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Madeira Autonomous Region Região Autónoma da Madeira Flag Coat of arms Motto: "Das ilhas, as mais belas e livres"  (Portuguese) "Of all islands, the most beautiful and free" Anthem: A Portuguesa  (national) Hino da Região Autónoma da Madeira  (local) Capital (and largest city) Funchal 32°39′N 16°55′W / 32.65°N 16.917°W / 32.65; -16.917 Official language(s) Portuguese Ethnic groups  Portuguese Government Autonomous region  -  President Alberto João Jardim (PSD) Establishment  -  Settled 1420   -  Autonomy 1 July 1976  Area  -  Total 828 km2 (n/a) 320 sq mi  Population  -  2006 estimate 245,806[1]   -  Density 295/km2 (n/a) 195/sq mi Currency Euro (€)1 (EUR) Time zone WET  -  Summer (DST) WEST (UTC+1) Internet TLD .pt Calling code +351 spec. +351 291 1 Prior to 2002: Portuguese escudo

Madeira (pronounced /məˈdɪərə/ mə-DEER-ə or /məˈdɛərə/ mə-DAIR-ə; Portuguese: [mɐˈdeiɾɐ] or [mɐˈdɐiɾɐ]) is a Portuguese archipelago that lies between 32°22.3′N 16°16.5′W / 32.3717°N 16.275°W / 32.3717; -16.275 and 33°7.8′N 17°16.65′W / 33.13°N 17.2775°W / 33.13; -17.2775 in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Madeira is part of the EU as an outermost region of the European Union.^[2]

Madeira was discovered by Portuguese sailors some time between 1418 and 1420. The archipelago is considered to be the first discovery of the exploratory period initiated by Henry the Navigator of Portugal. It is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year's Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records.^[3] Its harbour – Funchal – is important due to its commercial and passenger traffic and for being a major stopover for cruisers en route from Europe to the Caribbean.

History

The Gothic style 15th century Roman Catholic Cathedral of Funchal.

Pre-Portuguese times

Pliny mentions certain Purple Islands, the position of which with reference to the Fortunate Islands, or Canaries, may indicate Madeira islands. Plutarch (Sertorius, 75 AD) referring to the military commander Quintus Sertorius (d. 72 BC), relates that after his return to Cádiz, "he met seamen recently arrived from Atlantic islands, two in number, divided from one another only by a narrow channel and distant from the coast of Africa 10,000 furlongs. They are called Isles of the Blest." The estimated distance from Africa, and the closeness of the two islands, seem to indicate Madeira and Porto Santo.

There is a romantic tale about two lovers, Robert Machim and Anna d'Arfet in time of the King Edward III of England, who, fleeing from England to France in 1346, were driven off their course by a violent storm, and cast onto the coast of Madeira at the place subsequently named Machico, in memory of one of them. On the evidence of a portolan dated 1351, preserved at Florence, Italy, it would appear that Madeira had been discovered long before that date by Portuguese vessels under Genoese captains.

It is certain that the discovery of Madeira predates the Portuguese settlement, as it appears on maps as early as 1339.^[4]

Portuguese discovery

Statue of João Gonçalves Zarco.

In 1419 two captains of Prince Henry the Navigator – João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira – were driven by a storm to an island they named Porto Santo. They gave this name (meaning Holy Harbour) in gratitude for their rescue from the shipwreck. The following year, an expedition was sent to populate the island, in which the two captains, together with captain Bartolomeu Perestrello, took possession of the islands on behalf of the Portuguese crown.

The islands started to be settled circa 1420 or 1425. In 23 September 1433, the name Ilha da Madeira (Madeira Island or "wood island") appears on a map, its first mention in a document.

The three captain-majors had led, in the first trip, their respective families, a small group of people of the minor nobility, people of modest conditions and some old prisoners of the kingdom. To gain the minimum conditions for the development of agriculture, they had to rough-hew a part of the dense forest of laurisilva and to construct a large number of canals (levadas), since in some parts of the island, there was excess water, while in other parts water was scarce. In the earliest times, fish constituted about half of the settlers' diet, together with vegetables and fruit. The first local agricultural activity with some success was the raising of wheat. Initially, the colonists produced wheat for their own sustenance, but later began to export wheat to Portugal.

The discoveries of Porto Santo and Madeira were first described by Gomes Eanes de Zurara in Chronica da Descoberta e Conquista da Guiné. (Eng. version by Edgar Prestage in 2 vols. issued by the Hakluyt Society, London, 1896-1899: The Chronicle of Discovery and Conquest of Guinea.) Arkan Simaan relates these discoveries in French in his novel based on Azurara's Chronicle: L’Écuyer d’Henri le Navigateur, published by Éditions l’Harmattan, Paris.

Portuguese Madeira

Santa Catarina Park, in the heart of Funchal.

