Quinta das Palmeiras and Wine Tasting
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Port
Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island, Portugal
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$120
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Take the road past the Porto Santo Golf Course enroute 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, flowers, trees, and 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 also stop at the small town of Vila Baleira enroute back to the ship.