Madeira Island is often referred to as "The Pearl of the Atlantic" or "The Purple Island." The Portuguese island is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and is one of the two inhabited autonomous regions of Portugal. Madeira is famous for its Madeira wine, an abundance of flowers and a large number of artists specializing in embroidery. The island also proudly hosts the largest fireworks display in the world every New Year's Eve.

 

 

History

Originally, Madeira was known as the Purple Island. The island was rediscovered by the Portuguese sometime between 1418 and 1420. At that time fish and wheat were the main commodities. In the 1700s when the production of wheat began to drop the islanders began to plant sugarcane. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British Empire occupied Madeira. They returned the island to Portugal in 1814. In 1976 Madeira was granted political autonomy from Portugal.

 

Art & Museums

Visitors to Madeira must see The Whale Museum which is home to many artifacts from a time when whaling was permitted on the island. The museum features a life size replica of a whale and fishing boat so that visitors can appreciate the skill that was once required of whalers. The Museum of the Sacred Art of Funchal is an art museum that displays Portuguese, Flemish and Madeira art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The Casa Museu Photografia Vicentes is another must see. The Vicentes Photographic Museum was Madeira's first photographic studio and has a huge collection of photographs from 1852 and on.

 

Nightlife

Madeira nightlife has something to offer all ages. There are hundreds of restaurants where one can dine on local cuisine and international cuisine. There are clubs where one can dance all night or enjoy the local talent. There are cabaret shows and even a casino for those who may be feeling lucky!

 

How to get there

Island Madeira is a one and a half hour flight from Portugal and can be reached in about three hours from most of Europe. There are cruise ships that port in Madeira. If you are coming from Porto Santo there is a car ferry that you may take to Madeira.