Madeira – haven of natural beauty
Located in the African Plate in the Atlantic at the same latitude as Casablanca, the Madeira archipelago consists of Madeira, Porto Santo, and a set of small islands, Desertas and Selvagens, inhabited only by a team of guards of the Natural Park.
Madeira is one of Europe’s most beautiful travel locations, with thousands of tourists returning year after year.
It offers not only an all-year-round summer climate, wonderful fauna and flora, incredible natural pools carved out of lava rocks, gorgeous cliffs overlooking the ocean, and charming towns…It is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world, as it is virtually crime-free.
So it’s no wonder that the Madeira Islands are repeatedly considered the world’s top island destination.
In addition to all of that, there are the stunning views and Funchal’s famous cuisine and relaxing promenades. The main city name is derived from fennel, funcho in Portuguese, which densely overgrows the island.
The simple food enjoyed in Madeira Islands reflects the soul of simple but generous people. Nevertheless, a great variety of local products are available, as well as a multitude of local, international, and gourmet dishes.
And there is the wine… this ‘nectar of the Gods’, which is one of the symbols of Madeira Island, is enjoyed all over the world. Chosen to celebrate US Independence Day, on 4 July 1776, referred to by Shakespeare in some of his plays and admired by kings, princes, generals, and explorers.
Madeira grapes are grown by hand on small plots of land known as poios (terraces) supported by earthen walls on the mountain slopes, which are often difficult to access.
Madeira’s unique soil and climate, as well as the production process and the type of grape, have contributed to the unparalleled distinction of Madeira Wine through the years.
For the adventurous visitors, the opportunities are endless with so much to choose from Levada walking, mountain walks, hiking, sailing, dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving, big game fishing, canyoning, surfing, and paragliding.
Porto Santo is the smaller of the inhabited islands. A golden isle washed by turquoise sea and where peace and quiet reign supreme, is all you need for a truly relaxing holiday.
This Atlantic Island boasts 9 km fine golden sands ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Health and wellness go hand in hand on this magnificent beach as, in addition to its crystalline waters, its sands have rare therapeutic properties. The sand is soft, fine, and smooth and consists mainly of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite, which has special thermal qualities.
You can reach the desert inhabited islands Desertas and Selvagens within a few dozen kilometers southeast of Funchal.
They are classified as a Nature Reserve by the Portuguese State and an abiogenetic reserve by the European Council due to their natural and ecological value.
We found the need to protect these islands due to their wild animals, birds, and unique flora, covering several rare and endemic species.
The Selvagens Islands are within 250 km south of Funchal and also are a Nature Reserve.
