Madeira’s Curral das Freiras Hosts 41st Festa da Castanha
The Festa da Castanha returns for its 41st edition, celebrating the chestnut in the heart of Curral das Freiras.
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Madeira’s 2024 Wildfire Investigation Closed After Lack of Proof
The court closed the case on Madeira’s 2024 wildfire after failing to prove who launched the rocket that ignited the blaze, which burned 5,000 hectares over 13 days.
Funchal Has the Highest Rental Costs in Portugal
Funchal households face extreme housing costs, spending 100% of their income on rent in the Q3 2025. That is the highest rate in Portugal & more than three times than the recommended 30-33%.
Funchal Teleférico Halts Operations After Technical Failure
An electronic fault caused the Funchal Teleférico to stop working. Passengers were briefly trapped, and repairs are expected to be finished by tomorrow, when service is scheduled to resume.
A "Perfectly Miserable Increase": Meal Allowance to Rise 10 Cents
A "handful of nothing": The government’s plan to raise the public sector meal allowance by just €0.10 a year has drawn sharp criticism.
Cabo GirĂŁo Entry Fee Increases By 66% From January
After a 50% hike in entry fees this year, taking in the spectacular views from Cabo Girão’s busy skywalk is set to rise by another 66%.
The Battle of Funchal: Germany’s Assault During World War I
During the Great War, German submarines repeatedly attacked Funchal, carrying out a severe assault on Portuguese territory.
AirBaltic Launches First Direct Flights from Tallinn to Madeira
The Latvian airline airBaltic has begun weekly Sunday flights connecting Tallinn and Madeira nonstop, available until 28 March 2026, lasting about six hours.
Madeira's First Gender-Affirming Surgery Took Place in 1995
In 1995, doctors at a Madeira clinic performed the island’s first gender-affirming surgery, in which the patient transitioned from male to female - at the time, a highly complex procedure.
Gouveia e Melo Links Ventura’s Remarks to Hitler's Racism
Presidential candidate Henrique Gouveia e Melo accused André Ventura of racism, using Hitlerian rhetoric, spreading misinformation, targeting minorities, and endangering Portugal’s democratic values.
Chega Leader Calls for Salazar-Style Rule in Madeira
Masks off! About 50 years after Portugal overcame authoritarian rule, Chega is calling for a return of multiple Salazars - the austere dictator who built a systemically corrupted regime that brutally terrorized its citizens and colonies.
