Discover Madeira

The Madeira archipelago is still on the route of the 21st century explorers. Almost 600 years after the arrival of the first navigators these portuguese islands in the atlantic, still attract, as tempting as mermaids, modern day travelers.

It has a wonderfully mild climate. Large parts of the nature of the islands remain gloriously unspoilt. There are outdoor activities, parties, traditions and hotels for every taste. The food is delicious and the drinks sublime. Madeira delights and surprises with every visit and, because of this, causes visitors to return time after time to its beautiful shores.

In order to chart his route, the visitor must start with his coordinates on the West Atlantic Ocean, 500 km from Africa and 1000km, only a one and a half hour flight from Lisbon from the Portuguese capital. It is here that we find the island of Madeira, the biggest of the archipelago, with an area of 741km2, the island of Porto Santo, with an area of 50 km2, and two small groups of desert islands, suitably named Desertas (Deserted) and Selvagens (Wild).

But a visit to these volcanic islands, with its hilly landscapes and some peaks (especially Pico Ruivo in Madeira and Pico do Facho in Porto Santo) also invites travelers to journey through the interior of the island, so it is advisable for them to pack comfortable shoes and clothes to walk in the wild.

With 77% of its surface covered by unparalleled biodiversity, some dating from the 15th century and which gave the island its name (classified in 1982 as Madeira Natural Park) the archipelago still holds several natural reserves and protected landscapes.

Among these there’s Forest Laurissilva, which has subtropical characteristics, dating from the Tertiary period, currently a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. At an altitude ranging from the 300 and 1300 meters, it occupies an area of 15 thousand hectares (around 20% of the island’s surface), located mainly on the hills facing the North.

After firing the forests in order to inhabit the virgin areas, paths, veredas, tunnels and levadas appeared, stretching along this protected area. Here one can walk in tranquility, accompanied only by the singing of birds and the sound of water flowing gently downhill. The other 23% of Madeira is inhabited and, in some cases, is bustling with cosmopolitism. With a large tradition of welcoming tourists throughout the year Madeira, and particularly Funchal, its capital, has some of the best hotels in the world, prestigious restaurants, a growing, lively nightlife and a cultural diversity with international events.

Beyond Funchal, Madeira comprises the councils of Calheta, Câmara de Lobos, Machico, Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz, Porto Santo, Ribeira Brava, Santana, Santa Cruz and São Vicente.

Leaving the captivating capital is mandatory for the curious visitor who enjoys discovering the more authentic way of life on the island. 40 km from Funchal, two and a half hours by sea, is the island of Porto Santo, a perfect destination for those who love the sea and the sand.