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Madeira In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 1.000 km away from the mainland Portugal and 500 km away from the African coastline you find the Island of flowers – Madeira. Madeira means “wood”, because when the island was discovered it was covered with trees. The island is 741 km2 big and was discovered 1418. Because of the favourable geographical situation and the mountainous landscape Madeira has all year around a very nice climate, average 22 degrees in summer and 16 degrees in winter. The landscapes of the island are famous and the Laurissilva woods were distinguished by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage. Sports-activities can be executed all year around.
Especially to mention are the Levadas (Waterchannels). Along these channels visitors can walk for hours through almost untouched nature. This water system is unique and loved by the tourists. Because of the golf-stream the water temperature never is less than 17 degrees. Therefore water sports can be enjoyed also during the whole year.
Available for visitors are organized excursions throughout the island and accompanied walks along the levadas in order to learn all about Madeira and its fantastic nature and landscapes. Traditions and habits the visitor finds in Monuments, museums and churches as well as in local products like the Madeira-wine and embroideries. They exist since centuries and deserve some respect.
With more than 100 years of experience in Tourism combined with the traditional and modern Hotels Madeira satisfies the highest international standards. Because of the infrastructure Madeira is also an ideal Incentive- and Congress Destination. Leasure-Groups of all sizes or individual visitors will spend unforgettable days.
During the year feasts take place all over the island. In February there is Carnival – Brasilian Style, in April the famous Flower- Festival and in June the Atlantic-Festival. September is the month of the wine. Visitors are invited to pick the grapes together with the madeirense people. The Christmas illumination in December is loved by everybody that has the luck to be on Madeira at that time of the year. The island and specially Funchal is a wonderland of lights. The final attraction of the year is the firework in the bay of Funchal.
Porto Santo The little neighbour island is situated 40 km away from Madeira and has a 9 km long golden sandy beach. The waters that surround this island are warm and crystal clear. So Porto Santo is the ideal place to relax and spend pleasant holidays.
The visitor finds modern Hotels, Thalasso-centre, Golfcourse and can exercise all types of water sports as well as horseback-riding, cycling and much more. In September Porto Santo celebrates the Columbus week. With this feast they honour the discoverer of the island. You translate Porto Santo “Holy port”. Columbus named the island Porto Santo because after a storm on sea he ship wracked there.
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