The Archipelago of Madeira is formed by the Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. Despite the short distance between these two islands, about 40 miles, the contrast of their landscape is huge: Madeira Island is green, humid, rocky and dense, while Porto Santo is golden, arid and has a long sandy beach.

These islands were the first territories discovered by the Portuguese navigators, in 1419, and helped significantly the following discoveries due to their geographical location.

Of rare beauty, these islands have always enchanted their visitors due to the beauty of their landscape and the mildness of their weather. It is not surprising so that tourism is the major economical activity of the islands.

The Archipelago attracts visitors in so many ways: exceptional hotel offer, tasty and varied gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes, awesome walking trails crossing mountains and water courses, a fantastic ocean plenty of fauna and flora, mild waters during the year-round, sport facilities and conditions, monuments, the Madeira Wine and the powerful Poncha drink. Diving, fishing, sea tours, whale and birds watching, horseback riding are activities available and easy to find. Another captivating aspect is the Laurissilva Forest, a pre historic endemic forest that occupies 20 per cent of Madeira Island area.

To its visitor, Madeira is an archipelago ready to be discovered. Using public transports or a rented car, one can visit the entire island. We strongly recommend the many walking trails along the water courses that cross the island and which offer truly contact with nature and awesome landscape sights.

In a violent and chaotic world as ours, you will find in Madeira a secure paradise, the ideal place for holidays in family.

Come and Visit Madeira!

Emergencies...................................................................................................................................................................... 112

Intoxications......................................................................................................................................................... 808 250 143

Hospitals

• Hospital Cruz de Carvalho....................................................................................................................................... 291 705600

• Hospital Dr. João de Almada.................................................................................................................................... 291 780300

• Hospital dos Marmeleiros........................................................................................................................................ 291 705730

Health Centres

• Madeira Medical Center, S.A................................................................................................................................... 291 003300

Fax – 291 003300 — Rua do Hospital Velho, 23 A

9060-129 Funchal — E mail – geral@madeiramedicalcenter.pt

Web – www.madeiramedicalcenter.pt

• Centro Clínico do Estreito........................................................................................................................................ 291 947400

Rua Dr. António Vitorino Castro Jorge nº 1 — 9325-026

• Centro Ortopédico de Santa Cruz............................................................................................................................. 291 524266

Rua da Calçada nº 4 — 9100–103 Santa Cruz

• Clínica de Santa Luzia............................................................................................................................................. 291 200000

Rua da Torrinha 5 — 9054-516

• Centro Clínico da Calheta........................................................................................................................................ 291 823456

Sítio da Estrela — 9370-111 Calheta

• Centro Médico Ribeira Brava................................................................................................................................... 291 952625

Rua Manuel Arriaga 16/17 — 9350-221 Ribeira Brava

• Casa de Saúde da Carreira...................................................................................................................................... 291 200390

Rua Câmara Pestana 24 — 9000-403 Funchal

• Policlínica de Machico.............................................................................................................................................. 291 969100

Rua do Ribeirinho, Edifício R/C, 1º — 9200-102 Machico

• Centro Clínico da Ponta do Sol................................................................................................................................ 291 972297

Edifício Sede Pontassolense — 9360 Ponta do Sol

• Centro Clínico do Porto Santo ................................................................................................................................ 291 098363

Pavilhão Multiusos de Porto Santo – R/C Sítio das Matas - 9400-150 Porto Santo

City Department of Rescue .................................................................................................................................. 291 213110

Sea Rescue Institute ............................................................................................................................................ 291 230112

Fire Headquarters

• Bombeiros Municipais do Funchal ............................................................................................................................ 291 200930

• Bombeiros Voluntários Madeirenses......................................................................................................................... 291 229115

Civil Protection...................................................................................................................................................... 291 700112

Police Departments Crime Facts      

• Crime Facts........................................................................................................................................................... 291 215600

• Safety Services...................................................................................................................................................... 291 208200

• Land Customs........................................................................................................................................................ 291 214460

• Maritime Customs.................................................................................................................................................. 291 213110

• Maritime Unit

Funchal.................................................................................................................................................................... 291 220835

