MADEIRA DESTINATION GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Alongside Porto Santo, Madeira is part of a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles off the coast of Morocco. Even if both are well known for their beautiful scenery, mild climate and delicious food, Madeira is the one that most people call home. The island is also home to a rich history and culture.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're into hiking, biking, swimming, golfing or surfing. There is always activity within easy reach for everyone, from the most adventurous to the most laidback.

THE ISLAND

The people of Madeira are known for their warm hospitality and their love of life. The island has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and there is a strong sense of community. Madeirans enjoy spending time outdoors and they are very proud of their island's natural beauty. The capital, Funchal, is a bustling city with a rich history and there are many charming villages and towns, each with a unique character, such as Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Porto Moniz and Calheta.

Known as The Island of Eternal Spring, the island's climate is mild year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, even during the winter. This makes Madeira a popular destination for those who want to escape the cold winters of the northern hemisphere.

THE PEARL OF THE ATLANTIC

ADVISERS’ OPINION

If you are a digital nomad searching for a change of scenery, escape the cold winters, have some adventures throughout the year or enjoy a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, Madeira is the perfect place for you.

WHY TO BUY

Capital appreciation
Safety
Good value for money
Outdoor lifestyle
A high number of flights are available
Natural beauty

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Funchal, Calheta and Ponta do Sol are the main areas to buy high-end properties
Property price per square metre can vary considerably
Madeira has a huge sense of community and is becoming the favourite spot of digital nomads
Watch the sunrise from Pico do Areeiro before you go on a 7km hike to Pico Ruivo, it will be a memorable experience.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Madeira has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on improving transportation, communication and energy. The airport has been expanded and a new highway has been built connecting the capital, Funchal, to the rest of the island. In addition, the island is investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These investments have helped to make Madeira a more attractive destination for tourists and businesses alike.

Since February 2021, Madeira Islands have welcomed, at least, over 9,400 digital nomads. Besides Ponta do Sol, the digital nomads are currently spread around the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. The improvement in its telecommunication connections and the focus on a sustainable energy future create space for the start-up ecosystem with several initiatives such as the Digital Nomads Project and its communities, and other international programs for entrepreneurs that happens in Madeira, such as the Travel and Tourism acceleration program Madeira Startup Retreat.

HISTORY

Madeira was first discovered in 1418 by Portuguese sailors. The island was uninhabited at the time, but the Portuguese quickly claimed it for their own and it soon became a major producer of sugar. Madeira soon became an important trading post for the Portuguese, and it was also a popular destination for European explorers. The Pearl of the Atlantic was a major discovery for the Portuguese explorers as it was an important and strategic stopover for ships sailing between Europe and the Americas.

In the 16th Century, Madeira was hit by a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These natural disasters destroyed much of the island's infrastructure, but the Portuguese were able to rebuild followed by a huge success as wine producers and exporters since the 17th Century. Madeira continued to thrive as a trading post and a tourist destination, even more after COVID-19 in 2020 as the island was relatively unscathed by the pandemic, with few cases and no deaths. This made it a safe and attractive destination for people looking to relocate or buy a second home.

THE AREA TODAY

According to the Global Property Guide, the annual growth rate in the luxury property market in Madeira has been around 5% in recent years. This is significantly higher than the average annual growth rate for the overall property market in Portugal, which is around 2%. Since COVID, Madeira is becoming a more and more popular destination for investment, large;y due to its strong economy and its strategic location. The island is also home to a number of tax breaks and incentives introduced by the Portuguese government that make it attractive to local and foreign investors.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in real estate investment in Madeira. The island has a limited supply of buildable land, leading to rising property prices. However, there are still some good investment opportunities available, particularly in the tourism sector as the pandemic led to a surge in demand for vacation homes, as people were looking for a safe and secluded place to stay during the pandemic, to relocate or to buy a second home.