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Literally covered in breathtaking scenery, two-thirds of Madeira is protected land and the island boasts lush tropical forests, spectacular mountains and intimate sandy coves.
Known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' and 'the floating garden', the verdant Madeira archipielago lies to the west of Africa to the north of the Canary Islands. The island-group's origin is veiled in mystery with some claiming that Madeira formed part of the legendary Atlantis. The archipielago consists of the largest island, Madeira, Porto Santo island and six unhabited small islands, all nature reserves. Covered in breathtaking scenery, two-thirds of Madeira is protected land and the island boasts lush tropical forests, spectacular mountains and intimate sandy coves.
Madeira (pop. 245,000) is an autonomous region under the jurisdiction of Portugal with the economy based on tourism, fishing, farming and financial services.
As a peripheral region of the EU, Madeira receives considerable EU funding for development on the island..
First on the map in 1419 by Zarco, a Portuguese navigator, Madeira has long been a port of call for those travelling between the Old and New Worlds, giving the island a distinct colonnial air. Columbus was a frequent visitor to Madeira and is believed to have lived there. The British discovered this island paradise in the mid-19th century and established a luxury winter sun destination - the world-famous Reid's Palace Hotel, a favourite with royalty and celebrities, dates from this time. Madeira's most recent claim to fame comes from Cristiano Ronaldo who was born in Funchal in 1985. Cristiano, FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008, has made substantial property investment on his home islands.
The island gem of Madeira has a sub-tropical location enjoying a year-round warm climate - known locally as 'the eternal spring'. Temperatures are warm throughout the year with those in summer averaging 24C (75F) and winter temperatures a very pleasant 20C (68F).
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