Where Is Madeira

In short

1,000 km from Lisbon, 500 km from Africa. Maps, flight times (1h40 from Lisbon), coordinates & why this Portuguese archipelago is closer to Africa than Europe.

Quick Facts

Country
Portugal
Ocean
North Atlantic
Distance from Lisbon
1,000 km
Distance from Africa
500 km
Coordinates
32.7°N, 16.9°W

Madeira is a Portuguese island in the North Atlantic, around 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon and 500 km north of Morocco — closer to Africa than to mainland Europe. Its coordinates are roughly 32.7°N, 16.9°W.

Geography

Madeira is the largest island in the Madeira archipelago, which also includes Porto Santo, the Desertas islands and the Selvagens islands. The main island is 57 km long and 22 km wide.

The terrain is mountainous. The highest point, Pico Ruivo, reaches 1,862 m. The coast is mostly cliffs and rocky shores, with flat land limited to river valleys and the south coast around Funchal.

Political Status

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, along with the Azores. It has its own regional government, but follows Portuguese and EU law. The currency is the Euro.

Distance and Location

  • From Lisbon: 1,000 km — 1h 40min flight
  • From Porto: 1,200 km — 2h flight
  • From Morocco: 500 km
  • From the Canary Islands: 500 km
  • Coordinates: 32.7°N, 16.9°W

Flying Times

Direct flights connect Madeira to most major European cities:

  • London: 3.5–4 hours
  • Lisbon: 1h 40min
  • Paris: 3 hours
  • Berlin: 4 hours
  • Amsterdam: 4 hours
  • Madrid: 2.5 hours

Climate

Madeira has a subtropical climate. Winters are mild (12–18°C), summers are warm (20–26°C). The ocean keeps temperatures stable year-round. See the Madeira Weather guide for month-by-month details.

The Archipelago

Madeira: The main island, population ~250,000. Home to Funchal, the capital.

Porto Santo: A smaller, drier island 40 km northeast. Famous for its 9 km sandy beach. How to get there.

Desertas: Three uninhabited volcanic islands south of Madeira. A nature reserve with rare species.

Selvagens: A small group of islands further south. Strictly protected, rarely visited.

Maps

Google Maps covers Madeira well for driving and walking. See the Madeira Map guide for driving distances and an overview of the island's municipalities.

Highlights

  • Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It's about 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon and 500 km north of the Canary Islands.
  • Despite its proximity to Africa, Madeira is politically and culturally European.
  • The archipelago includes Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens islands.
  • Flying time from Lisbon is about 1.5 hours. Direct flights connect to many European cities.

Good to Know

  • Madeira uses the Euro (€) and follows Portuguese/EU laws.
  • The time zone is WET (UTC+0) in winter, WEST (UTC+1) in summer.
  • The island is mountainous — the coast is the only flat area.
  • The Madeira Airport is on the east coast, built partially over the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madeira part of Portugal?

Yes. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, along with the Azores. It has its own regional government but follows Portuguese and EU law.

Is Madeira part of the Canary Islands?

No. The Canary Islands belong to Spain; Madeira is Portuguese. The two archipelagos are about 500 km apart, and both sit off the coast of Africa — which is why they are often confused. Madeira also lies roughly 400 km further north than the Canaries.

Is Madeira its own country?

No. Madeira is not an independent country — it is an autonomous region of Portugal. It has its own regional government and parliament, but it follows Portuguese and European Union law and uses the Euro.

Is Madeira closer to Europe or Africa?

Geographically, Madeira is closer to Africa (about 500 km from Morocco) than to mainland Portugal (about 1,000 km from Lisbon). But it's politically and culturally European.

How big is Madeira?

The island of Madeira is about 57 km long and 22 km wide, covering roughly 741 km². It's compact enough to cross in under an hour by car, but the winding mountain roads make journeys longer than the straight-line distance suggests.

How far is Madeira from Lisbon?

About 1,000 km. Direct flights from Lisbon take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. TAP Air Portugal and other carriers operate multiple daily flights.

What islands make up Madeira?

The archipelago has four main islands: Madeira (the largest, population ~250,000), Porto Santo (population ~4,500), and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens islands.

What currency does Madeira use?

The Euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels.

What language do they speak in Madeira?

Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants and hotels. Most signage is in Portuguese.

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