Nature all around you.
The Portuguese Autonomous Region of Madeira, situated in the northern Atlantic Ocean, is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens.
The largest island of this archipelago is Madeira itself, covering an area of 737 km2. It is located around 1000 km from continental Portugal and is just one and a half hours by air from Lisbon. This unusually beautiful island has evolved considerably and its capital – Funchal – is now a cosmopolitan city.
The island of Porto Santo is 40 km from Madeira and can be reached by air in ten minutes or two hours and fifteen minutes by sea. Better known as “the golden island” because of its 9 km of golden sandy beaches, Porto Santo is a tourist destination renowned for its natural beauty, exuding an aura of tranquillity that is nowadays almost unimaginable.
The uninhabited islands known as the Desertas are situated to the south-west of the island of Madeira, more accurately 11nautical miles away. Like the Selvagens, these islands have been classified as nature reserves with the aim of preserving their precious natural heritage.
The Selvagens islands - approximately 180 nautical miles from Madeira – comprise two groups of small islands, the main ones being Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena.
The island of Madeira - Funchal – Facing the sea
The territory of the Autonomous Region of Madeira is divided into eleven districts of which ten are on Madeira itself and one is on the island of Porto Santo. The population numbers around 255,000 of whom half live in the capital, Funchal.
Because of its fantastic location set in a natural amphitheatre by the sea, this city has long been renowned as a delightful and charming centre. Viewed from the sea, one can admire a landscape cloaked in green, picked out with the white and red brushstrokes of mountains and houses that rise up the narrow valleys.
The city’s ancient squares, painstakingly restored with Portuguese calçada (mosaic-like miniature cobblestones), flanked by buildings in the typical Madeiran style of architecture, with carefully tended gardens with exotic, multicoloured flowers were essential factors in Funchal being awarded the gold medal in the year 2000 “European Competition for Town and City Blossom” competition.
This area, enjoyed by visitors, is enhanced by the boulevard that runs between the Lido and the Praia Formosa, offering a variety of leisure facilities and including several swimming-pool complexes, such as the Lido itself, the Yacht Club, Praia da Ponta Gorda, Poças do Governador, as well as the complexes at the Doca do Cavacas and Praia Formosa.
The seashore is a delightful spot for a late afternoon walk.
The building of gardens with panoramic views, a children’s playground and a park for sports and mini-golf forms part of plans for the enlargement of this area.
21st Century Madeira
With the aim of widening the horizons of this region, a new airport – the Madeira Intercontinental Airport - has been built, enabling better intercontinental links by air. The island’s road system has also undergone major changes which include new tunnels and viaducts approaching the north, south, east and west coasts of the island.
Mother Nature's Creation
It is an established fact that one of Madeira’s great attractions for visitors is the island’s majestic landscape. Because of its exuberance and rarity, the indigenous forest, known as “Laurissilva” was classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, the only one in Portugal. Dating from the Tertiary Period, this forest covers an area of around 22,000 hectares and contains widely varying fauna and flora including some unique and rare species.
On a par with this imposing beauty are the levadas. Walking along these primitive irrigation channels, set in hillside terraces, the visitor comes upon the most breathtaking views. Stretching for 1500 km, between mountains and valleys, the levadas of Madeira lead to the heart of the island.
Keeping traditions alive
Madeira offers a vast cultural heritage going back to the time of the discoveries, through its museums, churches, palaces, estates and manor houses as well as numerous other monuments of artistic and architectural value.
The tradition of the Madeiran people is kept alive by their various handicrafts. Through the wickerwork, embroidered tablecloths and tapestries it is possible to glimpse the dedication of their skilled hands. The different wine varieties allow the visitor to enjoy a flavour that has been perfected by centuries-old tradition – the famous Madeira wine.
Unlimited space for sports
Because of its mild climate and particular terrain, Madeira offers exceptional conditions for sport throughout the year and the island has been chosen to host many international sporting events.
Surrounded by the sea, it is natural that a vast array of water sports should be on offer, with surfing, windsurfing, diving, sailing, canoeing and water-skiing being easily accessible leisure pursuits. However, Madeira can offer many other sporting activities that include golf, horse riding, hang-gliding, paragliding, mountaineering, canyoning, trekking, rappel and climbing.
Total Happiness
The island of Madeira is all about having fun. A calendar crammed with events pays homage each year to the traditions and customs of the region. In the island’s general spirit of light heartedness, many locals and visitors take part in the different festivals, starting with Carnival in February, the Flower Festival after Easter, followed by the Atlantic Festival in June, the Wine Festival and the Festival of Columbus in September, culminating in the grandiose New Year celebrations.
Perfect work spaces
Madeira provides an excellent environment in which the objectives of business travel can be achieved. There are fully equipped venues and highly qualified staff for conferences, incentive travel or for just meetings in a relaxing atmosphere.
Accommodation is provided in the refinement offered by modern hotels and well-appointed inns, the friendly country houses in the rural tourism scheme or the tradition of Madeiran manor house estates. Whatever the visitor may choose, the art of hospitality will always be present.
The island of Porto Santo
Porto Santo, recreation for soul and body
The major attribute of the island of Porto Santo are its fine, golden sandy beaches, famous for their healing properties and widely recommended for the treatment of bone diseases. The clear, warm sea and the dry, stable climate throughout the year are other important factors in choosing this destination for a relaxing holiday.
In this corner of paradise outdoor sports are the natural choice. Surfing, windsurfing, diving, canoeing, water-skiing, beach volleyball and horse-riding are some of the activities available. The mountains also call and some of the trails have been rediscovered – walking is an enjoyable way of getting to know this island.
As an addition to this range of sporting activities and as part of the island’s integrated development plan, is being build an 18-hole golf course.
General Information
Language
Portuguese
Population
255 000 in 2001
Currency
EURO (€)
Time
Madeira follows Portuguese time with Summer time.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts.
Water
There is plenty of water of excellent quality. Drinking stands use treated seawater, but all of it can be consumed.
Post
The main post office, or “Correios de Portugal” is at the Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian.
Police
The police presence is very discreet. If you need help, dial 112. There is a Lost Propterty Section in Funchal, at Rua da Infancia.
Safety
Madeira is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. If you take the minimum sensible precautions, you probably won't experience any problems. Most of the hotels have safes or deposit boxes for your valuables.
Tips
In hotels and restaurants the bill normally includes service. The normal rate for good service is 10%.
National Holidays
1st January New Years' Day
25th April Freedom Day
1st May May Day
10th June Day of Camoes and Portugal
15th August Our Lady Assumption
5th October Republic Day
1st November All Saints Day
1st December Restoration of Independence Day
25 December Christmas Day |
