I was hospitalized in Funchal last year. Specialist surgeon, mri, cat scan, X-rays etc. equipment was all first rate. Needed 6 days in the hospital and the total cost was EU 6,000 or USD $6;600. As someone from the states that was about 20% of what it would have run. The care was excellent and about 1/3 of the staff spoke English reasonably well. Not the way I wanted to spend holidays but I was impressed.
I am very happy to hear that you are well and have been well taken care . Portugal 🇵🇹 is a beautiful country and certainly they don’t let you die in the streets. Feel proud to be Portuguese 🥰 Wish all the best, God bless you.💝
I just spent a week there and as an overall summary, it's paradise. If you add all things together there provably is no other place in earth where you feel so comfortable and happily occupied.
Don't forget to show how insanely steep the streets are. There are main streets with 20% inclination with shops, buses, schools and public pools. I could not get the car to change to 2nd gear. Even the highways can be 12%. You can go from 0 to 650m elevation in a few minutes where you ears pop and it's a few degrees colder, all within Funchal.
Hi Joe, lovely to see you filming again from our favourite island. My wife and I are in Italy this year, so not back in Madeira until 2025. Channels like yours keep us in touch with island life from afar. Keep up the wonderful reports. Loved your recent videos in Georgia.
Was just in Funchal and loved it. We will be back next year. We thought the cost of food and drink was super. I can understand rents are high, living in Ireland we are crucified on everything. We did a super market shop and fell over with the cost we got so much for our money it was a big eye opener.
It's cheap for tourists, not for locals, minimum wage is around 850 euros clean and considering a T1 rental in Funchal is minimum 900 euros, it's shit economy.
If you take into account the local minimum wage, the cost of food and drinks, including supermarkets, is expensive. It's always been relatively costly in comparison to what people earn, but the discrepancy has been even bigger in the last few years.
Great video Joe, I'll be flying to Madeira tomorrow to live for the next 7 months as a Dive Instructor. Happy to connect and explore some places with you together 😊
Well, I'm from mainland Portugal (Lisbon) and I've been three times to Madeira. I enjoyed your video and your comments are fair and I quite agree with them overall. Therefore, very good video and info for anyone planning to go there. Just notice that Porto Santo (small island close to Madeira) has a beatiful sandy beach (but it's not that cheap to get there...)
I have never been in Madeira, and yet through many videos that I watched, it made me love it because of the beautiful panorama, and of course the amazing weather year round. I promise I will be there one day.
Proper pros and cons Joe. It's good to see you are so passionate about Madeira. Yes, immerse and show us why you have chosen to live there. You have a place to live, a proper place to eat and great multiple climates, so lets go 👍
Thanks Joe & more from Madeira please! ☺ You'll have to introduce me to Kenzie, she's such a beauty & I'll definitely have to try one of those beef pregos! By the way that was extremely well explained & you had it to a tee, but were you tempted to stop at Nata 7 as you were glancing there?! I've yet to try bubble tea so I now have an excuse when in Funchal! Enjoy the rest of your week & weekend & friend 🤗
Hi Joe, we love your creative content on all things Madeira Portugal. Some ideas that come to mind that you can expand are coming up with the top 3 unique food joints, top 3 things to see or do (or festivities) in each municipality of Madeira. Yes, the island is small, but, there are a total of 10 municipalities. We would also appreciate a few vlogs to learn more about Madeira's sustainable agriculture and traditional practices and where the local produce comes from. We love your creative content and look forward to seeing more. Cheers!
Hi Joe, I've just discovered your channel. I found very interesting videos about PROS and CONS of LIVING in different places. Looking forward to such videos
Looking forward to seeing lots of different and exciting places to explore Joe. The Georgia series is a great example of showing a location that I wasn't expecting to be so beautiful. I think Portugal & Spain would be a good place to start, lots of great food and beautiful locations. Happy to see more on Thailand and SE Asia in general. Funchal does look beautiful but I think it would be too isolated for me to live in, I am more than happy to come visit. Plus the beaches are a lot better where I live.
@dianacoulson4724 I thought you may have been from Aus. Everyone thinks QLD has the best beaches but actually NSW is much better. Unfortunately I have only had 10 day visit to Spain but would love to go back.
Once you mix Porto Santo(Golden Beaches) with Madeira you have almost everything with the exception of cheap and easy flights for Europe. When it comes to food you have to try Celeiro "Cod with praws" , Castrinhos Ponchas, La Carbonara Pescatore (Octopus & Limpets) and Gaiado.
I’m Portuguese with Madeira ascents but i was born and live in the continent….😢 My dream is to move to Funchal in a few years. Every time i go to Madeira I feel I’m at home ❤
On way home from a two week trip on Madeira. Wow. What an island! Stayed mostly in the north, which I love. Can recommend "As Pedros snack bar" in Ponta Delgada to your belly. More a lunch place, and no menu (I guess he cooks what he has in) - the Espada was soooooo good! Thanks for the Bella 5 recommendation - very tasty.
The north is stunning isn't it. I love riding over there. I will definitely check out that snack bar, I have added it to my list. sounds like my type of place. Yeah, bela is awesome!
Hi Joey, Your video is amazingly relaxing. Good job. Can You cover something about real estate and hous prices in Madeira, as well as which documents are requaried :) Thanks a lot for all
Loved seeing all the places I remember from my holiday there. I was lucky that we made the most of our week and explored as much as the island as we could. Seeing the food again made me even more determined to return. Prices certainly jump up as you get towards summer though. Looking forward to all the new content and seeing where the monkey bike takes you 😄😄
I would like to know the pitfalls of buying property, what to look out for, special rules etc, and some more in depth pro/cons of living in different areas of Madeira.
I will see what I can do in future, it isn't my speciality, but can try and sort something for it. Different area guides, I for sure can look into that.
