Shark attacksAccording to Shark Attack Data, there have been two fatal attacks off the coast of Funchal, Madeira, but nothing recorded in Portugal. Both of the attacks were more than 40 years ago, back in 1979 and 1956, during fishing trips.
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Sharks are widely distributed around Madeira Island with the most abundant species being M. mustelus.
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.
Inside Funchal : Health & Safety - Tripadvisor. According to the Madeira Tourist Board's website the island has very little crime. It states that very likely the worst things that will happen to most visitors are generally sunburns and hangovers.
On March 4th, 1930, a sector of the Cape Girão cliff, located in the southern shore of Madeira Island, collapsed into the sea and generated an 8 m tsunami wave height.
You'll find numerous pelagics, including blue sharks, hammerheads, mantas and devil rays, plus more whales and dolphins than you could ever hope to see. Madeira's waters host around 20 different whale and dolphin species, some of which are present all year.
Oh yes, there are spiders in Madeira and some of them can be quite large. Scary, maybe, but these, too, are completely harmless. The best known is the Hogna maderiana, the Madeira Wolf Spider, sometimes also called the Madeira Tarantula. It is completely harmless, though scary for anyone afraid of spiders.
Funchal is usually a very safe city. However, as in any other places you go, common sense is required. Probably the unsafest place to go in Funchal is Zona Velha (near the cable car) at night, because it usually gets very crowded because of the nightlife.
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.
Water: There is plenty of water of an excellent drinking standard. The tap water in Madeira conforms with all EU regulations and it is safe to drink. The water is treated with Chlorine and therefore may taste a little different.
Madeira is boasting some of the most accessible biodiversity. It is known for its lush forests, gardens, and parks, which give the island a tropical feel. As a result of the mild temperatures here all year long, a range of exotic plants and herbs can be found in the gardens.