Madeira info

Madeira is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, about 700 kilometres west of Africa and 1000 kilometres southwest of the Portuguese coast. Warm, comfortable summers and mild winters make it an enchanting holiday destination all year round.

Madeira Island is famous throughout the world for its natural beauty and is often called the 'floating garden in the Atlantic'.

Madeira as a holiday destination
Madeira's mild climate means that you can enjoy being outside all year round. The natural beauty and tranquillity of these islands lends themselves to quiet exploration. So to get to the heart of the islands why not leave the car behind and set out on foot, by bike or horseback? The islands are famous for their Levada walks. Narrow winding pathways that follow the old watercourses over hilltops, through terraced orchards and down steep valleys.

Madeira climate
Most people who live here find that Madeira has just about the most perfect climate in the world. It is never too hot. The island is full of small microclimates. The bay of Funchal, protected by the highest peaks, enjoys the best of sunshine. The prevailing wind is the North Easterly Trade that gathers off the Portuguese coast and runs down to the Cape Verde Islands.

The Madeira coastline
The coastline, with its deserted beaches, coves and islands, offers some of the worlds best diving, big game fishing, dolphin and whale watching or just take a boat out and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Madeira culture
By origins the natives of Madeira are farmers, the island having been originally settled by people from the Algarve region of Portugal. Still today the largest single economic activity outside of Funchal is the farming of smallholdings, most of which are less than 1000 square metres. Many of the popular ‘festas’ that are celebrated around the island are linked to a certain product such as the cherry, the chestnut, sugar cane and the vine.

Madeira gastronomy
Madeira is well known for its magnificent gastronomy rich in flavour and seeped in tradition. There are many places where you can go and taste the typical regional dishes. The most famous and appreciated dishes are the espetada (beef grilled on a spit of laurel), the carne de vinho e alhos (pork spiced with wine and garlic) and the cozido madeirense (a dish with boiled chicken, pork, spiced with wine and garlic). Not forgetting at all the wonderful Madeira wine.

Golf in Madeira
The natural hues of green and blue make Madeira the ideal setting for a round of golf. Considered a real golf paradise, Madeira is fast becoming the definitive choice for both amateur and professional golfers alike. Madeira has the best that life has to offer. The temperature is mild and stable all year round. Its unspoilt natural environment offers fresh air, unforgettable walks and breath taking scenery.