The Fortunate Isles. The Isles of the
Blessed. The Purple Islands. No, not a figment of some author’s imagination; not
synonyms for paradise. Though you wouldn’t be far wrong if you thought they were-
they’re just the many names given to the Portuguese islands of the Madeiras over the
years. Blessed with a salubrious climate; bursting with orchids, hydrangeas, grapes and
tropical fruits; with mile upon mile of golden beach and green mountainside. With among
the best wines in the world, the most sumptuous food- with museums and churches,
historical buildings and medieval harbours. That’s what the Madeira Islands are all
about. Paradise? The Madeirans like to think so; and so, too, do the thousands of tourists
who descend on the isles every year. There’s ample reason, after all.