However, in time grain production began to fall. To get past the ensuing crisis, Henry decided to order the planting of sugarcane – to produce the "sweet salt" rare in Europe and, therefore, considered a spice – introducing Sicilian beets as the first specialized plant and along with it the technology of its agriculture.

Expansion of sugar plantations in Madeira started in 1455, using advisers from Sicily and (largely) Genoese capital for the mills, and developed until the 17th century. The accessibility of Madeira attracted Genoese and Flemish traders keen to bypass Venetian monopolies. "By 1480 Antwerp had some seventy ships engaged in the Madeira sugar trade, with the refining and distribution concentrated in Antwerp. By the 1490s Madeira had overtaken Cyprus as a producer of sugar."^[5] Sugarcane production became a leading factor in the island's economy, and increased the demand for labour. Slaves were used during portions of the island's history to cultivate sugar cane, and the proportion of imported slaves reached 10% of the total population of Madeira by the 16th century.^[6]

After the 17th century, as sugar production shifted to Brazil, São Tomé and Príncipe and elsewhere, Madeira's most important product became its wine. Madeira wine was perhaps the most popular luxury beverage in the colonial Western Hemisphere during the 17th and 18th centuries.^{[citation needed]} The British occupied Madeira as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, a friendly occupation starting in 1807 and concluding in 1814 when the island was returned to Portugal.^[7]

When, after the death of King John VI of Portugal, his usurper son Miguel of Portugal seized power from the rightful heir, his niece Maria II, and proclaimed himself 'Absolute King', Madeira held out for the Queen under the governor José Travassos Valdez until Miguel sent an expeditionary force and the defence of the island was overwhelmed by crushing force. Valdez was forced to flee to England under the protection of the Royal Navy (September 1828).

In 1921, the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Charles I, was deported to Madeira after his second unsuccessful coup d'état in Hungary. He died there one year later and is buried in Monte.

On 1 July 1976, following the democratic revolution of 1974, Portugal granted political autonomy to Madeira. The region now has its own government and legislative assembly.

Geography and climate

View from Bica da Cana.

Map of the islands.

Two topographic features characterize the Madeiran landscape: steep mountains and deep ravines. Both landforms are evident in this image.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira Autonomous Region, is the chief city and on the south coast of Madeira, the main island in the archipelago. 32°37.75′N 16°55.3′W / 32.62917°N 16.9217°W / 32.62917; -16.9217. Other cities are: Vila Baleira (in Porto Santo Island), Câmara de Lobos, Machico, Santa Cruz, Santana and Caniço (Santa Cruz municipality), Madeira Island.

Madeira island is 520 km (323.11 mi) from the African coast and 1,000 km (621.37 mi) from the European continent, which is the equivalent of a 1 hour 30 minute flight from Lisbon.^[8]

Madeira Island is the largest island of the group with an area of 741 km² (286 sq mi), a length of 57 km (35 mi), a breadth of 22 km (14 mi) at its widest point, and a coastline of 150 km (93.21 mi). Its longer axis lies east and west, along which lies a mountain chain with a mean altitude of 4,000 feet (1,220 m), considered the backbone of the island from which many deep ravines radiate outward to the coast. Its most famous sea cliff, the Cabo Girão, is one of the highest in Europe. The highest point on the island is Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 metres (6,107 ft).^[9]

In the south, there is very little left of the indigenous laurisilva subtropical rainforest which once covered the whole island (the original settlers set fire to the island to clear the land for farming) and gave it the name it now bears (Madeira means "wood" in Portuguese). However, in the north, the valleys contain native trees of fine growth. These laurisilva forests, notably the forests on the northern slopes of Madeira Island, are designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A long, narrow, and comparatively low rocky promontory forms the eastern extremity of the island, on which lies a tract of calcareous sand known as the Fossil Bed. It contains land shells and numerous bodies resembling the roots of trees, probably produced by infiltration.

Climate

Madeira Island's geographical position and mountainous landscape result in a very pleasant climate which varies between the north side, south side, and smaller islands groups like Porto Santo and Savages. The mean annual temperature on the coastline can reach more than 20 °C (68 °F) in the south. With its mild humidity, the weather of the island is classified as oceanic subtropical and with its low rain level, desertic on the Savages. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, sea water temperature varies between 26 °C (79 °F) during the summer and 17 °C (63 °F) in the winter.

Islands and main Islets

The 9 km (6 mi) beach of Porto Santo island.

• Madeira Island
  • Ilhéu de Agostinho (close east)
  • Ilhéu de São Lourenço (out east)
  • Ilhéu Mole (northwest)
• Porto Santo Island
  • Ilhéu de Baixo ou da Cal (south)
  • Ilhéu de Ferro (southwest)
  • Ilhéu das Cenouras (close north)
  • Ilhéu de Fora (further north)
  • Ilhéu de Cima (east)
• Desertas Islands
  • Deserta Grande Island
  • Bugio Island
  • Chão Islet
• Savage Islands (northeast group)
  • Selvagem Grande Island
  • Palheiro da Terra Islet
  • Palheiro do Mar Islet
• Savage Islands (southeast group)
  • Selvagem Pequena Island
  • Ilhéu Grande
  • Ilhéu du Sul
  • Ilhéu Pequeno
  • Fora Islet
  • Alto Islet
  • Comprido Islet
  • Redondo Islet
  • Norte Islets

Municipalities

A 3D image from the east of the Island.

