Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, Selvagem Islands…do you know where they are?

Mild climate, Unique Nature, breathtaking landscapes, fascinating culture, altogether in one place!

Set in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, there are the most exotic and fascinating islands: the Archipelago of Madeira.

The Archipelago of Madeira, also known as “Pearl of the Atlantic” is well-known for its subtropical climate, stunning scenery, breathtaking views, rare nature, exotic flowers, fascinating culture and traditions.

It is situated 310 miles from the African coast and about 620 miles from the European Continent, that is, only 1 hour and 30 minutes flight from Lisbon. You will be surprised and amazed by this wonderful holiday destination, where you can combine holidays in the mountain and sea, at the same time.

There are many amazing places worth of visiting, namely historical monuments, exuberant gardens, luxuriant vegetation, typical villages, impressive volcanic caves, magnificent beaches and natural pools and breathtaking views.

A good alternative to the large hotel chains are the accommodations of Rural Tourism, Housing Tourism, Agro Tourism and Bed and Breakfast, that allow you a closer contact with nature in peaceful surroundings.

Madeira Rural is a non-profit organization of house owners, which aims at promoting country houses, cottages, bed and breakfast, rural holiday homes and villas. Madeira Rural has a reservation centre at www.madeirarural.com and also an online travel guide.

Climate
Thanks to the excellent geographical location, Madeira and Porto Santo Islands have a pleasant weather all year round. With moderate humidity, the average temperatures are 23ºC (73.4 ºF) in the summer and 18ºC (64.4 ºF) in the winter. Besides, the sea temperature is also mild, averaging 23ºC (73.4 ºF) in the summer and 18ºC (64.4 ºF) in the winter.

History
Porto Santo Island was discovered by two captains named João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, in 1419.

The following year, these two and along with another captain, named Bartolomeu Perestrello sailed and found an amazing Island, which they named Madeira Island.

The colonization of the Archipelago of Madeira was around 1425.

Culture
Madeira Island is also well-known for its culture and traditions. Travel around this amazing island and discover its unique costumes and traditions. Madeira Island is proud to have a vast cultural heritage, namely historical monuments, many of them dating back to the 15th century, such as museums, churches, cathedrals and palaces.

Besides, Madeira also has a vast cultural agenda, that is, many events taking place throughout the year.

Nature
The Archipelago also has a rich and vast natural heritage, with rare species of endemic Flora and Fauna and some parks and natural reserves.

One of the most outstanding attractions of Madeira Island is the magnificent Laurissilva Forest, also known as Laurel Forest.

The Laurissilva Forest is an indigenous subtropical rainforest, most predominantly in the northern part of the Madeira Island. This Forest is made up of laurel-leaved evergreen trees, and most of the species are endemic to the island.

Due to its vast and rich natural heritage, the Laurissilva became Humanity Heritage, by UNESCO, in 1999. It is one of the ancient forests in the world. It is made up of laurel-leaved evergreen trees, and most of the species are endemic to the island.

However, the best way to observe the unique nature and its impressive volcanic origins is through the famous “Levadas” and Walking paths.
Levadas are irrigation systems, developed in the 16th century by Portuguese settlers, to distribute water from the northern regions to the southern regions.

Today, the levadas are so important, due to the fact that they supply water to the southern parts of the island and also provide hydro-electric power.

Furthermore, Madeira Island is a destination which has the most beautiful gardens and exotic flowers. Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity of seeing a huge multiplicity of flower species. A part from the multiplicity of floral species, the island is also best known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking views.

These are just some of the various reasons why Madeira Island is an excellent holiday destination!

Explore the infinite complexity of Mother Nature and discover the best of Madeira Island.

“Walk Madeira, the Atlantic Pearl”