Madeira Overview

Madeira's climate verges on tropical in nature and blesses it with near-perfect weather across the seasons. Summers are hot but only occasionally excessively so, while winters rarely see temperatures drop below 17oC. The seasons in between are typically transitional. Rain falls most at the beginning and the end of the year, with November being the wettest month. more...

Madeira Activities

The famous Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, allegedly made a home in this old building on Porto Santo, which has since been converted into a modest museum. There’s not a huge amount of evidence to support the claim but historians agree that Columbus did indeed visit Porto Santo on his travel. In one of the rooms in the museum there are maps, engravings and other visual imagery depicting some of Columbus’ best known travel exploits. Phone: +351 291 983 405 more...

Madeira Sightseeing

The foundation stone of this splendid structure was laid in 1647 but it was some 23 years before its completion. Built in a style typical of the Jesuit order, to which it belongs, the church features a high nave, either side of which sit identical chapels illustrating a style that first emerged in the country during the 16th century. Inside the church are magnificent gold altarpieces that date from between 1647 and 1660, and an equally impressive carved high altar. more...

Madeira Transport

Air travel is the primary means of reaching Madeira Island, since there are no ferry services operating from mainland Europe. Luxury cruise liners regularly pull into Funchal, however. There are ferries connecting Madeira Island with Porto Santo, with services operating several times daily and accommodating drivers and their vehicles as well as foot passengers. more...

Madeira Travel Tips

Health issues for visitors to Madeira are few but in the unlikely event that you take ill, a high standard of medical treatment can be found at the three hospitals in the archipelago. EU visitors with a valid European Health Insurance Card can take advantage of free emergency treatment. All other visitors will be charged, so travel insurance with medical cover included is a must. Hospital Cruz de Carvalho (Funchal): +351 291 705 600 Emergency services: 112 more...