The official language spoken in the Madeira archipelago is Portuguese, but a majority of the local population is proficient in English, especially in the more tourist-heavy spots.
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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.
English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in the larger cities and in the Algarve. Plenty of foreigners live comfortably and reasonably efficiently speaking only in English. (In fact, it can be difficult to find a Portuguese who will speak to you in Portuguese.)
The official language spoken in the Madeira archipelago is Portuguese, but a majority of the local population is proficient in English, especially in the more tourist-heavy spots.
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.
I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.
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.
The five biggest cities where the majority of the population speaks English as a first language? New York City, at 20 million people in its metro area. Los Angeles, at 14 million people in its metro area. London, at 10 million people in its metro area.
The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered about 46 percent cheaper than in the United States. This, coupled with the country's excellent quality of life, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, reliable public transport, and rich history and culture, make it very easy to fall in love with Portugal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Expats tend to flock to Portugal's bigger cities – particularly Lisbon and Porto. Both of these cities are renowned for their rich history, vibrant culture, and fairly relaxed lifestyle. However, smaller cities like Braga have their own charm and are popular with those seeking a quieter life.