Madeira promoted in South Africa

The Regional Secretary of Culture, Tourism & Transport reckons that the promotional tour with agents is "very interesting".

Conceição Estudante, who arrived last Friday in S.A., states that a promotion is made, not only for professionals within the industry, who work with the community of Madeira, but also with other travel agents who have a more diverse clientele.

The minister concludes that through the great community of Madeira, the market has the possibility of information and promotion which "has to be highly valued and enhanced."

She also emphasized that it is always a potential market and therefore, "we have to look at it from the perspective of continuity and maintenance of interest."

The main reason that led the regional secretary to South Africa, were the celebrations regarding “Madeira Day”, commemorated on the 1st of July throughout the communities around the world, and in this case, also in South Africa.

For more information and news, please visit: www.acropolissgps.com/news/

Traditional Festival all over the Island

FEST DOS SANTOS POPULARES (Popular Saints Festival) started on June 12 and finishes tomorrow, June 29.

One of the biggest traditional festivals celebrated all over the Island, which is also the high social point of many regions still today.

The festivities are dedicated to three popular saints; Santo Antonio (St. Antony) 13^th of June, São João (St. John) 24^th, and São Pedro (St Peter) on the 29^th.

Three great excuses to go out and celebrate the Saints in June.

The celebrations begin with St. Antony in the beautiful Church of Santo António, with parades, traditional food and great entertainment. St. Anthony is the saint of Love and a ‘match maker’. During this festivity people make bonfires on the streets and jump over them as tradition dictates. It is said, the highest leapers will be lucky in love. Many marriages also take place during this festival.

Saint John is the most popular saint celebrated all over the island. In Funchal, with its St. John's Altars, the traditional celebration is between the 19th – 24th, where local shops prepare and show off their altar creativity, followed by a celebration of traditional "marchas populares" (popular marches), plus entertainment and great food.

Porto Santo, from the 19^th to the 29^th, has lots of interesting events including traditional parades, jumping over bonfires on the beach and balloon release.

Saint Peter, being the protector of Fishermen, has its biggest celebration in the fishing ports of Câmara de Lobos and in Ribeira Brava.

Câmara de Lobos June 28^th, through July 2nd, combined with the big celebrations of Saint Peter also has the black scabbard fish Festival (Festa da Espada Preta) along great entertainment, live music, traditional dancing, fireworks display and food stalls set around the port, where you can enjoy a taste of delicious Madeira's specialties.

The black scabbard fish festival serves to promote one of the most typical gastronomic Madeiran specialties, that pay tribute to the local fishermen, who for generations were the only ones in the island who devoted themselves for the catch of this type of fish.

Ribeira Brava, June 28 and 29, displays great traditional celebrations that last through the night. Surrounded streets are decorated with colorful flowers, live entertainment, traditional dancing, music and food stalls are set on the beach. Popular night journeys are available between Funchal and Ribeira Brava. There will be a picturesque procession of boats held on the sea and a great firework display at midnight.

For more information, please visit: www.acropolisSGPS.com

Sport & Nature in Madeira

The Madeira Island Ultra Trail 2012.

The 4th edition of the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), started on June 9^th, in Machico, the northeastern part of the Madeiran island.

More than three hundred participants from sixteen nationalities were enrolled in the competition organized by the Funchal Mountain Club.

For the sport director, Nuno Gonçalves, the edition which started on the 9^th of June was "particularly intense, not only due to the logistics that involved marking paths and optimal management of volunteers, but also in regards of the competitive aspect of the event, with several athletes disputing the title.“

The final results:

  1 - ARMANDO TEIXEIRA (PORTUGAL)

  2 - JOSE LUIS GALLEGO (SPAIN)

  3 - MANUEL LAGO (BRAZIL)

  4 - SIDONIO FREITAS (PORTUGAL)

  5 - JOSE PEREIRA (PORTUGAL)

  6 - JOSE FERNANDEZ (SPAIN)

  7 - JOAO COLACO (PORTUGAL)

  8 - JOAO HORA FAUSTINO (PORTUGAL)

  9 - JOEL PODGORSKI (USA)

10 – PEDRO SANTOS (PORTUGAL)

For more information about Madeira, please visit: www.acropolisgps.com

New record for Madeira

According to a released statement on the 14th of June, more than 300,000 passengers visited the Port of Funchal in the first 5 months of this year, representing an increase of 23,400 tourists on ships, stopping 162 times in the capital of Madeira.

The administration of Harbours states, that the data indicates the port of Funchal to "hit a new record" in numbers of scales, with over 11 ships and passengers.

