Rising like a green miracle off the coast of Morocco, about a thousand miles southwest of Lisbon, Madeira is blessed with a spectacular volcanic landscape and a mild subtropical climate.
The island also lends its name to a rich and fruity liqueur wine, which has been produced there for centuries.
"Floating Garden" and "Pearl of the Atlantic" are just two of the many epithets that can be attributed not only to the island of Madeira but also to its smaller "sister", Porto Santo, which offers crystal clear waters and a golden beach, which extends for more than nine kilometers.

Gastronomy
Despite its location in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira cuisine is typically Mediterranean, with lots of fish, olive oil and garlic.

The seas that surround the archipelago are very productive and very rich in marine life. The black sword serves as the base for the most traditional dishes in Madeira. In spite of its frightening appearance, this long, pointed-toothed fish with huge eyes offers a tasty and juicy white meat, often served with sliced ​​banana or a delicious marinade of wine and vinegar.

The tuna, abundant in these waters, is usually grilled, in steaks that are served with lemon slices. Other fish dishes very popular in Madeira use the grouper, mullet, and swordfish.

Madeira's most famous meat dish is sausage, with pieces of meat (usually beef) alternating with onions, tomatoes, and peppers, all barbecued on a grill.

Another true "ex-libris" of Madeira cuisine is the fried corn, which often comes as a side dish to meat and fish dishes.

Madeirans have successfully cultivated a wide variety of tropical fruits, which can be found in the island's markets. Visitors can purchase avocados, kiwis, mangoes, papayas, and figs, as well as custard apples, guavas, passion fruit, surinam cherry, loquats, and arboreal tomatoes, all locally produced.

Must visit
Funchal, the capital of the archipelago, is a charming city sprawled over a bay of crystal clear waters with green mountains as a backdrop. In its historic area, next to the harbor, you can still find beautiful 18th-century mansions. Not to be missed, also, the botanical garden and afterward, you can return to the city in typical local sleds.

To the west of the city, we can find the second highest maritime cliff in the world, Cape Girão, with its almost 600 meters of height.
In addition to its beautiful beach, Porto Santo is also famous due to the famous navigator Christopher Columbus he lived there, before launching himself discovering the New World.

 
Main attractions
Christopher Columbus House in Porto Santo

Pico Ruivo, the highest peak of Madeira

Santana triangular houses
Cabo Girão, the second-highest maritime cliff in the world

Levada Tours/trails

Curral das Freiras
Funchal Botanical Gardens

Old Blandy Wine Lodge Museum in Funchal

Main events and festivities
Carnival - February
Madeira Island Open - May
Flower Festival - May
Atlantic Festival - June
Funchal Jazz - July
Madeira Wine Rally - August
Nossa Senhora do Monte Festival - August

Madeira Wine Festival - September
New Year's Eve in Madeira