Facts about Madeira

The Madeira Archipelago is situated between latitude 32º22’20" and 33º7’50" with its longitude between 16º16’30W and 17º16’38"W. The island of Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles (741 km2), (35 miles long and 13 miles wide). The island is 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, which is the equivalent of a 1 hour 30 minute flight from Lisbon. The archipelago, discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas.

These islands, because of their privileged geographical position and mountainous relief, have a surprisingly mild climate. Very mild average temperatures, 22ºC in the summer and 16ºC in the winter, and a moderate level of humidity, confer upon these islands exceptional subtropical features. The seawater temperature is also very mild, because of the influence of the warm Gulf current, presenting averages of 22ºC in the summer and 18º in the winter.

One can reach the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo by air or sea. There are two airports: Madeira International Airport - on Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo. Because the ports of Funchal and Porto Santo are often visited by cruising ships, they serve as gateways to the islands, as well as departure points to other destinations. Connections between the islands are either by air or ferryboats, which also transport cars. Surface transport on the islands is trouble-free thanks to the modern road structure, which has been significantly improved in recent years. Practically all points of these islands are served by a good road and transport network.

Visitors coming from the European Union, members of the Shengen Treaty, are granted unrestricted entry. Visitors from member states that are not signatories to this treaty need an identification document. International visitors should have a valid passport, and in some cases, a visa to visit Portugal might be requested. There is no need for any kind of vaccination.

Customs Formalities: Products leaving the island are not subject to any limitation. However, if a quantity is considered excessive, the customs officers might require a document proving that the articles are for personal use.

In addition to the traditional local craft products, Portuguese shoes, flowers and tropical fruits are favoured purchases on any visit. Our famous Madeira wine deserves special attention. Wickerwork, tapestry and the renowned Madeira embroidery should also find a place in the departing holidaymakers’ baggage. On the streets of Funchal, one can find shops selling the brands of internationally famous fashion designers.

Shops are open from 9:00 to 13:00hrs and from 15:00 to 19:00hrs, Monday to Friday. On Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00hrs. Some shopping centres are open from 10:00 to 22:00hrs every day. Major Credit cards accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

The region has very well developed in terms of IT networks and telephone communications. The international access code is +351, and the regional area code is 291.

Banks are open from 8:30 to 15:00hrs, Monday to Friday. Foreign Exchange offices work from 9:00 to 13:00hrs and from 14:00 to 19:00hrs, every day, except on Saturdays when they open from 9:00 to 19:00hrs. Outside these periods, the hotels can make currency exchange.

Language: Portuguese

Population: 255 000 people live on these islands according to data collected in 2001. Half of the population lives in the capital. Population density is very high, reaching 337 inhabitants/sq km in Madeira and 112 per sq km in Porto Santo.

Currency: € EURO

Time: Madeira follows Portuguese time with Summer time. Clocks advance one hour in the last Sunday of March and go back one hour in the last Sunday of October, according to the regulations of the European Union.

Electricity: The electric current is 220 volts.

Water: There is plenty of water of an excellent drinking standard. Porto Santo uses treated seawater, but all of it can be consumed.

Post: The main post office, or "Correios de Portugal", is at the centre of Funchal, at the Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian. There are daily collections at 11:00 and 15:00 from the post boxes placed all over the island.

Chemists: Chemists are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. In addition, at the door of every pharmacy you will find advisory notes about the pharmacies currently open.

Hospital Centres: There are 67 health centres situated around the Madeira island, and one at Porto Santo. In Funchal there are two hospitals.

Police: The police presence is very discreet. If you need help, dial 112. There is a Lost Property section in Funchal, at Rua da Infância, 28, Tel.: 291 208200

Safety: Madeira is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. If you take the minimum sensible precautions, you probably won’t experience any problems. Most of the hotels have safes or deposit boxes where you can keep your valuables.

Tips: In hotels and restaurants the bill normally includes service. The normal rate for good service is 10%.

Camping Parks: There are two official camping sites on the Madeira archipelago, one in Porto Moniz and the other in Porto Santo, in the town of Vila Baleira.

National Holidays
1st January New Years’ Day
25th April Freedom Day
1st May May Day
10th June Day of Camões and Portugal
15th August Our Lady Assumption
5th October Republic Day
1st November All Saints Day
1st December Restoration of Independence Day
25 December Christmas Day

On the 1st of July the Autonomous Region of Madeira celebrates its holiday. Religious festivities, with variable dates, are also celebrated in the Islands.