Madeira Island - Portugal - Destination guide

Madeira - Porto Santo - Desertas - Selvagens

Madeira - the Portuguese islands - are situated in the middle of the north Atlantic Ocean 545 Kms from north Africa and 964 Kms from Lisbon. With an area of 794 sq. km the Madeira islands consists of eight larger islands and a few small islets. Only Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited. The Selvagens, three small islands and many tiny islets, are situated a couple of hundred Kms to the south, closer to the Canaries. The rocky Selvagens are a natural bird reserve set aside to scientific study.

The islands of Desertas, 20 Kms southwest is strictly a nature reserve. The Desertas consists of three islands; Deserta Grande, Chão and Búgio.

A very strange phenomenon is happening regarding the Desertas. In foggy weather, they can clearly be seen from Funchal, but in sunshine they are mostly completely gone.

Madeira is a very dramatic island. Exotic green with a light that gives the landscape a special shimmer. It is not like any other place. Not like Europe or the Canaries, and certainly not like Africa even though geographically the island is African, but still European.

The climate is pleasantly steady, mild subtropical. Never too warm, never too cold. The people are smiling, friendly polite, and hospitable.The perfect destination for your next vacation? Madeira will soon be the island in your heart.