Hello, was there in March, from Canada; fell in love with the european charm and the strong nature. Will be back in November. Thanks for the tip (Bela Five). I presume you already know Porto da Cruz and the amazing 'snack bar' A Pipa ? Keep us posted!
Nice video! I spent two weeks there this last month in June. Lovely place! The people are kind, professional, and lots of fun. We loved the restaurant named La Carbonara just outside of Funchal in the "burbs". Our favorite waiter was Carlos, his family owns the restaurant. Best food ever!! I might add that the main roads are good, lots of tunnels, but not real onramps to the highway where you can ease onto the road and get up to speed with the traffic, mostly pretty abrupt entrances. The off highway driving is narrow and STEEP! If you are walking about you need strong legs and good knees! Not many flat or level places on the island outside of downtown Funchal. The airport is built on a freeway like bridge......there are cement columns that support the runway over steep cliffs. Wind can affect air traffic, often delays or cancellations, so just know that and flow with it. The temperatures are so comfortable and not a great deal of humidity. It really is an enchanting place! We loved visiting Madeira!!
Huge pro, the food sources are natural, low in saturated fats, and not processed or as contaminated as other countries. That translates to better health, less expense for medical bills.
We are out there from 02/05 for a week, really looking forward to it. I’ve saved Bela 5 for a prego!. Looking for some live music bars for the evenings, any ideas? Great content, keep it up.
you want to go to Bela for the fish really, prego is good, but the fish is where they shine. Live music in the evenings... I think it is more a bit sporadic and depends on when they have someone booked. Usually they post events on social media, so it isn't always easy to come across them.
Hi Joe. Really great video. A very balanced and fair view. We've travelled a lot but Madeira has really captured our hearts - it's the views, the people, the climate, the food but also as you say the 'depth' - certainly for such a small island. Every time we come we find something new and surprising and amazing to see and do. It's the little bakery you come across in the middle of nowhere - with the most amazing bread, or a breathtaking view you see, or the unexpected kindness of the people, or their creativity and positivity... Anyway, looking forward to seeing you explore it!
Great content Joe; balanced and fair. Probably worth mentioning that although Madeira has no beaches to speak of, our smaller island Porto Santo won the best beach destination in Europe (world travel awards). Interesting to see that you're from the Channel Islands which is where I grew up!
That’s a fair point! Perhaps that will be a video in itself, I might take the bike over there one day on the ferry and explore! I’ve never been. Oh really? Which island? I’m guessing not Alderney haha
Madeira seems a top destination for nomading and retiring. Question - what about tech gear, is it easy to get the latest phones, Macs etc or are these a pain to buy. What about online shopping, hard, expensive, is it different to mainland Portugal?
you are spot on! you can get stuff here, for sure. there are normal shops and electronic shops. You can order online, but it does take time! it isn't expensive, but it does take time. it is one of the compromises of living on a small isolated island, but it is paradise
Online shop it’s easy - Amazon form Spain - no import taxes and free shipping. You can find any electronics you need in stores - especially in the two main shopping malls - supermarkets everywhere
Good list. I've been here a year and a half and have found though, that it has been easy to make long term friends. I'm older, though, and connecting with other people who have moved here, for the most part. Maybe it's more transient for people who are younger, outside of the digital nomad community. Healthcare? I think with the private hospital and the upcoming university medical complex, we're in good shape for healthcare. It was a factor in our decision, and I consider it a pro.
This is exactly the content I needed. Just perfect. I am vacillating between retiring to Madeira or somewhere in France from Canada. I’ll have to spend 6 months a year in either one to qualify for EU citizenship (despite being born a Dutch national, now former Dutch national), and I want to travel the rest of the time. I’m weighing climate v. ease of travel. Decisions…decisions…
Hi. You mentioned windy. Is that cold wind or warm wind?… also, is there a lot of cigarette smoking happening in public? I’m very sensitive to smoke… thanks a lot… cheers
it's a warm wind, don't worry! Smoking, people smoke or vape, but I never find it much of an issue (I hate it too) - I usually just move to another seat out of the way. But I wouldn't call it a regular occurrence by any means
I agree & love it! I went last Fall & looked at property. But in the end the taxes, & the government’s wishy washy behavior on Visas really deterred me. Sadly. I’m so glad it’s working for you. Blessings!
Hey Joe. GREAT video! Your Madeira videos a few years ago is what got me attached to your channel! It’s the first Madeira UA-cam channel we found actually! I’ve really enjoyed all your Thailand, as well as your other food and travel videos. Anyways, we moved here just over a year ago and spent 10 months in Funchal. We moved to Tabua in January, and we’re so fortunate that we can hike straight out of our front door and we just fall in love with Madeira over and over again - we’re pinching ourselves every day. Would love to show you around Tabua and the lovely neighborhoods we hike through, as we get to know this fab part of the island, just between RB and Ponta do Sol. Send me a pm if you’d like to join us on a hike or two - we’re a trifle older than you (😊) but are game for most things. We have a couple favorite restaurants on this side of the Island, too, that serve what’s available locally. I’m so glad you’re continuing with the channel and that you’re adapting and changing what you offer. It’s great content, and your views will only increase, I’m sure.
thank you! glad you enjoy all the content, hopefully you have seen the improvement haha. Yes definitely we should catch up. and by all means let me know the restaurants too, always looking for places to film.
About time someone done some good content about maderia, there’s a restaurant called vides in estreito de camera de lobos great value and great esptatada
Nice video and, as Portuguese from the other archipelago, I agree most of the pros and cons. However, the cons is intrinsically related with a remote island. Talking about remote, you should visit Azores, one of most remote habitable places in the world. More beautiful than Madeira but the “cons” you have mentioned, need multiple by 10 times 😅…
Im from Madeira and i am happy to see videos like yours, since i work at airport my incoming its always about tourists, yes its not normal seeing someone doing videos about it we can stare in the beegining but after it we will not abord you to ask why are you filming or whatever, if we do its because someone is abusing the 🏥 trust me . If you need something please let me know if i can help of course. Crime its the last thing you need to worrie but dont exaggerate, some cittys you cannot let things in the car like crazy please.