Porto Santo.............................................................................................................................................................. 291 980075

• Foreigners Affairs Office.......................................................................................................................................... 291 524122

Official Department of Tourism

• Phone Line Service................................................................................................................................................. 291 211902

• Office of Tourism in Funchal.................................................................................................................................... 291 211900

• Office of Tourism in Porto Santo.............................................................................................................................. 291 985189

Airport

• Funchal.................................................................................................................................................................. 291 520700

• Porto Santo ........................................................................................................................................................... 291 980120

Taxis

• Madeira............................................................................................................................................. 291 764476 / 291 741412

• Porto Santo............................................................................................................................................................ 291 980120

Portugal Telecom

• Customers Support.......................................................................................................................................................... 16200

• National Information (phone numbers, names and addresses)................................................................................................. 118

• National Operator Assisted Communications.......................................................................................................................... 120

• International Operator Assisted Communications.................................................................................................................... 171

• International Calls Charged on Destination............................................................................................................................. 172

• National, International and Exclusive Telegrams................................................................................................................... 1583

• Call to Ships at Sea............................................................................................................................................... 948 06 72 22

      The Island of Porto Santo was rediscovered in 1418 by João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira. A year later, the same navigators landed in Madeira Island, accompanied with Bartolomeu Perestrelo. It is however accepted that these islands were discovered earlier due to the fact that they were already mentioned in 1350 by the names Leiname, Diserta and Puerto Santo by a Spanish Monk in his book “Libro Del Conoscimiento”, and they were also represented in earlier Italian and Spanish charts.

      Once recognised the potential of the islands and their favourable location, the settlement began in 1425 by initiative of Prince Henry the Navigator. From 1440 on, the territory was divided into three districts: Machico, ruled by Tristão Vaz Teixeira; Porto Santo, six years later, ruled by Bartolomeu Perestrelo; and Funchal, in 1450, ruled by Zarco. These captains (as they were called) came to the islands with their families, along with a small group of nobles, a group of poor people, and some former prisoners. In order to survive, they had to cut part of the Laurissilva dense forest, and build many channels to deviate the abundant water to the drier fields. In the beginning, they subsisted on a diet of fish and land products; wheat, initially just to subsistence farming, was later produced in large quantities and exported to mainland.

      However, without an unknown reason, the cereals production declined. To overcome the following crisis, Prince Henry ordered the plantation of sugar-cane, a rare production in Europe, and sent for the first sugar-cane plants and experts from Sicilia. Sugar-cane plantations attracted to the island Jewish, Genovese and Portuguese merchants, which contributed undoubtedly to the development of the local economy. As the production increased and demanded workmanship, many slaves from other countries, like Canarias, Morocco, and Mauritania, were brought to the island. Sugar-cane plantations and sugar production were in constant labour until the 17^th century, and were followed by transforming industry, since the cane sugar juice extraction to the boiling of honey in the refinement process.

     The sugar production period was a time of great development not only in the economy but also in the cultural aspect.  This  time of richness made possible the development of arts and patrimony. Art Sacra Museum, for example, keeps a collection of flamenco paintings brought by the time from Bruges and Antwerp, of which the islanders are very proud.

     Among the  several buildings that date back from this period, we can mention like the Cathedral of Funchal, Church and Convent of Santa Clara, the churches in Calheta, Santa Cruz and Machico, and the chapels of Reis Magos, Encarnação and Corpo Santo.

     In the last decades of the 16^th century, sugar-cane production declined due to several diseases and the competition of Brazilian sugar. The crisis accompanied the entire 17^th century, but it did not affect the importance that the port of Funchal had in the trade routes between Europe, India, America and Asia.

     During 1580-1640, the entire national territory, Madeira included, was under Spanish domination; with the recovery of independence, the Portuguese Princess Catarina de Bragança married with Carlos II of England and this alliance increased the exports of Madeira wine to England and its colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. Consequently, Madeira experienced a new period of prosperity, this time based on wine production.

     By the beginning of the 19^th century, a new crisis arose: the British consumers’ habits changed, and Madeira wine was no longer a fashina. Again, the solution was found in cereals production and sugar-cane plantations, along with banana.

