Tags: portugal (21 pics)
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that lies in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Madeira is part of the EU as an outermost region of the European Union.
Madeira was discovered by Portuguese sailors some time between 1418 (594 years ago) and 1420 (592 years ago). The archipelago is considered to be the first discovery of the exploratory period initiated by Henry the Navigator of Portugal. It is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year's Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records. Its harbour – Funchal – is important due to its commercial and passenger traffic and for being a major stopover for cruisers en route from Europe to the Caribbean.
In Feb. 2010 (2 years ago), Madeira experienced heavy flooding and mudslides after a violent storm, killing at least 42 people and causing extensive damage.
| NavigationDownloadUse this wallpaperComments
Social |