Funchal is the capital and largest city of the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, a nature lover's paradise in the Atlantic Ocean—around 930 kilometers north of the Canary Islands and about 500 kilometers west of Morocco.
In 2021, Madeira was named the world’s best island destination for the 7th consecutive year by the prestigious World Travel Awards.
Located in the south of the island, Funchal is home to characterful old buildings and cultural sites, is full of natural wonders, and is always buzzing with activity.
It's also the birthplace of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Post-pandemic and thanks to a digital nomad village initiative, Madeira has become a hotspot for international location-independent professionals, many of whom choose to reside in the capital.
Since the launch of the first village, the archipelago has hosted more than 15,000 digital nomads, with an estimated economic impact of over €30 million.
In this guide, you'll learn the information you need to make Funchal your temporary home as a digital nomad.
Is it safe to travel to Madeira?
In general, Madeira is a very safe, peaceful destination, and the regional government has taken various measures to contain the spread of COVID -19 and its variants. At the time of writing, it's safe to visit the region.
Check this website for up-to-date information on travel restrictions and entry requirements.
How do I get to Madeira?
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Madeira is by plane. The region is quite well connected to different parts of the world and has two airports—Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in the municipality of Santa Cruz and another smaller airport on the island of Porto Santo.
Which visa is the best for digital nomads?
Portugal hasn't yet introduced an official visa for digital nomads. However, the D7 visa is a good residency option for digital professionals from non-visa-exempt countries who want to work from Madeira for an extended period of time. It gives you visa-free access to the rest of the Schengen area.
If you want to learn more about applying for this visa, visit the website of Portugal's official immigration and border services agency, which is known as SEF.
If you're an EU citizen, you can stay in Madeira for 90 days without having to register with immigration. If you want to stay longer, you must register with the local immigration office for temporary residence.
If you come from a country that's exempt from the visa requirement, you can stay for 90 days. The best way to find out if you need a visa is to ask the Portuguese embassy in your home country or your embassy in Portugal.
What is the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands project?
The Digital Nomads Madeira Islands project was launched in Ponta do Sol in 2021 as a result of a public-private partnership. The initiative has recently been expanded to other parts of Madeira, including Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico, and Porto Santo.
Slow-traveling remote workers living in the village can take advantage of a wealth of amenities and services, from high-speed Internet and modern co-working spaces to educational workshops and recreational activities.
How can I find accommodation in Funchal?
Thanks to the digital nomad village initiative, you can easily find a room or a fully furnished apartment in Funchal.
Flatio is the strategic and exclusive international accommodation marketplace of the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands project. Visit this page for more information.
There are also several other platforms where you can find quality and affordable accommodation.
Where can I work in Funchal?
There are several co-working spaces in Funchal, including:
- Cowork Funchal
- Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva
Can I get by with English in Funchal?
Yes. English is widely spoken in Funchal and other parts of Madeira, especially in the tourist areas. But life will be easier and more pleasant if you learn Portuguese. Many locals also speak Spanish.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
Funchal has a mild climate most of the year and even the winter months are popular with visitors. But the best time to visit Madeira's capital is August and September. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average daily maximum temperature of 27 °C. The weather can sometimes be unstable.
Is it expensive to live in Funchal?
Since Madeira is an island, many things have to be imported, which means that the cost of goods is higher. However, this doesn't mean that Funchal is a very expensive place to live, especially if you can find low-budget accommodation.
According to Numbeo, the monthly cost for a single person in Funchal is €522.63 (not including rent). You can find a breakdown of the prices on this page.
How can I get around in Funchal?
You can travel around Funchal by bus or taxi. The bus system is very efficient, and taxis are good and relatively cheap. There are also bicycles for hire. If you're a confident driver, renting a car is a good option.
What are must-see places?
Here are some of the best places to visit and things to experience in Funchal during your stay:
- Funchal Cathedral
- The Old Town of Funchal
- Monte Palace
- Tropical Garden
- R7 Museum
- Palheiro Gardens
- Farmers' Market
- Funchal Cable Car
- Blandy's Wine Lodge
- Levada Walks
- Madeira Wine
Is life in Funchal for me?
Funchal has a lot to offer, but it's very different from the big city you might live in. Soon after landing, you'll notice that people are laid back and the pace of life is slow almost everywhere—from government institutions to local cafes.
But that doesn't mean Madeirans don't know how to party. Nightlife in Funchal is very lively, and there are many festivals you can enjoy throughout the year. Christmas and New Year's Eve are incredible there, and the food is fresh and delicious.
We're sure that the local community in Funchal and the hundreds of digital nomads who live there will welcome you warmly and you won't want to leave.
