.jpg)
About Madeira
The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira lies approximately 650 kilometres from the coast of Morocco, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is very fertile, but mostly populated around the coastal areas.
Madeira has around 265.000 inhabitants and most of these live in the main city and port of Funchal.
The Tourist Industry provides the income and revenue for much of the population, but agriculture, fishing and winemaking are just as important to the economy.
Airports
There is one airport on Madeira and also one on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. By road from Madeira airport there is a 20 minute drive to the capital, Funchal.
Health & Medical Facilities
There are 2 main hospitals in the capital of Funchal, and many other 'health centres' around the island.
Activities
A number of holiday activities and sports are available for visitors to enjoy. They include the following:
Ballooning, Camping, Cable-Car rides, Cruising, Diving, Golf, Hire of Mountain Bikes and Scooters, Sea Fishing, Surfing and Walking with experienced Guides.
Visit:www.madeiratourism.com
Currency
The Currency in Madeira is the 'Euro'
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Food / Eating Out
Visitors to Madeira have a splendid choice of dining. There are elegant hotels renowned for their wonderful hospitality and exotic cuisine. Others, like smaller hotels offer more traditional standards of service and comfort, possibly with reduced costs, but with just as exciting menus and some famous named visiting chefs!
In the centre of Funchal and the old town area Zona Velha to the east, are where some of the best restaurants are to be found, many offering a variety of exotic specialities along with favourite local dishes. Fish is always on the Menu, with Tuna, Espada and Swordfish among the most popular and locally caught varieties. You will also find restaurants by the Marina, but there can be some heavy ‘touting’ for your custom, which can be off-putting! Expect to tip at around 10% if the service is good, less if not.
Table wines are generally from Portugal, not the local Madeira wine as you would expect. Bottled water is always recommended for drinking, wherever you are.
Getting around
Most Hotels offer a Free shuttle-bus service to Funchal several times each day, but generally the local buses are the most popular way for visitors to get around the island. It’s easy to buy a weekly ticket known as a ‘tourist pass’ from an office located near the harbour, for around 20 euros.
Car Rental is just as simple to organise. There are some wonderful sights to see and interesting places to visit - like the Botanical gardens, a number of small vineyards, the Levada Walks or spend time in the towns of Porto Moniz, Calheta and Garajau.
Language
The language in Madeira is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the capital Funchal and other popular tourist areas.
Sights
There are some wonderful sights to see and interesting places to visit - like the Botanical gardens, or small wine-producing vineyards where it’s possible to see the wine production techniques and sample the newest wine. The rugged terrain of the Levada Walks, and how they channel water to lower regions, are very interesting - good shoes are recommended. If you are touring by car, you could try spending time just visiting the towns and coastal areas of Porto Moniz, Calheta and Garajau. A fascinating cable-car ride to Monte is a great idea, there are far reaching views to see and enjoy much of the island’s natural landscape.
Weather
Madeira has a very pleasant sub-tropical climate which has attracted foreign tourists attraction for centuries.
Winter in Madeira can be very mild whilst during summer the temperature is wonderful. There are cool summer breezes that are blown in from the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Gulf stream, that creates very consistent weather which rarely gets excessively hot, and is unlikely to exceed 28-32degrees.
Rainfall in Madeira is mainly in the North, where the northerly winds collide with the high mountains. The Southern regions tend to benefit from more sun and often a refreshing cool breeze which is drawn in from the sea.
Wine
Madeira is famous for its fortified wines, which have been produced for over 400 years. Unfortunately, tourists may not see or be able to taste local Madeira table wine. In most restaurants and shops the choice of table wines appears to be generally from the mainland of Portugal.