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Accommodation in Madeira for long-term stays as a digital nomad
Knowing where to stay in Madeira will help you find the perfect spot on the island to enjoy your stay and make the most of its attractions.
Volcanic sandy beaches, untouched vegetation, steep cliffs, natural pools… Madeira is undoubtedly a fascinating destination for nature lovers. Are you a digital nomad who wants to combine work with outdoor adventures? Moving for a while to this small Portuguese archipelago, located off the coast of Morocco, can be a very attractive option. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about accommodation in Madeira for long-term stays to make the most of your visit.
In recent years, Madeira has become an attractive destination for digital nomads and remote workers, with popularity steadily rising. One reason is the Digital Nomads Village. However, this isn’t the only reason or offer for staying in Madeira temporarily. The island has several coworking spaces and diverse accommodation options, both in Funchal, the capital, and in other towns and cities.
In Madeira, you can work with a sea view, walk among mountains after your workday, or practise yoga on a terrace at sunset. With good infrastructure, flexible accommodation options, and a growing nomad community, the island offers what many large cities don’t: balance.
Ready to discover where to stay in Madeira?
Where to Stay in Madeira? Accommodation options for long stays
Living in Madeira for a season gives you the chance to explore the island’s attractions at a slow, relaxed pace. Forget rushing through a three or four-day marathon. If you settle in for a couple of months, you’ll better enjoy its Mediterranean climate, discover hidden beaches, go hiking after work, experience its delicious gastronomy, and connect with workers from all over the world.
One of the things you’ll need to decide is what type of accommodation you want for your stay. Despite being a small island, Madeira has it all: seaside colivings, fully furnished apartments in quiet areas, residences, Airbnbs, and hotels. You just need to take the time to evaluate the options, weigh the pros and cons of each, and make your choice. Once you arrive in Madeira, you’ll start your own island adventure.
Next, we’ll tell you the best options for where to stay in Madeira for a season:
Coliving in Madeira
The coliving scene on the island has grown alongside the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands programme. This shared living concept combines accommodation, coworking spaces, and community activities, making it ideal for those looking to connect with other remote travellers. But living in a coliving space in Madeira offers an added advantage: working surrounded by nature.
These spaces are often located in strategic spots, like Funchal or Ponta do Sol, allowing quick access to mountain trails and beaches that invite you to enjoy your free time without long commutes. For instance, living in a coliving space in Ponta do Sol lets you walk to the famous levadas, Madeira’s ancient irrigation channels offering unforgettable hiking routes.
- The approximate monthly cost of living in a coliving space in Madeira is between €650-1,000 ($720-1,160), all-inclusive (high-speed WiFi, cleaning, utilities).
Some notable options include Nomad Island Coliving, Outsite Madeira, Madeira Coliving, Cowork Madeira, and Surf & Work Madeira. To learn more about them, we recommend reading our article on the best colivings in Madeira, where we fully explain what each space offers.
Where to Stay in Madeira? Furnished apartments
While the idea of working and living in a community is tempting, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a digital nomad who values silence and, above all, privacy in your daily life, you might opt for other accommodation alternatives in Madeira. One of them is furnished apartments, which come fully ready to move in and often offer flexible contracts.
What options are available? From small but well-equipped studios to 1- or 2-bedroom flats, with kitchen, private bathroom, WiFi, and, in many cases, sea or mountain views. While the cost is higher than coliving, it’s worth it if you’re looking to have your own space or if you’re travelling with a partner or friend.
- The estimated monthly price for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Madeira is €800-1,200 ($830-1,390). A two-bedroom apartment, on the other hand, costs between €1,100-1,500 ($1,280-1,740).
You can search for options on Idealista.pt, Spotahome, local platforms, and Facebook groups for nomads in Madeira.
Airbnb for seasonal stays
Many hosts in Madeira offer discounts for stays longer than 28 days, making it another good option for accommodation on the island. It’s perfect for those looking for something straightforward without contracts, ready to move in with all services included.
- Prices are similar to renting a furnished apartment: between €900-1,500, depending on the area and type of property.
