MADERA
THE ISLAND OF WIND, VOLCANOES AND PEOPLE - A HISTORY THAT SHAPED ITS IDENTITY
You are welcome to visit Madeira individually or in groups.
Guided tours, accommodation, airport transfers, car hire and much more.
And you? Have you already been to Madeira?
Or are you just planning your trip?
Discovery - first settlement
Although legend has it that Madeira was discovered by the Phoenicians or even the ancient Romans, it is officially recognised that the island was found by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 15th century, when João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo - Portuguese sailors in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator - accidentally stumbled upon this green, uninhabited oasis in the Atlantic. Thanks to them, the year 1419 went down in history as the moment when a hitherto unknown land was discovered by people seeking new trade and adventure routes. The name 'Madeira', which means 'wood' in Portuguese, referred to the lush vegetation and forests covering a significant area of the island. Just a few years later, the first attempts at settlement began, as this discovery not only opened up new geographical horizons, but also marked a turning point in the history of Portuguese shipping and expansion, which was to shape the entire Atlantic region.
First settlements - building a life in a harsh world
Only a few years after its discovery, the first groups of settlers appeared on Madeira. During the initial period of colonisation, people - often refugees, exiles and seekers of a new beginning - included Jews from Spain and people from Muslim regions, for whom the island became a place of refuge and a new beginning, where they had to face not only wild nature but also difficult geographical conditions. To tame the island's abundant and unpredictable nature, extremely practical measures were taken - the construction of irrigation systems, known today as levadas, began. These canals, cut into the rocks and soil, allowed for the even irrigation of farmland, which was crucial to the development of agriculture. The settlers also burned the forests to make room for crops, and the fertile soil soon yielded the first crops. The first plantations were mainly sugar cane, which became the foundation of the economy, and its success contributed to the rapid development of settlements and urban centres such as Funchal. Every day in this era was a struggle for survival, but also a testament to the indomitable determination and creativity of the human spirit.
Economic transformation - from 'white gold' to wine elegance
The 15th and 16th centuries saw a dynamic transformation of Madeira's economy. Initially, the dominant role was played by the cultivation of sugar cane, which, thanks to the export of sugar - often referred to as 'white gold' - brought enormous profits and consolidated the island's importance on the international stage. Dutch bankers, Flemish and Sephardic Jews flocked to the island, creating a multicultural community. Their presence brought fresh perspectives to arts, crafts and commerce, and subtle influences of foreign traditions can be seen in the architecture of some ancient buildings or local customs. The Italians did not fail to settle, either, and their entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in agriculture contributed to the development of crops - first sugar cane and then vines.
It was thanks to their influence that Madeira became one of the key centres of trade in the Atlantic. However, at the end of the 16th century, competition from new producers, above all from Brazil, forced the settlers to seek alternative sources of income. Thus, a new tradition was born - the cultivation of vines and the production of wine, which became famous throughout the continent. This process not only changed the economic structure of the island, but also influenced its culture and identity. English merchants, fascinated by the reputation of Madeira wines, discovered the potential of the local grape varieties and played a significant role in international trade - they began exporting the famous Madeira wine to the courts of Europe and America. And so Madeira Wines became a symbol of elegance and passion, and their exportation contributed to the development of international trade relations. This economic transformation was an excellent example of adaptation and innovation, as the islanders managed to turn difficulties into new opportunities.
Geological origins - the volcanic birth of the island
Madeira, although modern in its beauty, was born as a result of massive volcanic eruptions that took place around 5 million years ago. Beneath the surface of the Atlantic, where the forces of nature mixed lava with the depths of the ocean, a mass of rock was formed that took the shape of a future island - with high cliffs, deep valleys and spectacular peaks that today attract hikers from all over the world. As the lava cooled, it formed the foundations of extremely fertile soil, which over time, under the influence of erosion and the vagaries of the climate, gave rise to lush vegetation. For millions of years, the island remained uninhabited and its harsh but picturesque landscape was covered only by lush laurel forests - the mysterious, almost fairytale-like 'Laurissilva', which have survived to this day and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madeira as a refuge and inspiration
Over the centuries, Madeira has not remained an isolated enclave. In the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to its strategic position on the sea routes, the island became a meeting place for different cultures. Foreigners - mainly English, but also Dutch, Italians and other merchants - settled on Madeira, bringing their traditions, languages and customs. The island attracted not only merchants, but also aristocrats, artists and politicians. Charles I Habsburg, the last Austrian emperor, was exiled to Madeira after the First World War and spent the last months of his life there. Jozef Pilsudski also visited the island for his health, and his stay is still commemorated by the local community today. Writers and poets such as Winston Churchill found inspiration for their works in Madeira, spending time in the picturesque hilltop towns and hotels. Legend has it that King Ladislaus III of Varna also settled on the island - a story that, despite the lack of clear historical evidence, has become part of local folklore. This mystical history adds a dimension of mystery to Madeira, highlighting how multiculturalism and symbolic figures can influence collective memory and shape the identity of a place. Their presence has influenced the development of infrastructure, architecture and the arts, creating a unique blend that still defines the island's character today. The coexistence of many cultures is manifested not only in cuisine and music, but also in traditional crafts and the celebration of numerous festivals that attract tourists from all over the world. Each of these cultures has brought something new while respecting the rich historical heritage, making Madeira a living laboratory of historical change and social experimentation.
