Digital Nomads in Madeira – A Remote Work Paradise
Are you looking for a place to work remotely and enjoy the beauty of nature and island life? If so, then consider visiting the magical nomad villages of Madeira.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago that offers the perfect combination of city life, stunning beaches, and breath-taking mountain views
In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Madeira, sharing all the reasons why it’s a top-rated destination for digital nomads. From the cost of living and activities to attractions and local culture, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to the digital nomad culture in Madeira. Let’s get started.
Introduction to the Nomad Villages in Madeira
Madeira is an island of great beauty, where you can find a mix of traditional culture, stunning scenery, and modern living. The island is known for its temperate climate, which makes it a great place to work and play outdoors. Since 2020 it has become home to a thriving digital nomad community, who have come to the island to take advantage of the great lifestyle and low cost of living.
The Regional Government of Madeira, through StartUp Madeira have developed the structure for Madeira and Porto Santo to become destinations for remote workers around the world.
In October 2022, Portugal created a Digital Nomad or Remote Work Visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal and Madeira for a period of twelve months, without the liability of becoming a Tax resident. You can read more about the initiative here: https://madeiracompany.com/madeiras-new-digital-nomad-visa/
The nomad villages in Madeira are located in the city of Funchal, which is the capital of the island, Ponta do Sol and Machico. Funchal is known for its vibrant culture and lively nightlife, and it’s the perfect place for remote workers to live and work. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars that cater to digital nomads, as well as plenty of coworking spaces, which makes it easy to stay connected.
The nomad village in Madeira is also home to some of the most beautiful black-sand beaches in the world. The island is surrounded by warm Atlantic waters and stunning black sand and rock beaches, which make it a great destination for those looking to relax and recharge.
The Cost of Living in Madeira
When it comes to the cost of living in Madeira, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The island is considered to be one of the cheapest places to live in Europe, with prices being much lower than other destinations on the continent. The cost of food is particularly low, and you can find great deals on apartments and other accommodation.
The cost of living in Madeira is also quite affordable for digital nomads, as many of the co-working spaces and remote work rentals offer excellent deals and value for money. You can also find great deals on hotels, booking.com properties and AirBnB’s, which makes it easy to find a flexible place to stay for a reasonable price.
When it comes to transportation, there are plenty of options in Madeira. The public transportation system, mainly bus network, is reliable and there are lots of taxis and car and motorbike rental companies that make getting around the island easy. Bolt and TaxiIn are a handy apps to plan your travel without car rental.
Activities and Attractions in Madeira
When it comes to leisure activities and attractions, Madeira has something for everyone. From outdoor activities like hiking, biking, canyoning, paragliding and kayaking, to cultural activities like visiting museums and galleries, there is something for everyone.
The island is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The volcanic black sand beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and you can find plenty of beach bars and restaurants to relax in. There are also some great surfing spots like Porto da Cruz and Paul do Mar, as well as plenty of other water sports like windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and Paddle Boarding.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, there are plenty of great hiking trails and mountain biking trails. There are also some great places to go diving and explore the underwater world.
Madeira as a Digital Nomad Destination
Madeira is an ideal destination for digital nomads, as the cost of living is low, the lifestyle is relaxed, and there are plenty of great places to work. The island is home to a thriving digital nomad community, and there are lots of co-working spaces and remote work rentals that cater to the digital nomad lifestyle.
The island also offers great internet speeds, making it easy to stay connected and get your work done. The locals are also friendly and welcoming, and you’ll find that people are always willing to help and offer advice on activities and social events.
Benefits of Working Remotely in Madeira
The benefits of working remotely in Madeira are numerous. The island is a great place to work, as the cost of living is low and there are lots of great places to work from. The internet speeds are fast and reliable, and there are plenty of places to stay for a reasonable price.
The relaxed lifestyle is also attractive for remote workers, as it allows you to take breaks and enjoy the beauty of the island. The local culture is welcoming and friendly, which makes it a great place to work and socialize, with weekly hangouts, networking and social lunch or dinners.
Finding Accommodation as a Nomad in Madeira
Finding accommodation in Madeira is easy, as there are lots of options depending on your budget. If you are looking for a more permanent place to stay, then there are lots of AirBnB’s, hotels, as well as long-term rental apartments.
For those looking for a more flexible option, there are also lots of great co-working spaces and remote work rentals. These places offer great deals for digital nomads and make it easy to find a place to stay for a reasonable price.
Getting Around and Exploring Madeira
Getting around and exploring Madeira is easy, as the public transportation system is reliable and there are plenty of taxis and car rental companies. The island is also small enough that you can explore it on foot or by bike, and there are lots of great trails and paths to explore.
For those looking to explore further afield, there are also some great day trips and excursions to nearby islands. There are also some great boat trips and cruises, which make it easy to explore the beauty of the island.
Nomad Guide to the Local Culture and Cuisine
The local culture and cuisine of Madeira are unique and varied. The island is known for its traditional dishes, which are known for their fresh ingredients and flavour. Madeira is known for its meat and seafood dishes, but there are many options available for Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
The local culture is also unique, as the island has been influenced by both Portuguese and Spanish culture. From the language to the architecture, there are lots of elements that make Madeira an interesting place to explore.
Madeira Friends International Community Association started as a fitness community, with the vision of integrating Digital Nomads, Ex-pats and the Local Community. Two years later, they have grown in to a non-profit association, organising community lunches, networking events, hang-outs, parties and more! If you’re new to the Island, or been here a while, we recommend joining one of their Saturday morning workouts (at 10am by the Teleferico) and saying hi!
Planning to stay in Madeira long-term?
Many Digital Nomads who visit Madeira decide to relocate to the Island on a long-term basis. Many of those invest in property here and relocate their business. Madeira offers some attractive tax benefits for companies and individuals through Madeira’s International Business Centre (MIBC), or as it is commonly know, Zona Franca da Madeira. Find out more about the MIBC at https://madeiracompany.com/tax-benefits/
Madeira Company’s real estate arms, Madeira Estate, works with remote workers, Ex-pats and foreign investors to find the perfect property in Madeira and Porto Santo. Whether you are looking for your dream island home, or investment property to let out through Alojamento Local, our teams at Madeira Estate and Madeira Company can help you seamlessly manage your transition to living and working in Portugal.
Conclusion
Madeira is a fantastic destination for digital nomads, offering the perfect combination of city life, stunning beaches, mountains and a relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living is low, and there are lots of great places to work from. The island is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and there are plenty of activities and attractions to explore. From outdoor activities to cultural activities, there is something for everyone.
The nomad village in Madeira is the perfect place to work remotely and enjoy the beauty of nature. So, why not take a trip and discover the magical nomad village in Madeira?