Madeira, the largest island, and Porto Santo are set in the Atlantic Ocean about 350 miles (560 km) off the coast of Morocco. Known to the Romans as the Purple Islands, they were rediscovered in the 15th century by the Portugese explorer, Henry The Navigator.
The volcanic origins of Madeira can still be seen, the amphitheatre that surrounds Funchal was once a caldera. The Island is surprisingly mountainous with peaks of 1,860 metres or 6,100 feet high! Fortunately for the tourists, volcanic activity stopped about 6,500 years ago. This activity has endowed the island with a fertile landscape where much of the island was, until comparatively recently covered in ancient subtropical rainforest. Indeed this is the reason for the name of the island, ‘Madeira’ meaning ‘wood’ in Portuguese.
The capital city of Funchal, said to be Europe’s most picturesque and cleanest city, is very different today from its fennel growing, pirate days of old. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top class restaurants, stunning new 4 & 5 star hotels and warm all year round climate.
Funchal has not lost any of its charm and caters harmoniously for both day relaxers and night revellers. It is possible to enjoy its long stunning daytime walks, breathtaking scenery and al fresco evening dining but it is now the preferred haunt of the new breed of young, trendy and affluent Europeans who enjoy the late night party and clubbing diversions on offer.
Unlike most other European cities, with no crime on the island, it is safe to venture out any time of day or night without any gangs of rowdy drinkers creating binge-drinking ‘no-go’ areas. Funchal is a truly safe city something which the new bunch of fun loving’ tourists enjoy as well as respect.