After the great successes of Krakow, Barcelona, Budapest,Sicily, Marrakech, Lisbon, Copenaghen, Prague, Athens, Santorini, Seville, Paris, Valencia, London, Gran Canaria, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Provence, Edinburgh and Iceland, Let me Italian you is ready to launch the first and exclusive edition of DISCOVER MADEIRA. It will be a unique and exclusively edition for this year!
Welcome to Madeira, the island of eternal spring: Madeira Island is a destination with mild weather all year around, with many different microclimates. It has stunning landscapes with dense verdant forests, volcanic mountains, and flower gardens with exuberant colours. Madeira voted 'Best Island Destination in the World'!
We are going to unique scenarios: waterfalls, mountains, oceano, incredible trails!
DISCOVER MADEIRA is an innovative project whose purpose is to make the participants live a professional experience for those who love photography and video making.
The main goal of the project is to valorise and promote the magical island of Madeira,through photos, reportage, videos made by photographers (amateurs or not) from different places of the world. DISCOVER MADEIRA wants to enrich the professional and academic path of the photographer, moreover it wants to enrich his portfolio.
The tours of the city are organized in collaboration with Natali, a professional local guide,who knows all the sights of Madeira and will take you on a guided tour . Exactly, we are going to visit:
- 1° Tour: Visit of 25 Fontes - Forest Fanal - Ribeira de Janela - Porto Moniz - Seixal
25 Fontes is one of the most popular hiking and this is the right trail for anyone who wants to be surprised by the exuberance of Nature. Characterised by superb natural surroundings, Levada das 25 Fontes gives you the chance to discover Lagoa das 25 Fontes, created by the waters that come down from Paul da Serra and which emerge here thanks to 25 water springs. An image with unique outlines.
The second stop will be Forest Fanal: the Fanal area is one of Madeira's large laurel forests, located in the northwest of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, this dense forest is also protected by the Madeira Natural Park since 1982. It's a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life and a chance to reconnect with nature in the surroundings of this pristine space. One of the most Instagrammable spot of the island!
We'll continue the day with Ribeira de Janela: the longest watercourse formed inside the island, flows into this parish with the same name and is famous for its Atlantic and mountainous landscapes. Porto Moniz is a municipality that has some of the most beautiful images of the Region: Volcanic pools, mystical forests and breathtaking landscapes! We'll finish the day with Seixal: Seixal Beach, is an authentic living postcard. As such, its landscape has conquered sea, nature and, of course, photography lovers. The scenery is painted in harmonious tones: a black sand beach bathed by the Atlantic and sheltered by escarpments and green mountains. This place therefore looks like a green amphitheatre, offering bathers a peaceful atmosphere.
- 2° Tour: Hiking from Pico Aireiro to Pico Ruivo - Santana - Sao Jorge - Vereda dos Balcões
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike is one of the most iconic hikes in Madeira. This breathtaking trail takes you through scenic mountains, rugged terrain, and impressive landscapes that will leave you awe-inspired. This hike is known for its stunning vistas, including the famous "tunnel" which takes you through a natural rock formation. Pico do Areeiro is also the third highest peak in Madeira, while Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the island, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's an adventure that attracts hikers from all over the world, making it an iconic and must-do hike.
Then we visit Santana: Santana can be considered among the most beautiful villages in Madeira and even in all of Portugal. We'll visit the iconic "Casinhas de Santana". Santana was awarded the distinction of 'Biosphere Reserve' by UNESCO in 2011.
Next,we visit São Jorge that is a unique seaside village, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, located in the northeast of the island, with a population of 520 inhabitants.
Last but not least, we'll stop at Vereda dos Balcões: Vereda dos Balcões is a short long trail that takes you to enjoy the views from the Balcões Viewpoint. At the end of Vereda dos Balcões, you will arrive at the Balcões viewpoint, where you can take a glimpse at a magnificent scenery. You will find valleys covered by the dense green area that characterises the Laurissilva. From here you can also see the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Fajã da Nogueira and, on clear days, the central mountain range of the island, with Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo standing out.
- 3° Tour: Hiking from San Lorenzo - Waterfall Los Anjos - Cabo Girao - Village Camara de Lobos
The hiking from San Lorenzo will take us to discover the eastern tip of the island, with panoramic views over the north and south sides. Known as the most colorful hike in Madeira! This place will attract you like a magnet, it is outstanding for photography.
Then it will be time to visit the enchanting Waterfall Los Anjos: this is an unique natural wonder cascades directly onto the old coastal road! It is a must-visit destination in Madeira, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural charm.This waterfall promises an unforgettable experience.
Next stop is Cabo Girao: at 580 metres high, Cabo Girão is the highest promontory in Europe, but this is not the only reason it has become increasingly famous all over the world. With its famous suspended glass platform (known as a skywalk) its viewpoint is currently one of the most visited (and certainly the most photographed) tourist attractions in Madeira.
Last stop will be the Village Camara de Lobos: the landscape that surrounds this city is marked by the presence of its characteristic fishing boats known as 'Xavelhas'.
-4° Tour: Funchal + Carros de cesto
Further, we will visit the most and important spots of the capital of Madeira: Funchal! Located on a large slope facing the Atlantic and shaped like a natural amphitheatre, Funchal is Madeira’s largest tourist, commercial and cultural centre. Funchal is a perfect combination between Nature, Culture and Lifestyle.
We will have the opportunity to experience the famous "Carros Cestos". Carros Cestos is certainly one of the first images that comes to mind when you think of Madeira. Cars, made of wicker, will bring you from Monte to downtown in record time and it is a unique experience that you will find only in Madeira!
How is DISCOVER MADEIRA organized and what is its output?
The role of participant is to take photos of Madeira's beauties during each guided tours. You will work alone or in pair (your fellow could be one your friend). The project lasts 4 days.
Here is the agenda:
Thursday 20 February
08:45 – 09:00 Opening & Welcoming from Let me Italian You
09:00 – 18:00 Visit of 25 Fontes - Forest Fanal - Ribeira de Janela - Porto Moniz - Seixal
Friday 21 February
09:00 - 18:00 Hiking from Pico Aireiro to Pico Ruivo - Santana - Sao Jorge
Saturday 22 February
09:00 – 18:00 Hiking from San Lorenzo - Waterfall Los Anjos - Cabo Girao - Village Camara de Lobos
Sunday 23 February
10:00 – 12:00 Visit of Funchal
12:00 – 12:30 Issue of Attendance certificates and Good bye
At the end of the project, each participant shall receive an Attendance certificates signed by the Let me Italian you team and all its partners.
Plus, in order to bring more visibility to the work done during the project, each participant will submit 20 photos with their credits to Let me Italian you and the photos will be published by our official Flickr & Instagram (@letmeitalianyou) accounts.