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General Information about Madeira
Madeira covers 741
square metres and is 500 kms from Africa and 1000 kms from Portugal. The
island is 57 kms long and 22 kms wide. The Archipelago consists of Madeira,
Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens or Desertas. The islands
were discovered by the Portuguese in 1418 causing quite an impression among
sailors due to its beautiful and exuberant nature.
Five Natural Reserves
were created in the Archipelago in order to preserve its unique environment
where some unique species of plants and animals can be found.
It has a mild climate
throughout the year with temperatures between 16 ºC and 25 ºC.
There are spectacular landscapes, luxurious vegetation and many historical
sites to fascinate visitors. This archipelago has a natural heritage of
great scientific value and is designated by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage
site. Accommodation in Madeira and Porto Santo is noted for its high quality,
good taste and hospitality.
There is a wide
range of accommodation from the small traditional hotels to the more modern
establishments. Madeira has a large network of irrigation channels, called
"levadas", which are used as paths for walkers and nature lovers. Overlooking
a wide sheltered bay is the city of Funchal. It is a place full of charm
with a surprising calendar of events highlighted by the Flower Festival
and Carnival. Handicrafts such as the traditional embroidery and the basket
work require great talent. One of the most famous products of the island
is the Madeira wine, responsible for the name of the island being known
throughout the world.
The other inhabited
island of the archipelago is Porto Santo which is 40 kms away. Visitors
can reach it by modern ferries departing from Madeira on a daily basis.
Although this is much flatter than its "mother-island", there is a wonderfully
extensive beach, with sands that are famous for their great therapeutic
properties. At Vila Baleira, the island’s picturesque capital, is the house
where Christopher Columbus once lived.
Sir Winston Churchill
used the island of Madeira as one of his favourite holiday retreats. Other
well known visitors included Empress Sissi of Austria, Emperor Karl I of
Austria or George Bernard Shaw.
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