Funchal, Portugal 🇵🇹
#1892
32.649649, -16.908678
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, known for its beautiful landscapes and warm climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 112,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include Millennium BCP, Banco Santander, and popular options like Revolut. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and sourced from volcanic springs. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers such as MEO, NOS, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and TransferWise are widely accepted, as well as traditional banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate agencies like Vivenda offer various rental options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer numerous short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Monte Verde and Guesthouses around the Old Town are quite affordable. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Spaces is a popular coworking venue with ample amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café do Teatro is known for its great coffee and quiet environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events occur often at The Spaces and local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups on Facebook such as 'Expats in Madeira' offer events and social gathering opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for ride-hailing in Funchal. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Maderia Rent a Bike provides rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia Formosa is the closest beach with easy access. It’s about a 10-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAP Air Portugal offers regional flights from Funchal. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and EasyJet frequently operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Via Rapida connects Funchal to other parts of Madeira. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains in Madeira; however, buses frequently connect various locations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Low-cost options available through the Horários do Funchal system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Funchal to various parts of the island, making it easy to explore. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonça is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room in Funchal offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Up and Holistic Gym in Funchal provide comprehensive workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavaigo is a popular laundromat with effective service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Glovo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bacalhau à Brás, a codfish dish is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A Casa do Bolo do Caco and the Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant offer great options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confeitaria Monte Verde is well-known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Municipal Market of Funchal offers fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local shops provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Pingo Doce offers home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town area is lively with many bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Madeira Brewery produces the famous Madeira Beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Armazém do Sal is a popular wine bar with local selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Mercado dos Lavradores has numerous food stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There's a variety of options including Italian, Asian, and American cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Botanical Garden and CR7 Museum are highlights in Funchal. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Madeira Story Centre tells the history of the island. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fortaleza de São Tiago offers a glimpse into the island’s past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Funchal is stunning and historically significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Madeira Flower Festival occurs every April and is a must-see. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town (Zona Velha) is rich in culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Funchal hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado dos Lavradores is a vibrant market showcasing local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music events throughout the week. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Zona Velha features impressive street art murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Madeira Cooking Classes provide hands-on culinary lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Contemporary Art Museum offers insights into local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Town Hall is an architectural gem in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Funchal’s history is richly displayed in its architecture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Garajau Natural Reserve is accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Levada walks provide scenic trails through the mountains. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Miradouro do Cabo Girão provides breathtaking views of the coast. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pico do Arieiro is perfect for observing various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Park da Quinta Magnólia has areas suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correios de Portugal offers reliable shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechZone near the city center provides device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Línguas offers language courses for international residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal de Funchal has a quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Comunitário provides cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Hub offers a selection of video games and PC setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino da Madeira offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €168,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 28% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Madeira's tax system is favorable for EU residents with a 35% rate for high earners. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% |
| 🧾 VAT | 22% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on annual value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate. |