Madeira Guide: What’s Living in Madeira Really Like?

Renting & Buying Property

The property market in Madeira offers a range of options for both renters and buyers. The island’s growing popularity among expats and digital nomads has led to increased demand, particularly in Funchal and other coastal areas. However, compared to many European destinations, Madeira still offers relatively affordable options for those looking to make this island paradise their home.

Buying

Property prices in Madeira vary widely depending on location, size, and condition. In Funchal, you can find apartments in need of renovation starting from around €100,000, while luxury villas with ocean views can exceed €1 million. Traditional Madeiran houses, known as “quintas,” are popular among buyers looking for character properties. These often come with substantial land and can range from €200,000 to €500,000 depending on their condition and location. Outside of Funchal, particularly in more rural areas, prices tend to be lower, offering opportunities for those seeking a quieter lifestyle or investment potential.

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Renting

Rental prices in Madeira have been on the rise but remain competitive compared to major European cities. In Funchal, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically ranges from €600 to €1,000 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost between €1,000 and €1,800. Outside the capital, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas, rental prices can be significantly lower. Long-term rentals are available, but the growing short-term rental market for tourists can make finding long-term options more challenging in some areas.

For more information about renting in Portugal, including Madeira, visit this guide on renting in Portugal.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Madeira is generally lower than in many Western European countries, but it’s not as budget-friendly as some might expect for an island location. Housing costs, particularly in Funchal, can be comparable to those in Lisbon or Porto. A single person might need a budget of around €2,000 per month, with an additional €1,000 for a partner or spouse.

Food costs are reasonable, with local produce being particularly affordable. Eating out can be quite economical, with lunchtime deals available for around €10, often including multiple courses. However, dining at international or high-end restaurants will naturally be more expensive.

Transportation costs should be factored in, as owning a car is often necessary due to limited public transport options. This includes not only the purchase price but also maintenance and fuel costs.

Utilities and internet services are generally affordable, but imported goods, electronics, and certain toiletries may be more expensive than on the mainland due to shipping costs.

Can I Move to Madeira?

Moving to Madeira is straightforward for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, who can live and work on the island without a visa. They simply need to register with the local authorities after 90 days.

For non-EU citizens, including British nationals post-Brexit, several visa options are available:

1. Golden Visa: Requires a significant investment in Portuguese real estate or funds.
2. D7 Visa: Suitable for retirees or those with a stable passive income.
3. Digital Nomad Visa (D8): Designed for remote workers and freelancers.
4. D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Portugal.

Can I move to Portugal?

Attractions

Madeira offers a wealth of attractions for residents to enjoy:

1. Funchal Cable Car: This scenic ride offers breathtaking views of the city and harbour. The 15-minute journey takes you from the Old Town to Monte, where you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or experience the famous toboggan rides back down.
2. Levada Walks: Madeira’s unique irrigation system doubles as an extensive network of walking trails. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is particularly popular, offering a 6.5 km walk through lush forests and tunnels, ending at a stunning waterfall.
3. Cabo Girão Skywalk: This glass-floored platform sits atop Europe’s highest sea cliff at 580 metres. It offers unparalleled views of the coastline and the terraced fields below, providing a thrilling experience for visitors.
4. Ponta de São Lourenço: This nature reserve on Madeira’s eastern tip features dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and diverse flora. The hiking trail here offers stunning views of both the north and south coasts of the island.

Expat Life

Expat life in Madeira is thriving, with a growing international community drawn by the island’s natural beauty, mild climate, and relaxed lifestyle. The expat population is diverse, with significant numbers from the UK, Germany, France, the US, and increasingly, digital nomads from around the world.

Funchal, the capital, is the hub of expat activity, offering numerous social clubs, international schools, and events catering to the foreign community. The Digital Nomads Madeira project has further boosted the international presence, especially in Ponta do Sol, which has become a hotspot for remote workers and freelancers.

While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations, making it easy for expats to navigate daily life. However, learning Portuguese is encouraged for better integration and to fully appreciate the local culture.

Retiring Here

Madeira is an increasingly popular retirement destination, offering a blend of European comfort and island tranquility. The year-round mild climate is particularly appealing to retirees, allowing for an active outdoor lifestyle throughout the seasons.

Healthcare in Madeira is generally good, with both public and private options available. The island’s main hospital is in Funchal, and there are health centres spread across the island. However, for specialized treatments, a trip to mainland Portugal might be necessary.

