IN FOCUS Madeira Has Second-Highest Road Death Toll in Portugal

Madeira Has Second-Highest Road Death Toll in Portugal

Madeira has the highest number of road deaths outside Lisbon, with 12 fatalities in 2024. Authorities plan to improve safety by increasing speed control and introducing new radar systems.

IN FOCUS Meet CARAM, Madeira's Slaughterhouse

Meet CARAM, Madeira's Slaughterhouse

It's where things end: CARAM is Madeira’s main slaughterhouse, overseeing the slaughter of thousands of animals annually and providing employment to 44 people.

IN FOCUS Madeira Faces Record Migration & Vanishing Youth, as Women Outnumber Men

Madeira Faces Record Migration & Vanishing Youth, as Women Outnumber Men

Madeira's population increases due to record migration, but the ongoing decline in the youth demographic raises concerns. The female population now outnumbers men by over 12%.

Hikers Protest as Albuquerque Rejects Changes to Trail Access

Hikers Protest as Albuquerque Rejects Changes to Trail Access

Hikers in Madeira protest new access limits on all percursos pedestres, but President Albuquerque insists he will not reverse the legislation, saying: "they can contest as much as they want".

High Prices Affect Christmas Sales at Mercado dos Lavradores

High Prices Affect Christmas Sales at Mercado dos Lavradores

A busy market and cautious spending amid high prices are shaping Christmas shopping at Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores.

Street Vendors Face a Tough Season Selling Christmas Pines

Street Vendors Face a Tough Season Selling Christmas Pines

Street vendors in Funchal say Christmas pine sales are slowing, as higher costs and changing habits reduce demand for traditional greenery.

Mask Use Now Mandatory in Madeira’s Public Health Units

Mask Use Now Mandatory in Madeira’s Public Health Units

Madeira has strengthened health rules as flu cases rise and social contact increases during Christmas, making masks mandatory in all public health units.

Madeira Considers Emergency Aid for Farmers After Storm EmĂ­lia

Madeira Considers Emergency Aid for Farmers After Storm EmĂ­lia

The government is reviewing whether farmers affected by Storm EmĂ­lia qualify for emergency financial support after widespread damage.

TAP Increases Flights Between Funchal and Porto by Almost 30%

TAP Increases Flights Between Funchal and Porto by Almost 30%

TAP Air Portugal announced it will raise weekly flights between Porto and Funchal from 14 to 18 starting spring 2026.

Immigrants Pay Five Times More Social Security Than They Claim

Immigrants Pay Five Times More Social Security Than They Claim

Foreign workers in Portugal contribute €3.1 billion to Social Security while receiving only €600 million, confirming their essential role in sustaining the Portuguese welfare state.

Presidential Candidate LuĂ­s Marques Mendes Visits Madeira

Presidential Candidate LuĂ­s Marques Mendes Visits Madeira

Presidential candidate LuĂ­s Marques Mendes visited Madeira today, engaging with citizens and outlining key aspects of his PSD-backed candidacy.