É como se eu estivesse embrulhado num cobertor fofo, omg

Is there a website that’s considered the go-to site for live webcams in Madeira?

Following up from a previous post. I visited Madeira in September 2024 and ended up using Madeira Rent (drive like a local) and rented a Mini Cooper convertible for the 5 days I was there.

5/5 experience. Easy to pick up the car from the airport. The pick up location was a short walk from the airport. Staff were on site to help get everything set up and hand over.

We opted for the additional insurance, which thankfully we did because we ended up getting a flat. Madeira Rent picked us up, had the car loaded on to a flat bed and us in a new Mini Convertible within 45minutes, with no extra charge (due to the additional insurance).

Would recommend!!

Ola Tem alguma website com a regras de guiar na Madeira?

Então, este ano vou pela primeira vez passar 2 semanas de Verão e acabei de pagar 2200euros, sim leram bem, por 4 bilhetes em economica da TAP, Lisboa-Porto Santo. Percebo agora porque nunca ninguém ouviu de falar de Porto Santo (em comparação com as Canárias ou Cabo Verde...). Moro em Copenhaga...

Hello everyone,

I’m hoping to find some recommendations for authentic, local producers here in Madeira. I’m looking for artisans and small businesses that genuinely represent the island, not just the usual tourist spots or the central market in Funchal (we all know that one!).

If you know of any places where I could discover true Madeiran products – like unique foods, wines, crafts, or anything else that really captures the spirit of the island – I’d love to hear about them. Any favorite markets, shops, farms, or cooperatives where I could connect with local producers?

Thanks so much for any tips or insights!

Olá a todos, desde o final do verão que comecei a sentir diferenças no sabor da água. Primeiro era só de vez enquando, mas depois, apercebi-me que sempre que chovia a água fica com um cheiro e sabor horrível! Moro na zona de São Martinho perto do Hospital.

This is the place for anyone to ask questions about Madeira.

If you are a tourist visiting Madeira or planning a visit, this is the place to post your questions about hikes, weather, rent a car, nightlife, restaurants, bars and others.

This post is refreshed every week on Sunday. Repost in subsequent weeks if not answered.

Hi all,

Wanted to get a locals perspective on whether or not I should visit Madeira. I’ve been a few times in the past and I love it, but I very recently discovered many posts about over-tourism and the damage it’s doing. For example https://www.reddit.com/r/Madeira/s/EJpdsKcGAQ.

I love Madeira, I stay in a hotel (not AirBnB) and try to support local restaurants - but wondering how we help as a tourist? Is there anything I can do to be a “good tourist” or is it better to not visit at all? Does the new tourism tax solve anything?

Ira

Hi guys,

I was in Madeira for a week in the beginning of October and had an amazing time, the place is simply incredible.

However, i rented a car which i booked online through Expedia which turned out to be a local company at the end. Even though when i arrived the car was different from the one i specifically booked i took it since the guy who delivered did not speak english and i wanted just to get on with my holiday.

Spent the week and returned the car to the same guy who brought whom upon inspection said everything is fine and we even returned with full tank as we were happy with our week.

Several weeks gone and they did no return my deposit, and after several contact attempts they sent me some documents as a report to my booking and there was a invoice for the exact amount of my deposit writing that there was a damage at the front of the car. For irony they added pictures of the car but there is no damage there, not even a scratch.

Could you please advise where can i file a compliant with local authorities?

Thank you!

Boas malta, irei em breve precisar de guardar uns móveis e alguma tralha da casa nalgum outro sítio. Existe algo de lotes para armazenamento por um tempo de um mês ou assim? A mesma questão para um carro.

Obrigado!

Thinking of a Trip to Madeira, Portugal?

Here’s a bit of information I wish I’d known before our trip. That said, the trip was amazing—the island is breathtaking, and the people are incredibly friendly!

Before we left, I compared rental car prices and read that some cars might struggle with Madeira’s mountainous terrain and treacherous roads. After seeing the roadways, I think most rental cars would handle it fine, but if you’re not confident driving in the mountains, consider other options. We ended up skipping the rental based on those comments.

