The conference will be held in VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal.
With the motto “Madeira. Belongs to all”, we welcome you to the beautiful city of Funchal in the Madeira Island, Portugal, where the conference will take place.
Madeira has been elected for the eight time the “World’s Leading Island Destination“ in 2022 by the World Travel Awards – it has won in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 – and for the eighth time the “Europe’s Leading Island Destination” – it has won in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013. You can check more information regarding the several awards and distinctions that Madeira Island was won at https://www.visitmadeira.com/en/travel-info/awards-and-distinctions/
The Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, just north-west of the Canary islands and a little further away from Africa, which gives it the balmy summers and warm winters it’s famous for the ideal holiday destination all the year round. With an area of 741 km², the Island of Madeira is an oasis in the Atlantic where a great natural and cultural wealth is preserved, among the forests, towns, beaches and mountains.
Although it is small, Madeira is rich in majestic scenery and rare beauty. Madeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the guardian of a natural treasure. The Laurissilva Forest, about 20 million years old, dates back to the Miocene and Pliocene periods of the Tertiary Period. It is a rare subtropical forest, which occupies around 15,000 hectares, corresponding to 20% of the island. Go and explore the charms and delights of this floating garden!
The main places to visit in the Madeira Islands are Funchal, the capital of the archipelago, Caniço, the east coast (Santa Cruz and Machico), the west coast (Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta), the north coast (Porto Moniz; São Vicente and Santana) and Porto Santo.
Embark on an interactive journey through Madeira’s past at the Story Centre or simply wander the streets of the capital to encounter charming historical areas and picturesque squares. Numerous churches and convents date back to the 15th century, from the tiny basalt cave of Capela de São Vicente to the ornate interiors of the Sé Cathedral.
Funchal
Funchal’s history goes back over 5 centuries when early Portuguese settlers colonised the coast of a bright and sunny bay where fennel (funcho) grew in abundance, giving its name to the new town of Funchal. Over the years the population grew, with international trade attracting the attention of all of Europe. Nowadays Funchal is a very modern city with over 104.000 inhabitants. It is one of the safest and cleanest cities in Europe.
The picturesque city of Funchal is set perfectly on the sunny south coast of Madeira, it’s backdropped a protective ring of green mountains; a huge natural amphitheatre that faces the balmy blue Atlantic Ocean. Summer is never too hot and winter pleasantly mild, making Funchal a true ‘year-round’ destination.
The ‘Old’ centre, with its port and promenade, quaint and narrow winding streets, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, is ideal for idle wandering; one could spend a whole holiday here and not get bored, or hungry! Points of interest include the Cathedral, Theatre, Town Hall and waterfront. The Madeira Story Centre is well-worth a visit whilst the cable-car just opposite provides a panoramic ride to Monte, in the mountains.
Heading west out of town along Avenida do Infante, past the Casino and on to Estrada Monumental will take you to the famous Lido suburb. This is where you will find most hotels and the lovely promenade that starts at the salt-water pools and winds along the cliffs for a mile or more to Praia Formosa, a long pebble beach and spectacular view of Cabo Girão, Europe’s Highest Cliff.
Delight yourself with the countless views, on an island of such outstanding natural beauty!
Sources and useful links:
https://www.visitmadeira.com/en/