Northern Madeira is characterised by dramatic cliffs, overgrown with evergreen laurel forests, and dominated by the rugged and craggy mountain massifs around Pico Ruivo or Pico do Arieiro. In the few places with easy access to the sea or less steep slopes, settlements have formed to cultivate the fertile soil on terraced fields – growing wine, vegetables, potatoes, corn, beans, or onions. Faial is overlooked by the steep flanks of the “Eagle Rock”, a landmark of the north coast. Read more