PORTUGAL

The Madeira Archipelago is situated between latitude 32º22’20" and 33º7’50" with its longitude between 16º16’30W and 17º16’38"W. The island of Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles (741 km2), (35 miles long and 13 miles wide). The island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent. The archipelago, discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas.

These islands, because of their privileged geographical position and mountainous relief, have a surprisingly mild climate. Very mild average temperatures, 22ºC in the summer and 16ºC in the winter, and a moderate level of humidity.

One can reach the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo by air or sea. There are two airports: Madeira International Airport - on Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo. Because the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo are often visited by cruising ships, they serve as gateways to the islands, as well as departure points to other destinations. Connections between the islands are either by air or ferryboats, which also transport cars. Surface transport on the islands is trouble-free thanks to the modern road structure, which has been significantly improved in recent years. Practically all points of these islands are served by a good road and transport network.

Funchal

Madeira's five-century-old capital is said to have been named 'Funchal' because of the abundance of fennel (funcho) that was growing there.

Funchal harbour
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Funchal is located in an absolutely unique area. The amphitheatre of Funchal city begins at the harbour and rises almost 1200 m high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter and was what once attracted the first settlers.

The best harbour and the best climate combined with an excellent geographical position allowed Funchal to have a rapid population growth.

Today Funchal is a very modern city with over 104.000 inhabitants. This does however mean that traffic congestion in the centre can become sometimes quite confusing.

Madeira Story Centre

This spectacular, interactive museum allows the visitor to go back in time on a virtual journey and ‘relive’ in chronological sequence the archipelago’s great historic events, from its volcanic birth 14 million years ago to the first hydroplane landing in Madeira, from the times of the Infant D. Henrique to Napoleon and Churchill.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Open to the public since 1991 this masterpiece located in Monte was put together by José Berardo and includes one of the most important tile collections in Portugal. The tiles exhibited amidst the tropical vegetation represent several ages, coming from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses throughout the former Portuguese empire.

Contemporary Art Museum

This museum in this unique location shows a collection of Portuguese contemporary art. It organizes several exhibitions by inviting artists and works from other galleries and institutions.

Sacred Art Museum

Exhibits: Religious sculptures from the 16th to the 18th century and sacred jewellery from the 17th and 18th centuries

City's Museum

Located within the Town Hall, this museum shows the 500 years of existence of Funchal city.

Universo de Memórias

This ‘Universe of Memories’ (Universo de Memórias) was founded and financed by the present Secretary of Tourism, João Carlos Abreu, and reflects his life as traveler, journalist and public personality. Ten thousand pieces such as books, ceramics, paintings and bronze objects from all over the world are exhibited in 14 rooms in a house located right opposite the entrance to the Quinta das Cruzes museum. There is also a Tea House in this museum with free entrance.

Wine Museum

If you want to know more about Madeira Wine, this museum is a ‘must see’. You will find anything from pictures to machinery, all related to the culture and production of wine.

The Island Coast

Away from Funchal, the coasts and interior offer a diversity of landscapes rarely found in such a comparatively small area. Volcanic in nature and blessed with sheer cliffs, blue seas and skies, verdant mountains and the most wonderful flora, Madeira Island is truly diverse. The popular south coast, sheltered from the prevailing trade breezes is the calmest, whilst the rugged north coast is a spectacle of blue, green and white as the relentless Atlantic surf outlines each cliff, bay and cove.

Madeira's Mountains

The mountains are sheer and spectacular, their tops sometimes shrouded in mist, a micro-climate all of their own; it’s hard to believe that they are just a few miles from the warm sunny coast. With so many attractions to visit, why not let someone else do the driving and take a luxury coach tour of the most interesting and picturesque parts of the island.

Porto Santo

A charming sandy island is not far from Madeira though the two islands are completely different. While Madeira is generally green with a rocky and steep coastline, Porto Santo has a golden colour due to its 9 km sandy beach. The most popular way to get there is by the Ferry although flying is also an alternative.

Porto Santo
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