Language in MadeiraEuropean Portuguese is spoken throughout Madeira, but English is also widely spoken.
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Portuguese is the official language in Madeira. It is worth picking up a few key phrases if you want to be polite, such as 'please', 'thank you,' etcetera, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas. People who have visited the Portuguese mainland may notice a thicker accent in Madeira.
Porto. Porto's second city is never one to be outdone by Lisbon, and for a number of years has been the city where the most English is spoken in Portugal.
Average monthly temperaturesFor the highest temperatures the best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors.
The island of Madeira is also attracting keen interest, with 1,342 Britons living there in 2020. That number is expected to increase from 2022, since, despite its popularity as a tourist destination, property there will still qualify for inclusion in Portugal's Golden Visa scheme.
Although Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than Europe. Sitting 434 miles west of Morocco and 528 miles southwest of Portugal and mainland Europe.
As an expat living in Portugal, you'll likely manage your way around with English in the streets and tourist areas, but when it comes to governmental offices, the primary language spoken is generally Portuguese.
If your definition of quality of life means safety, tranquillity, natural beauty and little traffic, then Madeira could be a good option. Far from the bustle of Lisbon and Porto, the island is calm and peaceful.
Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term. On the other hand, if you're staying in Madeira short term (less than 6 months) then housing and renting cars can be quite expensive.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, is known for its beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and relaxed lifestyle. According to Numbeo, a family of four can expect to spend around 1,943.8€ per month without rent in Funchal, while a single person's estimated monthly costs amount to 542.5€ without rent.
This is also the place where most expats and digital nomads live so people are more likely to speak English. With over 100,000 people living in Funchal, it is the main center of Madeira. The capital is known for its lively nightlife, incredible restaurants, and for having loads of cultural activities to enjoy.
The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.
Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare in Madeira and so you have little to worry about with regard to personal safety. But as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic travel safety precautions such as keeping your valuables close by and/or hidden, especially at night.
Yes, Madeira is a popular destination and indeed some of the main tourist attractions can get quite busy. But for the biggest part, Madeira is still very quiet and undiscovered.
There is plenty of water in Madeira and it is all drinkable and of excellent quality. Porto Santo uses desalinated water, which is perfectly safe to drink.