We stayed in Calheta, about 30 minutes from Funchal (pronounced foon-SHAL, not fun-kel as I originally thought). Funchal is the island's largest city, where around 40-60% of the population lives (depending on who you ask). Calheta felt less dense and less congested, which was a nice change of pace, but it came with a few drawbacks. Dining options were limited outside our resort, and there weren’t any nearby laundromats. The resort’s laundry service was very pricey (€18 per shirt), while Funchal offers more reasonable laundry options, including services that deliver to your hotel.

Highly Recommended Activities:

1. Off-Road Tours: We did two 8-hour tours with Green Devil, and they were fantastic. The guides shared local insights, took us to remote spots we wouldn’t have reached on our own, and even recommended some amazing local eateries. Every tour started with, “We’ll stop for café first”—the coffee culture is strong here! They’ll likely introduce you to Poncha, a local drink made from rum, honey, lemon, sugar, and juice.

2. Hiking: We hiked to 25 Fontaines with MB Tours, which was rated “Intermediate.” If that’s intermediate, I’d be wary of the harder hikes! The elevation changes were intense, so if you don’t do well with stairs or steep paths, consider easier options. Although I speak only English, our guide handled the tour in both English and French, which was impressive and inclusive.

3. Buggy Rides: Our ride with Let’s Buggy was a highlight of the trip. You drive off-road up the mountains and visit local eateries. Part of the trip involves driving on-road, so if that feels daunting, you might want to skip it.

Must-Try Foods:

• Steak on a Bay Leaf Skewer: Grilled on branches from bay leaf trees, the steak takes on an amazing flavor.

• Island Sweet Potatoes: These are unlike any I’ve had before—absolutely delicious!

• Bolo de Caco Bread: These can be loaves or stuffed with chorizo, it’s a local favorite and so tasty.

Locals advised us to skip buying fruit from the markets, where samples may be sweetened to taste better. The fruit you take home might not be as flavorful.

Packing Tips:

Prepare for both Summer and Winter weather. A 20-minute drive up a cliff can change the temperature drastically—sometimes by 10°C or more! I was glad I packed a sweatshirt for the plane, and we ended up buying my wife a beanie, gloves, and wool socks because she gets cold easily. Also, a windbreaker is essential, as the wind at higher elevations can be intense and howling.

I’ve deliberately avoided naming specific places to avoid mistakes with names or locations. You can easily find plenty of beautiful views with other searches.  Overall, this was an incredible trip, with wonderful people—especially the locals.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this helps with your trip planning!

Hi! I'm planning a trip at the moment and considering Madeira. I've been reading some past posts and just scrolling through and I'm frankly amazed at how kind everyone is on this sub. So, I just wanted to tell you all to give yourselves a big pat on the back for being so kind and generous. Have a great day!

Hello everyone,

I have been looking for a while to find a website were I can find information about a business. My search has not resulted in anything.

Were I live (Belgium), we can basically find any info about any company on the website of the government. It contains info about shareholders and everything.

Is there anything similar like this for portugal/madeira? I am trying to find information about the owner(s) of hotels and resorts.

Thanks in advance!

I am using a translate service:

Visitei a Madeira recentemente para me reconectar com a casa dos meus avós. Quero apenas desejar ao povo madeirense o melhor. Foi bom ver tantas pessoas trabalhando na manutenção de estradas e árvores. Foi um privilégio conhecer a cultura e a história do povo e da ilha. Sim, é claro que as coisas ainda estão financeiramente difíceis para muitas, muitas pessoas, mas espero que melhorem.🙏 Que o governo encontre a maneira certa de lidar com todos nós, turistas, para que não sobrecarregue a ilha, mas ainda beneficie a todos. o povo. Obrigado pela hospitalidade

View Poll

Alguém me pode indicar ou enviar por DM a informação de um inspector residencial aqui na ilha.

Can anyone refer or DM me the information for a home inspector here on the island.

This is the place for anyone to ask questions about Madeira.

If you are a tourist visiting Madeira or planning a visit, this is the place to post your questions about hikes, weather, rent a car, nightlife, restaurants, bars and others.

This post is refreshed every week on Sunday. Repost in subsequent weeks if not answered.