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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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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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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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.
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Essential Grocery Prices Rise 27% Within 3 Years
Over the past three years, essential food prices have increased by 27%, far exceeding the overall inflation rate.
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58% of Madeira’s Adults Struggle with Overweight or Obesity
A decrease in drug consumption among young adults is encouraging news. However, with 58% of Madeira’s adult population classified as overweight or obese, the region faces a significant public health challenge.
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President Albuquerque Rejects Limits on Foreign Property Sales
Miguel Albuquerque is against limiting foreign investment in Madeira’s housing market, believing it would negatively impact the economy. Instead, he supports expanding affordable housing through government projects and cooperative models to manage rising.
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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.
