Madeira, Portugal

Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2010-03-02_Punta_da_Sao_Lauren%C3%A7a_01.jpg
Author: Hansueli Krapf


Madeira is an island in the north Atlantic Ocean. It measures about 801 sq km and has a population of 250,000 (2011 estimate). The island is located 400 km to the north of Tenerife, Canary Islands. it was rediscovered by Portuguese sailors in 1419 and settled there since 1420. The island and its surrounding archipelago is part of the Madeira Autonomous Region.


Evening at São Vicente Beach, Madeira
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sonnenuntergang_in_S%C3%A3o_Vicente.jpg
Author: Eric Wüstenhagen


Within the Madeira Archipelago are the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and the Savage Islands. They are the first territorial discovery that began the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

The island of Madeira is today a popular tourist destination. It is famous for its landscape, its wine and its embroidery handicrafts. The island stages an annual fireworks show that is recorded in the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world. With a GDP of €5.9 billion and a per capita GDP of €31,352 (2007), it is currently the richest region of Portugal.


Coastline at Ribeira da Janela, Madeira
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Madeira_Nordk%C3%BCste_8.JPG
Author: Cookaa

Going to Madeira

Madeira International Airport (FNC) is the main gateway to the island. It is located about 30 minutes from the city of Funchal. Most people rent a car on arrival to explore the island on their own.


Igreja Santa Cruz, Madeira
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Igreja_Santa_Cruz_Madeira.JPG
Author: Koshelyev

Towns in Madeira

Neighboring Islands

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