Imagine a place where nature is lush, the sea is calm and warm, the food is extraordinary and the monuments are majestic. A place where you are welcomed with a smile. That place... is the island of Madeira.
With a mild climate and pleasant temperatures all year round, any month is the perfect time to visit the island. You can expect plenty of sunshine, perfect conditions for going to the beach or pool, and countless opportunities to explore all the natural beauty Madeira has to offer.
The easiest way to get to Madeira is by plane. Many European cities have direct flights to the island's main airport, close to the capital, Funchal.
You can also travel to Madeira by sea, on a cruise ship, as the island is a popular stop on many routes that sail across the Atlantic.
Madeira's cuisine is a mixture of Portuguese culinary traditions with African and Mediterranean influences, among others. This illustrates how, down through history, the island has always been an important port of call for sailors and traders.
Beef skewers, limpets and bolo do caco are some of the dishes for which Madeira is famous. Do not forget to try poncha (sugar cane rum) and, of course, the world-famous Madeira wine.
The Laurissilva Forest is a unique, centuries-old forest. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its exceptional biodiversity and immeasurable universal value.
The forest extends over about 15,000 hectares and is home to an enormous diversity of plant species, many of which are endemic to Madeira, such as the laurel and lily of the valley.
