PORTUGAL TRAVEL - MADEIRA

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your source for travel in madeira

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Madeira - Useful Information

Geopraphical Coordinates: 32º 46´N – 17º 0´W. Surface area 749 Kms2. - Highest point is 1.861 metres.

Description
There are two main Islands in the Madeira Archipelago which is part of Portuguese national territory. These are the “Ilha da Madeira” and the “Ilha de Porto Santo”. There are other small islands which are uninhabited named “Desertas” and “Selvagems”. The location of the Archipelago is in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 kms from the African coast and approximately 1000 kms from the continent of Europe. The journey from Lisbon Airport is about 1hour 30 minutes. Interestingly, Madeira has the highest sea cliff in the world at 589 metres.

The much smaller "Ilha de Porto Santo's" is situated 50 kms from the main Madeira Island. The island has a lovely golden sand beach extending 9 kms, and provides swimming in clear and temperate sea water. It is a 15 minute plane journey from Madeira Airport.

Telephone
The international telephone Index for making calls to Madeira is 00351 and the local prefix code is 291.

Electricity
The voltage in the archipelago is 220 V.

Water
Due to its temperate climate the Archipelago enjoys abundant water for human consumption.

Weather

Its geographic location and its generally mountainous nature, the Madeira Islands enjoys a pleasant temperate climate with it seldom being too hot or too cold and with an average moderated humidity. The temperatures oscillating between the 23º in the summer and the 17ºC in the winter

Time Zone
Winter: GMT+0
Summer: GMT+1

Suitable Clothing
When taking a walk with light clothes or shorts always use some sun protector. The sun in Madeira is normally strong and can cause burns even in some cloudy days. After 10:00 a.m. we recommend for older visitors it is preferable to wear some form of cap. Some form of light impermeable jacket or an anorak could be advisable if it should start raining.

For walking in the mountain it is always necessary to take warm clothes as the height increases the weather can suddenly change and therefore the temperature can drop and it can be much colder than temperatures found at sea level.

Health
It is not necessary to have any specific vaccine prior to your visit.
There are sixty seven Health Centres around Madeira Island and one on Porto Santo Island. There are also two public hospitals in the central town of Funchal.
Visa
Visitors from the European Union to not need to have a Visa for their visit.

Currency
Being a part of Portugal the currency of the Madeira Islands is the Euro. The main credit cards are accepted in nearly all commercial establishments, restaurants, bars and hotels.

Shopping
Local tradition and costumes are reflected in much of the items on sale, wine and lace being major items of interest.

Commerce
Commercial establishments are open from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs., and then from 15.00 hrs. until 19.00 hrs., from Monday to Friday. Saturdays they only open from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs. However, some Shopping Centres open every day from 10.00 hrs. to 20.00. hrs.






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