Madeira Islands: World's Leading Island Destination 2018

Calheta bay, Madeira islands (photo by Nélio Sousa)

Madeira Islands were elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2018 for the fourth time in four years, by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 25th annual edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony) took place in Pátio da Galé, Lisbon, Portugal, on the 1st December 2018.

Check Madeira's promotional video.

Madeira Islands had also been elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015, 2016 and in 2017 by World Travel Awards, in the 22nd edition, which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015, in the 23rd edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony), which took place in the Republic of Maldives, on the 2nd December 2016, and in the 24th annual edition (Europe Gala Ceremony) took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the 30th September 2017.

In 2018, 2016, 2014, and 2013 Madeira Islands had also been elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2018 (this post)
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2018
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Madeira Islands: Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018

Porto da Cruz, Madeira Island
(photo origin: www.visitmadeira.pt)

Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018 for the fifth time in six years, by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 25th annual edition (Europe Gala Ceremony) took place in the Zappeion Megaron Hall, Athens, Greece on the 30th June 2018.

Check Madeira's promotional video.

Madeira Islands had also been elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015, 2016 and in 2017 by World Travel Awards, in the 22nd edition, which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015, in the 23rd edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony), which took place in the Republic of Maldives, on the 2nd December 2016, and in the 24th annual edition (Europe Gala Ceremony) took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the 30th September 2017.

In 2016, 2014, and 2013 Madeira Islands had also been elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018 (this post)
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2018
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Peaceful relaxing and adventure

Totally subtropical: mountain terraces near Boaventura (photograph: Peter Watson/Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery)

Madeira is known for its year-round warmth and relaxing vibe. But visitors are now going there in search of thrills (The Guardian, Sunday 25 March 2018)

“Time to off-road,” says Pedro, our jeep driver and guide for the day. It’s the most enthusiastic he’s been all morning; his 4x4 Land Rover is built for it after all, and he isn’t remotely worried that we’re stuck in mud with our back wheels hanging over the edge of the track. “Are we going to fall down the mountain?” asks my seven-year-old, her knuckles white. “We’ll be fine,” I tell her, as Pedro accelerates over a fallen log and hurtles up a steep hill in search of another panoramic view.

Madeira Islands: World's Leading Island Destination 2017

Calheta mountains, Madeira Islands
(photo © Sérgio Bettencourt)

Madeira Islands were elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2017 for the third time in three years by World Travel Awards. Its 24th annual edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony) took place in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, on the 10th December 2017.

Madeira Islands had been elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016 and 2015 by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’ (in the 22nd edition, which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015, and in the 23rd edition, which took place in the Republic of Maldives, on the 2nd December 2016).

In 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013 Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, for the fourth time in five years, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties.

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2017 (this post)
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Madeira Islands: Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017

Calheta, Madeira Islands
(photo in Acontece Madeira © 2014 Madeira Paraglading)

Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017 for the fourth time in five years, by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 24th annual edition (Europe Gala Ceremony) took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the 30th September 2017.

Madeira Islands had also been elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015 and in 2016 by World Travel Awards, in the 22nd edition, which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015, and in the 23rd edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony), which took place in the Republic of Maldives, on the 2nd December 2016.

In 2016, 2014, and 2013 Madeira Islands had also been elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017 (this post)
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2017
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

6 typical Madeiran food dishes

Espetada (beef on a skewer) © Francisco Correia

The Madeiran gastronomy is traditionally tasty. Its secret consists in the use of fresh and varied ingredients, whose origin can be traced to the rich, volcanic nature of this island, abundant water, and favorable climate. From fish to meat, tropical fruits, sweets, bread (such as “Bolo do caco”) and nutritious vegetables, no one resists its taste. Let’s taste it? Here are 6 of the best typical dishes, not to be missed on your visit to Madeira.

1. Tomato and Onion Soup
This hot soup offers vigorous and comforting flavors. It is made with chopped onions and garlic, fresh tomatoes, oregano and olive oil. In the center of the dish, rests a poached egg; an invitation to dip a slice of toasted bread.

2. Tuna steak with fried maize
Tuna fish is a valuable resource in the fishing industry of Madeira. In this dish, the tuna is cut into steaks, seasoned with salt and marinated in a sauce called “molho de vilão”. This sauce is made with vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and pepper. The corn flour is cooked in a pan, cooled in a soup plate and then cut into small cubes. These are fried and served as a side dish, frequently found in the local restaurants.

