An island located almost 1,000 kilometers of coast, Madeira is now one of the most popular destinations in the region of Portugal, the island’s history is intimately tied to the period of maritime exploration and discovery.

Portuguese explorer who first came here was Joao Goncalves Zarco, who landed on Madeira in 1419, but certainly already knew the Italian island of maps. It is a place of wild beauty, with steep cliffs, coastal areas, a perfect place for hiking and excursions, but also a place where you can relax at the beach. The climate is pleasant and steady, diverse tropical vegetation, and everything here is grown vines which is famous Madeira wine. Along with Porto Santo, another island of the archipelago, Madeira form a metropolitan area, with its capital Funchal.

Attractions, objectives, museums

Madeira Story Center: museum where you can learn all about the history and development of the island, from its colonization until the present, in the context of interactive exhibitions. Located in Funchal, in the old part of town, this impressive museum presents island history, from its formation until the early life of settlers, the founding settlement and transformation into a tourist destination, an exciting virtual journey. Periodically, here are hosted exhibitions of contemporary artists, from graphics, painting and sculpture to multimedia installations. The building has a panoramic terrace, where you can look through the telescope view of the island and especially the city, with its buildings and streets.

Center for Study of volcanoes: located in Sao Vicente, a small village on the north coast, the museum offers visitors the chance to discover and understand how it formed volcanic island. You can see here the models and multimedia presentations. But still here you can visit, under the guidance of the guides, the famous volcanic caves, or you can stroll through lush gardens, painstaking care. Volcanic caves, formed by over 400 000 years ago, is an experience for those who come for the first time in Madeira.

Lido: This area of Funchal has become especially in recent years instead of walking and fun, with many pubs, bars, restaurants, gardens, close to a beach area is very appreciated. Here you will find three swimming pools.

Museum of Contemporary Art: here you can admire a rich collection of contemporary Portuguese art, regularly took place and temporary exhibitions.

Religious Art Museum: interesting mainly for its collection of religious sculpture of the XVI – XVIII, and the collection of religious items and jewelry.

Museum of the City: located in Largo do Colegio, inside City Hall, presents five centuries of history Funchal city through documents, photographs, art objects, etc..

Universo de Memorias: “The universe of memories” is a project created and funded by Joao Carlos Abreu, politician, journalist and public personality important Portuguese, which gathered over 10,000 exhibits in time for the museum. From books to ceramics, from paintings to bronze objects, accessories, photos, documents, folk art and tools gathered from around the world, the permanent exhibition of the 14 rooms of the museum is a fascinating journey.

Sugar Museum: or nucleo Museologico da Cidade do Açúcar – CMF is dedicated to the history of sugar industry in Madeira, from the first crop and factories until now, with an emphasis on the role of sugar in economic and social life of the island and the entire Portugal , and a presentation of cultural and artistic creations inspired by the cultivation of sugar.

Mario Barbeito de Vasconcelos Library Museum: interesting especially for those who want to learn more about Christopher Columbus, presents many unpublished information about it, a rich collection of coins and books, and numerous archival documents.

Quinta das Cruzes Museum: Exhibition of Portuguese and foreign furniture dating from the XVI – XIX, many of the exhibits are unique pieces in the world. Along with this you can admire the porcelain, ceramic, tile Portuguese of the XVII – century painting and sculpture. A popular museum with many interesting exhibits.

Municipal Museum of Funchal City: here you will find information about fauna, flora and geology of the island of Madeira, but also an Aquarium and a Public Library.

Wine Museum: if you want to know more about the history of the famous Madeira wine, here you will find all the information from the history of cultivation of vines in the region until the actual production of wine, traditions and festivals. From presses and tools used initially models modern machines will go to collections of documents and photographs, folk art and more.

IBTAM: an interesting exhibition of traditional embroidery, along with costumes and furniture craftsmanship.

Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas: the building itself is a work of art, a modernist architectural creation and the museum regularly hosting exhibitions of all kinds, from those of Portuguese contemporary artists to those of foreign artists, along with dance, music or theater.

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