Where is Madeira? What is Madeira? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “where is Madeira?”, “where is Madeira Portugal?”, or even “what is Madeira?”, you’re not alone. This stunning island often flies under the radar, but once you discover it, you’ll understand why so many travellers fall in love with it. So, let’s break it down and get you one step closer to booking that trip!
What Do We Mean by Madeira?
When we talk about Madeira, we’re referring to:
- An archipelago of 7 islands: The Autonomous Region of Madeira includes Madeira Island, Porto Santo, and the uninhabited Desertas (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, and Bugio), and Selvagens Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena).
- An island: Madeira Island, the largest and most visited of the group, known for its mountains, forests, and vibrant culture.
- A world-famous wine: Madeira Wine, a fortified wine with a long history and unique ageing process, which is the subject of other posts: 👉 “Madeira Wine, Portugal” and 👉 “18 Questions People Are Asking About Madeira Wine.”
Madeira is the summit of a massive underwater volcano, rising from the ocean floor at a depth of approximately 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) to its highest peak, Pico Ruivo, at 1,861 metres (6,105 feet) above sea level.
These volcanic formations are associated with a hotspot track, where magma rises from a mantle plume to create the islands. The following video illustrates this geological phenomenon in action.
Madeira vs Porto Santo & The Desertas Islands
- Madeira Island: The main island is known for its lush greenery, mountainous landscapes, and famous levadas (irrigation channels turned hiking trails).
- Porto Santo: A smaller, quieter island just a short ferry or flight away, famous for its 9-km golden sand beach—a complete contrast to Madeira’s rocky coastline. 👉 HERE is a list of things to do and see in Porto Santo.
- The Desertas Islands: This group of three uninhabited islands is a nature reserve home to rare species, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. You can visit on a boat trip to spot incredible wildlife.
What Is Madeira Known For?
Madeira is famous for its dramatic landscapes, lush green mountains, and rugged coastline. But there’s so much more to this island than just scenery. Here’s what makes it unique:
- Outdoor Adventures: Whether it’s hiking the iconic Madeira levadas, climbing Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, or taking in panoramic views, nature lovers will feel right at home.
- Mild Climate All Year Round: Madeira’s subtropical climate means there’s no bad time to visit. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 16°C, making it an ideal escape from colder European destinations.
- Rich Culture & Traditions: From the flower-filled streets of Funchal to the lively Madeira wine festivals, there’s always something happening on the island.
- Beautiful Beaches: While Madeira is known for its cliffs and rocky shores, Porto Santo boasts a 9-km golden sand beach.
- Dolphin & Whale Watching: The waters surrounding Madeira are a hotspot for marine life, so a boat trip is a must!
Funchal – The Capital of Madeira
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, is where most visitors stay. It’s packed with charming streets, local markets, and stunning viewpoints. Highlights include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Madeira
- Who owns Madeira Island? Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal.
- How big is Madeira Island? Madeira Island covers 741 km² (286 sq mi).
- Madeira population? Approximately 250,000 people live in Madeira, with a Funchal population of around 105,000.
- Madeira Island time zone? Madeira follows Western European Time (WET, UTC 0) in winter and Western European Summer Time (WEST, UTC +1) in summer.
- Are the Madeira Islands part of Europe or Africa? Madeira belongs to Portugal and is part of Europe despite being geographically closer to Africa.
- Where is Madeira on the map? Madeira is in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal and northwest of Africa.
- Is Madeira expensive? Madeira is more affordable than many other European destinations, offering great value for food, transport, and accommodation.
- Madeira vs Canary Islands? Though often compared, Madeira has a greener landscape and is less commercialized than the Canary Islands.
- Best time to visit Madeira? Madeira has a mild climate year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful.
Download Your Free Madeira & Funchal Maps
To make your visit even easier, download our detailed Madeira Island Map, Funchal City Map, and Map of Madeira and Porto Santo Islands here:
Ready to Experience Madeira?
If this has sparked your curiosity, it’s time to start planning your trip. Browse our tours and let us take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment. After all, Madeira isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience.
See you on the island!
