Palheiro Estate

Madeira is a Portuguese sub-tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean lying some 500 miles South West of Lisbon.

The Island is one of Europe's most established travel destinations and is famous for its very high rate of repeat business.

The sub tropical climate offers great temperatures all year round averaging a maximum of 24 ºC during the summer months (July through to October) and a minimum of 17 ºC during the winter months.

The Island is famous for its spectacular scenery which can be enjoyed by driving around or by one of the many walks available to do on the island.

Madeira is also known as a safe resort with very low levels of crime.

Events on the Island:

From 21 to 24 February, 2009
The Carnival, or Mardi Gras, celebrations in Madeira take the form of a great parade of floats the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday and remain an essentially folk festival.

Flower Festival April 25 to April 26, 2009
Every April, Madeira's flower festival fills the main streets of Funchal. It is a breathtaking festival with a street parade and floats, through the streets of Funchal, exhibiting and perfuming the air with a multiplicity of floral species of the island.

Festas da Sã From 25 May to 2 June
In late May and early June, the centre of Funchal is the most fun-filled part of the island. A typical Madeiran folk festival is reproduced here and all the streets and alleys between Praça do Municí­pio and Carmo are decorated and full of pavement cafés.

JUNE
June is devoted essentially to classical music at the Madeira Music Festival, which is part of the Atlantic Festival.
There are also traditional celebrations in honour of the folk saints.

The International Firework Competition, which is an event within the Atlantic Festival, is a contest based on 4 firework displays, which are harmoniously blended with music. It takes place on Saturday nights in the month of June, at 10.30 pm, in Funchal Bay.

St. John's altars in Funchal From 15 to 24 June
In additional to the traditional celebrations paying tribute to St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter, in June we can also see the St John's altars in Rua da Figueira Preta, Travessa dos Reis and Largo do Carmo in Funchal.

St. John's day in Porto Santo From 22 to 24 June
The celebration of St. John's day marks the beginning of the summer festivities in Porto Santo. There are lots of interesting events including traditional parades.

XXII Volta à Madeira - Classic Rally From 09 to 12 June
The Madeira Classic Car Club this year, and for the 20th time running, is organising the Tour of Madeira Classic Rally, which will take place between 27 and 30 June.

Funchal Jazz Festival - July
This year edition of the Funchal Jazz Festival, organised by Funchal Municipal Council, will be held in the open air at Parque de Santa Catarina on 2, 3 and 4 July.

Madeira Wine Rally From 31 July to 02 August
The 2009 Madeira Wine Rally, the largest automobile event in the Region will be held from 31 July to 02 August.
Famous names from the world of motor racing and their cars will come to this major event which will bring together around many competitors.

Monte Festival From 14 to 15 August
This is considered the main religious folk festival in the region and it is also commemorated wherever in the world Madeiran immigrants are to be found.