Archive for May, 2010

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is famous year round holiday destination, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year’s Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records. It is a very mountainous volcanic island which last erupted 6,500 years ago. This region is also popular for its some man made beaches and hiking activities along the Levadas. Funchal is Madeira’s thriving capital city.

CLIMATE

Madeira Island’s geographical position and mountainous landscape result in a very pleasant climate which can be classified as sub-tropical. The region experiences warm temperatures all year round. Madeira is known to be cloudy in June. Temperatures can get up to around 33 °C when the ‘Leste’ – east wind coming from the Sahara desert –blows into the city. The island is full of small microclimates. Rainfall is moderate but occasional.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Madeira’s greatest tourist attraction is its landscape. The island offers an array of options concerning recreational activities that revolve around beachfronts, bathing complexes, golf courses, botanical gardens, marina and yachting attractions, also cliff-top hiking trails and wondrous coastal scenery. Madeira’s pride lies in its concentration of lauraceous forests, which are ranked the greatest in the world and two thirds of the island, are National Parks. Funchal, the capital city is thriving with bars, restaurants and an amazing nightlife. The island is home to some beautiful ornamental gardens which are more than worth your camera’s attention, so get clicking!!!!

AIRPORT

Funchal Airport on the Island of Madeira is the main airport that serves the island. It was renovated in the year 2000, and now boasts of a runway 2781 m in length. The airport is located in the city of Santa Cruz, 16km (10 miles) to the northeast of Funchal. The airport has one terminal with good facilities regarding luggage, restaurants, shopping, etc.

At the airport, your options for cheap car hire madeira airport
are: Auto Jardim, Avis, Drive Car Rental, Europcar, Hertz and Rodavante.

TRANSPORT

Madeira as a mountainous island has gradually developed its transportation network despite the impenetrable, rocky terrain through constructions of new roads, tunnels and overpasses. Within the capital city Funchal, the best means of transport is public transport. Buses operate throughout the city as well as out into the surrounds and are cheap and affordable but a slow form of transport. Rentals cars are a good option for day trips.