Travel Shot: The Majestic Island of Madeira, Portugal CheapOair Staff March 11, 2010 general The sun peaking out over Madeira Island, Portugal Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira is a fascinating island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, Madeira offers travelers a wealth of beauty from its stunning coastal backdrop to its culturally rich architecture. What’s more, this Portuguese island enjoys tropical weather twelve months out of the year, making it the perfect travel destination year-round. For adventurous and active travelers, navigating Madeira is pretty manageable. The island spans just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide. Visitors to the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon and the country of Morocco can reach Madeira via boat or plane. Plan your next international vacation the right way with CheapOair’s “Top Ten Budget Travel Tips for Europe.”