Welcome to Madeira Portugal!

[@perolagrande]

I can't wait to see your videos on the farm and Madeira in general. What you're saying is true. Most people live their lives in a screaming mad rush and have no time for each other. That's no good. I say a rushed life can't be an enjoyable one. Portugal is a good country to enjoy what I call 'slow living'. Take the time to savour the moment and enjoy it, rather than rushing. There's always tomorrow.

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

Thank you! So far we have seen a lot but I am not sure we will get to see everything! I have also had some really amazing experiences with the family that I would never get to see in my normal travels. I will share as much as I can whilst trying to take it easy! x

[@theretirednomad]

Not too shabby at all and glad you are having a nice time.

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

Thank you! It is so nice here! I am having a lovely time and have so much to share with you! x

[@theretirednomad]

@@RetireandTraveltheWorldcannot wait to see Madeira!

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

Thank you. X

[@cdogvlog5557]

I don't think I'd want to drive a manual car in a place with so many ups and downs. I had to drive one onto the ferry and was worried I'd have to do a hill start on the ramp. Luckily the car in front kept going.. So maybe you could investigate if Portugal is an economic place to retire or not, compared to the UK. I think there are videos on youtube of people buying very cheap but very rural property there.

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

We have an automatic and it still rolls a bit! We were looking a bit at that yesterday and some houses on line. I will see what I can put together. In general so far I would say the cost of living, eating out and groceries is cheaper than the UK. There are some rural houses going very cheap however, they are usually old houses that need a complete renovation and in some cases completely rebuilding and talking with the family, getting permission to build can be difficult! I’ll see what else I can find out!

[@perolagrande]

​@@RetireandTraveltheWorld That's a very large topic you could write a book on. There's a massive pay gap between the UK and Portugal, Portuguese minimum wage from January 2025 is just over £10,000 equivalent compared to nearly £24,000 in the UK. Similarly, average salaries are around 2.5x Portuguese levels in the UK. That means labour-intensive businesses (hotels, catering, builders) typically charge you less in Portugal, because their costs are far lower.

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

Very true. I keep getting told that Madeira is different to Portugal and more expensive because an Island so I will see what I can find out!

[@cdogvlog5557]

@@RetireandTraveltheWorld I think that cheap house refurbishment content does really well. Only issue is things always cost more than you expect and it can be a false economy putting money into a cheaper house that would be better spent on a more valuable house.

[@RetireandTraveltheWorld]

@ I agree and that is what my brother and sister in law debate for when they buy thier house here. Some of the older ones will need more money spending on them than buying a newer building.