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Madeira Island
In the Atlantic Ocean, not too far from the centre of Europe, we can find a green, steeply-hilled subtropical paradise with its surprisingly chic capital of Funchal, and a comfortable temperature that varies by only a few degrees either side of 20 %uFFFDC. Though it has an excellent road system, you can combine your days on the beach, in the mountains or in the city. Madeira and Porto Santo are the ideal places to relax and restore the balance of mind and body that you need to face the stress of daily life.');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Madeira Island
Madeira Culture
Culture is an important factor for Madeira Island, because it promotes the interest for the common past and present, in a diversity of themes that are rich in inheritance, a point of attraction for visitors.
Madeira wine, embroidery and wicker work are some of the diverse initiatives that have become renown in the Region that have gained a significant number of visitors from many origins.');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Culture
Madeira Nature and Climate
In the south, there is very little left of the indigenous laurisilva forest after which Madeira was named - Madeira means \'wood\' in Portuguese and interestingly Funchal means \'fennel\' but that is another story.
Once covering the whole island the forests were set fire to by the original settlers to clear the land for farming. However, in the north, the valleys contain native trees of fine growth.
These laurisilva forests, notably the forests on the northern slopes of Madeira Island, are designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Madeira Island\'s geographical position and mountainous landscape result in a very pleasant climate.
With its mild humidity, the weather of the island is classified as subtropical. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, sea water temperature is 22%uFFFDC during the summer and 16%uFFFDC in the winter.');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Nature and Climate
Madeira Events
The calendar in Madeira Island each year is punctuated by a series of events that draw tens of thousands of tourists from across the world to witness them. The first of these is the New Year Firework display which in 2007 entered the guiness book of records as the largest single pyrotechnic display.
At the beginning of February the \'Rio Style\' Madeira Carnival hits the streets of Funchal and is probably the biggest of its kind outside of Rio. In April/May the annual flower festival adorns the streets of Funchal with a display of orchids and exotic flowers culminating in a procession through the streets of Funchal, which has to be experienced to be believed. ');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Events
Madeira Sports
Golfers are spoilt for choice with two internationally famous courses at Palheiro and Santo da Serra with another planned at Ponta do Pargo (designed by Nick Faldo). The seductive sands of Porto Santo are just a 10 minute flight if you need to escape the sophisticated lifestyle of Funchal and of course there is an International Golf Course there too!
The Atlantic invites sailing, big game fishing, whale and dolphin spotting, water skiing, surfing, diving and, of course, swimming. Meanwhile, back on land there\'s a vast range of leisure activities such as Levada walking, horse riding, tobogganing, theme parks, historic sites and attractions, discovering arts and crafts. And then there are the fabulous gardens bursting with a kaleidoscope of fragrant flowers and exotic plants, many of which can be found only in hot-houses elsewhere in Europe. ');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Sports
Madeira Restaurants
Madeira is rich in places to see and things to do with literally hundreds of fine restaurants and a very welcoming and friendly population who have a good command of foreign languages (particularly English & German).
The capital of Funchal offers a tempting selection of excellent restaurants to suit all tastes. From the most sophisticated international cuisine to welcoming taverns offering simple fare.
Dine in the charming old town, serenaded by the melancholy fado music as the moon rises slowly above you, or choose from the many excellent seafood restaurants scattered round the marina. ');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Restaurants
Shopping
The cosmopolitan capital of Funchal is host to a wide variety of shops from high quality fashion boutiques to magnificent modern malls incorporating cafes and restaurants, cinemas, health clubs and ample car parking.
In contrast, those who enjoy discovering small specialist shops will delight in a stroll through the city\'s network of narrow back streets which house a myriad of hidden gems.
There are many embroidery shops in Funchal itself as well as several lodges selling traditional Madeira wine, while locally grown flowers such as orchids, birds of paradise and king proteas can be purchased at the vibrant indoor market or from stalls in the city centre. ');"" style="cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;color:#0C2744">Shopping
Madeira Maps
Just a few kilometers from the centre of Europe, we can find Madeira Island.
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