Madeira - Facts

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  • Madeira is a Portuguese group of four islands located just off the west coast of Africa in the North Atlantic.
  • Only two islands of this volcanic archipelago are inhabited, the largest, Madeira Grande, which gives its name to the whole group, and Porto Santo, 28 NM to the northeast.
  • The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. The smaller islands of the main group are Ilha Chao, Ilha Deserta Grande, and Ilheu de Bugio. The Madeira wine produced here is world famous.
  • The population is approx. 270,000. Portuguese is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Madeira operates on UTC and a summertime zone of UTC +1.
  • The weather is subtropical. For more details see Weather below.
  • The majority of yachts arrive here during October and November on their way to the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, while some leave direct from the main port Funchal to cross the Atlantic.
  • There has also been an increase in the number of American boats cruising the Atlantic circle of Bermuda, Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands during the summer, while Madeira has also become a popular port of call in the spring, for yachts returning to Europe after wintering in the Canaries.
  • The Ilhas Selvagens, a small group of islands 163nm from the island of Madeira and 82NM from the Canary Islands, are a wildlife refuge administered by Madeira. Yachts wishing to visit them can now acquire a permit on site from the guards, however, the Madeira Natural Park recommends that yachts should ask for the permit prior to their arrival. The marinas in Madeira can all assist with this.
  • There are only basic repair facilities in Porto Santo and for any work, it is best to sail over to Funchal. There are no facilities or provisioning on any of the other adjacent islands. For more details on yachting services see Yachting Essentials.

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Madeira was last updated 1 year ago.

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  1. July 2, 2022 at 11:41 AM
    blur says:

    Marina Quinta do Lorde is very much open even though the resort is closed.
    Marina staff very friendly with good English. Immigration will visit the marina to stamp passports in and out.
    Good discounts for Ocean Cruising Club members.

  2. September 11, 2018 at 1:04 PM
    Data Entry says:
  3. May 31, 2017 at 6:21 PM
    Data Entry says:

    We arrived from Gibraltar at the Quinta do Lorde Marina 26th May 2017. The Marina can be highly recommended. Everything is in perfect order, there are enough places for visitors. The staff is very helpful and the facilities are first class! The price for one week is moderate. The Marina is integrated in a 5-Star Resort with apartments, hotel and restaurant, very quiet. There is also a very experienced French ship chandler on site, who can manage a lot of problems of the boat.

    Bus connection to Funchal. Rent a car by the Marina Office. Small Supermarket in the Marina. Petrol station just at left hand side of the entrance.
    The marina Funchal is very crowded and cannot be recommended. Alternatively is Calheta Marina (inform them you are coming first by telephone).
    A. Griesemer – SY Gamper

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