Madeira, Portugal For Digital Nomads | Pros & Cons + Cost of Living 2021 (4K)

Madeira, Portugal for digital nomads is a great destination. In this video I go over the pros and cons of living on Madeira Island as a digital nomad and I also review some basic items associated with cost of living in Madeira such as monthly rent, internet cost, espresso, wine, a meal for two people, etc.
In the cost of living section I also included footage of my 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. Throughout the video there is lots of scenic 4K footage of Madeira for you to enjoy the sights of the island as you consider whether or not Madeira is right for you.
The cons of Madeira are very few - if any - and really depend on your lifestyle choices. The pros list is much longer and there is really only one true con, but even that depends on how you eat and what you enjoy eating.
Check it out and let me know if you have any questions about living in Madeira. I will be happy to answer them.
VIDEO CHAPTERS
Introduction | 00:00
Who I Am And What I Do | 00:15
A Little Background on Madeira Island | 00:49
Weather and Daylight Hours | 01:33
Landscapes and Nature | 03:00
The People of Madeira | 05:33
Cost of Living (+ Apt. Tour) | 06:44
Digital Nomad + Fitness Communities | 09:09
Lack of Food Variety | 09:59
2 Final Considerations | 12:06
Closing Thoughts | 13:40
Outro | 14:26
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[@JD-yv2zp]

I live here since a month as a digital nomad and can recommend it to everyone. Just prepare to spend a bit more than you might think. 🤓

[@mickyhouse8753]

Lived there as a DN and it's fukin expensive! You're better of living in Bali, Turkey, or KL

[@JD-yv2zp]

@@mickyhouse8753 lol no Madeira is better than all of those, but more expensive yes.

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. From those 4 I would choose Bali over Madeira. Third would be KL and fourth would be Turkey although Turkey is huge and I've only spent time in Istanbul so it's kinda tough to compare 2 islands and a city to an entire (fairly large) country.

[@cleaningtime8156]

Awesome Video thanks I love Madeira such a beautiful Island 🏝

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, Madeira is awesome. I will most likely be back to visit. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@robgilbert3395]

Great video. Very informative and interesting. We were there in February 2020, just before you know what, and it was truly amazing. So much so that I plan to retire there as soon as the flights resume. Cheers!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

It is definitely a uniquely magical place. I think that's a solid retirement move. 💯 Enjoy!

[@mgc9172]

Thanks !! Great video and very helpful !

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Obrigado! 🙏🏻💙

[@chrisandmendesdreamteam]

Great video bro and completely agree! We just moved here last week 🤩

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Obrigado my man! Enjoy paradise island and have an extra pastel de nata 🥧 for me tomorrow. 😉

[@johncharles9996]

That was a really helpful video, Thanks.. I have been planning a move at the age of 60 to central Portugal for 2 years now and have recently been persuaded to maybe try Madeira for a 4 month trial which is what I am now going to do. Somehow Madeira as a now single man seems less scary the Portugal mainland

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Nice! I think you're going to love it. It really is a slice of paradise and I think when you're 60 it's perfect because it's such a chill vibe. I assume you're not going to be out looking for wild parties and probably just like to relax and enjoy nature / scenery, so it's perfect for that. I don't know if you've thought about it, but Thailand is also awesome, although the requirements for a retirement visa have gotten really stupid so it may not be feasible. Just throwing it out there though. I enjoyed Madeira but still prefer Thailand overall.

[@rikmarx107]

I am planning to live in Madeira in a few years , portuguese language skills on par by now . Really apreciate your info vid Bro , thanks and enjoy Madaira , as its pronounced .

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Obrigado my man! Yeah, Madeira is a really great place. I'm not sure I would live there forever, but I could see myself hanging out for a few months and going back. The landscapes and vibes are on point.

[@mag9792]

Thanks for such an awesome video! I’m from the UK but my dad is from Madeira and when I was a kid and I used to visit I always found the place boring and never really appreciated how beautiful it really is. I’m 30 now and the only thing on my mind most days is how I can move there in the future because it has everything I want, climate, friendly people and just an overall peaceful and easy going vibe. Maybe next year I’ll get out there!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

I feel you on that. I think when you are a kid, teenager, and young adult, you tend to gravitate more towards a city, high energy vibe but as you get older you appreciate nature and more of a peaceful vibe. Obviously I'm generalizing but I do see that mental transition in a lot of people. I hope you make it out to Madeira though. It really is an amazing place. 💯

[@tubbyrainbow111]

I feel like it's too old in Madeira though, same with Azores. It's all 55+ people for the most part an then the odd younger person. I am 27 and lived on Azores for a while, I think our age is just that bit early to move somewhere like this. It's somewhere for when you have a young family or are retired and old.

