About us and Where we are - Visit Madeira | Madeira Islands Tourism Board official website

Madeira and Porto Santo

This Atlantic archipelago combines European urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty. Discover the idyllic settings of this island oasis!

Madeira and Porto Santo

Getting to know the islands

This archipelago consists of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, the only inhabited islands, and also the Desertas and Selvagens islands, important nature reserves. From the subtropical climate to the hospitality of Madeira's people, the culture, the gastronomy and the exuberance of nature, there are many reasons to come and discover this paradise destination.

Madeira and Porto Santo

About us

With more than six centuries of history and an overwhelming natural heritage, Madeira and Porto Santo are two Portuguese paradise islands. This Atlantic archipelago, which is just 90 minutes by plane from Lisbon, is one of the most enchanting island destinations in the world.

The island of Madeira has an area of 741 km², 57 km long and 22 km wide. On the other hand, Porto Santo has an area of 42.48 km², 11 km long and 6 km wide. The archipelago benefits from an extremely pleasant subtropical climate, recording mild temperatures all year round. In addition, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are bathed by crystal-clear, warm waters. Due to the influence of the warm Gulf of Mexico current, sea temperatures vary between 18 °C and 22 °C.

This archipelago is also home to the millenary Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Between the crystal-clear sea and the green mountains, there is a world of activities to enjoy in Nature, framed by magical sceneries. All this without forgetting the vast cultural, architectural and historical heritage of the bustling cities and towns of Madeira and Porto Santo. Embrace the adventure!

Madeira and Porto Santo

Where we are

This archipelago benefits from a highly privileged location, a condition that has proved essential throughout history to its economic, cultural and social development. The islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, paradise destinations in the Atlantic Ocean, are located at a relatively short distance from both the European and African continents.

This island territory is about 1000 km from the European continent, southwest of Lisbon, only 500 km from the west coast of the African continent, and about 450 km north of the Canary Islands. It lies on the African plate, between 30° and 33° north latitude (almost the same latitude as Casablanca). Currently, the main accesses to Madeira and Porto Santo are, respectively, Madeira International Airport, in Santa Cruz, and Porto Santo Airport. The journey by plane from Lisbon takes approximately 90 minutes.

However, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo can also be reached by sea. The port of Funchal, capital of the archipelago, has a modern terminal that receives a large number of cruises. Approximately half a million passengers disembark here each year. Come and discover this Atlantic Paradise.