I want to move to Madeira within the next 2 years and am looking for some networking opportunities. I am in the US Air Force as a Cyber Technician and am looking to separate and work remotely. I want to start working towards that goal…definitely could use some pointers
I'm from Madeira living in Guernsey channel islands, my son iis 26 yrs old born in Guernsey he said if he could do his job in Madeira and earn the same he would move because he loves there, it's just the wages that unfortunately is too low
love that you enjoy the island of Madeira, it makes me proud as the offspring of Madeiran locals, however, it is concerning for the amount of foreigners wanting to get holiday homes there which means that gentrification diminishes opportunities for the locals which in turn changes the feel of the culture.
Hey Joe. Nice video. Enjoyed seeing Madeira again and the tips on restaurants. The Madeira government offers a subsidy for flights for residents. “The Portuguese Government yesterday approved the extension, until 31 December of this year, of the transitional regime of the social mobility subsidy for air and sea travel between the mainland and Madeira and between this region and the Azores.” This is how it works: “Residents continue to pay “up front” In practice, Madeirans who travel between the region and the mainland or the Azores continue to have to pay for the trip in full and then be reimbursed by the State through the social mobility subsidy - a compensation that aims to promote the territorial cohesion of the islands -, when the new model provided that they would pay only the fixed contribution, the rest being paid directly by the State to the companies. The law, meanwhile suspended, had been presented to the national parliament after approval by the Regional Legislative Assembly of Madeira and, later, by the Assembly of the Republic, on July 19, 2019. It fixed at€ 86 and €65 the air fares paid by Madeiran residents and students, respectively, for trips to the mainland and the Azores.”
Whoa! I think you just fixed my decisions, decisions dilemma. I might just be happy to pay higher taxes than I would in Canada to retire to Madeira and be able to fly to EU at a respectful price. I am eager to travel.
Thanks for sharing your experience living there. 👍 As for the insurance, I had to pay with own money (approximately 200 euro), but the insurance returned me after one month. The medical service was a great quality. As for rent, I had to pay $ 100 per day on Airbnb. Kinda expensive, but comparing the rent prices with London, Paris, Barcelona or USA cities, maybe it is not so bad, eh. As for the job options, if you have a US remote job or an online business, you can do OK.
Yeah. Dont forget to mention that since tourists are buying everything, the locals are having a hard time to live here. Even the basic necessities are getting more and more expensive with all these tourists wanting to come live here. The demand is high, so everything gets more expensive. Thank you very much. Its a matter of time before they start to destroy the forest so theres more space to build. Seriously. Thank you.
@@TheJoeyPwe wouldn't be worse off! People Like you always so arrogant thinking you're doing us a favour when the reality is you are ruining our lives by renting and buying everything at stupid prices a local person simply cannot afford. Soon enough we won't have much of the Islands beauty left either because of you lot building everywhere!!
Hi there - I am planning a trip to Madeira with around 20 friends in sept 2025 and I would love a person who can help plan the itinerary and find us a historian one day, a driver, maybe a boat rental, etc. can you possibly provide these services or suggest someone ?
Bolo do Caco is delicious. They use to give it a wonderful flavour spreading garliic butter. Bolo do Caco is made with Sweet Potato. Is curious the name of this "bread"...called Bolo do Caco. If we translate to english it would be another meaning: Bolo (Cake) of the Caco.why "Caco"?. What does it mean? Caco means a piece of a broken ceramic ou something like "Roof Tile".....so the name Bolo do Caco is because in the past (very old times) people in Madeira Island use to bake it in a piece (Caco) of broken Roof Tile. Nowadays ....things are modern and there are many peeople there that doens't even know the reason of its name! 🤩🙃 Thank you for this wonderful Video.. I've just subscribed your chanel! .......................... PS.: "Bazar do Povo"...a very popular Store (you were almost there in this Video)......my Grandfather (my father's side) worked there many years. I was born in this beautiful Island, but never lived there. When I was a 3 months baby, my parents decided to leave the Island for Brazil-Sao Paulo where I lived til I came to the UK in 2006). I only visited Madeira when I was already an adult woman. When I was a child I used to send letters to my Granddad to this address: "Bazar do Povo" at Rua do Bettecourt-Funchal (Bettencourt Street). I grew up with Madeira inside my heart, as my Father was a Photographer in Madeira and taught me everything about the Island. I dream of living there! Like the Music: I have a dream....a song to sing ( yes...sing and dance the famous folk dance: "Bailinho da Madeira"). Sorry for this long Comment. When I talk about Madeira I get excited! 😆🤩🥰
You must head over to snack bar bela 5 if you want something authentic. If you want something a bit more upmarket, go to Theo’s or Kampo - oh do check Google for opening as it’s a Sunday
@@TheJoeyP After I posted this, I saw your video for Theo's (ua-cam.com/video/jvWBPfMCG4g/v-deo.htmlsi=yoeTSREiOWvUyDg6). I'll be heading there since Snack Bar Bela 5 is closed on Sundays. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks Joey, first time on your channel, geat video. I would like to know if there are gluten free restaurants, or food i can get. Im a celiac, and planning to move to Madeira, next January 2025. Thanks
well... that is a challenge actually but there are a few who are starting to do it, and it is improving all the time as people ask for it. Hopefully by next year you will have better options, but I guess much of the cuisine is gluten free anyway, heavy on potatoes and rice as the starch.
