Savage Islands Nature Reserve

The Selvagens Islands consist of two main volcanic islands and several islets located 280 kilometers south of Madeira and 165 kilometers north of Canaries.

Portuguese navigator Diogo Gomes de Sintra discovered the uninhabited islands in 1438, leading to subsequent attempts at settlement for economic activities such as lichen harvesting.

The reserve functions as a crucial research station where scientists conduct studies on marine ecosystems, bird populations, and geological formations throughout the year.

Visitors need to obtain special authorization from Madeira Natural Park before accessing the islands, as entry remains restricted to protect the ecological balance.

The islands maintain one of the largest Cory's shearwater colonies in the world, with thousands of pairs nesting annually on the rocky terrain.

Operator: Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, IP-RAM

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/areas-protegidas/ilhas-selvagens.html

GPS coordinates: 30.04436,-16.03293

Latest update: March 2, 2025 21:47