Just like the mainland Portugal, Madeira is also further subdivided into 11 municipalities^[11]:

Funchal

Funchal harbour.

Funchal is a modern city with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Funchal is located in a unique area; the natural geological features form an "amphitheatre" surrounding the city, which begins at the harbour (Porto de Funchal) and rises almost 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter that attracted the first settlers.

Madeira's capital for more than five centuries, Funchal, is said to have been named as such because of the abundance of fennel (funcho in Portuguese) growing there.

The harbour and climate combined with an excellent geographical position allowed Funchal to have a rapid population growth.

Probably the most central point is the Sé Cathedral. Built between 1493 and 1514 by Pêro Annes in Manueline style it represents one of Madeira's numerous treasures.

Geological origin and volcanism

Madeira Island
Madeira Island Atlantic Ocean
Elevation	1,862 m (6,109 ft)
Location
Coordinates	32°44′00″N 16°58′00″W / 32.7333333°N 16.9666667°W / 32.7333333; -16.9666667Coordinates: 32°44′00″N 16°58′00″W / 32.7333333°N 16.9666667°W / 32.7333333; -16.9666667
Geology
Type	shield volcano
Age of rock	over 5 million years
Last eruption	6,500 years ago[13]

Madeira Island is the top of a massive shield volcano that rises about 6 km (3.7 mi) from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, on an underwater mountain range called Tore, which stands on the African plate. The volcano formed atop an east-west rift in the oceanic crust. Formation of the bulk of the volcano began during the Miocene Epoch over 5 million years ago and continued into the Pleistocene until about 700,000 years ago.^[13] This was followed by extensive erosion, producing two large amphitheaters open to south in the central part of the island.

Volcanic activity later resumed, producing scoria cones and lava flows atop the older eroded shield. The most recent volcanic eruptions were on the west-central part of the island only 6,500 years ago, creating more cinder cones and lava flows.^[13]

Biodiversity

Typical Madeiran flowers

Madeiran Large White (female)

Madeira has three endemic birds: Zino's Petrel, the Trocaz Pigeon and the Madeira Firecrest.

It is also of importance for other breeding seabirds, including the Madeiran Storm-petrel, North Atlantic Little Shearwater and Cory's Shearwater.

The Macaronesia region harbours an important floral diversity. In fact, the archipelago's forest composition and maturity are quite similar to the forests found in the Tertiary period that covered Southern Europe and Northern Africa millions of years ago.

The great biodiversity of Madeira is phytogeographically linked to the Mediterranean region, Africa, America and Australia, and interest in this phytogeography has been increasing in recent years due to the discovery of some epiphytic bryophyte species with non-adjacent distribution. Madeira also has many endemic species of fauna – mostly invertebrates which include the extremely rare Madeiran Large White but also some vertebrates such as the native bat, some lizards species, and some birds as already mentioned. The biggest tarantula of Europe is found on Desertas islands of Madeira and can be as wide as a normal man's hand. These islands have more than 250 species of land molluscs (snails and slugs), some with very unusual shell shape and colours. Most of them are endemic and vulnerable.

Levadas

A levada

The island of Madeira is wet in the northwest but dry in the southeast. In the 16th century the Portuguese started building levadas or aqueducts to carry water to the agricultural regions on the south. The most recent were built in the 1940s. Madeira is very mountainous, and building the levadas was difficult and often sentenced criminals or slaves were used. Many are cut into the sides of mountains, and it was also necessary to dig 25 miles (40 km) of tunnels, some of them are still accessible.

Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island but provide hydro-electric power. There are over 1,350 miles (2,170 km) of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths. Some provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges where a slip could result in serious injury or death.

Two of the most popular levadas to hike are the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and the Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno which should not be attempted by hikers prone to vertigo or without torches and helmets. The Levada do Caniçal is a much easier walk, running 7.1 miles (11.4 km) from Maroços to the Caniçal Tunnel. It is known as the mimosa levada because mimosa trees are found all along the route.

Economy

The port of Funchal

The setting-up of the Free trade zone has led to the installation, under more favourable conditions, of infrastructure, production shops and essential services for small and medium-sized industrial enterprises. The Free Zone of Madeira, also called the Madeira International Business Centre, being a tax-privileged economic area, provides an incentive for companies, offering them financial and tax advantages via a whole range of activities exercised in the Industrial Free Zone, the Off-Shore Financial Centre, the International Shipping Register organisation, and the International Service Centre.

The services sector makes the largest contribution to the formation of the regional gross value added as opposed to the agricultural sector, for which the share has continuously declined in the regional economy.

