Madeira

The beautiful archipelago of Madeira, also known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic", is a semi-autonomous region of Portugal that consists of four distinct islands, Madeira, Porto Santo and two other small uninhabited islands.

The lush verdant island of Madeira resembles a celestial botanical garden, with numerous species of flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls and rainbows. It has long been a favorite destination for European vacationers, for its natural beauty and pleasant year round climate, but perhaps what makes Madeira such a paradise is not its warm crystal clear water but the hospitality of its people and virtually nonexistent crime rate. It’s such a safe and beautiful place that almost a quarter of a million people live on the small island. Although it one of the most densely-populated areas in Europe, most of the island still enjoys the same untouched beauty that it has always known.

The island/region’s capital is Funchal, where you can find everything you would expect from a cosmopolitan capital; a large selection of five-star hotels, a plethora of fine restaurants, unique shops, fabulous casinos and trendy nightclubs. There is also a wide range of water sports on the island, like diving, water skiing, sailing, wind surfing and deep sea fishing.

On the Madeira Islands you can find everything from luxurious modern resorts to pastoral lands where farmers still tend their sheep. Moreover, unlike most resorts where you are restricted to the tourist population, on Madeira life is different and you are encouraged to pull yourself away from the touristy capital for a bit and enjoy the abundant natural landscape. Make sure to explore Madeira by walking along the "levadas", which are the canals that used to carry water from the mountains to the plains. There are also many romantic fishing villages perched on tall cliffs overlooking the ocean. For an even more remote experience, visit the island of Porto Santo, which is primarily suited for raising sheep and cattle. Interestingly, it was also home to Christopher Columbus for some years.

The Madeira Islands offer a unique mixture of the ultra modern with ancient customs, which makes it a fabulous place to for an adventurous Destination Wedding. Your wedding guests are sure to be delightfully impressed!

Regional Gastronomy:

Fried corn, honey cake, tuna fish steaks, sword-fish and seafood, roasted meat cooked on skewers, madeira wines.

Regional Handicrafts:

Embroideries and lace, leather goods, tapestries, wicker baskets and furniture.