The island of Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles (741 km2), (35 miles long and 13 miles wide).
Thanks to their excellent geographical location and mountainous relief, these islands have surprisingly balmy weather, with moderate humidity and pleasant average temperatures of 25ºC in the summer and 17ºC in the winter.
The sea temperature is also very mild, thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, averaging 22ºC in the summer and 18ºC in the winter.
Currently, tourism is the main driver and the biggest source of revenue of Madeira’s economy. In agriculture, banana production directed primarily at regional and national consumption, the flowers and the famous Madeira wine, also constitute an important contribution toward the regional economy.
The Autonomous Region of Madeira has about 270,000 inhabitants and a population density of 334.5 inhab./Km².
In spite of this population density being higher than the national average, 75% of the population of Madeira dwells in only 35% of the territory, mainly on the south coast. This is where Funchal, capital of Madeira, is located which includes 45% of the population (130,000 inhabitants), with a population of 1,500 inhab./Km². It is here that the majority of the hotels are located.
Source: http://www.visitmadeira.pt
Madeira Island is a tourist destination and has been elected for several consecutive years as the "Best Island Destination in the World" in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by the World Travel Awards. It was also awarded the "Europe's Leading Island Destination" in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Madeira is known for having events and festivals throughout the year, the traditional ones are called "Arraiais" normally celebrate important dates from saints, churches or even regional products such as: Arraial de São Martinho, Arraial do Curral das Freiras, Festa da Anona, Festa da Cidra, Festa da Banana e outros... The list in endless.
The anual events are:
The Carnival in Madeira is very colorful and offers numerous activities in this season. It is characterized by two types of parade the allegorical and the slapstick (Trapalhão). The streets are filled with joy.
The Flower Festival is a cultural event that celebrates metamorphosis and rebirth, all the transformation that comes with the Spring season.
Several flower rugs are held in the streets, where the colors and the smells of the flowers welcome to those who pass by.
There is animation and entertainment during the festival and is characterized by the parade performed by various troupes with costumes that represent and symbolize flowers.
This festival is celebrated in the early summer season with pyromusical shows. It is held every Saturday in June. Each show lasts for 20 minutes, where the colors of the fireworks are orchestrated along with music. These shows are a competition between companies for a trophy awarded by public vote.
Every year a Medieval Fair is held in Machico. A fair that offers all the medieval atmosphere from shows, music, games, gastronomy, dances and medieval parades.
The island of Madeira is known worldwide for its wine. The Wine Festival celebrates all kinds of activities associated with grape harvesting, wine making, offering all kinds of activities to the public associated with wine.
Festival in Porto Santo to celebrate the Portuguese Discoveries with a lot of activities.
In order to promote the nature and activities related to.
Christmas in Madeira is celebrated in a warm way, characterised by the gathering of families and friends in the Nativity masses and in the streets where there are stalls with traditional Madeiran drinks such as Poncha and liqueurs, complemented with food stalls. Also Christmas is marked by the Market Night, a traditional celebration that lasts all night, where there are Christmas carols, seasonal entertainment, and many places to eat and drink...
The holiday season is completed by the New Year's Eve Party, a world-renowned pyrotechnic show that shudders the island with an amazing colourful firework display that is listed in the Guiness World records.