Why move to Madeira
Madeira offers a perpetual spring-like climate with year-round balmy temperatures. The region boasts breathtaking landscapes and a rich local culture that fuels a thriving luxury tourist industry.
Spend your days drinking Madeira wine, visiting botanical gardens, or wandering around the bustling local markets.
English is widely spoken so while it’s a good idea to learn Portuguese, you don’t have to be fluent straight away.
House prices are generally higher than mainland Portugal, but lower than house prices in cities such as Lisbon and Porto. The cost of living in Madeira is approximately 12% lower than Lisbon, according to Numbeo.
Where to buy a property in Madeira
According to the latest Kyero data, here are the top 5 most popular locations in Madeira for expats to purchase a property:
Funchal
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a popular choice for property buyers due to its vibrant city life, historic charm, and extensive amenities. It offers a wide range of properties, from traditional townhouses in the Old Town to modern apartments with ocean views. The city's bustling markets, cultural attractions, and numerous restaurants make it an exciting place to live.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, located near Madeira's international airport, is a tranquil coastal town known for its scenic beauty and accessibility. It's a favourite among expatriates for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to the airport. Santa Cruz offers a mix of properties, including apartments and houses, many of which boast stunning sea views.
Calheta
Calheta, situated on Madeira's southwest coast, is celebrated for its golden sandy beaches and sunny climate. This area is ideal for those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Calheta offers a variety of properties, including villas and apartments, often with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.
Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos is a picturesque fishing village that has attracted both locals and expats with its charming atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Properties here often offer coastal or mountain views. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter life, with easy access to Funchal just a short drive away
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Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol, known as the "Sunniest Point," lives up to its name with abundant sunshine and a pleasant climate. This tranquil coastal town is characterized by terraced hillsides and is an attractive option for property buyers seeking peace and natural beauty. Properties in Ponta do Sol include charming cottages and modern homes with sea views.
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Getting Around
Madeira has an international airport, Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is well-connected to major European cities. The airport is located near Funchal and serves as a gateway for travellers visiting the island.
There is an extensive network of well-maintained roads and highways that connect various parts of the island. The scenic drives are a highlight for many visitors, with winding roads offering breathtaking views.
Ferries and boats connect Madeira to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, providing an opportunity for day trips or extended stays. Additionally, boat tours are available for dolphin and whale watching.
There’s also an efficient and affordable public bus system, readily available taxi services, cable cars and funiculars, which offer a convenient and scenic way to explore.
Madeira is also a paradise for walkers and hikers, with an extensive network of levadas (irrigation channels) and trails crisscrossing the island's interior and coast.
Healthcare in Madeira
Healthcare in Madeira is generally of a high standard, and the region offers comprehensive medical services to both residents and visitors. The public healthcare system is known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). This system provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialised treatments. Health centres, known as "Centros de Saúde," are the primary points of contact for residents seeking medical care. They offer general medical services, vaccinations, and basic healthcare consultations. The Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal, is the main hospital on the island.
In addition to the public healthcare system, there are private healthcare providers and facilities on the island. Private hospitals and clinics offer quicker access to medical services and a wider range of options for those who prefer private healthcare. It's advisable for both residents and expatriates to have health insurance, which can provide access to private healthcare facilities and faster service. Many residents in Madeira opt for private health insurance to supplement the public system.
Pharmacies, known as "Farmácias," are widely available throughout Madeira. They provide prescription and over-the-counter medications, healthcare advice, and other health-related products.
Schools & Education in Madeira
Madeira offers a range of educational options for expats. Madeira has a public education system that provides education from kindergarten (jardim de infância) through secondary school (ensino secundário). The language of instruction is Portuguese. Expat children may find it challenging to integrate into the public system without prior knowledge of the language. Therefore families often opt for international schools, which offer a curriculum in languages other than Portuguese, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British curriculum. One of the most popular international schools is the International School of Madeira.
Things to do in Madeira
The capital, Funchal, boasts a historic centre with a gothic cathedral, Bishop's Palace, museums, farmers markets, and craft shops. Modern tourist amenities, golf courses, and apartment buildings with infinity pools can be found on the city's outskirts.
Food lovers can indulge in culinary delights, including two Michelin-starred restaurants and numerous local eateries.
The secondary island, Porto Santo, has been dubbed the ‘Golden Island’ for its uninterrupted 9km of golden sandy beach. It’s small, but there’s plenty to see. The capital, Vila Baleira, offers a central square, parks, gardens, museums and restaurants. The island springs to life for the impressive midsummer festival held in honour of St John, the island’s patron saint. However, most people visit for the coastline, and there are rumours that the combination of volcanic minerals and saltwater creates curative bathing waters.
Both islands have vast areas of unadulterated natural beauty, with two thirds of the region officially protected. From the volcanic soils of Madeira sprung ancient Laurel forests called Laurissilva. There are also the Garajau and Rocha do Navio nature reserves and Madeira National Park. You can take guided walks in any of these, or more experienced hikers could take a trek up into the ridged mountains. If you’re still feeling lively, there’s sailing, whale or dolphin spotting, scuba diving, sea fishing, canyoning, paragliding, surfing and swimming in lava pools to experience.