Hey, one thing i noticed about the tourists, if its young like me and the host they are very friendly and we communicate, but the tourist with some years assume sometimes that if i buy here a house i can be as mad i was in my country, dont do that, your buying a ticket back because your money will not buy slaves everywhere, i hope i am beeing well direct
Get My MADEIRA FOOD MAP Here: bit.ly/MadeiraFoodMap
Thank You. Greetings from Poland.
SUBSCRIBED, Thanks for this!! :)
I was hospitalized in Funchal last year. Specialist surgeon, mri, cat scan, X-rays etc. equipment was all first rate. Needed 6 days in the hospital and the total cost was EU 6,000 or USD $6;600. As someone from the states that was about 20% of what it would have run. The care was excellent and about 1/3 of the staff spoke English reasonably well. Not the way I wanted to spend holidays but I was impressed.
What happened to you there? I'm a doctor so these things fascinate me a little bit
sheesh! that is never what you want on a holiday! did your travel insurance not cover it? I am happy to hear that you were well treated though.
@@TheJoeyP had a little issue with insurance and the hospital so I just paid it and got reimbursed later.
@@jimjensen9139 My insurance paid me back after a month. The prices are reasonable, if compared to UK, US. The quality was good for me.
I am very happy to hear that you are well and have been well taken care .
Portugal 🇵🇹 is a beautiful country and certainly they don’t let you die in the streets.
Feel proud to be Portuguese 🥰
Wish all the best, God bless you.💝
I just spent a week there and as an overall summary, it's paradise. If you add all things together there provably is no other place in earth where you feel so comfortable and happily occupied.
yeah it is amazing isn't it. Can't wait to get more content out
Don't forget to show how insanely steep the streets are. There are main streets with 20% inclination with shops, buses, schools and public pools. I could not get the car to change to 2nd gear. Even the highways can be 12%. You can go from 0 to 650m elevation in a few minutes where you ears pop and it's a few degrees colder, all within Funchal.
haha yes, that is true! even my bike struggles sometimes.
After visiting Paul do Mar (hot) and coming back home to Porto Moniz, a difference of 19 degrees Celsius! During summer of course.
Hi Joe, lovely to see you filming again from our favourite island. My wife and I are in Italy this year, so not back in Madeira until 2025. Channels like yours keep us in touch with island life from afar. Keep up the wonderful reports. Loved your recent videos in Georgia.
There’s plenty more to come from Madeira haha so you’ll be happy haha. I’m out filming as much as I can
You mentioned your from the Channel Islands.
Which one?
I’m from jersey and have become very fond of Madeira
Thank you for this video, I’m from Madeira but I have left when I was 18 and I live in uk for nearly 30 years. It was nice to see my hometown a gain
ah, I am glad you liked it :)
I'm from Madeira, but I'm living in Germany for 10 years.
Next year I'm finally coming back to Madeira.
woohoo that is awesome
Do come back to Madeira, Germany can make you feel depressed!
@@andrean.s.6193 true.
@@andrean.s.6193I was born and raised in Germany. I am considering moving to Madeira in a few years. Germany IS depressing.
Great video mate. Looking at hopefully living in Madeira down the line. Bloody love that island
Yeah it’s an awesome place! I’m sure you’ll make it here one day to live
Was just in Funchal and loved it. We will be back next year. We thought the cost of food and drink was super. I can understand rents are high, living in Ireland we are crucified on everything. We did a super market shop and fell over with the cost we got so much for our money it was a big eye opener.
Cost of food is reasonable for sure, you can get by cheaply, it is just the rent which is spiralling and a frustration
It's cheap for tourists, not for locals, minimum wage is around 850 euros clean and considering a T1 rental in Funchal is minimum 900 euros, it's shit economy.
If you take into account the local minimum wage, the cost of food and drinks, including supermarkets, is expensive. It's always been relatively costly in comparison to what people earn, but the discrepancy has been even bigger in the last few years.
Great video Joe, I'll be flying to Madeira tomorrow to live for the next 7 months as a Dive Instructor.
Happy to connect and explore some places with you together 😊
that is awesome! where will you be instructing?
@@TheJoeyP the dive shop is called Manta Diving and is located in Canico de Baixo, right in the national marine park.
Well, I'm from mainland Portugal (Lisbon) and I've been three times to Madeira. I enjoyed your video and your comments are fair and I quite agree with them overall. Therefore, very good video and info for anyone planning to go there. Just notice that Porto Santo (small island close to Madeira) has a beatiful sandy beach (but it's not that cheap to get there...)
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts
I have never been in Madeira, and yet through many videos that I watched, it made me love it because of the beautiful panorama, and of course the amazing weather year round. I promise I will be there one day.
you will love it when you finally make it :)
Proper pros and cons Joe. It's good to see you are so passionate about Madeira. Yes, immerse and show us why you have chosen to live there. You have a place to live, a proper place to eat and great multiple climates, so lets go 👍
ah I love it here, it gives me Northern Thailand vibes a lot when I get into the mountains, maybe that is why I like it so much haha
@@TheJoeyP The air quality is much better and no constant beeping of the horns.
Awesome video and thank you for sharing your tips ❤❤
My pleasure :)
Beautiful view ❤ and clear blue skies 💙💙
Yeah! The weather is so good here! That’s why I’m here haha
Excellent review. Looking forward to my first trip to Funchal in a few weeks!
That’s exciting! You’re bound to love it
Thank you for this video and your honest opinion
My pleasure
Thanks Joe & more from Madeira please! ☺
You'll have to introduce me to Kenzie, she's such a beauty & I'll definitely have to try one of those beef pregos!
By the way that was extremely well explained & you had it to a tee, but were you tempted to stop at Nata 7 as you were glancing there?!
I've yet to try bubble tea so I now have an excuse when in Funchal!
