O Portinho: New €100 Million Hotel in Santa Cruz
Blessing or curse? Madeira’s heavy dependence on tourism is set to further intensify with the announcement of the €100 million beachside hotel project “O Portinho” in Caniço.
Tourism
With a resident population of around 257,000, Madeira welcomes over 2 million tourists annually, accounting for more than 10 million overnight stays. Stay informed about the island's tourism scene with the latest news!
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President Guarantees: Cable Car Project Will Move Forward
Madeira’s president has guaranteed he will move forward with the disputed Curral das Freiras cable car project.
Tourism in Câmara de Lobos Rises 64% Between 2018 and 2022
Revitalization of Câmara de Lobos’ historic center increased overnight stays 64% from 2018 to 2023.
€2 Daily Rental Car Tax Set to Launch in Madeira
Madeira is preparing to introduce a new €2 daily fee on rental cars. This measure comes in addition to the recently applied taxes on overnight stays, cruises, and tourist attractions.
PLAY Airlines Ceases Operations, Direct Route to Madeira Stopped
PLAY Airlines shut down on September 29, 2025, cancelling every flight, including Madeira’s weekly Iceland link, blaming financial issues, falling ticket demand and unresolved labor conflicts.
Vandalism: Security Gate Torn Down on PR1
Early this morning, the IFCN discovered that the security gate blocking the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail had been torn down, forcing a temporary closure for safety.
Madeira’s 12% Share of Portugal’s Tourism Raises Concerns
Madeira’s tourism sector, which contributes 12% to Portugal's tourism and an unforgiving 40% of the island’s GDP, faces mounting pressures. Experts at the Tourism Conference urge clear policies, Visitor Impact Management, and improved transport solutions.
Government Says Madeira Has Capacity for More Tourism
Madeira’s government insists the island has capacity for more tourism, despite mounting concerns over traffic, housing shortages, and stress on fragile ecosystems.
Madeira Named Europe’s Scariest Airport
Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo Airport was rated Europe’s most frightening by AirAdvisor, scoring 88/100. Short runways, crosswinds, and mountain terrain increase passenger stress, though flights are safe!
Ryanair Stations a Third Aircraft in Madeira This Winter
Ryanair strengthens Madeira operations this winter by stationing a third aircraft in Funchal (FNC) and adding a new route, part of 171 routes across Portugal.
Funchal Teleférico Will Close For 3 Months
The Funchal cable car is set to close for three months for essential upgrades. The renovations will include larger cabins and reinforced infrastructure to enhance safety and improve the ride experience.