In terms of Nationality, the first on the list are UK tourists, who were more than 114,000, followed by German (91 165), American (14,082), Italian (12,740), French (9429), Brazilian (6659), Swiss (4541), Dutch (4458) Spanish (4071) and Canadian tourists (4063).

On average, three cruises dock the island on a daily basis, though the peak season presented a higher number of 8 to 10 times.

Due to such formidable figures of consistent uprise visits, an increase of tourists and therefore docking is predicted in the next three to five years.

For more information please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/

Green light for Madeira

Portuguese Finance Minister Vítor Gaspar gave the green light to Madeira.

Of the 1 Billion Euro predicted to be unlocked this year, according to the financial re-adjustment program, Madeira received 158,6 million Euro in aid this week from the Portuguese government in order to pay the commercial debt due in 2012. This is the first of several installments that is expected throughout the year.

The announcement of the loan release to Madeira was confirmed yesterday by the regional government and a government source stated, "it will be made available to the region immediately”.

As for the outstanding debts from previous years, the payment of around 100 million begins this month and is expected to be paid by the end of the third quarter of 2012.

The decision was reached due to the fact that Madeira completed the "general measures” of the adjustment program for the first quarter of 2012, which led to the authorization by the Portuguese Treasury.

For more information, please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/

Madeiran picture wins first prize in Italy

With an image of Madeira’s laurel forest, the Portuguese photographer Luís Quinta, specialized in Nature theme photography, won the "Flowers and Plants" category first prize, at the international ASFERICO 2012 contest in Italy.

As he explained, "The image was captured on the island of Madeira, in Fanal, a beautiful area that has centennial trees and is therefore truly remarkable."

The 6th edition of the ASFERICO nature photography 2012 - organized by the Associazione Fotografi Naturalisti Italiani (AFNI), "Flowers and Plants" category, has awarded the image and as prize, the photographer will receive around 1,200 euros and photographic equipment.

A picture tells a thousands words but to be part of the moment might leave you speechless.

Visit Madeira and find out how remarkable this island truly is.

For further information about rewarding opportunities, please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/

"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle". (Winston Churchill)

At Quinta do riacho in Madeira, they know the essence of this proverb.

Whilst enjoying Madeira’s wonderful weather and breathtaking views, there’s an equestrian activity for everyone, including young and older children.

From calm trail riding, to galloping through the mountains. An experience that connects you even more with nature and purges the daily stress.

Make this state of bliss more perpetual. To find out how, please visit: www.acropilissgps.com/news

Breaking News: Lufthansa on direct course

After contacting Madeira Airport today, 24th of May, Acropolis SGPS can reveal exclusively that what used to be a connection flight between Germany to Madeira via Lisbon, will soon be a direct flight.

The managing director of Lufthansa Portugal, Stephan Semsch, announced yesterday in Lisbon that the company will conduct direct flights on a weekly basis between Madeira/ Berlin (starting in September) and Madeira/ Duesseldorf (starting in November this year).

For more information please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/news/

Ricardo Santos wins the Madeira Islands Open 2012

Ricardo Santos became the first home-grown player to win the Madeira Islands Open for the first time in its 40-year history.

The Portuguese star powered to a stunning 63 yesterday at the Santo da Serra course to scoop the silverware in a record low 22-under total.

Sweden's Magnus Carlsson finsished second and Denmark's Andreas Harto finished third.

An elated Santos said "I don't have the words to describe this week as it is very emotional,To win my first European Tour event in my own country is very special. It was a sensational round and definitely the best of my career. I dedicate my win to my wife and daughter.”

Santos, who graduated to the main tour earlier this year, was presented with a first prize check of €112,500, and wasted little time acknowledging the backing he had received around the course. "It was amazing to have the crowds here supporting me," he said. "It would be difficult to imagine a better win than this... This is a huge moment in my career."

For full scorecards please visit: The European Tour

For Investments please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/

Monarch Airlines increases flights to Madeira

Monarch Airlines are to operate new flights to Madeira from London Gatwick and Birmingham airports, from 15 October 2012, with fares expected to start from as little as € 61.50 one way (€ 136 round trip), taxes included.

Flight bookings are currently available at http://www.monarch.co.uk/

Kevin George, Executive Director of Monarch Airlines comments:

“With a heritage of over 40 years, we believe that our product offering is perfectly positioned to penetrate the leisure market of Madeira. Our strategy for the company is now focused firmly on regular operations and it is with great pleasure that we add a new route from Madeira to our already extensive network of leisure destinations across Europe.

   

Madeira Airports represented by its board director, Duarte Ferreira warmly welcomes the start of this new operation with Monarch:

“The entrance of Monarch at Madeira Airport follows the strategy that the company has developed to consolidate the UK market and make available to passengers a differentiated offering, and the profile of this company is part of this strategy. It is also noteworthy that this operation be launched in winter, thus contributing to reversing the trend of increased seasonality that has been recorded in this period. “

Source: Aeroportos da Madeira

For more info please visit: http://www.acropolissgps.com/

Acropolis SGPS - Europen Tour heads to Madeira!

