About Madeira Island
Madeira is the largest island of a Portuguese archipelago that also includes Porto Santo and the uninhabited Ilhas Desertas and is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1000 km southwest of Portugal, about 500 km from the African coast and about 450 km north of the Canary Islands. According to the last census in 2021, the population of Madeira was counted at about 251,000 inhabitants, with a significant decrease in the number of locals and an increase in the number of foreigners buying residences in Madeira. The highest increase in properties purchased by foreigners was recorded in the municipalities of Ponta do Sol and Calheta. The capital of Madeira, located on the south coast, is Funchal and with around 106,000 inhabitants it is also the most populous place on the island. The archipelago also includes the uninhabited Ilhas Selvagens, a nature reserve located halfway between Madeira and the Canary Islands.
Due to its privileged geographical location and mountainous relief, the island of Madeira has a pleasantly mild climate with average temperatures of 26°C in summer and 18°C in winter and moderate humidity, all of which contribute to the island’s exceptional subtropical characteristics. The temperature of the sea water is also very mild due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, with average values of 22°C in summer and 18°C in winter.
The island of Madeira can be reached by air or sea, but most tourists arrive by plane to Madeira’s spectacular airport, which in recent years has been renamed Madeira International Airport after Madeira’s most popular and world-famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. These are mainly holidaymakers from the UK, France, Germany, Scandinavia and other northern European countries, but in the summer months there is also a large influx from southern European countries, where people want to escape the scorching heat and tourist season in their home countries.
Madeira is also a very popular port of call for large cruise ships from all over the world, bringing many thousands of travellers to the island each year for a one or two day visit when they are on their way to the Canary Islands or the Caribbean, or on their way back to their ports of departure.
With its all year-round summer climate, welcoming populace, stunning scenery and diverse and delicious food, Madeira is a holidaymakers’ delight for all types of tourists from young families to retired couples, coming to enjoy walking along the many levadas (water channels) and diverse land and sea excursions, or simply to get away from everything and indulge in stunning scenery and recharge their batteries.
In the last years Madeira has also built up its reputation as an ideal location for adrenaline sports, like paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking, coasteering, climbing, zip-line, etc., and therefore attracts also more and more young adult groups looking for this type of activities.
Couples and families of all ages come to Madeira to fulfill their dream of purchasing their ideal house on this luscious green island, where life moves along at a pace far more suitable to a stress-free and healthier lifestyle. One thing you’ll notice right away is that, due to its mild winters, you won’t have to sleep under a pile of blankets and duvets and it’s ok to leave your umbrella at home most of the time!!
The cost of living in Madeira is considerably lower than in the rest of Europe, but it obviously depends much on your lifestyle. Most goods are cheaper than in other EU countries, including the price of real estate, rent, food, drinks and entertainment. In fact, most foreigners from Western Europe who live in Madeira consider that the cost of living is 30% lower than that of their homeland.
Choosing the right location and making a smart financial decision for your holiday home destination can be a daunting decision. With this in mind, an increasing number of wealthy foreigners consider Madeira to be the perfect retreat that strikes the balance of pleasure and wise investment.
This Portuguese Island offers a subtropical climate, dramatic beauty and a softer vibe than the nearby Canary Islands, which tend to be the favourite destination for foreigners seeking cheap winter sun.
Madeira is experiencing an increasing demand from well-off buyers, attracted mainly by the climate, the safety situation and the quality of life, but also by the tax advantages. International buyers of real estate in Madeira come mainly from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Ireland and other northern European countries.
But more and more financially strong investors are also coming from other parts of the world, such as the USA, who see Madeira’s potential as an attractive location for work and leisure.
In 2009, the Portuguese government introduced tax incentives for part-time residents (the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme, or NHR), and this also applies to Madeira, as does the Portuguese Property Purchase Scheme and the Goldene Visa scheme, which offers non-EU investors a residence permit that gives them and their family access to travel within the Schengen area if they purchase a property worth €500,000 or more.
Exclusive Homes Madeira is the portal to a wide range of Madeira’s most attractive properties! We market many properties that can be considered a valuable investment for those who aspire to a better quality of life on the beautiful island of Madeira!
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