Where to live in Madeira, PORTUGAL

Summary

In this video, Nick Robinson takes viewers on a tour of the stunning island of Madeira, highlighting its breathtaking ocean views, mild climate, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure. Using Google Earth and drone footage, he explores the island's ten councils, showcasing scenic towns, natural beauty, and local attractions like Funchal's botanical gardens, glass skywalks, and natural lava pools. He also touches on Madeira's expat community, favorable tax benefits, and growing popularity for relocation, offering insights into housing, real estate, and support services for those interested in moving to the island.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Meda offers breathtaking ocean views from almost anywhere, including small apartments.
• 🌍 Nick Robinson is known for videos on various topics but was captivated by the beauty of Madera.
• 🏞️ Madera is known for its mild climate, stunning natural beauty, high quality of life, and rich cultural heritage.
• 💻 The island has modern infrastructure with great internet and well-connected roads through 150 tunnels.
• 💰 Madera provides favorable tax benefits, notably a 5% corporate tax, compared to 21% on mainland Portugal.
• 🚢 Funchal, the capital of Madera, is a major cruise port, famous for its botanical gardens and cultural landmarks.
• 🏞️ Câmara de Lobos, a scenic fishing village, is known for its views, fishing boats, and a glass skywalk on one of the highest cliffs in Europe.
• 🏡 Madera's real estate market is rising, with certain towns like Ponta do Sol being popular among expats.
• 🏊 Maderan towns like Porto Moniz are known for their natural lava rock pools and rich hiking trails through UNESCO forests.
• 🚁 The video showcases a tour of Madera's towns and councils, highlighting the unique appeal and livability of the island.

Q & A

What makes Madera an appealing place to live?

Madera offers breathtaking ocean views, a mild climate, stunning natural beauty, high quality of life, safety, relatively affordable cost of living, modern infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, a friendly local and expat community, and favorable tax benefits, including a 5% corporate tax rate compared to 21% on the mainland.

What is significant about the city of Funchal in Madera?

Funchal is the capital of Madera, home to about 100,000 people. It's easy to get around via public transport and is walkable, except for the steep hills. It's famous for its botanical gardens, cruise ship port, and vibrant cultural attractions like museums and cable cars.

Why is Funchal a popular destination for tourists and expats?

Funchal attracts tourists and expats for its mild climate, beautiful botanical gardens, rich culture, vibrant restaurant scene, and the fact that it serves as a major cruise liner port. Its proximity to the ocean and historical significance further enhance its appeal.

What is the history behind the name Câmara de Lobos?

Câmara de Lobos means 'Chamber of Wolves,' named not after land wolves but after monk seals, known as 'lobo marinho' in Portuguese. It's a quaint fishing village known for its colorful fishing boats and glass skywalk with spectacular sea views.

What is the appeal of Ribera Brava?

Ribera Brava, named after its 'wild river' that cuts through a canyon, offers a stunning natural landscape. Its close proximity to Funchal makes it a popular spot for foreigners looking to settle in Madera. It's also notable for its ease of access to the rest of the island via major roads.

Where can you see one of the best sunsets in Madera?

The best sunsets in Madera can be seen in Ponta do Sol, a popular spot with expats. It's located on the island's south coast and offers breathtaking ocean views from various vantage points.

What makes Porto Moniz a unique destination on Madera?

Porto Moniz is famous for its natural lava rock pools filled with clear seawater, offering a unique and safe swimming experience. It’s a picturesque village with a rich history in agriculture and fishing, and also offers great hiking through UNESCO-protected forests.

Why is the town of São Vicente significant in Madera?

São Vicente is known for its caves and volcanism center. Legend has it that a statue of Saint Vincent washed up on the shore here, giving the town its name. It's a small but scenic location with good transport links to the rest of the island.

What is Machico’s historical significance?

Machico is the third largest town on Madera and was the landing site of the island's first explorers in 1419. It has a lovely beach and modern amenities, and offers a combination of historical importance and natural beauty.

What services does the video creator’s company provide for people relocating to Madera?

The company offers a range of relocation services, including real estate assistance, scouting tours, finding long-term rentals, selling homes, and providing support through a team of lawyers, accountants, and financial advisers. They specialize in helping expats settle in Madera with ease.