Over the last few years, the regional economy has managed to open up and establish more internal and external competitiveness, so that its companies have become competitive internationally. The largest industries are by sector food, beverages (especially Madeira wine), and construction.

Tourism

The natural beauty of Madeira draws many tourists to the island

Tourism is an important sector in the region's economy since it contributes 20%^{[citation needed]} to the region's GDP, providing support throughout the year for commercial, transport and other activities and constituting a significant market for local products. The share in Gross Value Added of hotels and restaurants (9%) also highlights this phenomenon. The island of Porto Santo, with its 9 km (5.6 mi) long beach and its climate, is entirely devoted to tourism. Over the past decade it has recorded a substantial increase in its hotel accommodation capacity.

Development in Madeira is considered to have future potential since the necessary infrastructure has been established and adequate investment incentives have been introduced for expanding its hotel and catering structure in a controlled manner. Nature conservation is seen as important because it is a major draw for tourists to Madeira.

Visitors are mainly from the European Union, with German, British, Scandinavian and Portuguese tourists providing the main contingents. The average annual occupancy rate was 60.3% in 2008^[14], reaching its maximum in March and April, when it exceeds 70%.

Transport and immigration

Madeira Airport

Ferry boat makes daily trips between Madeira and Porto Santo Islands

European Union citizens of the Schengen Treaty area can enter the islands freely, while those from other regions need identification.

The Islands have two airports, Funchal Airport on the Island of Madeira and the other in the island of Porto Santo. Flights to the islands are mostly made from Lisbon and Porto, but there are also direct flights from other major European cities and other countries, like Brazil, Venezuela, and South Africa.

Transport between the two main islands is by plane or ferries, the latter also carrying vehicles. Visiting the interior of the islands is now easy thanks to construction of the Vias Rápidas, major roads built during Portugal's economic boom. Modern roads reach all points of interest on the islands. The old, curving mountain roads are still an excellent way to tour the island. Funchal has an extensive public transportation system. Bus companies, including Horários do Funchal which has been operating for over a hundred years, have regularly scheduled routes to all points of interest on the island.

Society and culture

Demographics

When the Portuguese discovered the island of Madeira in 1419, it was completely uninhabited by humans, with no aboriginal population at all. The island was settled by Portuguese people, especially farmers from the Minho region^[15], meaning that Madeirans (Portuguese: Madeirenses), as they are called, are ethnic Portuguese, though they have developed their own distinct regional identity and cultural traits.

The region has a total population of just under 250,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom live on the main island of Madeira where the population density is 337/km²; meanwhile only around 4,500 live on the Porto Santo Island where the population density is 112/km².

Population genetics

Like in continental Portugal, the most frequent mtDNA haplogroup in Madeira is H (36.2%), followed by U (19.4% including 3.9% of North African Berber U6), T (7.7%), pre-HV clades (7.1%) and K (6.5%). Two haplogroups, H and U5 alone account for more than 50% of the individuals. The relatively high frequency of sub-Saharan L haplogroups (13%) in Madeira is also consistent with the historical records of slaves being introduced in both the south of Portugal and in Madeira.^[16]

Concerning the males Y-Dna haplogroups, R1b (particularly R1b3) was found to be the most dominant Y chromosomal lineage in Madeira, covering about 53% of the Y chromosomal lineages. The high frequency of this haplogroup is typical in all West European populations, reflecting a cline and likely continuity of the Palaeolithic gene pool in Europe. Haplogroups I and G, also characteristic markers for many different West European populations, were found in Madeira at frequencies above 5%. Together with R1b, haplogroups J (12%) and E1b1b (14%) comprise about 80% of the Y-chromosomal gene pool of Madeira individuals. Haplogroups J and E1b1b consist of lineages with differential distribution within Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The typical Berber haplogroup E1b1b (M81) was found like in continental Portugal at a frequency of 5-6%.^[17]

Famous Madeirans

Cristiano Ronaldo was 'World Footballer of the Year' in 2008

The following people were either born or have lived part of their lives in Madeira:

