Madeira (the Pearl of the Atlantic) island chain is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, which is the equivalent of a 1 and a half hour flight from Lisbon. Madeira has an area of 459 square miles, is 35 miles long and 13 miles wide.

Madeira is a singularly beautiful island. The surroundings is unforgettable and extremely diverse, particularly bearing in mind the island's modest size. Madeira has been referred to as a' drifting garden', revealing centuries of growing. The abundant volcanic soil, moderate environment and plentiful rainfall (especially in the north) have been accountable for contrasting landscapes: lavish river valleys, terraced hillsides planted with vines and bananas and thick primeval forest.

Madeira occupies a lucky geographical position in the Atlantic, which integrated with its mountainous relief and the impact of the Gulf Stream deal remarkably temperate environment with warm comfy summer seasons and moderate winter, making it a captivating getaway destination, throughout the year.

Madeira has incredibly moderate normal temperature level levels, 22ºC in Additional resources the summertime season and 16ºC in the winter season, and a moderate level of humidity. The seawater temperature is also very moderate, since of the impact of the warm Gulf current, providing averages of 22ºC in the summertime season and 18º in the winter season.

The island has lots of little microclimates. The bay of Funchal, secured by the greatest peaks, delights in the best of sunlight. More down the west coast at Ponta do Sol and Calheta, backed by the lower hills of the Paúl da Serra, the sun shines brighter throughout these months, nevertheless they are less secured from the sea winds.

The dominating wind is the North Easterly Trade that gathers off the Portuguese coast and runs down to the Cape Verde Islands. It brings wetness and big sea swells to the north coast, and often, especially in the morning, adversely effects the weather condition on the eastern end of the island in between Caniço and Caniçal. Nonetheless in a westerly wind these places can be surprisingly dry and intense, whereas the south and west coasts are effectively soaked.

Madeira is of volcanic origin however unlike the other islands in the archipelago, which are barren, Madeira is lush and verdant and abundant farming resource.

Madeira was found by the Portuguese in 1418, and is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the empty islands of Selvagens and Desertas. The island chain was named after the most essential island, which not simply develops its significance from its greater size however likewise from its amazing riches. The island chain stays an autonomous region of Portugal, with native residents holding Portuguese passports.

The population of Madeira is 266,000 with about half living in the capital Funchal, which got its name from a plant called "funcho". The name Madeira originated from the truth that the island was as quickly as greatly afforested for this reason the island of Madeira indicates "the island of wood".

One can reach the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo by air or sea. There are 2 airports: Madeira International Airport - on Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo. The ports of Funchal and Porto Santo are typically checked out by cruise liner and work as entrances to the islands, in addition to departure suggest other destinations. Links between the islands are either by air or ferryboats, which also bring automobiles. Area transportation on the islands is problem-free thanks to the contemporary roadway structure, which has really been significantly improved in the last couple of years. Nearly all points of these islands are served by an outstanding road and transport network.

When you take a look at the size of Madeira, you can barely picture that this island has a lot pico do areeiro to provide! From lots of historic monoliths, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to captivating gardens, attractive villages, unbelievable landscapes, outstanding volcanic caves, rugged coast lines, stunning natural beaches and, finally, awesome views, there is a lot to see that you will quickly understand that an individual see to Madeira simply isn't enough!

There is a variety of opportunities to please your leisure requirements. The Atlantic invites you to go cruising, fishing, whale & dolphin recognizing, water snowboarding, surfing, diving and of course swimming. For sub marine enthusiasts, the Garajau shoreline supplies amongst Europe's first undersea nature reserves. The most satisfying way to take a look at the island is to follow the course of the levadas (watering channels), which crisscross the countryside.

The island's growing coastal resorts are geared to the needs of modern-day traveler and the development of Santa Catarina Airport is anticipated to cause a considerable increase in the variety of foreign visitors over the next decade.

Madeira keeps the guarantee of incredible getaways with its spectacular landscapes, mild climate, tranquil environment, lively folklore and, finally, its most seducing gastronomy. The native food is based upon a peasant custom, and in basic terms, the closer you can get to the conventional strategies of preparation and cooking, the better it tastes.