The Full Digital Nomad Guide to Madeira
Madeira is a destination that instantly ignites the spirit of adventure in everyone who visits. This enchanting locale is nothing short of magical. In the following guide, we'll divulge essential insights about this European haven of tropical allure. Whether you're a digital nomad, an expatriate, or a travel enthusiast in quest of a year-round marvelous destination, this guide caters to you.
Guide for Digital Nomads in Madeira
1 Movement
Unfortunately, Madeira's transportation network leaves much to be desired. The primary modes of transportation on the island include cars, taxis, and Bolt (a competitor to Uber in Europe).
A few years ago, Uber was operational in Madeira but ceased operations in April 2021 due to a local government decree aimed at reducing the number of vehicles and mobility services on the island.
From our experience, opting for a taxi isn't the most economical choice. For instance, we were charged about €25 for a trip from the airport to our Airbnb in Funchal, which is roughly a half-hour drive.
Although using the Bolt app could be a more cost-effective alternative to taxis, the availability of Bolt cars is quite limited on the island, making taxis a more common sight.
While buses are also an option, their infrequent schedules can leave you waiting for extended periods in less accessible areas, which is less than ideal.
Therefore, we believe that renting a car is the optimal solution, particularly for those planning extended stays of a month or more. Renting a car offers the freedom to explore the island's most secluded locales at your leisure, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
2 Use Coworking Space
Although Madeira internet is quite fast, in most cases it is better to use a coworking site. There is not only high-speed Internet, but also computers, necessary software, drinks and food. Even if you face location-based website blocking, just use VeePN. It provides not only access blocked websites, but also protection against Wi-Fi network eavesdropping, data interception and many other threats. If you live in Madeira, then it is better to use your home Internet; others will find many advantages in coworking centers.
3 Choose a Suitable Accommodation Option
When it comes to finding a place to stay, you have plenty of options at your fingertips.
Hotel prices range widely - for a room that accommodates two, you're looking at anything from $30-40 to over $100 a night, all dependent on how luxurious you want your stay to be.
If you're booking during the off-peak season, approximately in November, luxury hotels might drop their rates to about $70-80 a night for two people, especially if you use booking platforms like Booking.com or look for budget-friendly hostels on Hostelworld. The choice is entirely yours.
For those planning a more extended visit, Airbnb offers great solutions. We found a modern house just 5-10 minutes from Funchal for around $800 a month. It boasted a garden, barbecue area, spacious living room, high-speed internet, and several other amenities.
4 Food Madeira
If you pride yourself on being a gourmand, much like us, you'll agree that the culinary experiences are a highlight of any travel adventure. Madeiran cuisine is no exception, presenting a polarizing yet fascinating array of flavors.
The culinary landscape in Madeira strikes a harmonious balance between seafood and meats, complemented by an abundant selection of tropical fruits readily available across the island.
One standout dish that epitomizes Madeiran culinary tradition is the "Espetada," a mouthwatering preparation of beef grilled to perfection and served on an impressively large skewer right at your table - truly a feast for the senses!
This special dish has its roots in local customs, traditionally prepared for celebratory occasions during pilgrimages. Back in the day, beef was a luxury not commonly enjoyed by the masses, rendering the Espetada a symbol of festivity.
In true Madeiran style, the Espetada is often paired with the island's beloved "Bolo Do Caco," a delectable sweet potato bread enriched with brewer's yeast and oil, then finished with a generous slathering of melted butter. UK residents might find a comforting familiarity in its resemblance to garlic bread.
5 Safety
Madeira generally boasts a safe environment. However, when exploring certain districts of Funchal after dark, it's wise to remain particularly vigilant to ensure complete safety.
In one of Funchal's charming side streets, a scene captures a motorcycle, with hues of blue and orange, parked under the canopy of a lush, green tree, embodying the summer vibe of Madeira.
The locals of Madeira welcomed us with open arms, showing tremendous kindness. Despite this, it became apparent that there seems to be a subtle tension towards tourists among some community members.
Estimated Costs of Living in Madeira
For transportation, we spent between €500-800 each month, which covered our car lease, insurance, and gas. Our accommodation - a private house found on Airbnb - cost us €800 monthly. Dining out at restaurants amounted to about €80 a month, considering we ate out approximately four times each month at an average cost of €20 per meal.
Grocery shopping totaled to €80-120 monthly, with a weekly budget of €20-30. In terms of entertainment, enjoying Madeira's breathtaking natural landscapes didn't cost us anything - it was completely free. The coworking space we frequented in Ponta do Sol didn't charge us, while the one in Funchal had a slight fee, costing us between €40-50 a month for four to five visits.
Overall, for an individual, the total monthly expenses ranged from €1300-1800. However, these costs could drop to €1,100-1,300 per month if shared between two people.
Conclusion
Madeira is the perfect holiday destination, but that doesn't mean you have to come here on holiday. Digital nomads have long chosen this place and continue to work remotely. With the information above, you will be able to adapt to life on Madeira more easily.
The cost of living can be quite subjective; however, we found it beneficial to detail our monthly expenses while residing in Madeira as digital nomads.