• Adam Lindsay Gordon, famous Australian bush poet
• Aires de Ornelas e Vasconcelos, former Archbishop of the former Portuguese colonial enclave Goa (in India)
• Alberto João Jardim, President of the Regional Government
• Ana da Silva, founding member of the post-punk band The Raincoats
• António de Abreu, naval officer and navigator
• Artur de Sousa Pinga, former CS Marítimo and FC Porto football player
• Catarina Fagundes, Olympic athlete for windsurf
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Portugal and former Manchester United winger
• Cristopher Columbus, navigator ^[18]
• Dionísio Pestana, president of the Pestana Group
• Fátima Lopes, Fashion designer
• Herberto Hélder, Poet
• Jaime Ornelas Camacho, first and former President of the Regional Government
• João Rodrigues, Olympic windsurfer
• Joe Berardo, Portuguese millionaire, and art collector
• John Santos, Photographer
• José Travassos Valdez, 1st Count of Bonfim, governor in 1827-1828
• José Vicente de Freitas, military and politician
• Karl of Austria, Austrian monarch
• Sir Lloyd William Matthews, British naval officer, politician and abolitionist
• Luís Jardim, Producer of music
• Manoel Dias Soeyro or Menasseh Ben Israel (1604–1657), Sephardi Rabbi and publisher
• Moisés Henriques, former Australian Under-19 Captain and current NSW Blues cricketer
• Nadia Almada, a winner of the British reality show Big Brother
• Paul Langerhans, German pathologist and biologist
• Pedro Macedo Camacho, Composer
• Rigo 23, Artist
• Teodósio Clemente de Gouveia, Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church
• Vânia Fernandes, Portuguese singer who represented Portugal in Eurovision 2008
• Vasco da Gama Rodrigues, Poet, born in Paul do Mar
• Virgilio Ferreira, actor

Gastronomy

Traditional pastries in Madeira usually contain local ingredients, one of the most common being mel de cana, literally “sugarcane honey” - molasses. The traditional cake of Madeira is called Bolo de mel, which translates as (Sugarcane) "Honey Cake" and according to custom is never cut with a knife but broken into pieces by hand. It is a rich and heavy cake. Black scabbardfish, espada, is often served with banana.

To promote Madeiran gastronomy worldwide, every November the Madeira Gourmet Festival is organized. The festival brings international chefs to the island, mixing their know-how with local young chefs and preparing new recipes using Madeiran traditional products, like Madeira wine, local fish and other products.

Sport

Madeira has two football teams in the Portuguese Liga, Portugal's top league, C.S. Marítimo of Funchal and Nacional. The Real Madrid and Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Madeira and played for Nacional before going to Sporting Lisbon.^[19]

C.S. Marítimo has nurtured great players such as Pepe, now at Real Madrid, Tonel, now at Sporting, Danny, now at Zenit, Jorge Costa, retired (F.C. Porto), Tarik Sektioui, now at F.C. Porto, Nuno Valente, now at Everton, Makukula, now at Kayserispor, among others.

C.S. Marítimo is considered as the biggest club of Madeira.

C.S. Marítimo has also enjoyed various campaigns in the UEFA Cup having recorded famous results against teams such as Juventus, Leeds and Rangers. In 2003-04 Nacional achieved 4th place in the Portuguese League, their best classification ever.

In recent years, Madeira has had a considerable amount of success in professional basketball, with CAB Madeira having won numerous titles, especially their female team. CAB are often seen competing in European competitions such as the FIBA EuroCup, and former stars include Filipe da Silva and ex-Los Angeles Lakers player Ike Nwankwo.

In 2001 the World Surfing Championships were held in Madeira at Surfspots including Paul do Mar, Ponta Pequena and Jardim do Mar (see Surfing in Madeira).

Madeira Andebol SAD, the island's only professional handball team is one of the most successful in the country, while rally car racing (Rali Vinho da Madeira), fishing and golf are other popular sports played on the island.

Rugby union is also played on the island to a minor degree.^{[citation needed]}

Postage stamps

Portugal has issued postage stamps for Madeira during several periods, beginning in 1868; see postage stamps and postal history of Madeira for more details.

See also

Portugal portal

• University of Madeira
• Madeira Island Open, an annual European Tour golf tournament.
• Surfing in Madeira
• Madeira Gourmet Festival, an international cooking festival organized in November.

References

External links

• Madeira's Government Website
• Madeira Tourism Official Website
• Wikimedia Atlas of Madeira
• Madeira travel guide from Wikitravel
• Madeira at the Open Directory Project

Geographic locale Regions and Districts of Portugal Norte Braga  · Bragança  · Porto  · Viana do Castelo  · Vila Real  · Aveiro *  · Guarda *  · Viseu * Centro Castelo Branco  · Coimbra  · Leiria  · Aveiro *  · Guarda*  · Santarém *  · Viseu * Lisboa Lisbon *  · Setúbal * Alentejo Beja  · Évora  · Portalegre  · Lisbon *  · Setúbal *  · Santarém * Algarve Faro Azores Western  · Central  · Eastern Madeira Madeira Island  · Porto Santo Island * Situated in more than one Region Administrative divisions of Portugal Districts Aveiro · Beja · Braga · Bragança · Castelo Branco · Coimbra · Évora · Faro · Guarda · Leiria · Lisboa · Portalegre · Porto · Santarém · Setúbal · Viana do Castelo · Vila Real · Viseu Autonomous regions Azores · Madeira

