Madeira has been described as the "Island of Eternal Spring." Located off the coast of Morocco, Madeira Island is Portugal's other world. Entirely volcanic in origin, Madeira's peaks stretch out of the sea from the "valleys" in the ocean depths. The volcanic soil combines with the mild climate to produce an abundance of green as well as multicolored vegetation. Along the center of Madeira runs a mountain chain that provides a spectacular contrast to the fertile coastlands where the principal crops such as sugarcane, bananas and grapes flourish. Terraces of farmland extend into the hills, adding tiers of green beauty to the landscape.