Enjoy the rest of your week & weekend & friend 🤗
Haha you caught me Rue! Nata 7 will be in next weeks video, I saved it for that video theme, you’ll see why :)
@@TheJoeyP I don't seem to be getting notifications for your replies for some reason! 🤔
Hi Joe, we love your creative content on all things Madeira Portugal. Some ideas that come to mind that you can expand are coming up with the top 3 unique food joints, top 3 things to see or do (or festivities) in each municipality of Madeira. Yes, the island is small, but, there are a total of 10 municipalities. We would also appreciate a few vlogs to learn more about Madeira's sustainable agriculture and traditional practices and where the local produce comes from. We love your creative content and look forward to seeing more. Cheers!
I will try my best for you :) Glad you enjoy the content.
Those are really thoughtful suggestions.
I ve been there 7 amazing days Siiiiuuuu, great job Joey
so good right! hopefully you will enjoy the upcoming content
Hi Joe, I've just discovered your channel. I found very interesting videos about PROS and CONS of LIVING in different places. Looking forward to such videos
Welcome! I hope you enjoy all the videos :)
Looking forward to seeing lots of different and exciting places to explore Joe. The Georgia series is a great example of showing a location that I wasn't expecting to be so beautiful. I think Portugal & Spain would be a good place to start, lots of great food and beautiful locations. Happy to see more on Thailand and SE Asia in general. Funchal does look beautiful but I think it would be too isolated for me to live in, I am more than happy to come visit. Plus the beaches are a lot better where I live.
Yes! Definitely, going to try and get some good content out from here and hopefully people enjoy it, it is nice to show a place that I like so much.
Just curious, Where do you live with the great beaches?
@dianacoulson4724 Australia. But actually some of the best beaches are facing the roaring 40's of Antarctica. Think Point Break and Bells Beach
@@shaunashton9744 I did wonder!
I'm from Sydney but live in Spain... I've been trying to get to Madeira for a long time...
@dianacoulson4724 I thought you may have been from Aus. Everyone thinks QLD has the best beaches but actually NSW is much better. Unfortunately I have only had 10 day visit to Spain but would love to go back.
Once you mix Porto Santo(Golden Beaches) with Madeira you have almost everything with the exception of cheap and easy flights for Europe. When it comes to food you have to try Celeiro "Cod with praws" , Castrinhos Ponchas, La Carbonara Pescatore (Octopus & Limpets) and Gaiado.
that is true! I must get over to Porto Santo
Madeira is beautiful. Good choice Joe ❤
It’s stunning, that’s why I’m here :)
@@TheJoeyP You are very lucky. You there...and I here...in UK. I can't understand it! lol 😄 🤩
Great content Joe and welcome back! We look forward to bumping into you again on the streets of this little paradise we call home. Cheers!!
thank you! yes, do say hi
I’m Portuguese with Madeira ascents but i was born and live in the continent….😢 My dream is to move to Funchal in a few years. Every time i go to Madeira I feel I’m at home ❤
One day! If it is your place that feels like home, you will make it there!
On way home from a two week trip on Madeira. Wow. What an island! Stayed mostly in the north, which I love. Can recommend "As Pedros snack bar" in Ponta Delgada to your belly. More a lunch place, and no menu (I guess he cooks what he has in) - the Espada was soooooo good! Thanks for the Bella 5 recommendation - very tasty.
The north is stunning isn't it. I love riding over there. I will definitely check out that snack bar, I have added it to my list. sounds like my type of place. Yeah, bela is awesome!
Very interesting, great video!
Thank you
Hi Joey,
Your video is amazingly relaxing. Good job. Can You cover something about real estate and hous prices in Madeira, as well as which documents are requaried :)
Thanks a lot for all
Real estate isn't my speciality but I can try and do something in the future
Loved seeing all the places I remember from my holiday there. I was lucky that we made the most of our week and explored as much as the island as we could. Seeing the food again made me even more determined to return. Prices certainly jump up as you get towards summer though. Looking forward to all the new content and seeing where the monkey bike takes you 😄😄
hopefully you enjoy the new series then, there is lots of cool content to come... I hope hahaha
Excellent info. Thanks, and am now subscribed!
welcome, happy to have you here :)
Did you mention the high rents and tourists are going missing on hiking in Caletha region?? I lived in Funchal 6 months. Its not all sunshine there.
Did you even watch the video?
Good to see you back Mr P! We'll be in Funchal in a couple of weeks, be good to catch up over a chinesa!
awesome, when are you here?
@@TheJoeyP 31st May - 18th June, we've bought a place in Funchal! We can tell you all about it, and look forward to hearing about your new plans too.
Hi Jo tanks for videos hopping still enjoying Madeira 🍻
Always!!
I would like to know the pitfalls of buying property, what to look out for, special rules etc, and some more in depth pro/cons of living in different areas of Madeira.
I will see what I can do in future, it isn't my speciality, but can try and sort something for it. Different area guides, I for sure can look into that.
Thanks Joe. I want to visit Madeira next Month May. Thanks for the information.
you will love it!! hope you enjoy the content
For beaches check out Porto Santo island, which is part of Madeira. Might make a nice video!
yes! i will film that, I want to take my motorbike over for a trip, thank you for the tip
Also, Machico is lovely! Great beach and not as touristy.
Hello, was there in March, from Canada; fell in love with the european charm and the strong nature. Will be back in November. Thanks for the tip (Bela Five). I presume you already know Porto da Cruz and the amazing 'snack bar' A Pipa ? Keep us posted!
yes!! that is a great place too, I need to get to these places and film them when I am back on the island.