[@toquemosguitarra]

Thanks a lot for this video! I hope to live some day in Madeira :)

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Of course! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope your wish comes true. Madeira is beautiful.

[@pramitshah9573]

Great video We have been going to Maderia for about 10 years. Recently we have noticed more vegan and vegan friendly restaurants. Fala fala and Pizzeria Luma are great as well as Mundo which you mentioned.

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

That's awesome! Thank you for the names of the other two spots. Next time I'm in Madeira I will have to check them out. I appreciate it.

[@akramhassen5798]

great content!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@coach_adam_dare]

Hey mate, good video. Couple of questions- thinking of purchasing a rental property there- Fuchal- 15 minutes from the city center. What’s your opinion in terms of market going up from what you have seen? And how’s th single life for people in their thirties and fourties’? Need to do research and your video was helpful brother…. Let me know your thoughts…

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Hey! Thanks for your comment. Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you. The reason is because I was trying to think of how I could add some value in a response here and it was a struggle because both of your questions are outside the realm of my direct experience. I rented the apartment that I filmed this video in and didn't really look at real estate from a buying standpoint. Then for the "life for single people" part, I was there with my wife, so that didn't really apply to me either. I don't want to just come up with some answer out of thin air for you just to say something so the answer is that unfortunately I don't really know.

[@gr8Kalle]

another con is the airport itself. The approach from the south is very difficult and doesn't have ILS. I'm still moving there and I'll bring my plane anyway.

[@tubbyrainbow111]

Where does the island get it's energy from? How self reliant would it be if it got cut off from the main land fro some reason? This was one of the best vids I seen on Madeira dude, super helpful

[@georgeevans2889]

Excellent video and great informative content, thanks. What was the name Of the apartment you stayed in? Looked like a great deal

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Thank you! I appreciate that. So I don't know if the apartment has a name, but it was located really close to this amazing breakfast place called Confeitaria on Av. do Infante in Funchal. Someone moved in right after me and signed a one year lease so it won't be available for a while anyways. There are plenty of great places to find though. Just use idealista.pt to search.

[@yosefnwabuko334]

Great video brother! Thanks for sharing your insights. I’m thinking about heading out there myself for 2 months. My Portuguese is not great can I get by with English? Also, did you rent a car while out there? Thanks!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Thanks! Two months is a good amount of time. It also depends on how busy you are with work in between. I kind of wasted my first month because my original intention was to stay a year so I spent the entire first month doing all of the residency paperwork when I had free time. Then when my plans changed I had fun in the second month but I definitely didn't get to see or experience everything I wanted to. I'll probably be back though. You can absolutely get by with English. I don't speak any Portuguese outside of "obrigado", "bem vindo" and "bom dia". Almost everyone speaks at least basic English - especially people who are in the business of selling anything. The places it can get a little tough are government offices or anything that's outside of the private sector because those workers tend to be older and English proficiency isn't a job requirement or necessity for them. Restaurants, shops, rental places, etc you're good to go with English. I didn't rent a car but there are several rental shops in Funchal where you can rent cars or motorbikes. I almost rented a motorbike during my last week because I wanted to drive around the island but the place I went to was all out of them and the second place I went to wanted a 500 Euro cash deposit. So, no rental for me but if you try to arrange it right when you get there then you'll have better luck. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll be glad to help.

[@yosefnwabuko334]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle First off, thanks for taking the time to reply and provide this detailed info. I really appreciate it! Very helpful. In fact, I just booked my trip for December. Hoping the weather will still be nice. I’m entering the digital nomad lifestyle myself. Madeira looks like a great spot to enjoy comfortably while working online. Anyways, best of luck with your business and any projects that your working on. I love to cheer on and encourage my fellow nomads and entrepreneurs. It can at times be a isolated island, you know? And I will definitely hit you up if I have more questions. Peace brother!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Always here to offer my 2 cents if you need anything. 💯✌

[@jessbrown1719]

Really helpful video, thank you! Do you have a digital nomad visa? If I get one in Madeira can I live in other parts of Europe too or just Portugal?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

I believe you are referring to the D7 visa. You can learn more about that here: www.d7visa.com/ That visa allows non-EU foreigners to establish residency in Portugal. It would not allow you to live in other EU countries for long stretches of time because you'd have to live in Portugal to maintain the residency. You'd have to look up the details so this might not be 100% accurate but I think you would need to live in Portugal for a minimum of half the year (6 months) to maintain the residency. Then you could spend time in other EU countries but most of them won't let you stay more than 90 days and of course it depends on which passport you have. Long story short, the D7 visa is really for someone who wants to spend most of their time in Portugal with perhaps little short breaks in other places but it's not a way to get EU-wide residency status. Even EU citizens, if spending more than 90 days in another EU country they don't have a passport from, have to declare their intention to live in that country long term (or leave).