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In 2002, the independence of East Timor was recognized by Portugal and the rest of the world. North America and the North Atlantic Ocean  15th century 1420           Madeira 1432           Azores 16th century 1500–1579?  Terra Nova (Newfoundland) 1500–1579?  Labrador 1516–1579?  Nova Scotia Central and South America  16th century 1500–1822  Brazil 1536–1620  Barbados 17th century 1680–1777  Nova Colônia do Sacramento 19th century 1808–1822  Cisplatina (Uruguay) Portuguese colonization of the Americas Theory of Portuguese discovery of Australia Outermost regions of European Union states Denmark Greenland Portugal Azores • Madeira Spain Alhucemas • Canary Islands • Ceuta • Chafarinas Islands • Melilla • Vélez de la Gomera France French Guiana • Guadeloupe • Martinique • Réunion UK Anguilla • Bermuda • British Virgin Islands • Cayman Islands • Falkland Islands • Montserrat • Pitcairn Islands • Saint Helena • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands • Turks and Caicos Islands •

From Wikitravel

Madeira Faial

Madeira [1] is a tropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal. The archipelago is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands. It is part of the European Union ultraperifric area.

Known worldwide as the Islands of eternal Spring, Madeira or "Ilha Jardim"{Garden Island} has a mild climate throughout the entire year.

Madeira island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, only 1h 30mn flight from mainland Portugal and about 3h from all the main countries in Europe.

• Funchal — Island regional capital and largest city in Madeira, home to tourist resorts, gorgeous panoramas and local color.
• Santa Cruz
• Machico
• Santana
• Camara do Lobos
• Porto Santo city:Vila Baleira
• Ribeira Brava town

Understand

Madeira Islands are just a short trip from Europe (more or less 4 hours from UK), to a destination where you can combine holidays on the beach, in the mountains or in the city. Discovered early in the 15th century by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal.

• Madeira International Airport/Funchal(FNC) (IATA: FNC)(ICAO: LPMA) (formerly known as Santa Catarina Airport), about 30 minutes from Funchal,in Santa Cruz municipality. Tel: +351 291 52 07 00. The island of Porto Santo (PXO)is in Porto Santo/Vila Baleira. This airport is just a 15 minute flight from Madeira International Airport.

There is boat/ship service between the two islands. The following Airline companies fly regularly to Madeira International Airport: TAP Portugal, Portugália, SATA, British Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Air France, easyJet, First Choice Airways, Thomson, LTU, Thomas Cook, Condor, Niki, SAS, Sterling, Transavia, My Travel, Binter Canarias and Jet2.com (from May 2010).

• Cruise ships port here.
• There is a weekly connection between Portomaio (Algarve) to Madeira offered by Naviera Armas [2].
• There is a car ferry between Porto Santo and Madeira, two hours one way. Ferry Service Funchal-Porto Santo.[[3]

• Buses Recommended to get a 7 days bus ticket, access to all Funchal City routes, 17.50 EUR (March 2007)

Beware - timetables are very confusing as they do not include clear route details.

There are three bus companies:

• Horarios de Funchal [4] operates lines no 20/21 Funchal - Monte, line no 29 Funchal - Camacha, no 56 Funchal - Santana (via Ribeiro Frio), no 77 Funchal - Santo Antonio da Serra (via Camacha and Sitio Quarto Estradas), no 81 Funchal - Curral de Freiras and no 103 (Funchal - Arco de Sao Jorge (via Faial, Santana and Sao Horge).

• Rodeste [5] operates lines no 3 Funchal - Estreito de Camara de Lobos, no 6 Funchal - Arco de Sao Jorge (via Ensumeada), no 7 Funchal - Ribeira Brava, no 80 Funchal - Porto Montiz (via Calheta and Prazeres), no 96 Funchal - Jadrim da Serra (Corticeirias), no 139 Funchal - Porto Moniz, no 142 Funchal - Ponta da Pago (via Prazeres) ans no 148 Funchal - Boa Morte.

• S.A.M.[6] operates lines no 23 Funchal - Machico (Espressbus), no 53 Funchal - Faial (via Airport), no 113 Funchal - Canical (via Airport) and no 156 Funchal - Marocos (via Machico, changes bus ar Machico)

• Taxis
• Car rental Renting a car is a great way to see the island. All European rules of the road apply in Madeira. Roads outside of Funchal can be windy and steep and gas stations rare. Renting via the Internet is usually cheaper than walking-in.

Talk

English is as common as in mainland Portugal, although people will always appreciate it if you try and learn a few words of Portuguese. Note that the Protuguese spoken in Madeira tends to be heavily accented.

• Levadas An impressive system of aqueducts built in the 1900s to bring water from the mountains to cropland.
• Cabo Girão One of the world's highest ocean cliffs (590m/1,935 ft. above sea level), you'll easily realize the island's Edenlike quality.
• Jardim Botânico Funchal Botanical garden.
• São Vicente Caves, [7].Volcanic caves where you can visit lava tubes.
• Jardim do Monte Palace Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel.
• Jardim Orquídea Orchid garden.
• Madeira Story Centre, [8]. The best way to learn about Madeira's history and culture.
• Fireworks on New Year's eve The biggest fireworks in the world (Guinness world record 2007). Best places to see the fireworks include the tip of the marina of Funchal, on the cruise ship, and Pico dos Barcelos (on the side where you can see the Funchal's marina).
• Miradouro means viewpoint. Splendid view of the island can be seen from different viewpoints. Recommended viewpoints include: Pico dos Barcelos, Pico do Arieiro, Pico de Facho, Curral das Freiras, Monte. (For Pico do Arieiro, you can check its current view from live webcam [9] [10] before embarking your journey.)