3. Black Scabbard fish fillet with Banana
Black Scabbard fish is a fish that is available in few places in the world, such as Madeira, where it is found in the deep sea (around 1000 meters deep). Despite its ugly appearance, fish lovers will be delighted with its flavor. The succulent fillets of black scabbard fish are seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Peeled bananas and fish fillets are then dipped in egg and flour, fried in oil and sprinkled with fresh parsley. Side dishes include potatoes, lettuce and tomato salad.

4. “Espetada” and “Bolo do caco”
The traditional “espetada” which is beef on a skewer (metal stick or laurel stick), seasoned with salt, garlic and bay leaves. The meat is roasted in a brazier and served directly from the skewer. “Bolo do caco” is the regular Madeiran bread, made with sweet potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt and water. This sweet bread is crumpled into a ball, then flattened and cooked in a soft stone frying pan. It is usually served hot with garlic butter. Side dishes include fries, fried maize and salad.

5. Wine and Garlic Pork
This dish consists of small cubes of pork, marinated and cooked in white wine, garlic cloves, vinegar, bay leaves, and pepper. It is served with slices of fried bread or in “Bolo do caco” sandwiches. It is mostly appreciated during the Christmas Season.

6. Passion Fruit Pudding
Passion fruit is one of the most valued fruits in Madeira. There are different species of passion fruit, such as banana passion fruit. The most common are Passiflora edulis. Its sweet taste, strong aroma and variable acidity make this the ideal fruit to use in desserts and local drinks. The passion fruit pudding is made with passion fruit pulp, jelly, condensed milk, and cream. Savour this impressive combination of aromas.

Madeira Islands: World's Leading Island Destination 2016

Jardim do Mar (Calheta): view from above [2016 © visto de cima ]

Madeira Islands were elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2016 for the second time in two years by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 23rd annual edition (Grand Final Gala Ceremony) took place in the Republic of Maldives, on the 2nd December 2016.

Madeira Islands had been also elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015 by World Travel Awards, in the 22nd edition which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015.

In 2016, 2014 and 2013 Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Madeira Islands: Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016

Jardim do Mar (Calheta): view from above [2016 © visto de cima ]

Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2016 for the third time in four by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 23rd edition took place in Sardinia, Italy, on the 4th September 2016.

Madeira Islands had been also elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015 by World Travel Awards, in the 22nd edition which took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015.

In 2014 and 2013 Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Madeira Islands: World's Leading Island Destination 2015

View from Fanal [August 2012 © Nelio ]

Madeira Islands elected the World's Leading Island Destination 2015 by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 22nd edition took place in El Jadida, Morocco, on the 12th December 2015.

In 2014 and 2013 Madeira Islands were elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination, and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

A view of Laurel Forest in Madeira

Second place prize: a view of the Laurissilva (laurel forest) of Madeira, Portugal. Photo by Jorge Nelson Alves

Wiki Loves Earth, a competition where participants take photographs of protected natural areas and upload their photos to Wikimedia Commons, was held internationally for the second time in 2015.

The world’s largest LAURISSILVA forest is located on the island of Madeira. In 1999 the 15,000 hectare indigenous ‘living relic’ was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It plays an important role in the ecological balance of Madeira thus sustaining the endemic flora and fauna.

(Please, click on the picture to enlarge it or here.)

Madeira: the most enviable island on earth?

Dramatic cliffs line the coast of Madeira (photo: Alamy; MWC)

"Madeira is not Ibiza. It attracts a more mature clientele, and raving is limited to enthusing about the island’s dramatic scenery and botanical wonders." This is how the article on The Telegraph on the 9th of March 2015. Please, read on.

One of the earliest ravers was H N Coleridge, nephew of the poet, who waxed lyrical after a visit in 1825: “I should think the situation of Madeira the most enviable on the whole earth. It ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury.” Madeirans know this of course, and over the years have enhanced their quality of life by producing a cornucopia of fine food and wine. They have also helpfully provided access to their tumultuous countryside by building more than 1,000 miles of irrigation channels, accompanied by footpaths that snake through the kind of striking landscapes dreamt up by J R R Tolkien.

