Madeira, officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira, is one of the two autonomous regions of
Portugal. It is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, in a region known as Macaronesia, near Canary
Islands and Morocco.
The capital of Madeira is Funchal, which is located on the main island's south coast. The
archipelago includes the
islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas.
Madeira generally has a very
mild and moderate subtropical climate with mediterranean summer droughts and winter rain. Many microclimates are
found
at different elevations.
Madeira, originally uninhabited, was claimed by Portuguese sailors in the service of Prince
Henrique,
the Navigator, in
1419.
The region is noted for its Madeira wine, gastronomy, historical and cultural value, flora and fauna, landscapes
that are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embroidery artisans.
Madeira is proud to present a wide range of diverse, regional, Portuguese, and international events
that are staged
throughout the year. Visitors to this dynamic, creative and multi-faceted destination are able to enjoy this
cornucopia
of cultural, sporting, recreational and popular events, from January to December.
Laurissilva is the name given to a type of humid subtropical forest made up mainly of trees from
the lauraceae
family of
trees and widespread in the Macaronesia - a region which includes the archipelagos of Madeira, the Azores,
the
Canaries
and Cape Verde.
Its greatest expression is in the highlands of Madeira where its greatest and best preserved swathe is found.
Fireworks are used in popular festivities or celebrations and in Madeira are no exception, loudly
announcing
Sylvester's
Night and the arrival of every New Year. Madeira held the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks
Display
in the World” between
2006
and 2010.
This page was designed and created by Catarina Gouveia