A brief guide to Madeira Island

The Madeira Islands are located on the Atlantic Ocean some 850 km from Lisbon. Legend has it that the Madeira Islands were part of the lost kingdom of Atlantis.
The islands were known to the Phoenicians, and in time of King Juba II of Mauretania they were called the Insulae Purpuriae, after the purple dye produced there.
When they were rediscovered by the navigator Joao Glocalves Zarco in 1419 they were uninhabited and covered with dense forest.
After the Portuguese colonization Madeira prospered by the growing of sugar-cane and later also by the production of wine. Together with mainland Portugal and the Azores it was under Spanish rule from 1580 to 1640.
Between 1807 and 1814 it was occupied by Britain. The influx of tourists (at first mainly British) began on the middle of the 19th c. and has grown steadily since then.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Entering Madeira for a stay in Portugal of up to two months, visitors from the U. S. and Canada need only a valid passport. No health certificate is required. The Euro (EUR)is the basic unit of currency. To call Madeira direct from the U. S. and Canada, use the international access code 011, the country code 351, the local code 291, and the phone number.

WHEN TO GO
Madeira's climate is semitropical, and the island is a year-round destination. Average highs Dec.-April hover at 60-62°F; MayNov. at 64-72°F.

HOW TO GET THERE
By air From major U. S. and Canadian cities to Lisbon or Ponta Delgada (The Azores) and from there via TAP or SATA International, to Funchal. By sea Cruise ships of various nationalities stop in Funchal. For specific itineraries, consult your travel agent or the Portuguese National Tourist Office (see "For More Information").

GETTING AROUND
Car-rental agencies are located at the airport and in Funchal. Walking is an ideal way to sightsee in the capital; taxis are available and reasonably priced for journeys within the city and around the immediate outskirts. Madeira also has a public bus system that covers both the city and the rest of the island. Signs reading Paragem designate bus stops.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

In Funchal:

Jardim Botanico (Botanical Gardens) On Rua da Rochinha just outside of Funchal, at the former estate of the Reid family.

Madeira Wine Company Av. Arriaga 28. The largest and possibly most accessible wine producer on the island. Mon.Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-6 p.m. Guided tours at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m..

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market) Between Rua Hospital Velho and Rua Latino Coelho. Local produce. Mon.-Sat.; particularly lively in the mornings.

Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) Rua do Bispo 21, south side of the Municipal Square. Church treasures from all over the island housed in a former bishop's palace. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-5:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m..

Museu Quinta das Cruzes (Museum at das Cruzes Estate) Calçada do Pico 1. A museum-botanical park with 16th-century Portuguese treasures. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Children not admitted except in the gardens.

Se Catedral (Funchal Cathedral) Av. Arriaga. Gothic structure built between 1485 and 1514.

Outside Funchal:

Camara de Lobos West of Funchal on Rte. 101. Picturesque fishing village.

Cabo Girao, about 11 km (6.8 mi.) west of the village, is the world's second highest sea cliff.

Camacha Northeast of Funchal on Rte. 102. Center of the Madeiran wicker industry.

Monte and Terreiro da Luta Two charming mountain villages north of Funchal on Rte. 103. Excellent views of the capital and the port. The famous wicker toboggan rides begin here.

Ponta Delgada On Rte. 101 on the northern coast. A village surrounded by orange groves and sugar cane fields.

Porto Moniz A fishing village, located at the northwestern end of the island along Rte. 101. Site of popular swimming pools of seawater collected in volcanic-rock depressions.

Porto Santo A small island about 40 km (25 mi.) northeast of Madeira. Can be reached by air or by boat from Funchal. Main attraction is a 6mile-long stretch of sandy beach. Hotel capacity is very limited, but day trips are easy to make.

Seixal North coast town famous for its vineyards and for producing some of the best wine on the island.

Walks and hikes Many scenic walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty are possible in Madeira.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Portuguese National Tourist Office
590 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10036, (212) 3544403

Portuguese National Tourist Office
500 Sherbrooke 0, Suite 930, Montreal, Que. H3A 3C6, (514) 843-4623

Portuguese National Tourist Office
60 Bloor St. West, Suite 1005, Toronto, Ont. M4W 3B8, (416) 921-7376.

In Funchal
Direcção Regional de Turismo (Madeira Tourist Board)
Av. Arriaga 18, Funchal 9000; tel. 290 57.