Paradise isle: Madeira

Explore unspoilt Madeira

photo copyright: Madeira Islands Tourism

A volcanic island that juts majestically out of the ocean, the geographical tapestry of Madeira is amazing; sheer cliffs, ancient laurel forests, a jagged and rocky coastline and mountain tops cloaked in mist. Best of all, it’s cheap and easy to reach. Ankita Mahabir checks out the scenic isle (WTG 2012).

For outdoor lovers:
Madeira is full of contradictions; you could be sitting on a sunny beach one moment and driving through rain and rainbows the next. Its high mountains and low valleys make it a great destination for hikers. Few man-made creations can rival nature's work but the levadas (water channels) of Madeira might just be one of them. Built almost 400 years ago, this 2,000km-long (1,242 miles) network also substitutes as a walking path.

Wicker toboggan ride

Wicker toboggan ride in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The Madeiran wicker taboggan ride is among the 7 of the world's coolest commutes, according to CNN (February 23, 2015).

Although more tourists than locals now use this unusual form of transport, visitors to Madeira can still see the odd businessman being guided down the city's hills to work, says CNN.

The wicker sledges and their rubber-soled pushers first appeared in the 19th century, when locals invented the mode of transport as a way of getting to Madeira's city center from the hilltop district of Monte.

Today this one-mile journey remains the most popular route on the system.

Why Madeira is well worth a visit

 

photo origin/copyright

Lush tropical gardens, quaint old villages, famed wines, quirky art, and untouched nature as far as the eye can see. This is Madeira, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, an island so remote and sophisticated, it feels like another world entirely.

THE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES
Well-maintained botanical gardens, lush greenery, and breathtaking exotic flowers at every turn gave Madeira its nickname of “The Floating Garden in the Atlantic”. But what really mesmerizes and enthralls the visitor is the diversity of its astonishing landscapes. You can enjoy everything, from gloriously green mountains vistas to coastal views that rival the best in the world. Please, read on.

The scenic islands of Madeira

The famous big wave surfer Garrett McNamara visits the scenic islands of Madeira.

With views like Hawaii and portuguese food and hospitality, Garret gets the best of both worlds with his local contacts, artist Marco Fagundes and local surfer/tour guide Orlando Pereira.

In beautiful Madeira, Garrett experiences fresh tuna just off the boat, rides a couch down a hill and tries the exquisite local, aged Madeira wine.

More videos on Madeira:
Madeira Islands on Travel Channel
10 reasons to visit Madeira Islands 
Introducing Madeira Islands (2012)
Lush island filled with treasures (Daily Mail) 
The Island (teaser)
Madeira as it was in 1951 
Nature & adventure in Madeira
Wicker basket toboggan riding
Madeira goodies
Madeira Islands: all year round
Aerial view of Jardim do Mar in Southwest Madeira 
Calheta municipality (including Jardim do Mar): Southwest of Madeira
World famous footboller Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Madeira (Daily Mail) 
Madeira explored by mountainbiker David "G-RAF"
The folk song of Madeira Islands: Bailinho da Madeira
Community typical dance in a popular feast (Jardim do Mar)
Hiking from Jardim do Mar to Prazeres and Paúl do Mar  
Madeira Islands: photo video

Madeira Islands nominated for WORLD's Leading Island Destination

Like in 2013, Madeira Islands are nominated again for World's Leading Island Destination 2014 by World Travel Awards.

Awards:
2014 Europe's Leading Island Destination
2013 Europe's Leading Island Destination

More info
 

Madeira Islands: Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014

View from Fanal [August 2012 © nelio ]

Madeira Islands elected again the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2014 by World Travel Awards, which are hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. Its 21st edition took place in Athens, Greece, on the 2nd of August, 2014. Last year Madeira Islands was elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination and also nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination.

When the world seems to go crazy, you can find peace, security, mild weather all year round and beautiful landscapes in these Atlantic islands. Madeira's Nature exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure. It also has this profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties. 

Give yourself a chance to experience Madeira Islands and come to visit us in Sofia's Place in Jardim do Mar, one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around.

Madeira offers unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with impressive high cliffs emerging directly from the ocean. «It’s the most dramatic landscape I have ever seen», says dear friend and surfer William Henry about Madeira, refering to the towering cliffs, rocky shores, waterfalls and seas of azure.

