Thanks to the inhabitants’ joy and simplicity of the places, the atmosphere is friendly. Madeirans have a strong desire to help and master the art of welcoming. Visiting Madeira is like “feeling at home” from the very first minute, through a very characteristic hospitality that differentiates any trip to this destination.

Madeira has 6 centuries of cultural heritage, which deserves special attention. In addition to being endowed with a rich heritage in relation to its buildings (churches, chapels, monuments and museums), there are several traditions and customs that are maintained today, and that can be experienced in first person, either daily (markets, historical districts and more rural settings), or in traditional events such as festivals and allegorical parades.

The gastronomic offer is diverse, with exotic and refined flavours, simple and generous, reflecting the soul of the Madeirans. The richness of the soils, strengthened by a subtropical climate, offers several local products (fish, meat, vegetables and fruits), although there is easy access to some international and gourmet products.

A meal may include dishes meticulously elaborated in a Michelin-starred restaurant, fresh fish by the sea, a kebab in a wine area, or a sandwich made with bolo de caco on the terrace of a bar in the historic centre of Funchal. Another experience worth a visit is to spend some time in a Madeira wine cellar or a wine-producing farm to taste the famous wine that is born in the mountains and by the sea of these blessed islands.

Madeira’s climate allows for outdoor activities, almost 365 days a year. There are activities for all kids of tastes, to increase adrenaline or just for relaxing. Walking on the mountain trails is one of the possibilities for those seeking a new challenge, in different settings. Canoeing is also a radical experience in high demand. You can also enjoy every moment in peace, walking around waterfalls, taking a boat trip, or diving to observe marine life. In the air, paragliding is practiced to experience one of the greatest feelings of freedom.

Madeira is proud to present various events, literally throughout the year (from January to December), and on the most diverse topics: music, sports, gastronomy, among others. The Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival, Carnival, the Colombo Festival and the Wine Festival are some of the most popular events. They attract thousands of tourists, year after year, in search of joyous experiences, with a contagious energy that culminates on New Year’s Eve, with one of the largest fireworks in the world.

In 2012, Porto Santo beach won the “7 Wonders – Portuguese Beaches” category in the “Dune Beaches” contest. This 9-kilometre beach has crystal clear waters bathing an extensive and continuous coast of fine golden sands, which are the origin of its name “Ilha Dourada”.

It is an honour for Madeira to have received in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the title of “Best Island Destination in the World” at the World Travel Awards™, which is another good reason (among other) why you must visit this wonderful destination.