     It was also in the 19^th century that tourism industry started to emerge. Because of its mild climate and location, Madeira is a necessary port of call to the passengers’ ships from Africa and Asia. In the 20^th century, this industry developed significantly with the building of several hotels and the investment in training professionals; as a result, Madeira has become famous for the quality of its tourist offer. Furthermore, the construction of a new airport and the enlargement of the port allowed better and bigger possibilities to receive tourists, and contributed to turn this industry in the main economical activity and support of the island. It was also during the 20^th century that the highways were designed and built.

     With the end of the fascist regime in 1974, the two Autonomous Regions of Madeira and Azorean archipelagos were created. Consequently, both archipelagos gained executive and legislative autonomy; the regional parliament and the government are elected by universal suffrage and have specific competences. The President of the Autonomous Region of Madeira is Alberto João Jardim, who has been successively reelected since 1978.     

     Since Portugal entered the European Union in 1985, Madeira and Azores were given funding to assist with the disadvantages and deficit of development of their peripheral location. A true revolution was operated at the level of infra-structures: highways, bridges, viaducts, schools, yacht-harbours, ports, electrical power supply net, enlargement of the airport landing trips and new airport facilities; naturally, the possibility of more visitors encouraged the construction of new hotels and other tourist services in general. Tourism is the modern golden age.

The easiest way to reach the archipelago is by plane to the international airports of Madeira and Porto Santo. There are also flights between these two islands.

     Several daily flights connect Madeira to Lisbon and Porto, and there are regular connections to London, Dublin and Caracas, besides charters flights.

The ports of Funchal and Porto Santo are the destination of many cruises and yachts, especially during autumn and winter because of the geographical location of the archipelago. A ferry boat makes regular connections between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

As a Portuguese territory, citizens from the countries of the European Union only need personal Identification Card when visiting Madeira; visitors from countries outside the EU must have a passport. 

Visitors from those countries where Portugal does not have official representation should address the request directly to the Portuguese Authorities.

Customs services control the arrival and departure of persons and goods. To rent cars, bikes or other vehicles, with the exception of bicycles, foreign citizens must present international driving licenses or valid driving licences of their countries. Local maritime authorities control the arrival and departure of boats. 

      Portuguese is the official language; there many accents spoken in different parts of the islands, with special attention to Porto Santo which has a very particular one. Because the industry of tourism is dominant in the islands, the islanders master several foreign languages, especially English but also French and German.

     Euro is the local currency, with coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 euros, and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Banks and exchange offices are the proper places to exchange your money; banks work from 08:30 to 15:00 and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; exchange offices work Monday to Friday 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00, and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 19:00. Exchanges can also be done at hotels.

The following days are holiday: January 1 (New Year’s Day), Carnival Tuesday, April 25 (Freedom Day), May 2 (Labour Day), June (Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities), July 1 (Day of the Autonomous Region of Madeira), August 15 (Religious Holiday), October 5 (Republic Day).

In geographic terms, Madeira belongs to the African continent, located 660 km from Morocco, in the same parallel as Casablanca, 400 km distant from Gran Canary Island and 1,000 kms from Lisbon.

It is a small island, with just 740.7 sq km, 57 km long and 22 km maximum width. It has volcanic origin and its higher peak is Pico Ruivo, with 1,861 metres. Madeira has 244,300 inhabitants, representing a population density of 330 inhabitants per sq km, one of the highest in Europe.

The climate in Madeira is mild, with an average temperature of 16 ºC in winter and 21ºC in summer. Sea water temperature varies between 18º in winter and 22º in summer. Annual precipitation varies between 500 mm southeast and over than 2000 mm in the North hills.

Porto Santo is located 40 Km northeast of Madeira, and it is quite smaller with only 42.17 sq km and a population of 4,388 inhabitants, 106 per sq km.

The other islands of the archipelago are:

- Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands), a group of three islands called Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio; they are part of Santa Cruz Municipality and are located 22 miles southeast of the City of Funchal.

