26 years ago there was practically no infrastructure on the island, and tourism was symbolic and only 230 thousand tourists visited the island. Mostly from Great Britain. The edges of the island had narrow, single-lane roads, making communication on the island complicated, Delphi says Audrius Laukevičius. “Everything changed 26 years ago when former President Alberto Joao Jardim, who has been on the island for 37 years, decided to attract more tourist flows to the island and manage the island’s infrastructure. Over 3-4 years, over 100 tunnels have been built, roads have been built and 60 new hotels have been built. Not only has this made it easier for locals to get there, it has been an opportunity to show tourists many beautiful places on the island, but at the same time a lot of jobs have been created in the tourism sector for the islanders. After the arrangement of the infrastructure on the island, the flow of tourism to the island increased every year and in 2019. 8.5 million people visited the island. tourists, ”the interlocutor shared the success story of Madeira.
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Islands, even if not very large, often differ in their landscape, size of resorts, abundance of entertainment on different sides – and Madeira. According to A. Laukevičius, good weather prevails in Madeira all year round, but during the winter on the northern side of the island it is windy, overcast, often raining, air and water temperatures are lower.
“I would recommend the southern part of the island for a holiday. The weather is warmer there. Temperature in Madeira rarely rises above 26 degrees in summer and does not fall below 18 degrees in winter. But, the weather can change every few hours or even minutes. The morning can be sunny, the clouds can be hidden in the sun at noon, and the sun’s rays can be pampered again in 10 minutes. ”
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According to the interlocutor, a holiday on the island is good all year round, but in April-June, Portugal the island belonging to it reveals itself in all its charm and is immersed in a sea of multicolored fragrant flowers.
“The most beautiful time to come to Madeira is April-June, because then the island turns a variety of colors, because all the vegetation blooms. Also, I recommend September and October. At that time the air temperature reaches 21-25 degrees, the water is warmed to 20-22 degrees. Prices for flights and apartments are falling. ”
Over the years, the guide living in Madeira has repeatedly been convinced that the locals are very friendly, sincere and helpful, which is why the tourists are very warm. “You can always expect advice, help and support in all matters. The thefts are foreign to the locals, so if you accidentally forget or leave your item in a store, tavern or elsewhere during your stay on the island, you will definitely find it when you return. Madeirans are a bit like Lithuanians, I have made them Southern with a German mentality. Order close to them, responsibility, diligence. ”
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When asked if it is expensive to travel around this island, A. Laukevičius starts naming the prices: “Car rental prices fluctuate around 50 euros per day, except in June-September. At that time, the price jumps over 100 Eur per day. Lunch in the café – soups, hot dishes, desserts and a cup of coffee are available for 10-11 euros. And coffee is probably the cheapest and most delicious in Europe – the price of a cup is only 50-70 euro cents. Prices in grocery stores are similar to those in Lithuania, and some products are cheaper here. Prices for a hotel room for 2 people on the island range from 50 to 200 euros, depending on the season and hotel category. The cost of renting an apartment of about 50 to 60 square meters with a terrace is between 30 and 70 euros per day, depending on the location and the number of people. ”
© Personal album
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According to the guide, public transport around the island’s towns is relatively rare, so it is difficult to get to and from many places at a convenient time. “We need to look at the timetables in advance. A bus ticket can be bought directly on the bus. Taxi fares are higher in Madeira’s main city, Funchal, but discounts can be arranged for travel to other towns. Those who want to can travel around the island in a rented car, but due to the steep hills, I recommend choosing a car with an engine capacity of at least 1.4 l. You can also order a full car insurance, because small rocks and stones often fall from the mountains. ”
Recommendations of guide Audrius Laukevičius
What to taste?
- National, Madeira’s favorite dish – Skewered – Beef roasted on a spit.
- tomato and onion – Onion soup with tomatoes.
- shard cake – Traditional Madeira bread.
- Honey cake – dark honey cake.
- Espada – Dish of swordfish baked with banana.
- Cod – Salted cod is extremely popular.
- Cream Cake – Cake with steamed cream.
- Madeira wine
- Poncha
- Fruits of Madeira – bananasas, marakuja, anona, pitanga, pimpinela, avokadai, mangai, bananai.
© Personal album
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Major events on the island:
- New Year’s Eve – The fireworks festival in and around the port of Funchal attracts an exceptional number of festive people.
- Carnival – A traditional parade in which samba troupes, dressed in bright and colorful costumes, fill the streets with music and dancing. Held in February.
- Flower Festival – one of the most fragrant and colorful events in Madeira, which traditionally takes place every spring.
- Atlantic Festival – organized by the Madeira Regional Tourism Secretariat. Held in June with a classical music and fireworks competition.
- Madeira Wine Festival – traditionally takes place in September.
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What is a must see, experience on this island?
- Funchal (Funchal) is the capital of the island of Madeira, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
- Funchal Market Everything about Madeira’s nature and the depths of the Atlantic can be found in the capital’s Mercado dos Lavradores.
- Funicular – One of the most fun attractions and one of the best ways to admire the views of Funchal.
- Monte Church. Botanical and tropical gardens.
- Montės taboganai – Transport to descend Mount Mont.
- taken Are the water catchment areas of the island of Madeira.
- Kabu Žirãu (Cabo Girão) – the highest cliff in Europe in 589 m. above sea level.
- Pico do Arieiro Is the third largest peak in Madeira.
- Sao Lourenso pusiasalis (Ponta de Sao Lourenco) is the easternmost part of Madeira.
- Valley of the Monks (Curral das Freiras) is a small village isolated between almost perpendicular mountains.
- Porto Moniz – one of the most visited places due to naturally occurring basins.
- The machine (Machico) is the oldest city on the island, the former capital of Madeira.
- Santana Theme Park – it is located in the northern part of the island of Madeira, in the town of Santana.
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