Visit

Must go places to visit in Funchal Top places to visit in Funchal

• Madeira Nature, [11]. The Nature of Madeira (Active and Eco-Tourism)

• Hiking at Ponta de São Lourenço, the eastern part of Madeira is a Nature Reserve with wonderful panoramic views of the Atlantic and spectacular volcanic rock formations. Many unusual species of plants are found here and are best seen on foot, like the Ice Plant, Everlasting, Cardoon and many more. Down the cliff is a secluded beach called Prainha, the island’s only natural black sandy beach. Very popular with the locals, it’s great for swimming. The hiking trail can be walked comfortably with a pair of good hiking boots. Hiking duration could last several hours, prepare food and drink.

• Vanguartour, [12].Travel Agency specialised in upmarket individual tours, VIP services, incentive programs and renting of luxury villas on Madeira Island

• Santo da Serra Golf, [13].
• Palheiro Golf, [14].
• Porto Santo Golf, [15].

• Sailing, [16]

• Snorkeling, [17]

• Scuba diving, [18]

• Madeira Island tours, [19]

• Madeira Ecotours, [20].

• Nature Meetings, [21]. Hiking.

• Surfing The Atlantic offers waves for moderate to experienced surfers.

• Madeira Wind Birds, [22]. Bird watching.

• InterTours, [23]. Sightseeing tours.

• The University of Madeira [24] is one of the youngest Public Universities in Portugal.
• Currently the Mathematics and Engineering Department [25] offers a joint *Professional Master Degree with the Carnegie Mellon University [26] in Human-Computer Interaction [27]. This top Professional Master program provides international students with opportunities to study in one of the best locations in the world, while having access to one of the world best Universities in Information and Communication technologies.

Work

Madeira is presently one the best locations in the E.U. for companies with operations in the single market and worldwide. With reduced direct and indirect taxation, adequate infrastructures, competitive operational costs, safety and quality of life, Madeira is positioned to provide the investor with a unique package of benefits, offering a wide range of solutions to enhance the efficiency and performance of various forms of investment.

Moreover, Madeira's preferential tax regime has not only been approved by Portugal, but also by the European Union as a valid form of State Aid for regional development, providing Madeira's IBC with credibility and transparency. To find out more about Madeira's special status in the E.U., please consult State Aid nº 222-A-02; State Aid nº 222-B-02 and the Commission's Decision 2003/294/CE.

For more information visit the official website of the International Business Center of Madeira [28].

• Il Basilico, Rua de Leichlingen, 7 , Pormenade, ☎ +351 291 708700, [29]. Italian Restaurant belonging to the Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts • À la carte lunch and dinner • served inside and on the terrace • special children's menu • reservation recommended Open every day from 12.30 to 15.00 and 19.30 to 22.00  edit

• Il Gallo D'oro, The Cliff Bay Hotel Estrada Monumental, 147, ☎ +351 291 707 700, [30]. First Michelin Star Restaurant on the island of Madeira • Mediterranean gourmet cuisine • a jacket and tie required for gentlemen • reservation recommended Opening times: Everyday, from 08.00 to 10.30 and 19.00 to 22.00  edit

• Adega da Quinta, Quinta do Estreito, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Tel: +351 291 910 530. Traditional restaurant where you can eat "espetada" in an old winery uphill from Câmara de Lobos
• Coral Restaurante, Praca da Autonomia, Câmara de Lobos, Tel: +351 291 098 284. Fresh fish and shell fish.
• Espada Preta, Caminho Trincheira, 9300-159 Câmara de Lobos, Tel: +351 291 948 439. Fresh fish and shell fish, also try their specialty "bread soup" (main course).
• Restaurante O Tunel, near the tunnel of Caniçal. Seafood starters and espetada as main course. If you do the levada walk or drive around the area of Caniçal, Machico and Pico de Facho.

Drink

Madeira Wine is a fortified wine prized equally for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira: Malvasia (also known as Malmsey or Malvazia), Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial, the latter two being drier.

