The autonomous Madeiran archipelago consists of the main islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. These are situated mid Atlantic, some 600 miles from Lisborn on the Portuguese mainland. In addition, there are two sizable uninhabited islands, Las Desertas and Las Selvagens.
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1419, Madeira was settled and initially developed with the aid of slave labour from Portuguese prisons. Joao Goncalves Zarco, the captain of the fleet of ships that first sighted the archipelago, becoming its first governor.
Funchal, located on the southern coast, was founded in 1425. Here, Joao Goncalves Zarco built himself a residence a little inland in the higher reaches of the new town.
Madeira's volcanic soil proved to be very fertile and soon a flourishing sugar cane industry brought wealth to the island. Levada channels being built, again with the aid of slave labour, to bring water from the wetter inland mountainous region to the terraced farmlands of the drier south.
In 1508, Funchal was granted city status by the King of Portugal.
With increasing wealth came danger. Pirates regularly sailed the Atlantic Ocean, picking off targets from the many trade ships that ploughed the waters between Europe and the Americas. Now, the increasingly prosperous city of Funchal offered them another source to plunder.
To protect itself, city walls and fortifications were constructed. Funchal is situated in a natural amphitheatre, bounded behind by steeply rising terrain, and this made it easy for most buildings to be built so that each had an unhindered view of the ocean. Thus, at any time, many eyes were focused on the sea, looking for any approaching danger.
Today, that town has become the capital city and on the original site of Joao Goncalves Zarco's villa stands the impressive Quinta das Cruzes Museum.
Visitor Information
Santa Catarina is the main airport serving the archipelago. It is situated at Santa Cruz, just a 30 minutes drive from Funchal city centre. From here, smaller planes convey passengers to and from the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. There is also a daily ferry to Porto Santo operates from Funchal.
Madeira has a mild, sub-tropical climate. The temperature rarely falling below 15 degrees Celsius in the winter and seldom rising above 27 degrees Celsius in the summer.
During the winter months, the island is popular with British, German and Scandinavian visitors escaping the chill winds of home. Whereas, the springtime sees many French nationals adding to the mix. The summer months sees an influx of Spanish and Portuguese holidaymakers choosing this destination as a mild retreat from the oppressive temperatures of southern europe.
Christmas on Madeira is a month long celebration. The bright lights, all pevasive decorations, street entertainment and carnavel atmosphere attracts many visitors. Most who spend Christmas on the island stay for the spectacular New Years Eve fireworks display. The event is said to be the largest pirotechnic event in the world!
Funchal is the main destination for most tourists. Here history abounds. Se Cathedral is resplendent and, in the main square, the Church of Colegio Sao Joao Evangelist stands. The Palace of Sao Lourenco looks out across the seafront prominade and the pink-painted Quinta Vigia, the official residence of the Governor, overlooks the marina. Or, if you don't mind climbing a steep hill, you can visit the Fort Pico in the upper suburbs. All have free entry and the public can wander around unhindered.
The Old Blandy 's Wine Lodge operate guided tours for a small fee. You can also visit the yellow painted Fortaleza de São Tiago, again the entrance fee is very reasonable.
Newer tourist attractions include the cable car ride up to Monte, the Madeira Story Museum and the almost obligatory open-topped sightseeing bus.
When it comes to eating, Funchal offers a wide choice of cafes and restuarants. Most hotels also offer evening meals to non-residents. Being an island, seafood is a main part of most menus. The mild espada fish being a unique dish you are unlikely to find anywhere else. Prices start from a few euros and, in the most select establishments, are charged at 365 euros for a midnight feast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
One thing you can be certain of, any locally produced fruit or vegetables will be organically grown as pesticides and chemicals are banned. As a consequence, fruit skins will not be in their supermarket, pristine best. But, as the locals say, its the fruit that looks the ugliest that actually tastes the best.
