Gourmet Tour - Wonders Of The North Island

OVERVIEW

Discover the natural wonders and seaside parishes that define Madeira’s northern coast, which you will reach on a circuitous drive through the interior’s forested mountains. The parish of Porto da Cruz is distinguished by its black sand beaches, the result of past volcanic activity. On the outskirts of this beautiful little spot, you will tour a distillery that produces its white rum from sugar cane using steam-powered machinery. It is one of the few distilleries in Europe to do so. A tasting of the finished rum will confirm that this traditional means of production is well worth the effort. Just up the coast lies the parish of Faial, which is named for the area’s indigenous shrubbery. From the nearby Guindaste lookout on the edge of the sea, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the island’s northern coast. You will then dine – most likely on the deep-sea fish black scabbard – in the larger village of Santana.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Madeira’s lushly forested interior to the island’s gorgeous northern coast.
• Tour a unique distillery that produces its sugar-cane rum with steam-powered machinery.
• Enjoy a rum sampling to whet your appetite for lunch in the nearby village of Santana.
• Admire the panoramic view of Madeira’s northern coast from the Guindaste lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.