In fact, Madeira has officially been chosen as among the safest European destinations for traveling in 2021 by European Best Destinations (EBD).
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The problem is that Madeira is very steep and mountainous. Building an airport at all was quite an operation, and as planes have got bigger, they have extended the runway out to sea, more than once. Expensive.
Natural DisastersThe rainy season is from October through March. Floods may occur, especially on Madeira Island. Forest fires occur during the dry season.
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.
Calheta Beach is one of the island of Madeira's few yellow sandy beaches. A peaceful swimming experience is guaranteed by two piers, so you can exercise in the sea all year round. Ribeira do Natal Beach enjoys properties that make it one of the best places for swimming. The transparency of its waters is remarkable.
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.
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.
Madeira is generally safe for solo female travellers. The island is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate, making it a great destination for solo female travellers.
Madeira is really safe for solo female travellers, that's why I've given it 5 out of 5 stars. Even the locals are proud of how clean and safe their island is. You can walk around Funchal (the capital) at night and I also walked home at the early hours of the morning in Ponta do Sol.
Walking in Madeira, especially Funchal is easy, although there are streets such as Rua de Santa Maria and others in the Zona Velha (Old Town) that are cobblestoned. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and take water with you.
It is a busy airport but often with not enough staff to deal with huge numbers and if you chose to leave it till the last minute, you could also get held up on the motorway and miss your flight.
Madeira is stuck out in the Atlantic Ocean and the airport is tucked between mountain and sea. On top of that the runway at Funchal's special construction, with columns raising it off the ground, can create additional turbulent air. Downdrafts and wind shear are not uncommon on short final.
The airport's mountainous setting in the Atlantic sees it witness plenty of strong winds and mountain waves. The weather on the day can be unpredictable due to the battling conditions, and pilots are often forced to divert to the Canary Islands if the situation is too risky.
Deep in a valley at InnsbruckThe spectacular peaks of the Austrian Alps surround Innsbruck. But those same peaks that attract planes full of skiers every winter are one of Europe's greatest challenges for pilots. In fact, only captains are permitted to land planes at Innsbruck, located deep in a valley.
Madeira is part of massive underwater shield volcano in the Atlantic Ocean, of which the island is just the highest point. Formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, the island has seen volcanic activity as recently as 6,500 years ago, but today is considered to be dormant and unlikely to erupt.
Weather in FunchalThe average temperature is around 26°C, which lowers to around 20°C to 25°C from October to March. The best time to go to Funchal for the most heat is in the summer. August is the hottest time of the year with just nine rainy days spread over the month.
So, if you want to go out partying, Funchal is where you need to be. The capital has countless leisure options with bars, pubs, nightclubs and live music venues with something for everyone.
ELECTRICITY AND WATERThe electric current in the archipelago is 220 volts. There is plenty of water in Madeira and it is all drinkable and of excellent quality.
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.
The water temperature remains very pleasant all year round, ranging between 19°C/66°F (winter) and 24°C/75°F (summer). The best month to swim in the sea is in September, when the average sea temperature is 24°C (75°F).