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