The cost of living, while not as low as in some parts of mainland Portugal, is still attractive for many retirees from Northern Europe or North America. The relaxed pace of life, combined with a range of activities from golf to hiking, provides a fulfilling retirement experience.

Madeira’s size means that everything is relatively close, making it easy to explore the entire island. The strong expat community also ensures that retirees can easily find like-minded individuals and social activities.

Food

Madeiran cuisine is a delightful blend of Portuguese traditions and unique island flavours. Here are some regional specialities:

• Espetada: Skewered beef chunks grilled with garlic and bay leaves, often served hanging on a hook.
• Bolo do Caco: A traditional flat bread made with sweet potato, often served with garlic butter.
• Lapas: Grilled limpets, a local seafood delicacy, usually served with lemon and garlic.
• Poncha: A strong alcoholic drink made with aguardente de cana (sugar cane rum), honey, and lemon juice.
• Milho Frito: Fried cubes of polenta, often served as a side dish.

Madeira also offers the national Portuguese dishes like caldo verde, grilled fish, and pastel de nata. For vegans and vegetarians, options are increasing, especially in Funchal, though traditional Madeiran cuisine is heavy on meat and fish. Gluten-free options are becoming more common, but it’s advisable to learn relevant Portuguese phrases to communicate dietary needs.

Upsides & Downsides of Living Here

Pros

1. Year-round mild climate
2. Stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities
3. Safe environment with low crime rates
4. Growing international community
5. Tax incentives for certain professions
6. Good healthcare system

Cons

1. Limited job opportunities outside tourism
2. Sense of isolation due to island location
3. Higher costs for imported goods
4. Occasionally challenging weather for air travel
5. Limited public transportation outside Funchal
6. Housing market becoming more competitive

Climate

Madeira boasts a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. In summer, temperatures average around 25°C (77°F), rarely exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are mild, with average temperatures of 17°C (63°F).

The island’s unique microclimate means that weather can vary significantly between different parts of the island. The north coast tends to be cooler and wetter, while the south enjoys more sunshine.

Madeira’s beaches, while often pebbly rather than sandy, provide a great way to cool off in summer. For those living inland, the island’s numerous ‘praias fluviais’ (river beaches) offer refreshing alternatives.

Will I Need to Learn Portuguese?

While English is widely spoken in Madeira, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, learning Portuguese is highly recommended for a fuller integration into local life. Portuguese people appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just basic phrases.

For those considering long-term residency or citizenship, learning Portuguese becomes more important. To obtain Portuguese citizenship, you’ll need to pass an A2 level language exam.

For resources on learning Portuguese, check out this guide to learning Portuguese.

Schools

Madeira offers a range of educational options, including public, private, and international schools:

• Public Schools: Madeira’s public education system follows the Portuguese curriculum. Top-performing schools include Escola Secundária Francisco Franco and Escola Básica e Secundária da Ponta do Sol.
• Private Schools: Escola Complementar do Til – APEL in Funchal is a highly regarded private school option.
• International Schools: The International School of Madeira offers a bilingual curriculum (English and Portuguese) for ages 3-10. The International Sharing School – Madeira provides an International Baccalaureate program for ages 3-16.

For higher education, the University of Madeira in Funchal offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

For more information about schooling options in Portugal, including Madeira, visit this guide on schools in Portugal.

Getting Around

Madeira’s compact size makes getting around relatively easy, but the mountainous terrain can present challenges:

Walking: Funchal is quite walkable, but the hilly terrain can be challenging for some.

Bus: The public bus system is reasonably priced and covers most of the island, but service can be infrequent in rural areas.

Car: Many residents find owning a car necessary, especially if living outside Funchal. The island has a modern road network, including tunnels that make cross-island travel faster.

Taxi and Ride-sharing: Taxis are readily available, and Uber operates in Funchal.

Flying: Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport offers connections to mainland Portugal and various European destinations. Residents benefit from discounted airfares to the mainland.

For day trips, popular options include visiting the traditional houses of Santana, exploring the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, or taking a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales.

Similar Locations

If you’re considering Madeira, you might also want to explore:

1. The Azores: Another Portuguese archipelago offering natural beauty and a slower pace of life, but with more variable weather.
2. The Algarve: Portugal’s southern coast provides mild winters and beautiful beaches, but with hotter summers than Madeira.
3. Canary Islands: Spanish territory with a similar climate to Madeira, offering tax benefits for certain residents.
4. Cyprus: Another Mediterranean island destination popular with expats, offering warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Each location has its unique charm, but Madeira stands out for its year-round mild climate, stunning landscapes, and growing international community.