Quinta das Palmeiras & Wine Tasting
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port
Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island, Portugal
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$80
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Take the road past the Porto Santo Golf Course en route to Calheta at the westernmost point of the island. Here, a narrow channel separates Baixo Inlet from the main island. On a clear day, Madeira is sometimes visible from Calheta, and there are nearly always magnificent views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue to Quinta das Palmeiras, which provides a surprising patch of lush greenery in an otherwise dry plain. This mini-botanical garden and bird park is the result of the vision of one man -- Carlos Afonso -- and of fifteen years of hard work. The resulting oasis is a haven of shade, of flowers and trees, and of birds, most of whom fly freely.
On the north side of the island, discover a desert-like landscape. Fossilized roots and snails have been found here. Drive through Camacha village, even further north, and follow the road to the Casa da Serra de Fora wine cellar, where you will taste local wines.
The island's most famous viewpoint -- Portela -- offers a panoramic view of a beautiful sandy beach. You'll stop at the small town of Vila Baleira en route back to the ship.