• Quinta das Colmeias, Caminho do Poiso, Casais Proximos, Santo Antonio da Serra (from Funchal / airport, drive past the golf course. Just before the round about, there is a turining to your left. Is the fourth gate on your right), ☎ +351291741515, [31]. Two Holiday homes. The Main house sleeps 8 and the Cottage sleeps 6. Both share a common swimming pool. A few minutes drive from Santo da Serra Golf Course and Horse Ridding Centre. (32° 43' 08,83,016° 48' 49,33) edit

• Atrio - Madeira [32]: The Atrio is a small family run hotel located on the south side of Madeira island. Each room is individually styled. Address: Lombo dos Moinhos Acima, 9370-912 Estreito da Calheta - Madeira (+351) 291 820 400, email: welcome@atrio-madeira.com, fax: (+351) 291 820 419.
• Vila Galé Santa Cruz, Rua de São Fernando 9100-157 SANTA CRUZ - MADEIRA, ☎ (+351) 291 529 000, [33]. Since its launch in 2006, the Vila Galé Santa Cruz Hotel is your hotel of choice for a holiday in Madeira. Only 5 minutes away from Funchal International Airport, the Santa Cruz Hotel is a top-quality 4-star hotel where you only have the sea for a vista. Located only a few kilometers away from the tourism centre of Funchal  edit
• Villa Koala, (info@koala-madeira.com), [34]. The Koala is a small hotel located on the south side of Madeira island.  edit
• Pestana Hotels & Resorts - Caniço: Pestana Atalaia [35]
• Estalagem do Mar, just outside within walking distance from São Vicente on the north coast. Rooms with private bathroom and tub and view to the Atlantic Ocean. Indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi and a sauna, lots of parking space. Double low-season at €50.
• Crowne Plaza, [36]. Some English spoken here, wireless access in lobby. All rooms have ocean front views facing east. Several options for day trips and guided activities.
• Quinta da Quebrada, [37]. Quinta da Quebrada is on the North Coast of Madeira, more precisely in Arco de São Jorge. The place has pleasant weather, with sun all year round. Very warm and dry in summer, gentle temperature and very few rainy days in winter. The unit has 7 Bungalows all with a very beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean, TV and Telephone. Each one is made up of a double room, a private bath-room, and a kitchenette/living-room.
• Quinta Da Casa Branca[38], An old Quinta converted into a boutique design hotel, set in the heart of Funchal, among colourful gardens.

• The Cliff Bay The Cliff Bay Estrada Monumental, 147 +351 291 707 700 [39]. Luxurious 5 star hotel owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, it is the most awarded 5 star hotel in Madeira with prizes like the Neckermann PRIMO 2008; Trip Advisor 2009 Winners: Top 100 World Luxury Hotels; Style Holidays Gold Award 2005, etc.

• Porto Santa Maria, Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, 50, ☎ +351 291 206700, [40]. Porto Santo Maria, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, lies at the water's edge in the very heart of Funchal's old centre.. A lovely 4 star hotel offering 146 rooms, restaurant, bars with terrace, direct access to the promenade, outdoor pool, indoor pool, SPA, gym, parking... all in the heart of the city.  edit

• Hotel Porto Mare, Rua Simplício Passos Gouveia, 21, ☎ +351 291 703700, [41]. The 4 star Porto Mare hotel, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, occupies the central wing of the Vila Porto Mare resort and benefits from the use of all its facilities. There are many different corners and atmospheres here ... something new to discover everyday.  edit

• Suite Hotel Eden Mar, Rua do Gorgulho, 2, ☎ +351 291 709700, [42]. The 4 star Suite Hotel Eden Mar, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, is the place to put yourself in tune with nature and enjoy your time in the exuberance of the surroundings. Feel yourself merging with the Atlantic Ocean and experience the lusciousness of the tropical gardens.  edit

• The Residence, Rua de Leichlingen, 7, ☎ +351 291 708700, [43]. The 4 star The Residence, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, is occupying the west wing of the Vila Porto Mare resort, The Residence enjoys the use of all its facilities and a real sense of community. Four restaurants, five bars, five pools, SPA,sports and children's facilities...  edit
• Reid's Palace, [44]. Lovely old five-star where Winston Churchill used to stay!  edit

• Savoy & Royal Savoy - [45] Reid's rival hotel complex, consists of the old Savoy hotel and new, contemporary Royal Savoy

Stay safe

Emergency Service telephone number is 112 Some police in Funchal have red armbands, this signifies that they speak another language other than Portuguese, mainly English and German. Crime figures for Madeira are very low.

From LoveToKnow 1911

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Etymology

From Portuguese madeira (“‘wood’”), from Latin materia, from Proto-Indo-European *méh₂tēr (“‘mother’”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /məˈdɪə(ɹ).ə/, SAMPA: /m@"dI@(r).@/

  Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)ə

Proper noun

Madeira

1. Island in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal.

Derived terms

• Madeira cake/madeira cake
• Madeiran
• maderize

Translations

Croatian

Proper noun

Madeira f.

1. Madeira

Portuguese

Etymology

From Latin materia (“‘stuff, timber’”) from Proto-Indo-European *méh₂tēr (“‘mother’”). Formal cognates include Spanish madera.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mɐˈdɐjrɐ/, SAMPA: /m6"d6jr6/

Proper noun

Madeira

1. Madeira