Is Madeira on the Atlantic or Mediterranean?

The Madeira Archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean in the African plate, 978 km south of Portugal, approximately 33 degrees north latitude, and about 700 km west of the African coast.



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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.

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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.

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Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

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With both rent and restaurant prices being around 25% cheaper than in Lisbon, Funchal allows you to live your island dream without paying the more expensive prices of mainland Portugal.

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The favorable climate of the island also contributed to the land thrive, and wheat production has become one of the greatest wealth of the island. This cereal was exported on a large scale for the Portuguese possessions on the African coast, giving thus the first cycle of Madeira economic history.

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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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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.

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Average monthly temperatures For 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.

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Madeira is a super easy island to get around – with or without a car! There are buses that can take you almost everywhere and anywhere on the island. There are also lots of awesome tours to all the Levada hikes that pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation (especially if you're staying in Funchal).

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Climate: Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate, characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. The island experiences warm summers and mild winters, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a pleasant and comfortable climate.

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The temperature, visibility and transparency of the water, as well as the immensity and variety of marine life, make this a unique place for swimming. On the north coast, the deep blue sea is lively and dynamic, while on the south coast you can discover a calm, transparent sea with gentle waves.

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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.

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The Madeira archipelago is located in the southwest of Portugal, less than 1000 km from the Portuguese coast, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Madeira is however much closer to Morocco: about 700 km to the east.

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Indeed, the Madeira Islands are closer to the African Continent than to the European Continent itself: 700 km (434 miles) west of Morocco, Africa; 850 km (528 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal and the European mainland; 1000 km (621 miles) southwest of Lisbon, Portugal.

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Since the beginning of the archipelago's colonisation process, Madeiran culture has been deeply marked by the importance of the connection to Catholicism. Even today, a substantial part of the festivities celebrated in the region have a direct or indirect connection to religion.

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Indeed, the Madeira Islands are closer to the African Continent than to the European Continent itself:
  • 700 km (434 miles) west of Morocco, Africa;
  • 850 km (528 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal and the European mainland;
  • 1000 km (621 miles) southwest of Lisbon, Portugal.


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Domestic travel was responsible for the highest number of visitors in Madeira in 2022. Overall, almost 470 thousand Portuguese tourists visited the archipelago.

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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.

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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.

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