Due to the Madeira Archipelago being geographically located in the course of many ships, destined for countries on the American continent, among others, it was used as a supply port and also for commercial transactions,
In the 15th century, the region exported wheat and sugar, then, from the 16th century to the present day, the export of wine, with wine being the most important product of exploration and export from the 17th century onwards.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, visitors to the island were limited to four large distinct groups: patients, travelers, tourists and scientists. Most of the visitors belonged to the wealthy aristocracy. With this increase in visitors, there was a need to create conditions to receive them, and the more organized tourist activity began to emerge with the implementation of the first luxury hotel.

The Habsburgs would remain forever linked to Madeira, having died there, in exile, Charles of Austria, the last emperor, in 1922, recently beatified.

The Habsburgs would remain forever linked to Madeira, having died there, in exile, Charles of Austria, the last emperor, in 1922, recently beatified.

It was in the 19th century that Madeira received more visits from illustrious personalities, as a result of the promotion that was made abroad in relation to the therapeutic effects that the island's air provided, above all, to patients with tuberculosis.
The taste for the exotic, which the island's landscapes provided, was also an attraction for great personalities of European royalty, researchers, politicians and scientists to choose the island of Madeira for vacations.
According to history, at the beginning of the 19th century Madeira received many international visitors, captivated by the landscapes and the good air of Madeira.

It also marks the history of Madeira. Empress Isabel, better known as Sissi, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, visited Madeira several times and left great connections on the island. His first visit was in November 1860 and the reception was prepared in detail.
The Empress of Austria came to Madeira for the winter, allegedly as a result of her health. He arrived in Madeira aboard the English ship Victoria and Albert, loaned by the Kings of England and also received on board the main authorities of the Region, that is, the Bishop, the Civil Governor and the Military Commander. He stayed in the chosen residence, Mr. Davies' farm, overlooking the bay of Funchal, where the Pestana Carlton is currently located. On the 28th of April, accompanied by Infante D. Luís, who had come from Lisbon on behalf of his father, she left escorted by the Portuguese corvette Bartolomeu Dias to Gibraltar and two other English war steamers. Empress Isabel returned to Madeira several years later.

The island received a visit from Empress Leopoldina, from Austria, who was on her way to Brazil to marry D. Pedro, Emperor of Brazil and later King of Portugal. She arrived at the bay on the 11th of September 1817 and stayed at the São Lourenço Palace.

The Queen Adelaide of England also passed through Madeira, on long stays, in 1847; Prince Maximilian Napoleon, brother-in-law of Sissi and Duke of Leuchetemberg, in 1850, and the future Emperor Maximilian of Mexico and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium.

But one of the visits that most marked the history of Funchal was certainly that of D. Carlos and Queen Dona Maria Amélia in 1901.

In the list of visitors and VIP guests there are many names, from 1894 to this year. It is impossible to single them all out, but there were many aristocrats from the most varied European houses, but also from Saudi Arabia. We were visited by the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill and his wife, their grandchildren as well. The list also includes artists such as the English opera singer, Kiri Te Kanawa. Also Queen Silvia of Sweden Known for the “iron lady”, Margaret Thacher. José Maria Aznar, Dukes of Bragança, writer John le Carré, Stephen Hawking…
 

Madeira received a visit from Carmen Polo de Franco, wife of the Spanish dictator Franco. From Spain too, he visited the island, the Kings, Juan Carlos and his wife Sofia.
On official visit, King Carl Gustav XVI and Queen Silvia of Sweden. Prince Albert of Monaco visits with his sister Princess Stefanie
But the great visit was undoubtedly that of Pope John Paul II, on May 12, 1991, who during that day celebrated a mass at the Barreiros Stadium and also visited the Cathedral of Funchal, leaving in the afternoon for Fátima.