- Selvagens (Wild Islands), located 250 km south of Madeira, are formed by two main islands and several islets with only two inhabitants that guard the Natural Park of Madeira.

Madeira is an Autonomous Region since 1975, with a Regional Legislative Assembly and a Regional Government. The Portuguese State is represented in the region by the Representative of the Portuguese Republic to the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The Legislative Assembly is a parliament composed by 47 deputies, elected for a period of 4 years. 

The parties existing in the Region are linked to the correspondent national parties. In the last legislative elections, which took place on May 6^th 2007, PSD Madeira won with an overwhelming score of 64.2 per cent. The President of the Regional Government is Alberto João Jardim, who has been successively elected since 1978.

Agriculture

Historically, Madeira’s economy was based on agriculture, from which the majority of the population depended. Even though the volcanic soil is fertile, the mountainous relief does not allow the use of machinery because the plantation fields are located in steps in the hills. The agricultural fields are located at three different levels: the lowlands near the sea receive the most profitable cultures as banana, mango, sugar-cane, passion-fruit and other similar tropical plants; in middle lands, the fields are cultivated in a multi culture system with potato, bean, maize, wheat, and Mediterranean fruit trees as fig-tree and loquat; in the highlands, the fields are pasture, or pinewoods and forest. 

Cattle breeding are the complement of agriculture. The predominant cattle are sheep and goat, with few bovine animals. The cattle are used as meat and also as natural fertiliser.

The activity of fishing is still done with traditional methods; the most captured species are tuna and swordfish.

Presently, tourism industry is a medium resource of income in the island’s economy. Banana production stands out in the agricultural sector, directed to the local and national market. Flowers and Madeira Wine are also very important to the regional economy.

Industry

The industrial sector is mainly dedicated to local traditional crafts as embroidery, tapestry and wicker work. There are several small industries of pasta, dairies and cane sugar just for the local markets. Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Santa Cruz and Machico are the most industrialised zones.

Centro Internacional de Negócios da Madeira (international business centre) provides fiscal and finance incentives to several companies that have seat in its facilities. This centre has positively contributed to the economical development of the island since it has been helping companies from different sectors as finance, industry and commerce.

The fiscal policy practiced in Madeira is also very attractive to national and international investment, for the taxes applied to citizens and companies are much lower in Madeira. Because of this fact, many Portuguese and foreign companies have already invested here, and Madeira has earned a place in the economic and financial world map.

When the first Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15^th century, the island was deserted. At the present time, the island’s population is about 245,000 inhabitants. Half of the island’s population lives in Funchal, concentrated in only 7 per cent of the island’s area, in the south coast. Most people are catholic, and the diocese is located in Funchal.

The best season

Since the Autonomous Region of Madeira was blessed with a mild climate, the difference of temperature between winter and summer is not significant. The temperature average is of 22ºC during summer and 16ºC in winter. The most rainy and cold months are January, February, November and December; but even in these months one can enjoy sunny days with 22ºC of temperature. If you live in a cold country and wish to escape from a gelid and dark winter, Madeira is the best place for your vacations. The weather in summer is not too hot despite the humidity levels, and so this is also a good season to visit Madeira.

The highest tourist season is December, for visitors are attracted by good weather conditions and the festivities of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, embellished with city lightning and a spectacular firework show. If you are intending to visit the island during that time, you should make reservations in antecipation.

In resume, it is always a good time to visit the Archipelago.

What to bring along

You can find almost everything in need in the local commerce due to the fact that Madeira is a well developed region. One may need a sun hat, sun cream and a pair of sun glasses; do not forget of your swim suit even in winter; bring a pullover and a light coat if you visit the island in winter. If you intend to follow the many walking trails of the island, you should bring warm clothes, rain boots and coat, because in altitudes over 1,000 metres the temperatures declines to nearly 0ºC, and it even snows in the higher peaks sometimes. 

You should not concern about your medicine supply because you will easily find whatever you need in the local pharmacies, hospitals and health centres.

The islanders are used to receive visitors and welcome them with care and will help in what concerns to information because almost everyone can communicate in English. Safety is still a characteristic of the islands, so you do not have to be concerned about robberies or other vandalism acts.