Nice video! I spent two weeks there this last month in June. Lovely place! The people are kind, professional, and lots of fun. We loved the restaurant named La Carbonara just outside of Funchal in the "burbs". Our favorite waiter was Carlos, his family owns the restaurant. Best food ever!! I might add that the main roads are good, lots of tunnels, but not real onramps to the highway where you can ease onto the road and get up to speed with the traffic, mostly pretty abrupt entrances. The off highway driving is narrow and STEEP! If you are walking about you need strong legs and good knees! Not many flat or level places on the island outside of downtown Funchal. The airport is built on a freeway like bridge......there are cement columns that support the runway over steep cliffs. Wind can affect air traffic, often delays or cancellations, so just know that and flow with it. The temperatures are so comfortable and not a great deal of humidity. It really is an enchanting place! We loved visiting Madeira!!
It sounds like you had an amazing time in Madeira. La Carbonara sounds fantastic - I'll definitely have to check it out when I am back.
Loved this Joe, so much information. A lovely natural flow to this video, you nailed it. 👌 Thanks for sharing.
thank you! now onto the proper content from Madeira haha
Huge pro, the food sources are natural, low in saturated fats, and not processed or as contaminated as other countries. That translates to better health, less expense for medical bills.
you are right, easy to take that for granted when you are living there actually
My husband is retired military and we don’t have to move out of the USA. It might be some place to visit.
You should definitely visit, I think you will love it!
We are out there from 02/05 for a week, really looking forward to it. I’ve saved Bela 5 for a prego!. Looking for some live music bars for the evenings, any ideas? Great content, keep it up.
you want to go to Bela for the fish really, prego is good, but the fish is where they shine. Live music in the evenings... I think it is more a bit sporadic and depends on when they have someone booked. Usually they post events on social media, so it isn't always easy to come across them.
@@TheJoeyP thank you
Great video. We loved Madeira and Funchal. The only real negative for Funchal that we had was the amount of traffic going through the town.
Fair point, I guess I don’t really notice it on my small bike, I just nip through it.
It's nothing compared to cities in Portugal and very little polution too because of the sea breezes.
Madeira looks good Joe 👍 We never thought about going there but we might reconsider now after seeing this vlog 😊
keep watching and I will see you guys here soon haha! I will convince you next month when I am in BKK
Hi Joe. Really great video. A very balanced and fair view. We've travelled a lot but Madeira has really captured our hearts - it's the views, the people, the climate, the food but also as you say the 'depth' - certainly for such a small island. Every time we come we find something new and surprising and amazing to see and do. It's the little bakery you come across in the middle of nowhere - with the most amazing bread, or a breathtaking view you see, or the unexpected kindness of the people, or their creativity and positivity... Anyway, looking forward to seeing you explore it!
Cheers Andy. Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy all the upcoming content
Would love to see a video about the different places to live on the island. As well as learn about the pros and cons of living there.
I will try my best for that one in future
A deep dive into the property market there would be very helpful.
I will see what I can do :)
I love this , thank you .
I will wach your video's of MAIDERA ❤
Thank you! Hope you like them
Great content Joe; balanced and fair. Probably worth mentioning that although Madeira has no beaches to speak of, our smaller island Porto Santo won the best beach destination in Europe (world travel awards). Interesting to see that you're from the Channel Islands which is where I grew up!
That’s a fair point! Perhaps that will be a video in itself, I might take the bike over there one day on the ferry and explore! I’ve never been. Oh really? Which island? I’m guessing not Alderney haha
Madeira seems a top destination for nomading and retiring. Question - what about tech gear, is it easy to get the latest phones, Macs etc or are these a pain to buy. What about online shopping, hard, expensive, is it different to mainland Portugal?
you are spot on! you can get stuff here, for sure. there are normal shops and electronic shops. You can order online, but it does take time! it isn't expensive, but it does take time. it is one of the compromises of living on a small isolated island, but it is paradise
Online shop it’s easy - Amazon form Spain - no import taxes and free shipping. You can find any electronics you need in stores - especially in the two main shopping malls - supermarkets everywhere
Nice video man. We’re hoping to close on a home there in July!
That’s awesome! I wish you luck
Hey man great video! You totally got me convinced haha! What camera you record this on?
Thanks! This actually was on iPhone 13 Pro but I use a lumix S5IIX now
I hope you are still as happy living here today, August is crazy month here!
hahaha it sure is, but I don't mind the crowds
Ever thought about stoping by Azores?
yes!! I will do this one day
"Sandy beaches"? Hint: Porto Santo island... there, in the same archipelago...!
good call!
Just question my parents are from there and I visited recently with my family beautiful place indeed is this the best place you ever lived in?
haha it is the best for now! It doesn't come without it's quirks, but I do love it
Madeira is such a beautiful island and amazing trails
It sure is!
Good list. I've been here a year and a half and have found though, that it has been easy to make long term friends. I'm older, though, and connecting with other people who have moved here, for the most part. Maybe it's more transient for people who are younger, outside of the digital nomad community. Healthcare? I think with the private hospital and the upcoming university medical complex, we're in good shape for healthcare. It was a factor in our decision, and I consider it a pro.
hmmm maybe it is just me then haha! You are totally right about the new hospital, I completely forgot about that despite riding past it.
Do they have goat cheese? I’m allergic to cows milk products.
You can get it for sure, but not local artisanal cheese. That is more the Azores
I want to visit Madeira. And now I really want to. Thank you. The Azores would be very nice too.
Azores would be awesome, I’ll definitely take a filming trip there one day
Madeira s sister island Porto Santo has a huge sand beach.
good shout!
This is exactly the content I needed. Just perfect. I am vacillating between retiring to Madeira or somewhere in France from Canada. I’ll have to spend 6 months a year in either one to qualify for EU citizenship (despite being born a Dutch national, now former Dutch national), and I want to travel the rest of the time. I’m weighing climate v. ease of travel. Decisions…decisions…
decisions decisions indeed. but I think you will love living there.
@@TheJoeyP You make everything, food, travel, So genuinely and authenticity tempting. It’s your superpower.