Student and professional residences
Madeira isn’t just attracting digital nomads and remote workers; students from all over the world come for short or long courses or internships. For them, there are some private or shared residence alternatives. While more limited than in larger Portuguese cities, options exist in Funchal and university areas.
Tip: On the Casita website, you’ll find several accommodation alternatives for students in Madeira, including shared and private rooms in coliving environments. These options are designed to provide a comfortable study atmosphere equipped with necessary amenities.
- The cost of staying in a student residence in Madeira is around €450-700 ($520-810), with services included.
As you can see, the cost is much lower than other accommodation options, with choices between private or shared rooms. The downside is that bathrooms are generally shared, as are other spaces and study areas.
Stay Connected During Your Trip to Madeira
Having internet on the island is essential, whether for studying, working, checking a map, reading reviews on Google, confirming your Airbnb reservation, making video calls with loved ones, or any other online activity. Madeira boasts excellent digital infrastructure, with high-speed internet and several coworking spaces. To make the most of this, we suggest the eSIM for Madeira for short stays or the Holafly monthly plans for longer trips.
Just choose between a plan from 25 GB or unlimited data, depending on your needs, with the option to share internet with other devices. The sign-up process is simple, quick, and the price is very convenient. Plus, with any of the plans, you’ll have internet in over 160 countries.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Besides exploring accommodation options, we’ll tell you the most recommended areas in Madeira for living for a while. The island isn’t very large, but some spots offer a wider and more varied selection. From the urban comfort of Funchal, to the coastal tranquillity of Ponta do Sol and the practicality of Caniço, you’ll surely find your ideal corner to stay in Madeira.
Funchal, the Island’s Capital
Funchal is the capital and most populated city of Madeira. Consequently, it’s the first place travellers turn to for accommodation. Besides a wide range of options, you’ll find a picturesque old town, tree-lined streets, and older houses, many renovated and converted into lodgings.
Living in Funchal lets you reach many attractions on foot and serves as a strategic hub for accessing all four corners of the island (just an hour’s drive away). You can also reach the starting points of beautiful hiking trails, like those to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, two excellent viewpoints on the island.
For those seeking nightlife, Funchal is one of the few lively spots in Madeira, especially around the marina. You’ll also find shopping centres, coworking spaces, WiFi cafés, hospitals, universities, and a wide gastronomic offer—all without losing the island charm. Highlights include the Mercado dos Lavradores, the seafront promenade, and the Monte tropical gardens.
Where to Stay in Funchal?
As Madeira’s capital, Funchal offers a wide variety of accommodation. Prices are higher here, but with early planning, you’ll find a good place to stay, whether in the historic centre or surrounding areas. Here are some options:
- Coliving in Funchal: Several options exist, such as Sunago Coliving and HubRemotely Funchal. We highlight Nomad Island Madeira, located in the heart of Funchal, just five minutes from local restaurants, traditional markets, and attractions like the Monte cable car.
- Hotels with long-stay discounts: Options like Hotel do Carmo or The Marketplace Flats offer reduced rates for stays over 28 days.
- Furnished Apartments: Interesting options exist in the São Martinho or Santa Luzia districts, many with terraces offering sea views and good amenities.
- Student Residences: The Residência Universitária dos Serviços de Ação Social (SASUMa) is in central Funchal and offers double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, desks, and internet access. Accommodation usually matches scholarship periods, though exceptions may be considered. Another option is Residencia Académica ISAL, located near the university campus, offering similar services.
Ponta do Sol, One of the Best Places to Stay in Madeira
This small coastal town is known as Europe’s first Digital Nomad Village. It’s an exclusive spot for digital nomads seeking a natural, fully remote-friendly environment. Launched in 2021, the initiative hosts up to 100 remote workers simultaneously, each staying between one and six months, with access to free coworking spaces, networking events, and more.
Ponta do Sol lies on Madeira’s southwest coast, 25 minutes from Funchal. It’s perfect for beach lovers, as it receives the most sun hours on the island annually. The town has several seafront restaurants, calm cafés for working, and stunning sunsets.
Where to Stay in Ponta do Sol?
