The Portuguese Madeira Islands are
an archipelago located approx. 350 miles off Morocco in the Atlantic
Ocean , approximately 550 miles south-west of Lisbon . Madeira
is the largest island in the archipelago with its main town being
Funchal. Only 2 of the islands in the group, Madeira and Porto
Santo, are inhabited. Just 40 km from Madeira , Porto Santo is
an island with long sun-drenched beaches and clear warm waters.
Travel Insurance for Madeira:
Area: Europe *
The archipelago is famous for its friendly inhabitants, good
climate and beautiful scenery. Madeira was occupied by the British
for a time during the early nineteenth century. The Madeira Islands
are not too far from Europe, so it is a convenient destination
for those seeking a beach holiday, city attractions, or a more
physically active and challenging holiday.
Some of the first tourists to Madeira arrived on the cruise
ships and the town of Funchal is still a popular stop-off for
cruise ships. In the summer there are more visitors from the
southerly areas of Europe seeking less hot temperatures.
Madeira is a year round destination but mainly a winter sun
retreat for sun seekers from more northerly climes. The mild
weather, and water temperature - which typically stays above
17 degrees C – is a big attraction, plus there are mountains,valleys
and steep cliffs, which give the island a rugged beauty. Madeira
itself does not have any beaches but its fertile volcanic soil
has provided an island which is like a big fragrant garden with
masses of flowers, fruits, herbs, orchards and vineyards.
Local industries include mainly the production of the well-known
Madeira wine, embroidery and bananas. There is also a local fishing
industry, Deep-sea fishing, surfing, diving, jet-skiing, golf,
hiking, and mountaineering are popular activities. . There is
a variety of transportation and tours available to visit the
island sights such as temples, palaces, mansions, and convents.
There are also art galleries and museums to visit.
The uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens Islands with their nature
reserves and bird sanctuaries are wonderful trips for flora and
fauna enthusiasts
There is a casino in Funchal with its bars and restaurants for
those wanting some night life and dancing or a show. For those
who enjoy browsing the shops there is plenty to see, including
local crafts of embroidery tapestries and wickerwork, to the
shoes made in Porgugal, and of course the Madeira wine.
Madeira Tourism |