[@christobar]

Hey Martin thanks for the great video! Oddly specific question since you talked about the food, and are conscientious about what you eat: how much garlic do they use in their cooking? I'm allergic to garlic and planning on traveling to Portugal and Madeira this summer. Thanks!

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

No worries. I am pretty specific about what I eat so I understand. I actually love garlic but completely understand the allergy. From what I remember, the only dish that really had garlic in it was the Bacalhau (Codfish based dish). I don't even think the fish itself had it but the side spinach. Having said that, I didn't eat a whole lot of "traditional" Portuguese food besides that and the Pastel de Nata because the overwhelming majority of it was meat based. This means that if you do plan on eating it, I'm not the greatest resource to answer the question. Sorry. Wish I had a more comprehensive answer for you.

[@djsplend2220]

But garlic helps to scare away the vampires 🤔

[@christobar]

@@djsplend2220 :-D

[@LivingWild_ENG]

🌈☀🦋

[@luisv8431]

There are vegan restaurant in Ponta do Sol too, because of nomad village demand

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Oh wow! That's good to know. I didn't see any when I went. I loved the area though and there were lots of nice cafes and restaurants that had good food and drinks.

[@spiritjourney7150]

Thank you for this vid. How do youy get in contact with renters to get a place like yours. It is nice. Do they allow little dogs?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

No problem. So a good place to search is: www.idealista.pt/en/arrendar-casas/ Sometimes you'll run into listings that are no longer available but haven't been updated but if that happens and the contact person is a realtor then you can ask them if they have anything similar. The best thing to do is find a few spots that appeal to you so if one doesn't work out, you have back ups. Good luck!

[@jimbanda]

Man that apartment looks better than most , and I know people paying €900 for a room in Ireland , yup a single room .

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Yes, there are some really good deals in Madeira for some nice apartments. Not better than Thailand, but it's hard to match the quality and price point of Thailand with anywhere in Europe or North America --- even in a lower cost of living destination like Portugal. I liked this apartment a lot but when I think about some of the luxury condos I've stayed in in Bangkok, the islands in southern Thailand, or north in Chiang Mai, even this apartment is average at best.

[@jimbanda]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle Thanks man , I appreciate your info . For the next few years it's gotta be within 3-4 of Ireland for me + reasonable weather, that's why I like your Maderia video, it's straight up honest, thank you. Yes, hopefully further afield then, where the price point versus luxury is so much better 👍👍

[@davemitchell3998]

Hi, how did you find that apartment fit that price? From what I can see they are at least twice the price you suggest if not more (looking on web from uk)

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Hello. A good place to search is: www.idealista.pt/en/arrendar-casas/ Sometimes you'll run into listings that are no longer available but haven't been updated but if that happens and the contact person is a realtor then you can ask them if they have anything similar. The best thing to do is find a few spots that appeal to you so if one doesn't work out, you have back ups. Good luck!

[@jadesperitual1284]

Going to Madeira for a yoga retreat in february to escap for a little bit of sun, the Nederlands is getting cooold😫...is any one living there i can meet 😇? Best wishes to all for 2022.

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

I love the Nederlands! But I agree, the weather is not one of its most appealing qualities. Look up the digital nomads group in Madeira on Instagram or just go to Porto Santo to the "nomad village". You can also look up Madeira Fitness Friends on Instagram as well. I hope you have a gezellig time. 👌🏻💯

[@michaelmagdongon6021]

You rec Funchal or Ponta Do Sol for a good community feel and social scene?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Ponta is where the digital nomad village is so there is much more of a social scene there. Funchal is the capital so there are more shops, restaurants, and generally more options to do things but the social scene is stronger for nomads/expats in Ponta.

[@michaelmagdongon6021]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle thanks! I'll be there in May/June. Will start off in Ponta then play it by ear

[@adelinekeys6582]

how did you find your apartment please? any suggestions?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Hello. A good place to search is: www.idealista.pt/en/arrendar-casas/ Sometimes you'll run into listings that are no longer available but haven't been updated but if that happens and the contact person is a realtor then you can ask them if they have anything similar. The best thing to do is find a few spots that appeal to you so if one doesn't work out, you have back ups. Good luck!