Ponta do Sol is well-prepared for tourism and offers interesting options for digital nomads and remote workers wanting to stay for several months. Beyond the island’s most famous coliving, you’ll find small family-run hotels with long-stay discounts and ready-to-move-in studios and one-bedroom apartments.
- Coliving in Ponta do Sol: The most famous is Digital Nomads Madeira Village, run by Startup Madeira. Located in central Ponta do Sol, it’s steps from local cafés, coastal trails, and offers breathtaking ocean views. Also available is John do Passos House, a temporary coliving with coworking and events.
- Hotels in Ponta do Sol: We recommend contacting them directly for long-stay discounts. Options include Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol, a boutique hotel with Atlantic views and minimalist rooms; Enotel Sunset Bay, beachfront with sea-view rooms; and 1905 Zino’s Palace, a historic mansion blending traditional charm with modern facilities.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one of Madeira’s oldest municipalities and hosts the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, welcoming travellers arriving on the island.
Within Santa Cruz, the parish of Caniço stands out, perfect for those looking to stay in a quiet area of the island without being too far from Funchal. This coastal town offers the best of both worlds: proximity to everything and a relaxed atmosphere. Despite its small size, the parish has good hotel and restaurant services, along with an interesting culinary scene.
Are you a diving enthusiast? Caniço is very close to the Garajau Marine Reserve, considered the best area to explore Madeira’s rich underwater life.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers a wide range of accommodations, from coliving spaces to furnished apartments, ideal for digital nomads visiting Madeira.
- Coliving in Santa Cruz: Notable options include Madeira Coliving, offering private and shared rooms with modern, functional designs; several communal areas; and a coworking space with fibre-optic internet.
- Furnished Apartments in Santa Cruz: Many options exist, but we particularly recommend Santa Cruz Apartment with Sea View by HR Madeira, featuring sea views and a location 15 minutes on foot from Palmeiras beach. It’s an excellent choice for long stays.
Calheta
With eight parishes, Calheta is the largest municipality in Madeira. Located between the island’s south and west, it’s known for the best artificial beaches in the archipelago, the pebbled Jardim do Mar beach (considered the best “point break” in Madeira by surfers), and several distilleries. Did you know that the best rum on the island is produced here?
For digital nomads who love hiking, some of the island’s best trails start in this area. Most trails follow the levadas, with the most famous being PR6, which runs along Levada das 25 Fontes and passes by many waterfalls.
Accommodations in Calheta
Calheta offers a good range of accommodations, including interesting options in its small parishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Furnished Flats: We recommend Casa Da Releva, located on Calheta’s hills with privileged sea views, full amenities, and reasonable prices.
- Coliving in Calheta: An option is Áveromar Coliving, which opened in 2021 and attracts remote professionals who value both privacy and community connection. Surf & Work Madeira is ideal for those wanting to combine remote work with an active lifestyle, especially surf enthusiasts.
- Hotels: Calheta hosts Madeira’s only all-inclusive hotels. However, we recommend The Rum Inn, offering well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms, very close to the main attractions in Calheta.
Where to Stay in Madeira? Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Many accommodation options in Madeira, like coliving, Airbnb, or flats via platforms such as Blueground, allow monthly stays without a traditional contract, which is a big advantage. However, if you plan to enroll in an academic programme or apply for residency, you might need a registered address.
Yes, even though the island is fairly remote, Madeira offers very good internet connectivity. Urban areas like Funchal, Caniço, and Ponta do Sol have fibre-optic internet and strong 4G mobile coverage. Many coliving spaces and temporary accommodations are already adapted for digital nomads, providing high-speed WiFi.
Yes, Madeira is a calm, hospitable island with very low crime rates. It’s common to see people working on their laptops in cafés, on beaches, or terraces without any issues. So feel relaxed and enjoy your stay.
Yes, Madeira’s nomad community is very active, especially thanks to the launch of the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands programme, with events, coliving spaces, and meet-up points in Ponta do Sol, Funchal, and Caniço. There are meetups, coworking spaces, and support networks among travellers.
Caniço is an excellent choice if you prioritise nature and quality services. You’ll be close to everything, with good transport, supermarkets, diving areas, and without Funchal’s tourist pace. It’s ideal for working peacefully and exploring whenever you like.
