Magnificent Madeira is an archipelago of small islands located in the north Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal. A haven of natural beauty set against the turquoise sea and emerald green vegetation, Madeira is one of Europe’s top islands, warm and welcoming with an idyllic Mediterranean climate.  Besides the relatively low cost of living, the key attraction to buying property in Madeira is Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, which gives foreign investors the right to reside in the EU.  The Golden Visa is a straightforward and flexible program, making it most attractive for investors worldwide.

The Portuguese islands of Madeira are situated about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands and about 350 miles from Morocco. Discovered by Portuguese explorers and inhabited since the 15th century, this region is home to a rich and diverse heritage.

From the fine sandy beaches, natural pools carved out of lava rocks and waterfalls to the towering cliffs overlooking the ocean and rustic villages in quiet valleys, this archipelago is breath-taking in its vivid contrasts. Madeira offers a year-round summer climate and lush, exotic flora and fauna. Indeed, the Laurisilva of Madeira is the largest surviving laurel forest and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition, it is one of the safest locations in the world, boasting a lively nightlife, world-class restaurants, modern shopping centres and a cosmopolitan ambiance. Madeira is truly a multi-faceted lifestyle destination where residents and visitors can enjoy popular festivals, local traditions, and cultural and culinary delights. In fact, Madeira’s annual New Year celebrations feature the largest fireworks show in the world, as recognised by the Guinness World Records.

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Explore Madeira

Nature

Nature

The islands of Madeira are a haven of natural beauty with spectacular landscapes exquisite gardens and luxurious vegetation that contains a rich diversity of flora and fauna, some of which is unique and rare. Two thirds of the area are a mountainous nature reserve with UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking in the statuesque Madeira mountains and the charming levada waterways is an unforgettable experience, offering unparalleled views and vistas.

Golf

Golf

Here golf enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. The 3 world-class golf courses are set within the most exceptional surrounds. They are the Santo da Serra Golf Course (host of the Madeira Open from the PGA tour), the incredible Porto Santo Golf Course and the Palheiro Golf Course. When playing golf on these, sometimes challenging championship golf courses, you will always be rewarded with spectacular sea views and beautiful, natural settings, while enjoying a temperate climate.

Cuisine

Cuisine

Known as the ‘the pearl of the Atlantic’, Madeira is famous for its delicious and tasty traditional cuisine. With an abundance of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as the freshest local fish and meat, Madeira's traditional dishes are delicious, fragrant, and healthy. The vast array of restaurants serve fish dishes like scabbard fillet, line caught local tuna, sea bass, sea bream, and meat dishes, such as the traditional brochette and marinated meat, often accompanied by the traditional fried corn and tasty Bolo do Caco bread.

Entertainment

Entertainment

Madeira is big on entertainment and this can be seen in the variety of traditional shows, festivals, and exhibitions. Throughout the year Carnival celebrations decorate the streets of Funchal with lights, music by brass bands and parades. The Festa da Flor (Flower Festival), welcomes Spring with many flower-filled floats exuding the most wonderful fragrances as they parade through the streets. The Festival of the Atlantic, turns Madeira’s capital into a vast stage. These Saturday concerts are renowned for splendid fireworks displays of impressive proportions.

Living in Madeira

Areas near to Madeira

Alentejo, Algarve, Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon, Porto, Silver Coast,

Lifestyle

Madeira is varied and exciting and living here can be as exciting or relaxing as you choose it to be. One of the main attractions of Madeira is the exceptional quality of life on offer. Madeira has an alluring charm, with over 1 000 restaurants open all year and the cuisine is always delicious, fresh, and affordable. Funchal has 3 main shopping centres with major international brands present, as well as theatres, cinemas, and many art galleries and museums, as well as a national orchestra. For the more energetic and adventurous, there is scuba-diving, surfing, windsurfing, or jet-skiing.

Healthcare

State of the art medical facilities and internationally trained practitioners offer residents peace of mind when it comes to their health and wellness. There are 3 hospitals and over 25 health centres or surgeries located in various parts of the island. Madeira also has the 4th highest doctor to patient ratio in Europe, with over 1 200 doctors serving around 250 000 residents.

Climate

Madeira has a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures ranging from 18 °C in February to 27 °C in August, making it a leading destination for winter sun. Based on differences in sun exposure, humidity, and annual mean temperature, there are clear variations between north- and south-facing regions, as well as between some islands. The islands are strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream and Canary Current, giving mild year-round temperatures with an average annual temperature of 19.6 °C.

Travel

Regular flights operate to all major European and African cities from Madeira. The airport is served by almost 200 flights a week and enjoys over 30 flights a week from the UK. Flights are good value for money and are at various times of the day. The flight time is less than 4 hours from the UK and there are daily flights to Lisbon and Porto, which is just a short 2-hour flight away. In addition, Madeira is an important stopover for commercial and trans-Atlantic passenger cruises between Europe, the Caribbean and North Africa. Currently a ferry link from Portugal is underway, which will offer easy access in and out of Madeira.

For example Camps Bay or Mauritius