Also known as the "Atlantic Pearl" or "Flower Island", the archipelago of Madeira was discovered in the 15th century, during the sovereignty of King Infante Dom Henrique. Madeira is located in the Atlantic Ocean just 560km from the coast of Morocco. With two inhabited islands (Madeira, the largest one, and Porto Santo, or "Golden Isle" as it is also known), Madeira has an approximate population of 300.000 inhabitants. The archipelago still includes two sets of isles, namely Desertas and Selvagens, which are, however, not populated.

Madeira is fairly mountainous due to its volcanic origin, which is quite characteristic throughout the entire island. This volcanic activity stopped at around 6.500 years ago, and it left us a fertile landscape and a beautiful tropical forest, Laurissilva, which is certified as World Heritage. Laurissilva may be found mainly in the northern part of the island.

The archipelago offers superb weather conditions throughout the whole year, perfect in order to gaze at its magnificent fauna and surprising flora, which may be found in the numerous water ways (levadas) existing on the island.