GEOGRAPHY

 

 

We are sure you have a pretty good idea  where Madeira  is located .

It's one of the most famous tourist island for English people. For those who don't know it, here are some geographical details !!!

 

Map of Madeira

 

 

 Yes, as you will see, this island is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean close to the Canary islands, on the same latitude as the town of Casablanca in Morocco (33°N).
 

About 3 to 4 hours from the UK to fly to this island.

 

A few supplementary details :

 

Madeira belongs to a volcanic archipelago of which several islands are Portuguese.

Some are inhabited (Madeira and Porto Santo), the others are natural reserves, certified worldwide patrimony by UNESCO (the Desertas and the Selvagens).

Madeira is the biggest with a surface of 740ms2 (67kms in length and 25kms in breadth ), the second being Porto Santo with 45kms2. About 270 000 inhabitants live in Madeira, and only 7000 in Porto Santo.

 

Do not forget that even if those islands belong geographically to Africa, politically they are European.
 

 

The Climate
 

    The island of Madeira is known as " the island of  eternal spring". You will have a sensation of being in a subtropical country, because there are no extreme temperatures, and because it rains regularly but not persistently. Remember , the island is green. So to be honest, it often rains.

 

    It's never too warm (highest temperatures about 33°c but only when a wind from Morocco blows a few days of the year). Generally in summer temperatures do not exceed 24°c (from June to October) and do not let them bring down on this side of 17°c. In winter they can drop to 4°c. Of course we are referring to inshore temperatures.

 

    We know the island and can confirm that there are several micro climates in Madeira. Most of the year Funchal enjoys sunshine all the year. Over a distance of 10kms, the weather can change radiccaly, so don't worry. Move and you will find the sun. Otherwise a "siesta" indoors fits the bill. It could be interesting also in holidays. The northeastern part is wetter than the south and in the mountains it can be hot or cold. At 1000ms one is often in a sea of clouds. Periodically the peaks become visible and the view is exceptional. Otherwise it can be like a rainy day at home.

    What about the temperatures of the ocean: Sometimes swimming in the sea would seem to require a wet suit. Well OK this is an exaggeration but this is not the Tropics either. In winter the temperatures of the sea is about 17-18°c in and rises to 22°c in summer. There are municipal swimming baths which have sea-water (lido, ponta gorda...). In the hotels, the pools are heated to about 24-25°c.

   

 

So have a good swim in clear blue water which will not fail to please!

 

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