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Madeira

Names, History, and Microclimates

The Discovery: Finding Eden in the Atlantic

Our story begins in 1418. While sailing along the African coast, three Portuguese sailors—João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira, and Bartolomeu Perestrelo—were caught in a powerful storm. They were driven far off course, lost at sea, until they miraculously sighted a small island.

This island, which they called Porto Santo (Holy Port), was their salvation. It was the first land found this far out in the Atlantic, shattering geographical myths. A year later, they spotted the main island, veiled in thick forest, leading to a truly biblical realization: they had stumbled upon an uninhabited Atlantic paradise, an Eden ripe for civilization.

What's in a Name?

The name Madeira comes from the Portuguese word for Wood or Timber. The island was named simply for the dense, abundant forest (Laurissilva) that covered it entirely upon discovery. Settlers later had to burn much of this wood to clear land for farming.

Funchal is derived from Funcho (Fennel) plus -al (meaning a plantation of). The first settlers named the city after the vast amount of wild fennel they found growing in the valley where they established the settlement.

A Short History in Three Moments

Shortly after settlement (c. 1425), sugar cane was introduced. Due to the perfect climate and soil, Madeira quickly became a powerhouse, briefly becoming the largest sugar exporter in the world (around 1500).

This boom brought immense wealth, attracting European merchants who traded sugar for cash and art.

As sugar production shifted to Brazil, Madeira Wine took center stage. It gained international fame after sailors discovered the wine improved from hot sea voyages.

It became a favorite of America’s Founding Fathers and was controlled primarily by wealthy English merchant families.

European aristocracy and royalty were drawn by the island’s mild, restorative climate in the 19th century. Funchal flourished with luxury hotels.

Today, it is the main driver of the economy, cementing the island’s status as the “Island of Eternal Spring.”

Discover the Island

Madeira is famous for its incredible microclimates—it’s an island where you truly can experience four seasons in a single day! The weather is heavily influenced by altitude and the dramatic North/South divide created by the central mountains.

To help you explore, we’ve listed the 10 regions (municipalities), including their population size, main attractions, and what the weather is typically like in that area.

Learn more down below:

FUNCHAL

  • Population: 106,000 (Approx.)

  • Main Attraction Highlights: Old Town, Monte Cable Car, Botanical Gardens, Sé Cathedral.

  • Weather Surprise: The Hottest & Driest. Sunny year-round, as it is well-protected by the central mountains.

CÂMARA DE LOBOS

Population: 35,000 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Cabo Girão Skywalk, Traditional fishing harbor, famous Espetada restaurants.

Weather Surprise: Highly sheltered and calm, making it ideal for wine and banana cultivation.

RIBEIRA BRAVA

Population: 12,000 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Village center, Ethnographic Museum of Madeira, traditional coastal living.

Weather Surprise: Often has the best weather transition. A great place to check when Funchal is covered in cloud.

PONTA DO SOL

Population: 8,200 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Picturesque village, Ponta do Sol Pier, access to popular Levada walks.

Weather Surprise: The Sunniest Region. Known as the municipality with the most annual sunshine hours.

CALHETA

Population: 11,500 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Calheta Beach (golden sand), Arts Centre/Museum, Rabaçal Levada walks.

Weather Surprise: Sun-drenched South West. Known for its two beautiful man-made golden sand beaches.

MACHICO

Population: 21,000 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: First Capital of Madeira, Machico Beach (imported sand), Pico do Facho view.

Weather Surprise: Warm and Breezy. Location of the main airport; tends to be slightly breezier than Funchal.

SANTA CRUZ

Population: 43,000 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Aquaparque (water park), Santa Cruz Pier.

Weather Surprise: Similar to Machico—tends to be warm, clear, and very popular with local swimmers.

SÃO VICENTE

Population: 4,500 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Volcanic Caves and Centre, dramatic Northern coast, Chapel of São Vicente.

Weather Surprise: The Wettest & Greenest. Lush, dramatic, and receives the most rainfall on the island.

SANTANA

Population: 6,500 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Traditional Casas de Colmo (thatched A-frame houses), Pico Ruivo access.

Weather Surprise: Cooler & Mistier. Home to the highest peaks; weather is highly unpredictable, often covered in low cloud.

PORTO MONIZ

Population: 2,700 (Approx.)

Main Attraction Highlights: Famous Natural Lava Pools, rugged North-West coastline, Seixal natural pools.

Weather Surprise: Wild & Rugged. The sea is often rougher, but the sheltered lava pools remain the biggest draw.

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