Madeira Region

Madeira on the economy

Wednesday, 17 November 2010 00:00

From November 27th to December 2nd in Madeira there will be held a tourism forum focusing on sustaining tourism throughout the current economic crisis. Another tourism-focused discussion from October, in conjunction with the company Turismo 2.0, reviewed such issues as online trends, how to be prepared, and perspectives of local hotel owners. One fast-growing tourist interest is also that of cruise tourism. The industry has seen a rise in demand of 20.06% just within the first eight months of 2010 through Madeira’s new Maritime Terminal in Funchal. The upcoming forum, known as The Greatest Portuguese Tourism Forum, will be hosted at the Congress Center in Funchal with its theme: “Tourism: Leadership in Recovery.” The forum aims to develop these and other new strategies for success throughout the recession.

Conde Nast Traveler Readers love Portugal

Friday, 12 November 2010 00:00

The Conde Nast Traveler magazine's readers' choice award for 2010 has cited Portugal in resorts, islands and hotels. Since 1988 the magazine has been sampling readers for the annual survey for whom travel is a passion to create the comprehensive list. Portugal's Madeira placed fourth out of a tight race of ten in Europe's Islands category, with votes based on factors such as its atmosphere, beaches, friendliness, lodging, and restaurants. The magazine has noted Madeira for its old-world charm, lush scenery and sophistication. On the mainland, Lisbon has been remarked for its 'unpretentious atmosphere, as well as its galleries and museums. Three of its hotels, Bairro Alto, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz and Olissippo Lapa Palace, have all been ranked in the Southern Europe's Hotels category, with Bairro Alto breaking into the top twenty.

New Year's celebration on Madeira

Thursday, 04 November 2010 00:00

In Madeira the holiday season starts early, with street decorations presenting by mid-November. The celebration lasts through December and into January for the New Years celebration. Christmas celebrations have become Madeirans’ “party par excellence,” devoting to it their music, foods, flowers, folklore and traditions. By December 23rd the Market Night Party is offered as a time for last minute shopping and to enjoy traditional food and drink. Into the New Year, which hosts a Guinness World Records recognized fireworks show, the Madeira celebration brilliantly wraps up the season.

International Bridge Open in Portugal’s Madeira

Wednesday, 03 November 2010 17:57

The first week of November this year hosts the 12th International Bridge Open on Madeira, boasting €28,000 in prize money. The event will be comprised of 40 teams and 100 pairs and will be hosted in the CS Madeira Atlantic Resort and Spa. Other events this November include the Chestnut festival, which showcases delicacies made from chestnuts such as soups and liqueurs. The Chestnut Festival is part of the preparations for holiday celebrations in Madeira, which begin mid-November.

Close Caribbean Alternative: Americans Rediscover Madeira Island with new packages

Wednesday, 29 September 2010 00:00

In the 19^th century Americans flocked to the Pearl of the Atlantic, Madeira Island. Now, Azores Express/SATA wants to reintroduce Americans to this enchanting island some 750 miles south of Lisbon with new flights from Boston and expanded air and hotels packages. This fall and winter, Azores Express/SATA has new 6-night packages from Boston Logan Airport to Funchal (via the Azores) with more flights to choose from. Prices, including roundtrip air, hotel, and breakfast start at $859 per person, before taxes and fees. Flights depart and return on Tuesday and Fridays, and there are three new hotels to choose from.

On the service from Boston to Madeira passengers can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus Business-Class for just a few hundred dollars each way. All packages include breakfast. Kids under 6 stay free, and pay only a child’s airfare.

New Hotels

New this year is the sandy and warm island of Porto Santo, considered one of the best beaches in Europe. Porto Santo is a15 minute flight from Madeira. The Torre Praia hotel is right on the beach, and six nights with air start at a mere $1,059 per person, plus tax.

Back on Madeira, the four-star Four Views Baia and the Orchuidea Hotel are set in Funchal, above the seaside promenade. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, adults and children’s heated outdoor swimming pools, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam bath, massage, laundry service, games room, private parking and a shuttle to and from the city center.

The other hotels offered are all 4 and 5-stars, and include: The Alto Lido, Cliff Bay, Madeira Regency, Tivoli Madeira, Baia Azul, and the new CS Madeira. All hotels offer seaside views, outdoor saltwater pools and full resort faculties.

Madeira has a nearly perfect climate—warm and clear in winter with temperature in the 70s. Madeira’s fascinating landscape is characterized by volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. The islands steep rise creates six unique climate zones, each with its own beautiful flora and fauna that contribute to the comparison of Madeira with Hawaii.

Visitors come for the natural beauty, and they stay to experience the ocean, golf, hiking, deep sea fishing, diving, and old world charm of the island and its mountains and seaside towns. Madeira remains an uncrowned and sophisticated pearl of European charm, where a visitors can experience the sea, mountain hiking, or city culture.

George Washington was a great fan of Madeira wine. Both his inauguration and the signing of the Declaration of Independence were celebrated with Madeira wine. The legendary frigate Constitution was christened with Madeira wine. President Franklin Pierce spent several months exploring the island after leaving office in 1857.

Azores Express has connected New England with Portugal for more than 20 years. Today it offers direct flights on wide body A310 aircraft to São Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago. Connecting flights from São Miguel to Lisbon, Porto and/or the islands of Madeira are available. The company is part of the SATA Group.

For more information and reservations, contact Azores Express at 800-762-9995, www.sata.pt.