Madeira Islands Quick Guide
Location
The archipelago is located about 978 km southeast of Lisbon and comprises the Islands of Madeira (740.7 km ²), Porto Santo (42.5 km ²), Desert Islands (14.2 km ²) – 3 Islands and Savage Islands (3.6 km ²) – 3 islands and sixteen islets.
Only Madeira Island and Porto Santo are inhabited, and the rest are uninhabited and are part of the natural reserve of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Thus, the main access to the region is conducted through the International Airport of Madeira, Porto Santo Airport and sea port of Funchal – capital of Madeira.
Flights
- Dublin – 3h30m
- London – 3h30m
- Paris – 3h00m
- Amsterdam – 3h45m
- Luxembourg – 3h30m
- Frankfurt – 3h30m
- Vienna – 3h15m
- Copenhagen – 4h15m
- Stockholm – 5h00m
Climate & Gastronomy
The rugged terrain of Madeira Island makes these different microclimates exist without the temperatures undergo major changes. These factors explain why, in the region, there is an extraordinary variety of plants and trees. The exotic vegetation, air temperatures average 23 ° C (maximum), 15 ° C (minimum) and temperature of sea water of 22 ° C in summer to cool gradually reaching 18 ° C in late winter, are the delight of thousands of tourists who visit the island throughout the year.
The cuisine is extremely varied and largely based on products from the region, making it very unique. Examples are the very traditional sword-fish - Espada (Aphanopus carbo) caught between 200 and 1500m depth, cooked in various ways and with unique flavour and Poncha a beverage with high alcohol content, which in its base ingredients, in addition to lemon juice and honey, contains the sugar cane firewater – Águardente de Cana.
Entertainment
Throughout the year there are several cultural and sporting events that occur on the Island of Madeira.
January
To be held for the first time in 2010 the Festival of Walking is a tribute to the different routes taken in and through the lush vegetation of Madeira. This is the first event of its kind and certainly will move huge enthusiasts and occurs between 12 and 16 January.
February
In February takes place a major touristic event in the island, Carnival. As in the case that we find in Rio de Janeiro, the carnival on Madeira Island is increasingly seen as a great spectacle that attracts the masses.
March
Madeira Island is also known for its golf courses of the highest quality. Proof of this is that the Main Tour PGA European Tour will be happening in the region, in March.
April
Shortly after the arrival of spring, in April, the Flower Festival is another event that attracts hundreds of thousands of local and tourists who flood the streets of Funchal.
June & July
In June the Atlantic Festival, a festival of fireworks and music, graces the night of the port of Funchal. The Atlantic Festival is a fireworks competition between several companies representing different countries where the best performance is rewarded.
Also in June takes place the international rally of classic cars, a showcase of fabulous machines of yesteryear – FIVA World Rally Championship.
August
After the walking pace of classic cars is time for high speeds in Madeira Wine Rally, rally to be held in August and schedule of the European Rally Championship.
September
September is the month of harvest and as such could not miss a party commemorating the Madeira wine, marketed and recognized globally for more than six centuries. These parties are comprised by various exhibitions and a live wine producing spectacle.
Still in September, on the small island Porto Santo, at a distance of 150 minutes by ferry from Madeira Island, a week of festivities is devoted to Christopher Columbus. During this week occur several shows and exhibitions. The culmination of the week reserves us an historical parade in which the atmosphere of the Age of Discovery is reproduced.
November & December
The months of November and December are in fact those that do not lack animation in the streets of Funchal and all around the island. The lights and Christmas exhibitions fill the streets of Funchal with colour, light, sound and warmth.
On 31 December the New Years Eve show takes place, considered by Guinness World Records as the largest firework display in the world, where for about 12 minutes the skies of Funchal bay are covered with fireworks.
Museums
Most of the museums on the island are to be found in the city of Funchal. In these, visitors can find various types of art, such as contemporary art, sacred art, and decorative art, to one of the world’s largest collections of Flemish art. There are museums dedicated to ethnography, fauna, flora, geology, photography and other topics… well, a wide range of topics for different audiences.
Shopping / Restaurants
Madeira Island is extremely well served with three modern shopping centres where we can find the best known brands of clothing, footwear and accessories. Stores for household articles, furniture, small businesses and traditional supermarkets proliferate in the capital area; there is so much to choose from.
The restaurant list is also extensive. Regional Cuisine, Japanese, Italian, Indian grummet from the trivial to the most sophisticated.
