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Madeira: Madeira (Portugal)

Overview

The Madeira archipelago (situated in the North Atlantic around 545km/338mi off the coast of north-west Africa, 978km/607mi from Lisbon) includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens. All the islands were uninhabited at the time of their discovery by the Portuguese in the 15th century (1419). Madeira (pop. 250,000, half of whom live in Funchal) is 57km/35mi long and 22km/14mi wide and covers an area of 741km2/286mi2. It has been an autonomous region since 1976 with its own locally elected government and parliament, but it remains legally and politically part of Portugal and is therefore a full member of the EU.

Madeira (the name means wood in English) is the mountain peak of a volcanic mass created at the same time as the Canary Islands and was originally covered in trees. Nowadays every available strip of land has been cultivated and the mountain slopes are terraced and irrigated by a complex network of water channels (levadas) extending to over 2,000km/1,250mi (which are used as hiking paths by visitors). The coastline mainly consists of dramatic peaks and cliffs (Cape Girão is the second highest cliff in the world) and the island has no beaches. The nearest beach is on the island of Porto Santo, 43km/27mi north-east of Madeira. Porto Santo is much flatter and drier (almost barren) than Madeira, but its saving grace is its glorious sandy beaches. It has its own airport with flights to Madeira and Lisbon and is also served by a ferry service from Madeira (1.5 hours).

Madeira is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Europe and a popular port of call for cruise ships. It’s noted for its stunning scenery and is one of the world’s most beautiful islands (it’s known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’). Lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, it has an excellent year-round mild climate (‘eternal spring’) and is a popular destination for northern Europeans seeking a winter refuge. Madeira is a lush green island with a mass of exuberant vegetation and is often referred to as the flower garden of the Atlantic. The capital, Funchal, tumbles down the mountainside towards the sea and offers a unique combination of hustle and bustle, and charm and elegance. Funchal has a wonderful market, which is a riot of colour and exotic smells. The island boasts two spectacular golf courses and a wealth of other sports facilities. Madeira has been famous for its hearty Madeira wines since the 18th century.

Madeira doesn’t have a very active property market, although it’s possible to buy your own slice of paradise and several new developments are currently underway. Property isn’t cheap, although it’s less expensive than in many parts of the Algarve, particularly on the island’s more remote north coast away from the capital Funchal. Old country properties are particularly attractive. Communications are good and the island is served by regular international flights from Portugal and many other European countries. The airport was recently expanded to allow larger planes to land.

© Survival Books Limited 2002

“Buying a Home in Portugal” 2nd Edition, David Hampshire.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Portugal” 2nd edition, by David Hampshire.

For extensive information about buying a property in Portugal, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net

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