«As a child I often dreamed of a landscape like Madeira, because one much like it is often described in fairy tales and children’s stories», adds the above quoted friend. «Every year I find something new, and yet every year I am awe-struck by the same cliffs, gardens, waterfalls and waves that I witnessed on my first voyage.» (Read more)

Sofia's Place blog posts on the subject:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

Previous awards direct links:
Madeira Islands elected the Europe's Leading Island Destination 2013
Madeira Islands nominated for the World's Leading Island Destination 2013

More information on Madeira Islands:
www.visitmadeira.pt

Carnival of Madeira 2014: programme

This year the Carnival events will take place between February 25 and March 5, 2014.

The Carnival of Madeira (Carnaval in Portuguese) is an annual festival held forty days before Easter, that ends on Shrove Tuesday (called Fat Tuesday in Madeira - Terça-feira Gorda in Portuguese) the day before Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent).

Here is the programme.

Street Events:
From the Wednesday before Carnival allow yourself to be captivated by the magic of Carnival in Funchal city centre, especially the central walkway of Avenida Arriaga, which becomes the focus for numerous street events including carnival music, performances, pageants and events of various kinds that contribute to rousing the carnival spirit in tourists and residents alike.

Children's Carnival:
The morning of the Friday before Carnival is given over to children. A thousand of so young carnival goers from various schools and kindergartens in Funchal, all in costume, parade through the city centre (Avenida Arriaga), where they are entertained with carnival fun.

Solidarity Carnival:
On the afternoon of the Friday before Carnival, the city centre is again the scene of another highly original and creative event. With an energy that sweeps everybody along with it, hundreds of carnival goers from the Funchal Community Development Association parade along Avenida Arriaga to the Municipal Gardens, where they perform a show in which they are the leading players.

Parade of Floats:
On Saturday night the centre of Funchal is thronged with thousands of tourists and residents who come to watch the parade of floats, one of the major attractions of the Madeira Carnival. Over a thousand participants spread between ten groups and a dozen floats parade to the sound of carnival music, all of them choreographed and rehearsed beforehand and dressed in eye-catching costumes, radiating an unbeatable enthusiasm that gets everyone going.

"Trapalhão" Parade:
On the Tuesday of Carnival everyone is free to display their originality. Carnival goers come out spontaneously onto the streets in fancy dress, mostly grotesque or caricatured, to take part individually or in groups in a typically Madeiran informal parade in which humour and social satire about regional, national or international events form the inspiration for the throngs of participants.

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More info:
History and traditions of Carnival in Madeira
Carnival of Madeira

Nature & Adventure in Madeira

(video direct link)

Nature & Adventure activities (Active Tourism) are extra reasons to visit Madeira Islands. On land, on air or on sea, the choices are plenty and everybody can experience activities, offering a multiplicity range, designed for all age groups.

Particularly in CALHETA municipality territory (Southwest), where Jardim do Mar is located, you can do all: hiking, mountain biking, surf, bodyboard, wind surfing, diving, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, sailing, dolphin & whale watching or (big game) fishing.

CALHETA, besides its breathtaking landscapes and the friendly local people, has the best weather conditions all year round.

It is not the first time we hear someone saying that the impressive landscape is similar to Jurassic Park island ("pretty similar to the Jurassic Park island", it is said on the this video). We have also heard comparisons to New Zealand type landscapes.

All that in Europe and with good climate.

Come and feel the landscape around you. Dive in it.Take a deep breath. Surrender to the charms of an island that exhales energy and inspires emotion and adventure.

Besides all this, you may also feel Madeira's Nature profound and empowering quietness, working as a self (relaxing and healing) retreat from modern life rush, stress and anxieties.

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Related info:
NATURE/ECO Tourism & Madeira & Sofia's Place

Farmer's Market day

On December 23rd, Madeirans take this opportunity to make their last minute Christmas shopping in a commotion, that intensifies the essence of the "Festa", a designation commonly attributed by locals to refer to the beginning of the Christmas season.

The locals go to the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market) to buy the last items or delicacies in order to ultimate their Christmas decorations and prepare the typical delicacies of the season. The market hall thereby becomes small venue taking into consideration such big demand.

The surrounding streets are closed to traffic and are filled with various food stalls that are open all night, selling innumerable regional products like flowers, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, sweets, pork in wine and garlic rolls and typical drinks like "poncha".

More information on Christmas and New Year festivities: HERE