The tourist authorities of the island of Madeira have recently published a listing of some of their most significant cultural events for 2010.

Already in 2010 the island has hosted both a Walking Festival and an Orienteering Festival during January. One of the island's largest cultural events, the annual Carnival, also took place between the 13th and 16th of February. We have already provided some details about this, but for anyone who was on the island over that weekend, the capital Funchal was the place to be to see all the colourful street parades and to take part in the festivities.

A regular international golf tournament usually comes to the island each March, but this year the Madeira Island Open, part of the PGA European Tour, has been put back slightly and will now be played between 8th and 11th April at the Porto Santo Golfe course. On the following weekend of 17th and 18th April Madeira celebrates its famous Flower Festival. In addition to the street decorations, parades and flower based artistic creations, including the children's "Wall of Hope", there are also music concerts, flower markets, exhibitions and various forms of street entertainment by local groups. Again downtown Funchal is the place to see everything going on.

Another major event during the first half of the year is the island's Atlantic Festival. Due to Madeira's location the sea has played a significant role in its history, so it is fitting that the island names this multi-faceted event after the great ocean. The festival is a combination of several activities including a fireworks competition and a Music Festival. Madeira is famous for its love of fireworks, as anyone who has witnessed it New Years Eve display will testify.

Flythomascook.com provides regular flights to Madeira from six of the UK's major airports.