The Madeira Islands Open will commence tomorrow at the Santo da Serra golf course. The Open returns to Santo da Serra Golf this season for the first time since 2008.

The last three Madeira Islands Open were held at Porto Santo Golfe. Northern Irishman Michael Hoey was last year’s winner. Englishman James Morrison and Argentine Estanislao Goya were the other victors at Porto Santo in 2010 and 2009 respectively, while Scotsman Alastair Forsyth was the last player to win at Santo da Serra, in 2008.

Madeira island golf is special.

English Golfer Chris Gane will be one of many golfers competing for the prize money. He was quoted on the European Tour website:

“I’ve played here many times – it’s a beautiful course, especially the third and fourth holes,” he said.  “When the wind blows it can get very interesting. It’s a unique one in that play can be suspended at the top of the hill because you can’t see your hand in front of your face for fog, but down the hill the holes are fine and the guys are still playing.

“You get every type of weather here. It’s probably the only course in the world where the wind blows upwards. It’s unpredictable but I know the course well and hopefully I can play well again."

Welshman Bradley Dredge, a previous winner of the event (2003) will also be taking part this year.

"I always enjoy coming to the island of Madeira," Dredge told Europeantour.com. "The course has improved every year so I'm looking forward to going back there. The food is always really great in the nice restaurants there and we stay in a good hotel.

"It's always nice to come back to a place where I've played well in the past.

For more information please visit:  http://www.europeantour.com/


For those that enjoy golf and golfing holidays why not consider investing in Madeira?

We at Acropolis SGPS offer fantastic investment opportunities for investors – we even have Investment opportunities close to the Sir Nick Faldo designed golf course (currently under construction) in Madeira.

Acropolis has taken pride in providing its clients with privileged investments taking advantage of a beneficial economic situation and unique tax exemptions. The aim of our projects is to make the most of the exclusive opportunities available in Madeira at the current time and pass those opportunities on to clients throughout the world.

Flower Festival 2012 - Madeira, Portugal

If you love Flowers then the Madeira Flower Festival is the place to be! This year it is being taken place from 19th to 25th April.

Historically, the flowers are a fundamental feature of the landscape of Madeira. The island's mild climate allows a variety of flowers to bloom everywhere, which naturally enchant for the beauty they emanate and the scent they exhale.

The highlight is the Flower Parade, with several groups of over a thousand participants who, bearing costumes depicting flowers, dancing to the sound of exquisitely selected music, through the main arteries of the city, along with fantastic floats, beautifully decorated with many different varieties of flowers of Madeira.

Besides the Flower Exhibition, the art of the construction of the floral carpets will be open to the public until April 25th, at the ‘Largo da Restauração’, which is also a major attraction for those who visit the Island.

Videos of previous festivals:

If you like beautiful flowers and beautiful Madeira then you will love our beautiful Investments. Please contact Acropolis SGPS and provide you with advice to help your Investments blossom with heathly returns.

Please visit our website: http://www.acropolissgps.com/
or Telephone: 00 351 291 239 403


Article source: http://www.visitingmadeira.com/

London 2012 Olympics - 100 days to go!

With only 100 days to go before the start of the London 2012 Olympics our attention is on local windsurfing sensation João Rodrigues as he prepares for the event.

Born in Santa Cruz, Madeira, he is one of the favourites to obtain a medal from the Portugese delegation.

The handsome sailor has been representing Portugal in the Olympic Games for more than 16 years and is one of the best RS:X windsurfers in the world. If that wasn't enough he speaks four different languages (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) and has a degree in mechanical engineering.

FACT: On 14 June 2011, João Rodrigues successfully sailed non-stop across the open Atlantic Ocean, a distance of more than 160 miles (296 kilometres) between Madeira Island and Selvagem Grande.

The Portuguese rider completed the challenge in only 10 hours and this feat has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records!

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions. It was the first London 2012 Games venue to be finished.

Article source and pics: Surfertoday.com

Buyers develop a taste for beautiful Madeira!

A rise in toursim in the popular island of Madeira is fuelling the property market where 70% of land is reserved for conservation.

An article by Mary Wilson published in the Financial Times highlights this trend.

Full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/3d6f6422-7989-11e1-8fad-00144feab49a.html#axzz1sCQMBYOd

The article mentions that tourism, which dipped over the past decade, is now on the increase, rising 8.6 per cent in the year to November 2011. This is good news for second-home owners, who choose to rent out their properties.

