Travel's must attend event for connection, insight and influence
Destination Hosts
As hosts of the 2026 Travel Convention, Visit Portugal and Madeira Promotion Bureau will showcase the very best of this remarkable destination. ABTA is grateful for their generous hospitality and, alongside the hosts, looks forward to welcoming delegates to Madeira this October.
Madeira for all
With a privileged location, the archipelago of Madeira is the perfect holiday destination!
The archipelago of Madeira lies on the Atlantic Ocean, 621 miles from continental Europe and 435 miles from Morocco. With daily direct connections to the main European airports and others to the rest of the world, visiting us has never been easier.
Between the highest peak and the deepest dive, only you will set your limits. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, relax by the sea or soak up the local culture and cuisine, the island of Madeira is an incredible option, for all tastes and in all seasons, 365 days a year.
Funchal – the capital
Located on a large slope facing the Atlantic and shaped like a natural amphitheatre, Funchal is Madeira’s largest tourist, commercial and cultural centre. Elevated to city status on 21 August 1508 by the royal charter of King Manuel I, the History of this archipelago's capital spans several centuries of traditions, culture and European cosmopolitanism, all without losing its connection with the exuberant nature that surrounds it.
The town is named after a sweet-smelling wild herb, traditionally known as fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare), which was abundant here when the settlement was created. Later, several excellent regional products, such as sugar or wine (icons incorporated in the municipal coat of arms and a key Madeiran symbol to this day), proved crucial to the local economy, turning Funchal into a key trading point in the centre of the Atlantic.
The municipality, with an area of 29.40 square miles, comprises ten parishes: Imaculado Coração de Maria, Monte, Santa Luzia, Santa Maria Maior, Santo António, São Gonçalo, São Martinho, São Pedro, São Roque, and Sé. Throughout the territory, historical monuments, museums, leisure areas, lush gardens and viewpoints abound. Discover Funchal!
About Madeira
Laurissilva Forest
A 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest, the Laurissilva forest dates back to the Tertiary Age. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it is an invaluable environmental heritage.
The island of Madeira is the proud guardian of this environmental heritage of inestimable importance which dates back to the Miocene and Pliocene periods of the Tertiary Period. Nonetheless, the mark of time, which makes it a 'living fossil', does not seem to affect its vibrant energy.
Although it was once widespread across southern Europe and North Africa, climate changes triggered by the formation of the Mediterranean led the Laurissilva forest to retreat, ultimately finding its last refuge in island regions.
Currently, it occupies an area of around 370,658 acres in Madeira, which corresponds to 20% of the island, with greater expression in the high areas of the north. This subtropical rainforest is composed mainly of species endemic to Macaronesia.
It is a vast ecosystem that shelters a diversified fauna and flora, where the trees, many of which are centuries-old, of the Lauraceae family (to which the Laurissilva forest owes its name) stand out. Walk along the trails and Levadas that cross it and enjoy the privilege of being connected to this green area of Madeira.
Porto Santo
Porto Santo - the eternal golden island - dazzles any visitor, and its long sandy beach, which stretches for 5.59 miles along the entire south coast of the island, contributes a great deal to this. This beach was voted the best beach in Europe in 2022 by European Best Destination.
And it is precisely here, on the south side of the island, that we recommend you surrender to the incomparable satisfaction of swimming in the warm, clear and clean waters on summer days, or any day really.
Standing before a sea that goes as far as the eye can see makes the expression 'open water swimming' even more meaningful, so every time you dive into the ocean in Porto Santo you will feel a pleasurable sense of freedom. Depending on weather conditions, the sea in Porto Santo may have some swell close to shore, creating a few obstacles for less experienced swimmers, but there are always areas where the sea is calm.
Exercise your body in the sea and then enjoy a well-deserved rest on the therapeutic sands of this island of lime and sun, embroidered in blue.
With good accessibility, the entire south coast of Porto Santo invites you to swim. With sand as far as the eye can see, a sea that never ends and a water temperature slightly higher than around the island of Madeira, you'll find it difficult to return to land.
Gastronomy
Madeira's gastronomy benefits from the rare privilege of being based on a set of fresh regional products of excellent quality. Moreover, it represents a cultural heritage of immeasurable value, with traditional recipes refined over several centuries - and some adapted by the most sophisticated haute cuisine.
The subtropical climate of the archipelago, as well as its fertile volcanic soils, provide Madeira's gastronomy with genuine and unmistakable flavours. Likewise, the immense richness of the clear seas of this region provide ingredients of a superb standard of quality. Discover Madeira's gastronomic delicacies and indulge your senses!
Traditional recipes from Madeira include countless delicacies that have been refined over centuries, taking advantage of the excellent regional products.
Culture, history and art
Madeira culture
With six centuries of history, the archipelago of Madeira became the guardian of a cultural legacy of immeasurable value. Come and discover it!
Culture, history, art and tradition
Getting to know Madeira's culture is travelling through its identity and history. The offer is unique and wide: from built heritage to centuries-old traditions, including art, crafts, museums, religious experiences and the many celebrations that reflect the festive spirit of the archipelago.
There is plenty to do and explore in the archipelago all year round. The hustle and bustle of everyday life run alongside buildings and monuments of great artistic, architectural and historical interest. In addition, Madeira's cultural agenda is always packed with moments you can't miss.
It's more than 600 years of a rich history, reflected in the archipelago's heritage but also in its unique traditions.
Madeira Wine
This award-winning nectar has been exported all over the world for centuries. It is one of the archipelago's undisputed crown jewels.
The importance of Madeira Wines is imprinted in Madeira's culture, but also in its landscapes.
The sea
Enjoying our sea is possible basically over the entire coastline. Visit the natural pools of Porto Moniz, masterpieces of our volcanoes, and enjoy this incredible experience. While strolling along our coast, don’t miss the opportunity to bathe in the warm waters of any of the Pául do Mar, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Funchal, Machico and Caniçal beaches.
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