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Madeira, the 'Pearl of the Atlantic',
is located approximately 1000km from Portugal and approximately 500km from
the Moroccan mainland. Madeira boasts temperatures ranging from about 18
degrees centigrade in the winter, to a bearable summer peak of about 25 degrees
centigrade. The weather makes Madeira an ideal year round destination - a
tropical paradise filled with beautiful scenery, history, and many sporting
and leisure activities.
History
Madeira was discovered in 1418
by Joao Goncalved Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira - they named the island
Madeira - which means wood - as it was covered in trees. Christopher Columbus
got married in Madeira just before his voyage to America in 1492. Captain
Kidd, is said to have buried his legendary treasure off the Portugese Islands.
Captain Cook also ordained Madeira's history as well as Winston Churchill
who enjoyed painting the landscapes and scenery on the island.
Madeira boasts the
beautiful arts of embroidery and wickerwork. Embroidery skills are still
passed from mother to daughter. Madeiran embroidery is famous worldwide and
there are displays of tablecloths, napkins, etc available to purchase from
all over the island. Wickerwork is also available both to see and buy - there
are grand displays -The café Relogio has a fascinating collection
of wickerwork animals. Underneath the basement is the workshop where the
basket makers skills can be seen working.
Activities
Walking/trekking, viewing the many
gardens with their tropical plants/flowers, watersports, big game fishing,
dolphin or whale spotting, golf, nightclubs with top class entertainment
including a casino.
VISA Information
Visitors from the European Union,
members of the Shengen Treaty, are granted unrestricted entry. A passport
with at least 6 months validity is recommended. If you hold a passport other
than those issued by member states mentioned above, a visit Portugal visa
may be required. Please check you hold valid documents for entry to Madeira.
Air Travel Corporation will not accept any liability for passengers holding
incorrect entry documentation for Madeira.
VACCINATIONS: not required at present
- please check with your doctors' surgery for any updates to this.
Local Information
Banks: are open from 08:30 - 15:00
Monday - Friday.
Foreign Exchange bureaux from 09:00 - 13:00, and 14:00 - 19:00 daily except
on Saturdays: 09:00 - 19:00.
Shops are open from 10:00 - 22:00 daily.
Major credit cards are accepted in most places.
Language: Portugese
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 220 volts.
Time: Madeira is on GMT, and the
clocks go forward one hour on the last Sunday of March, and then go back
one hour on the last Sunday of October.
Water: tap water can be consumed. Bottled water is also available.
Medical: there are 67 health centres around the island, and there are two
hospitals in Funchal.
Police: keep a low profile in general. If you need assistance, please dial
112.
Overall Madeira is a safe holiday destination, as long as you take sensible
precautions. Most hotels have a safety deposit box or safe in the room where
you can keep your valuables.
Tips: Hotel and restaurant bills mostly include service charge, however,
the normal rate for good service is 10%.
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