Madeira is made of two main Islands, Madeira and Porto Santo. The main island, Madeira, is 56 Kms. long and 19 Kms. wide but it would take a day to drive around the island due to its volcanic peaks that soar up to 1.862 metres, then in places dropping sharply into the ocean and down another 1.000 metres to the seabed. This island in the Atlantic Ocean has a land area of about 797 square kilometres, and about 600 Kms. away from the coast of Morocco. The Islands were known about by earlier sailors than the original settlement of people which took place in the early 15th Century led by the Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco. Sugar cane was grown and by 1514 there were already some 5.000 permanent inhabitants. It became a fought over prize for both the French and the Spanish. The French sacked Funchal in 1566 and it was not until 1662 when the Portuguese regained permanent control. In 1801 An English fleet arrived and temporary took Funchal by ousting the Spanish and French defending forces. This action was repeated by the English in 1807 and again returned it to Portuguese control. There is a romantic story which records that the ship carrying the famous pirate William Kidd and his immense treasure, sank in a location close to the Deserted Islands.

The hidden valleys and peaks of the Island all deserve a visit together as do the several botanical gardens, some of which are part of old private residencies opened to the public. A trip around the island has to to take in the village of Santana on the north coast where the visitor will still see the traditional triangular shaped homes of the islanders. For the healthy at heart is a trip to Pico do Areeiro and climb to the highest point on the island at 1.862 metres. For fun there is the special and unusual dry toboggan ride on the Monte in the main town. Most visitors find too much to do on the island, and too little time! A very special time to visit Funchal is over the New Year’s Eve which is world famous for the quality of its celebration.

About two hours by boat will take you to the island of Porto Santo that has what the main island lacks – a sandy beach of 9 Kms. in length. Here, there is museum to Christopher Columbus who is said to have lived on the island after marrying the daughter of the first governor. Porto Santo has become very popular as a holiday destination in the last five years and Hotels and Resorts have stolen the peaceful beauty of the Island.

Porto Moniz - The northernmost concelho. Still one of the most picturesque in Madeira. The most important economic activities are fishing, agriculture and dairy produce. One of the safest harbours on the north coast can be found here.

Câmara de Lobos - Câmara de Lobos was the first place in Madeira to be inhabited by the recent discoverers of the island in 1492 onwards. Since old times the the village has been dedicated to fishing. The famous black "Espada" fish is mostly caught here., This town is divided into four freguesias, of which the most important is Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, known as «the orchard of the island» for the abundance and excellence of its fruit. The most famous Madeiran wines are produced here.

Machico - Upon the early discovery of Madeira Island, Machico beach was found to be the most appropriate where portuguese navigators could safely approach and harbour their boats. It was the first area of Madeira to be explored. And is also the source for the Legend of Machim. It has recently been promulgated into City status and is perhaps the second most important concelho of the island.

The Ilhas Desertas(Deserted Islands) can also be reached by taking a boat trip. The Island are now a nature reserve due to the killing off of wildlife by the local fishermen. The Islands is curiously the only home of the black wolf spider that is deadly to humans.

Most world travellers find the Madeira Islands so attractive and interesting that they tend to return more than once.