New Year's Eve in Funchal

On New Year's Eve in the volcanic archipelago of Madeira, one of the most elaborate celebrations breaks out to the joy of locals and visitors alike. The lush, jagged islands are a contrasting blend of dark grey volcanic rock and an incredibly diverse and colorful botanical ecosystem.The Portuguese territory, colonized in 1420, is dotted with charming villages and cities adorned by red-titled roofs, which will mark the backdrop of your New Year's experience. From state-of-the-art catamarans off the coast of the island, you'll take in the celebration in the city of Funchal.Funchal heralds in the New Year with a massive, ornate fireworks display - one so elaborate and thorough that it captured the Guinness World Record for the world's largest-ever fireworks display in 2006. The award was granted at 1:30 AM on January 1, 2007!