MADEIRA ISLANDS
The World's Leading Island Destination
Madeira Islands: Pearl Of The Atlantic
The Madeira Islands are also known for the variety of its gardens and parks, carefully cared and appreciated by locals as well as visitors. The subtropical climate allows the survival of a wide variety of flowers, plants and trees from all over the world, whose aromas and colours give the island a natural charm. Strelicias, magnolias, anthuriums, orchids… there are always flowers blooming, in any season.
Nature's magical islands.
Madeira Islands are nature’s magical creation. It awakens all the senses, through its thousand shades of green, the charming song of the birds, the fresh water that flows in the waterfalls, the smell of flowers and moist soil. Here you live peacefully, surrounded by landscapes that allow you to meditate, be and feel alive.
There's Always More To Discover...
If you want to know the essential information about Madeira and Porto Santo in a quick and practical way, check out the online brochure and find out the best that these Atlantic islands have to offer… because not all paradises are on the other side of the world!
Funchal City Center
Experience the city of Funchal. Beautiful and easy to explore.
Garajau Cable Car
Get a ride to the beach on the local cable car in Garajau.
Marina of FUNCHAL
The marina of Funchal opened in 1984, and is located in a sheltered area in Madeira’s main port, at 530 nautical miles from Lisbon and 36 nautical miles from Porto Santo Island.
Some Pictures of Paradise
Take a look at some pretty pictures of heaven on earth.
Madeira Islands
Overview
Madeira Islands, officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the other being the Azores Islands. It is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, in a region known as Macaronesia, just under 400 kilometres (250 mi) to the north of the Canary Islands and 520 kilometres (320 mi) west of Morocco.
Its population was 251,060 in 2021. The capital of Madeira is Funchal, which is located on the main island’s south coast.
The archipelago includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas, administered together with the separate archipelago of the Selvagens (Savage) Islands.
The region has political and administrative autonomy through the Administrative Political Statute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira provided for in the Portuguese Constitution. The autonomous region is an integral part of the European Union as an outermost region.
Madeira generally has a very mild and moderate subtropical climate with mediterranean summer droughts and winter rain. Many microclimates are found at different elevations.
Madeira, originally uninhabited, was claimed by Portuguese sailors in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1419 and settled after 1420. The archipelago is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period of the Age of Discovery.
It’s a popular year-round resort, particularly for fellow Portuguese, but also British (148,000 visits in 2021), and Germans (with 113,000 visits in 2021). It is by far the most populous and densely populated Portuguese island. The region is noted for its Madeira wine, flora, fauna, with its pre-historic laurel forest (Floresta Laurissilva) classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main harbour in Funchal has long been the leading Portuguese port in cruise liner dockings, an important stopover for Atlantic passenger cruises between Europe, the Caribbean and North Africa.
In addition, the International Business Centre of Madeira, also known as the Madeira Free Trade Zone, was created formally in the 1980s as a tool of regional economic policy. It consists of a set of incentives, mainly tax-related, granted with the objective of attracting foreign direct investment based on international services into Madeira.
Madeira Islands: The pearl of the Atlantic.
Portugal
Overview
Portugal is a country located on the western coast of Europe, bordered by Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country has a rich history, culture, and heritage that has been shaped by its location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Portugal was first settled by the Celts and the Romans, and later by the Visigoths and the Moors. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was a major global power, with a vast empire that included territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This period is known as the Age of Discovery and it saw the Portuguese explorers Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Ferdinand Magellan, discover sea routes to India, Brazil and circumnavigate the globe.
The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, which is located on the Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with a rich history and culture, and it is known for its picturesque streets, historic monuments, and delicious seafood. Other major cities in Portugal include Porto, which is located in the north of the country and is known for its port wine, and Coimbra, which is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Portugal is also known for its beautiful beaches and coastline, which stretches for more than 800 miles. The Algarve region, in the south of the country, is particularly popular with tourists, and is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Portugal is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its location on the Atlantic coast and its history of exploration and trade. Dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod), cozido (a stew made with meat, vegetables and beans) and pastel de nata (custard tarts) are popular in Portugal.
Portugal is a country with a strong artistic and literary tradition. It has produced some of the most important writers and poets in Europe, including Fernando Pessoa, who is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Portugal is also home to some of the world’s most famous artists, such as the painter, João de Ruão and the sculptor Francisco Franco.
Portugal is also known for its music, with genres like Fado, a unique form of music that originated in Lisbon in the 19th century, it is characterized by its melancholic and emotional lyrics which often deal with themes of love, longing and loss.
In recent years, Portugal has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and delicious cuisine. The country has also become a popular destination for expats and retirees, attracted by the low cost of living and the high quality of life.
In conclusion, Portugal is a country with a rich history, culture and heritage that has been shaped by its location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Americas. With its picturesque streets, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, art, music and literature.
Portugal has something to offer to everyone.
MADEIRA ISLANDS
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022