Country
The Madeira's Archipelago is Portuguese national territory. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km from African coast and 1000 km from the European continent, about 1h30 minutes by airplane from Lisbon.
Porto Santo Island, located 40 km from the Madeira's Island. This island has a golden sand beach with 9 km long, bathe by the hot and crystal clear waters, is definitely the best place to enjoy quite vacation.

IT and Tele-Communication are highly developed throughout the region.

The international telephone for Madeira is +351 and the islands phone code is 291.

The voltage in the archipelago is 220 V.

 Water is abundant, potable and of excellent quality.

Weather
Its privileged geographic location and its mountainous topography, gives Madeira Island an amazing climate with gentle temperatures and average rainfall.
The temperature range is between 23ºC in the Summer and 17ºC in the Winter

When to go
The temperatures are pleasant all year long, for walkers the best time is between April and October. For Golfers, the Winter months offer conditions better than mainland Europe. Scuba Divers can enjoy the best of conditions between April and November. In Springtime the flora is at its most colourful.

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

Clothing
Mountain and Levada walkers should always wear warm clothing, since the weather can suddenly change.
If you walk with light clothes or shorts and T-Shirt, always use sun protector. The sun in Madeira is very strong and can cause sun burns even in cloudy days. After 10:00 we suggest that you use a cap.

A light impermeable jacket or an anorak maybe helpful if it starts raining suddenly.

Health (Vaccinations)
No specific vaccines are required
There are sixty seven Health Centres spread in Madeira's Island and one in Porto Santo. In Funchal there are also two public hospitals.

Visa
Not necessary, unless for tourist from countries that not belong to the European Union.

Currency
Euro;
All major credit cards are accepted in most of the commercial Establishments, restaurants and hotels.

Commerce
Traditional Madeira embroidery and wine are popular buys. Shops are open from 09h00 until 13h00 and from 15h00 until 19h00, from Monday to Friday. Saturday from 09h00 until 13h00. Some shopping centres open every day, from 10h00 to 20h00.