Hi. You mentioned windy. Is that cold wind or warm wind?… also, is there a lot of cigarette smoking happening in public? I’m very sensitive to smoke… thanks a lot… cheers
it's a warm wind, don't worry! Smoking, people smoke or vape, but I never find it much of an issue (I hate it too) - I usually just move to another seat out of the way. But I wouldn't call it a regular occurrence by any means
Hello! Is there an issue with mold and mildew in the living spaces (apartments, houses)?
I haven't experienced it in the ones that I have lived in, but that doesn't mean that there isn't
@TheJoeyP thank you!
I agree & love it! I went last Fall & looked at property. But in the end the taxes, & the government’s wishy washy behavior on Visas really deterred me. Sadly.
I’m so glad it’s working for you. Blessings!
yeah, that is always a pain isn't it. Makes no sense to me that taxes and visas restrict our access to the world, but sadly it is the way
Hey Joe. GREAT video! Your Madeira videos a few years ago is what got me attached to your channel! It’s the first Madeira UA-cam channel we found actually! I’ve really enjoyed all your Thailand, as well as your other food and travel videos. Anyways, we moved here just over a year ago and spent 10 months in Funchal. We moved to Tabua in January, and we’re so fortunate that we can hike straight out of our front door and we just fall in love with Madeira over and over again - we’re
pinching ourselves every day. Would love to show you around Tabua and the lovely neighborhoods we hike through, as we get to know this fab part of the island, just between RB and Ponta do Sol. Send me a pm if you’d like to join us on a hike or two - we’re a trifle older than you (😊) but are game for most things. We have a couple favorite restaurants on this side of the Island, too, that serve what’s available locally. I’m so glad you’re continuing with the channel and that you’re adapting and changing what you offer. It’s great content, and your views will only increase, I’m sure.
thank you! glad you enjoy all the content, hopefully you have seen the improvement haha. Yes definitely we should catch up. and by all means let me know the restaurants too, always looking for places to film.
About time someone done some good content about maderia, there’s a restaurant called vides in estreito de camera de lobos great value and great esptatada
hahaha no pressure! Jeff from Hit the road will be thrilled haha. yes!! it is on my list to film, do not worry.
Espetada..?😂
Nice video and, as Portuguese from the other archipelago, I agree most of the pros and cons. However, the cons is intrinsically related with a remote island. Talking about remote, you should visit Azores, one of most remote habitable places in the world. More beautiful than Madeira but the “cons” you have mentioned, need multiple by 10 times 😅…
I really must visit the Azores, I think it would be an awesome series
Im from Madeira and i am happy to see videos like yours, since i work at airport my incoming its always about tourists, yes its not normal seeing someone doing videos about it we can stare in the beegining but after it we will not abord you to ask why are you filming or whatever, if we do its because someone is abusing the 🏥 trust me .
If you need something please let me know if i can help of course.
Crime its the last thing you need to worrie but dont exaggerate, some cittys you cannot let things in the car like crazy please.
Thank you, I really hope you enjoy the videos and content
Well if you want the best beach of Europe you have Porto Santo, the next door island that belongs to Madeira region.
yes, i must go there one day
Id like to know what remote work you do and how you got into it, how much it pays etc, cheers! I enjoyed this video
personally, I just do UA-cam, but I did work remotely as an IT consultant previously.
I want to move to Madeira within the next 2 years and am looking for some networking opportunities. I am in the US Air Force as a Cyber Technician and am looking to separate and work remotely. I want to start working towards that goal…definitely could use some pointers
there are so many groups on facebook, slack and whatsapp, you won't have an issue networking if you join them
@@TheJoeyP are there any you recommend?
@@TheJoeyPlike which ones?
Good choice 👍
thank you!
What are the criteria to retire there? Does it lead to citizenship? Could you do a video on this and other routes?
I would need to do some research for that. I wish I could retire, but not just yet haha
Which Channel Island are you from Joe ? I’m from Jersey been living in Madeira for two years
I am from Alderney!
@@TheJoeyP If you’re ever in Santana way give us a shout
How is the weather and climate at Alderney?
I'm from Madeira living in Guernsey channel islands, my son iis 26 yrs old born in Guernsey he said if he could do his job in Madeira and earn the same he would move because he loves there, it's just the wages that unfortunately is too low
yeah, that is the big big issue! I am from Alderney :)
love that you enjoy the island of Madeira, it makes me proud as the offspring of Madeiran locals, however, it is concerning for the amount of foreigners wanting to get holiday homes there which means that gentrification diminishes opportunities for the locals which in turn changes the feel of the culture.
you are right! I try and represent it well and give to the local economy, not just the tourist spots :)
Very nice! What video camera are you using?
thanks, I think I filmed this one on gopro 12. usually I film on the canon r10, but more and more I am just using my iPhone as it is so easy
Hey Joe. Nice video. Enjoyed seeing Madeira again and the tips on restaurants. The Madeira government offers a subsidy for flights for residents. “The Portuguese Government yesterday approved the extension, until 31 December of this year, of the transitional regime of the social mobility subsidy for air and sea travel between the mainland and Madeira and between this region and the Azores.” This is how it works: “Residents continue to pay “up front”
In practice, Madeirans who travel between the region and the mainland or the Azores continue to have to pay for the trip in full and then be reimbursed by the State through the social mobility subsidy - a compensation that aims to promote the territorial cohesion of the islands -, when the new model provided that they would pay only the fixed contribution, the rest being paid directly by the State to the companies.
The law, meanwhile suspended, had been presented to the national parliament after approval by the Regional Legislative Assembly of Madeira and, later, by the Assembly of the Republic, on July 19, 2019.
It fixed at€ 86 and €65 the air fares paid by Madeiran residents and students, respectively, for trips to the mainland and the Azores.”
yes! that actually is a great help, I should start taking advantage of that to be honest.
Whoa! I think you just fixed my decisions, decisions dilemma. I might just be happy to pay higher taxes than I would in Canada to retire to Madeira and be able to fly to EU at a respectful price. I am eager to travel.
