Related Place: Madeira

🧭 Discovery of Madeira: The Beginning of Portuguese Maritime Expansion

The island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is known today as a paradise for tourists, but its history begins with the Age of Great Geographical Discoveries. The discovery of Madeira was an important milestone in the development of Portuguese maritime expansion and played a key role in shaping future colonial routes.

📜 Who Discovered Madeira?

The official discovery of Madeira took place in 1419 when Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, acting on behalf of Henry the Navigator, reached the shores of the island. It is believed that they were driven to Madeira by a storm while heading towards the coast of Africa. This accidental discovery marked the beginning of the exploration of the archipelago.

🌍 Historical Context

In the 15th century, Portugal was actively developing navigation, seeking new trade routes and expanding its influence. Henry the Navigator, one of the main initiators of Portuguese expeditions, created a navigation school in Sagres, where future explorers were trained. The discovery of Madeira was the first successful step in this direction—long before the discovery of the sea route to India and the discovery of Brazil.

🌱 Colonization and Development

After the discovery of the island, active colonization began. The Portuguese cleared the dense forests (hence the name—madeira means "wood" in Portuguese) and started growing sugar cane, which made Madeira an important economic center. Later, winemaking developed here—Madeira wine became a famous export product.

🏞️ Nature and Culture of Madeira

Madeira is famous for its unique nature: volcanic landscapes, subtropical climate, rich flora and fauna. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic routes, gastronomic discoveries, and cultural festivals. Traditions that originated during the colonization era are still alive in the architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle of the local residents.

✈️ Madeira Today

Modern Madeira is a combination of history and comfort. Tourists come here to enjoy nature, learn more about Portuguese discoveries, and touch the heritage of an era that changed the course of world history. The discovery of Madeira was not just a geographical fact—it marked the beginning of a new era.