Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean that lies some 1.000 km south-west from Lisbon, and some 650 km west off the Moroccan coasts. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Although technically located in the African Plate, some 650 km (360 mi) off the North African coast, Madeira belongs ethnically, culturally and politically to Europe, some 955 km (583 mi) from the European mainland.
Madeira was discovered by Portuguese sailors some time between 1418 and 1420. The archipelago is considered to be the first discovery of the exploratory period initiated by Henry the Navigator of Portugal. It is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year's Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

Access map
from Santa Cruz Airport to Caniço de Baixo.