Those different landscapes,,, It would have been nice to see them
Didn’t want to ruin it for you
Thanks for sharing your experience living there. 👍 As for the insurance, I had to pay with own money (approximately 200 euro), but the insurance returned me after one month. The medical service was a great quality. As for rent, I had to pay $ 100 per day on Airbnb. Kinda expensive, but comparing the rent prices with London, Paris, Barcelona or USA cities, maybe it is not so bad, eh.
As for the job options, if you have a US remote job or an online business, you can do OK.
yes, remote job is the way forward I think. but obviously that in itself disrupts the economy for the locals.
Yeah. Dont forget to mention that since tourists are buying everything, the locals are having a hard time to live here. Even the basic necessities are getting more and more expensive with all these tourists wanting to come live here. The demand is high, so everything gets more expensive. Thank you very much. Its a matter of time before they start to destroy the forest so theres more space to build. Seriously. Thank you.
What would Madeira be without tourism?
@@TheJoeyPwe wouldn't be worse off! People Like you always so arrogant thinking you're doing us a favour when the reality is you are ruining our lives by renting and buying everything at stupid prices a local person simply cannot afford. Soon enough we won't have much of the Islands beauty left either because of you lot building everywhere!!
Hi Joe!
Hello hello
❤❤ beautiful location!!
just you wait until you see more of it :)
As a couple who are looking to retire in a few years. Could you comfortably retire on 30k between you and then state pension 6 years later than that.
I have to admit, I am not in a position to help on that. I think there are some other channels who focus on retirement in Madeira.
@@TheJoeyP it wasn’t so much a question about retiring but could we live on 30k a year in Madeira do you think . No rent as we’d be buying
Love your respect for the culture.
I think it is really important to travel and live with respect!
Hi there - I am planning a trip to Madeira with around 20 friends in sept 2025 and I would love a person who can help plan the itinerary and find us a historian one day, a driver, maybe a boat rental, etc. can you possibly provide these services or suggest someone ?
Hi, I could definitely help advise if you drop me an email, it should be on my main page if you click more on my description
Bolo do Caco is delicious. They use to give it a wonderful flavour spreading garliic butter. Bolo do Caco is made with Sweet Potato. Is curious the name of this "bread"...called Bolo do Caco. If we translate to english it would be another meaning: Bolo (Cake) of the Caco.why "Caco"?. What does it mean? Caco means a piece of a broken ceramic ou something like "Roof Tile".....so the name Bolo do Caco is because in the past (very old times) people in Madeira Island use to bake it in a piece (Caco) of broken Roof Tile.
Nowadays ....things are modern and there are many peeople there that doens't even know the reason of its name! 🤩🙃
Thank you for this wonderful Video.. I've just subscribed your chanel!
..........................
PS.: "Bazar do Povo"...a very popular Store (you were almost there in this Video)......my Grandfather (my father's side) worked there many years. I was born in this beautiful Island, but never lived there. When I was a 3 months baby, my parents decided to leave the Island for Brazil-Sao Paulo where I lived til I came to the UK in 2006). I only visited Madeira when I was already an adult woman.
When I was a child I used to send letters to my Granddad to this address: "Bazar do Povo" at Rua do Bettecourt-Funchal (Bettencourt Street). I grew up with Madeira inside my heart, as my Father was a Photographer in Madeira and taught me everything about the Island. I dream of living there!
Like the Music: I have a dream....a song to sing ( yes...sing and dance the famous folk dance: "Bailinho da Madeira").
Sorry for this long Comment. When I talk about Madeira I get excited! 😆🤩🥰
thank you :)
The Sun Princess will be in Funchal on Sunday 29 Sep 25. Any restaurant suggestions for a Sunday in the port area?
You must head over to snack bar bela 5 if you want something authentic. If you want something a bit more upmarket, go to Theo’s or Kampo - oh do check Google for opening as it’s a Sunday
@@TheJoeyP After I posted this, I saw your video for Theo's (ua-cam.com/video/jvWBPfMCG4g/v-deo.htmlsi=yoeTSREiOWvUyDg6). I'll be heading there since Snack Bar Bela 5 is closed on Sundays. Thanks for the reply.
@@sldjr you’ll love Theo’s! I really enjoyed it
Did you have a channel before?
yes! Joe Parrilla! but I am keeping that for Asia content going forward
Thanks Joey, first time on your channel, geat video. I would like to know if there are gluten free restaurants, or food i can get. Im a celiac, and planning to move to Madeira, next January 2025. Thanks
well... that is a challenge actually but there are a few who are starting to do it, and it is improving all the time as people ask for it. Hopefully by next year you will have better options, but I guess much of the cuisine is gluten free anyway, heavy on potatoes and rice as the starch.
Don't forget about Porto Santo for beautiful beaches!
that is true, I will take my motorcycle over one day and film
You should visit Cabo Verde not far from there
That’s a good shout! I’m always open to content ideas :)
Brave Joe, I am travelling though you❤❤❤❤❤❤
I hope you’ll enjoy it Max
Welcome Joey.. Filming in public here definitely gets awkward 😂 Will ensure to say Hi if I see you about. Great content 💪
haha 100% thankfully I tend to try and ignore it, gets me sometimes still now though! sure, do say hi
How come you're allowed to live there, and what do you bring to the island ?
Because I have residency
are there public bathrooms
There are, plenty of places you can use, for free usually
Hey, one thing i noticed about the tourists, if its young like me and the host they are very friendly and we communicate, but the tourist with some years assume sometimes that if i buy here a house i can be as mad i was in my country, dont do that, your buying a ticket back because your money will not buy slaves everywhere, i hope i am beeing well direct
:)
You forgot porto santo island beach the best of europe , it's madeira to
I will film there, don't worry!