[@jplaverde1]

Awesome video. I am from the United States and I am looking to buy a second home/Vacation home in Madeira. How do you compare living there versus the States?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Thank you. That's a really tough question to answer because the U.S. is huge and it doesn't even make sense that it's one country because all of the states have their own unique culture, history, and to some extent even dialect / accent. That's a completely different topic altogether though. I only bring it up because depending on where in the U.S. you've lived will give you a very different comparison vis-a-vis Madeira. Then there's also the matter of personal preference. I've spent a good chunk of my life in the States but I'm not really a fan of it so I like Madeira more, but Thailand is still my favorite second home outside of my home country. Bali is great too. Again, it's all personal preference though. Some people love the U.S. and others hate Bali. That's the beautiful thing about life though (if you're lucky and/or work for it) is that we can choose what suits us best. Enjoy Madeira!

[@jplaverde1]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle that’s a very good point. I am looking for a more non-materialistic lifestyle and connect with nature and most importar enjoy really good food. :)

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

I hear that! That's the same things I appreciate about a place too. Having said that, you will definitely find that Madeira will meet those needs on points one and two. The nature is stunning and ridiculously unique. I've never been anywhere like it. It's truly breathtaking. On point three, it will come down to what kind of food you like. I'm a pescetarian and Madeira has a lot of really great seafood options but the plant-based meals are both lacking and nothing to write home about (which I talked about in the video). If you're more of a meat and potatoes kinda guy then you'll do just fine in Madeira. I would venture to bet that this generalization is true for a lot of Europe, but of course capital cities have more diversity so that means more food options. Madeira is an island so its isolated and the choices are narrower. You can still get some globally famous cuisines like Indian, Japanese and Italian, and the food that is available is generally of good quality. The Portuguese specialties like Bacalhau and Pastel De Nata are amazing. I ate them constantly when I was there.

[@jplaverde1]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle thank you very much for all of the feedback. If you don’t mind, I like to keep connected with you for further feedback. We are looking to travel there between April and May of 2022

[@jplaverde1]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle one last question, how does the island compare to some of the mainland places in Portugal like Lisboa? Which do you prefer, mainland or the island.

[@sl1840]

How are you able to search for apt

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

idealista.pt 😉

[@Tr786hala]

Bulgaria or Macedonia does not have even remotely SEA cost of living.

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

I haven't been to either but from what I've heard / read I believe you are correct. My inquisitive response to that though is what do you get for your money though? Don't get me wrong, I've seen some absolutely stunning photos and videos of both countries, but I'm talking about full service apartments with infiniti pools, jacuzzis, saunas, gyms all in the building and in some instances with certain amenities they are even en suite. I genuinely don't know so I'm asking because in Thailand there is an abundance of that so I'm wondering if Macedonia and Bulgaria offer the same. There are also other factors like cuisine, weather, culture, etc and those things ultimately do come down to preference so there's really no right or wrong answer in that regard.

[@Tr786hala]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle no in Bulgaria and Macedonia, expect to pay 3 times SEA prices. Especially on high lifestyle stuff. I think value for money eastern Europe isn't that great because it's cheap but not really that nice. Other than internet and food. Accomodations are mostly poor.

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Oooooh I get where your original comment came from. My apologies. It came from the actual video itself. I thought you were chiming in on the conversation thread that I was having with Jim Banda where I mentioned that "it's hard to match the quality and price point of Thailand with anywhere in Europe or North America" so I thought you were trying to say that Macedonia and Bulgaria were cheaper than SE Asia, which I've heard they are comparable but again, I've never been. Now I understand your comment better and good to know that it's actually more expensive and that you confirmed my hunch, which is that the quality of what you get just won't compare to Thailand or Malaysia or Bali or even parts of Vietnam.

[@Tr786hala]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle oh yeah didn't see the comment with Jim. Only replying on the vid👍🏼 Quality of living is really far of with eastern Europe and asia.

[@e-com]

Can you pls share contact info of the apartement owner? I want that appartement too

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

😅 Unfortunately that apartment is not going to be available for several more months at the earliest. The person who moved in after me signed a one year lease. There are plenty of great options in Madeira though. Just use idealista.pt/en

[@e-com]

@@FitnessTravelLifestyle Is okay ma thanks a lot!!

[@TheWildponys]

what's with the masks outdoors ?

[@FitnessTravelLifestyle]

Some people are more careful/paranoid than others I guess. 🤷‍♂️ If you're for it, they are careful. If you're against it, they are paranoid. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter.

[@Lat41]

It is a piece of cloth. Is this too difficult for you to wear to protect others from a potentially serious health issue?

[@MostIntelligentMan]

@@Lat41 stranger on a streat is not where u get disease that 100% of people will get every year anyways, all those "paranoid" then go hug and kiss all their friends and family and blame everything on others, just pathetic