Also it quotes Linda Beaney of Beaney Pearce, who markets Palheiro Village in the UK “The sales market in Madeira has continued at a steady pace over the past three years. While fewer Brits have bought than in the preceding three years, they have continued to feature, and sales have also been to a spread of other nationalities including Scandinavians, Brazilians, Germans and South Africans.

For advice on investments please contact Acropolis SGPS.

Please visit http://www.acropolissgps.com/ for more information.

Acropolis SGPS

Like the building of our namesake ancient Greek monument a strong investment portfolio takes time to build. It requires a strong foundation to enable you to expand, diversify and take calculated risks. Everyone wants to let their money take care of itself. And it can, provided you build your portfolio to withstand the volatility of the market.

Everyone knows the saying ‘It’s about being in the right place at the right time’ But every successful person also knows that you can make your own luck by making sure you’re in the right place at the right time.

At Acropolis we help you to build and maintain your investment portfolio developing your personal wealth through clever positioning in an emerging marketplace. This way you stand to take advantage of an area ripe for growth and poised for prosperity.

We are a Madeira based company who specialise in Investments in emerging markets. With established offices in the heart of Madeira’s capital, Funchal, we aid our global client base in developing their personal wealth. Whether this is through helping our clients to create a healthy portfolio or building upon an existing one, we assist medium to high net worth individuals in finding an opportunity to suit them.

For more information please visit: www.acropolissgps.com

Pearl Island Project

Situated on the western tip of the island and looking out onto the expanse of the Atlantic ocean, Ponta do Pargo is ideally located to enjoy the dramatic scenery and sense of space that Madeira gained its reputation for.

Until recent years Ponta do Pargo in the rural district of Calheta wasn’t on the average visitor’s itinerary. Aside from the most adventurous hikers who ventured to the dramatic coasts to spot dolphins or witness the famous sunsets, the region was relatively unexplored.

With an international standard Sir Nick Faldo designed golf course under construction on the West facing cliff tops and huge government funded improvements to infrastructure, it is now tipped to be the fastest growing emerging region of the island.

Land on this part of the island has more than doubled in value since planning was agreed for the prolific golf course.

Our project compromises of plans to build 20 strategically placed villa plots on an area of land 17,519 metres squared. Sitting on a plateau overlooking the golf course the villas will be in a prime spot for the elite golfing crowd and thus will demand high prices for rental and sale.

Existing plans place each luxury contemporary villa on its own 750 square metre plot with private pool and gardens. When built each villa is estimated to be worth around €1.5 million giving the total project a worth of around €30 million.

This is clearly attractive to a developer who stands to make a substantial profit from the sale of the villas. It is even more attractive to us, the land owners and you, the investors, who stand to make unrivalled returns from becoming involved in the project at its inception.

Returns on the project could top 300% if sold with full planning permission which is expected in 2012.

All these ingredients add up to a low risk, short to medium term investment with phenomenal returns. This is a unique proposal in the current financial market where low risk generally means low return or longer term investment.

For more information please visit: www.acropolissgps.com

Why Madeira?

Specialising in emerging marketplaces we saw Madeira as an ideal place to begin.

Our directors recognised the potential in burgeoning market and wished to pass the exclusive opportunity onto others. Aside from the stunning mountainous scenery and blankets of exotic flowers that lure millions of visitors to the tiny Atlantic island each year, Madeira’s land is also unique in terms of opportunity.

Land in Madeira retains its value and is appreciating at a rapid rate on regions of the island with considerable development.

So why is land on Madeira faring better than much of the rest of the Eurozone? 70% of land in Madeira is protected and with an increasing tourism numbers and overseas home buyers the supply of homes cannot keep up with the demand.


Five star hotels, resorts and villas are the accommodation of choice in Madeira. With a high number of cruise passengers arriving each year and golf beginning to draw in a global audience, high end accommodation is ever popular on the island and developers are keen to be a head of the curve.

For more information please visit: www.acropolissgps.com

About Acropolis SGPS

Acropolis SGPS are a Madeira based organisation specialising in Investments in emerging land and property markets. With offices in the centre of Madeira's modern cosmopolitan capital Funchal, we assist new and established investors achieve the best returns on their finances. Helping our clients build strong investment portfolios, or to assess and expand on existing ones, we help medium to high net worth individuals to find opportunities that suit them, and will be available at every step to advise or discuss any queries they may have.

Since its inception in 2009 Acropolis has taken pride in providing its clients with privileged investments taking advantage of a beneficial economic situation and unique tax exemptions. The aim of our projects is to make the most of the exclusive opportunities available in Madeira at the current time and pass those opportunities on to clients throughout the world.

For more information please visit: www.acropolissgps.com