Madeira
Island represents 93% of the archipelago's area, with 90% of the landmass above
500 m. It is the largest island of the group with an area of 741 km2,
a length of 57 km (from Ponte de São Lourenço to Ponte do Pargo), while approximately
22 km at its widest point (from Ponte da Cruz to Ponte São Jorge), with a
coastline of 150 km. It has a mountain ridge that extends along the centre
of the island, reaching 1862 meters at its highest point (Pico Ruivo). Other
peaks include Pico Torres (1851 meters) and Pico
Areeiro (1818 meters). At the end of this eruptive phase, an island
circled by reefs was formed, its marine vestiges are evident in a calcareous
layer in the area of Lameiros, in São Vicente (which was later explored for calcium oxide
production). Sea cliffs, such as Cabo Girão, valleys
and ravines extend from this central spine, making the interior generally
inaccessible.
Madeira
has been classified as a Mediterranean
climate but based on differences in sun exposure, humidity, and
annual mean temperature there are clear variations between north and south-facing
regions, as well as between some islands. Other microclimates are expected to
exist, from the constantly humid wettest points of the mountains, to the
desertic and arid Selvagens islands. The islands are strongly influenced by the
Gulf Stream and Canary Current, giving
mild year-round temperatures.
