Madeira-Island.com

Free Wi-Fi in Madeira

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:02:23 PST

Madeira enjoys excellent internet connectivity and provides visitors to the island with a wi-fi infrastructure that is free and very accessible over many areas of the island.

Mobile Phone Tips

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:06:07 PST

An article geared for the British traveler and some mobile phone tips for them.

Porto Santo - Practical Information

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:04:01 PST

A short guide to some practical information needed to spend some time on Porto Santo.

Porto Santo - The Basic Facts

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:44:35 PST

As part of our introduction of Porto Santo we look at its geography, climate, population, economy, language and culture.

Porto Santo - An Introduction

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:35:44 PST

Porto Santo is a hugely popular destination for many Portuguese, especially form continental Portugal. Since the filming of one or two art-house movies by renowned Portuguese film directors the island has shot up in the "to-be-seen" places for a sub-set of the Portuguese jet set. Having said that it is still a sedate, quiet and slow paced holiday destination for most of the year. August it is difficult to find space on the beach let alone a room in a hotel.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:24:10 PST

Before Madeira was discovered and colonised the islands that formed part of the archipelago were well populated with the Mediterranean Monk Seal. The town of C�mara de Lobos on the south coast of Madeira owes its name precisely to the seal: the name C�mara de Lobos is translated as "chamber of wolves" in English and is reference to the the "sea wolves" as seals are called in Portuguese. Over the centuries their habitat was invaded by man and their food resources also plundered by the same recent arrival to the islands. Their population dwindled and it is now very rare to spot a monk seal off the main islands of the Madeira Archipelago.

After the promissory contract: what the buyer needs to do if using a mortgage

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:39:27 PST

As oft happens a buyer succeeds in getting his or her loan approved for a mortgage by a lending institution for a property but then gets surprised at how much hassle they still have to go through to get the process moving - that is, to get the property after all.

The lending institutions or banks forget to tell their customers that they (the customer - not the bank) have still to do all the leg work in getting much of the paperwork done. Those banks that do provide this service can sometimes charge a hefty charge a fee for to do this for the buyer.

This article provides a summary of the items the buyer (or their legal representative) needs to do.

The conflicting reports on the discovery of Madeira: An Introduction

Sun, 13 May 2007 16:53:21 PST

Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Castilians and Portuguese alike lay claim to "first discovery" of the island. Records show that, indeed, the Portuguese were not the first to find the islands. But that depends on what "first discovery" means and what socio-economic forces were in place at the time to make such a claim....

Chapter 1: Introduction

Wed, 02 May 2007 19:43:12 PST

A reproduction of a nearly centruy-old book delighting readers to this day. " The flowers and gardens of Madeira" was written by Florence Du Cane and illustrated by Ella Du Cane. It was published by A. & C. Black, Ltd (London). First published in 1909, and then later republished in 1926 with additional illustrations. In some parts, editorial content has been added or changed by Jorge Barbosa for a more contemporary cast on the work. Extra photos were also provided by Jorge Barbosa.

Chapter 2: Portuguese Gardens

Tue, 01 May 2007 23:08:14 PST

have often been asked whether the Portuguese have any distinctive form of gardening, and in answer I can only say that, though there is no attempt to compete with the grand terraced gardens of Italy or France, or the prim conven�tionality of the gardens of the Dutch, still the little well-cared-for garden of the Portuguese has a great charm of its ....

A Timeline of the History of Madeira

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:45:41 PST

See a synopsis of the history of Madeira in a brief timeline

S�o Vicente - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:06:45 PST

S�o Vicente is sometimes referred to as the capital of the north. The lush green municipality is an important wine growing area and has rich cultural jewels and interesting niches to explore and wander. Read our short introduction.

Santana - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:59:13 PST

Santana is oft neglected in tourism guides as merely a large agricultural municiaplity of Madeira. However, it has some of the most spectacular nature and scenery on the island. This is an area well worth taking long walks across. Read our cursory introduction.

Santa Cruz - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:53:56 PST

Our short introduction into the leisurely municipality of Santa Cruz

Ribeira Brava - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:51:24 PST

For most residents Ribeira Brava is merely a transit point between Funchal and the rest of the north west of the Island. But it is a large municipality and has a lot of little gems and spots to be discovered and enjoyed. Read our short introduction.

Porto Moniz - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:45:25 PST

Porto Moniz is the municipality furtherest away from Funchal. It is haunted by the sea and steep montain cliffs. Read our short introduction.

Ponta Do Sol - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:38:12 PST

A short introduction to the warmest niche of Madeira.

Machico - A Short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:36:02 PST

A brief look at this charismatic part of Madeira.

Calheta - A short introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:31:14 PST

Calheta is one of the more popular areas for foreigners to find a second or holiday in. It also has a popular golden beachfront. Read on for our introduction to Calheta.

C�mara de Lobos - A short Introduction

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:28:42 PST

C�mara de Lobos is one of the editorial staff's favourite part of the island. It reminds us of the "old" Madeira. We provide a short introduction to this veritable jewel.