From the colonial era to the present day - infrastructure and tourism development
Madeira's economic and cultural transformation could not do without the modernisation of its infrastructure. In the 19th and 20th centuries, with the development of shipping and air transport, the island began to attract tourists from all over Europe, who appreciated its mild climate and extraordinary natural features. Funchal, the main town, became a modern centre where tradition was combined with technological advances. New roads, ports and an airport - originally famous for its short and unsafe runway - were built, opening up the island to a massive influx of tourists and contributing to dynamic economic growth. Thanks to investment in the tourism sector, Madeira has transformed itself from an agricultural enclave into one of the world's most recognisable destinations. Today, the island is not only a testament to bygone eras, but also a place where tradition meets modernity - creating a harmonious whole that inspires and delights.
Today Madeira is not only a traveller's paradise, but also a place where history is still alive - hidden in the streets of Funchal, in the sounds of fado, in the taste of local wine and the stories of the locals, or in the sound of the Atlantic waves hitting the majestic cliffs. This is an island that captivates everyone who visits - and we let ourselves be captivated by it too! Everyone who visits Madeira takes with them not only memories of the breathtaking views, but also a piece of its unique soul. It is an island that enchants, inspires and attracts - once visited, it stays in the heart forever. Its magic lies not only in its landscapes, but also in its people - hospitable locals who proudly cherish local traditions and share them with tourists. It is a place where time passes differently - to the rhythm of the sound of the waves, the singing of the birds and the melody of fado carried from intimate taverns. Walking through Funchal's old town, wandering among the leeves or admiring the sunset from the cliffs, it's hard not to feel that Madeira has something special - something that makes you want to come back time and time again to rediscover it.
Madeira's rich history is not only a story of natural change and the struggle for survival, but also the story of the people - both native and those who came from afar - who have shaped the island with their talents, ambitions and personal stories. The mix of cultures, legends and real-life events makes Madeira a place of extraordinary identity and inspires successive generations to discover its secrets. From the first Portuguese settlers, to Flemish merchants and English traders, to eminent personalities such as Charles I Hasburg and Winston Churchill - each has left their mark here. Their influence can be seen in the architecture, culture and even in Madeira's cuisine, where the traditions of the different peoples are intertwined in a harmonious whole.
National heritage - remembering the past in light of the future
Modern Madeira is not only a natural paradise, but also a living monument to the history that has shaped the identity of the whole island. Historic streets and their buildings, old quarters and sacred sites are reminders of the turbulent colonial times and a long agricultural and commercial tradition. Festivals, traditional dances and handicrafts all cherish Madeira's heritage with great care. The island has become a symbol of resilience and creativity, where history is not just a record of the past, but also a source of inspiration for future generations. It is worth noting that Madeira is an example of the perfect combination of practicality and beauty, where every stone, every alley, tells the story of a long tradition and a constant quest for development. The Madeiran people still cherish their traditions today, combining them with modernity. The main towns are bustling with life, but in the hinterland of the island you can still find small, isolated villages where time passes more slowly and people live in harmony with nature.
HistorY OF MADEIRA
Have you ever wondered how this extraordinary green island in the Atlantic came to be? Who discovered it and what life was like for the first settlers? How did it grow from a wild and volcanic land to become one of the most charming places in the world, full of history, legends and traces of great personalities? Although today it is a paradise for tourists and nature lovers, its history goes back millions of years and the road to its current splendour has been full of challenges. In this article, we will travel back in time to discover how Madeira became Portugal's treasure and one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
National Tourist Register - licence RNAVT n° 11932
+451 913 254 957
Contact us
Website created in white label responsive website builder WebWave.