President Wants Helicopter Tourism for High-Income Visitors
Madeira’s president pushes for the return of helicopter travel to attract high-spending visitors and compete with other tourist destinations.
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PS Wants Traffic Limits for Rent-a-Car Vehicles in Funchal
The PS calls for restrictions on rental cars and the creation of peripheral parking areas to reduce congestion in the city’s central streets.
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Columbus in Madeira: The Story of His Years on the Islands
Before his historical journey to the Americas in 1492, Columbus lived and married on Porto Santo. In the Madeira archipelago, he gained important skills, met key people, and began planning a westward voyage intended to reach Asia.
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Tourists Face New Charges at More Sites Across Madeira
Starting in 2026, Madeira will charge non-residents at more popular natural sites. Since last year, multiple separate tourist taxes were put in place, raising the question if a single, and more transparent model, would be better.
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Madeira’s Population Reaches Highest Level Since 2014
Madeira’s population grew by more than 2,800 people in 2024, reaching its highest total since 2014. Migration played a key role, helping offset a continuing natural population decline.
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Ultimate Guide to Madeira's Coffee Culture: From Bica to Galão
Coffee is a cherished tradition in Madeira’s daily life, but knowing what to order can be tricky for newcomers. This guide helps you understand local coffee names so you can order with confidence.
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Porto Santo Seawater Desalination: Turning Ocean Water into Life
Porto Santo, a dry island with no rivers and scarce rainfall, was at risk of severe water shortages until the 1980s. Its solution: pioneering desalination technology that transformed ocean water into fresh water.
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António Salazar’s Estado Novo: Europe’s Longest Lasting Dictatorship
Antonio Salazar’s Estado Novo regime prioritized economic control over human rights, enforcing censorship, torture, and brutal colonial wars. Through fear and oppression, it became Europe’s longest-lasting dictatorship, ruling for nearly five decades.
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How The Indian Ambassador Spoke About His People in Madeira
Upon visiting Madeira, the Indian ambassador described his own people as a resource to be used for “three years, five years, seven years, whatever you decide,” before adding: “and then you decide what you want to do with those people eventually.”
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Insights on Madeira's Fast-Paced Real Estate Market
While foreign nationals constitute a small portion of Madeira’s population at 5.5% in 2023, they play a dominant role in the real estate sector, making up 50% of market demand today.
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Teens in Madeira Drink Less Than in Any Other Region in Portugal
Alcohol and tobacco consumption among Madeira's teens drops sharply, but new challenges emerge with increased gaming, drug use, and gambling, raising concern among public health experts.
