Madeira Island Tourism - Info and meetings for Tourists

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies between 32°22.3′N 16°16.5′W / 32.3717°N 16.275°W / 32.3717; -16.275 and 33°7.8′N 17°16.65′W / 33.13°N 17.2775°W / 33.13; -17.2775 in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Madeira is part of the EU as an outermost region of the European Union.

Madeira Island's geographical position and mountainous landscape result in a very pleasant climate which varies between the north side, south side, and smaller islands groups like Porto Santo and Savages. Madeira has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csb) that is strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream, giving it one of the mildest climates in world. Its average annual temperature in coastline is over 18 °C (64 °F): about 21 °C (70 °F) during the day and 15 °C (59 °F) at night. Average annual temperature of sea is 20 °C (68 °F), from 18 °C (64.4 °F) in the winter to 23 °C (73.4 °F) during the summer. The summer's season in coastline lasts nearly all year round, although during the period from December to April temperatures often fall below 20 °C (68 °F).

Madeira was discovered by Portuguese sailors some time between 1418 and 1420. The archipelago is considered to be the first discovery of the exploratory period initiated by Henry the Navigator of Portugal. The British occupied Madeira as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, a friendly occupation starting in 1807 and concluding in 1814 when the island was returned to Portugal. It is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year's Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records. Its harbour – Funchal – is important due to its commercial and passenger traffic and for being a major stopover for cruisers en route from Europe to the Carib