Madeira

From Halal Explorer

Ceramic tiles (Azulejo) at the wall of the Mercado dos Lavradores Madeira is a sub-tropical archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and is an autonomous region of Portugal. The archipelago is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands. Geographically in Africa, it is an ultra-peripheral region of the European Union. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Portuguese football (soccer) player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Known worldwide as the Islands of eternal spring, Madeira, "Ilha Jardim" (Garden Island) or "Pearl of the Atlantic", has a mild climate throughout the entire year.

Madeira island is 500 kilometers from the African coast and 1,000 kilometers from the European continent, only 1.5 hours flight from mainland Portugal and about 3 hours from all the main countries in Europe.

}}

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Madeira

32.9014|-16.7624|width=|align=}} Funchal Pico da Cruz - View on Funchal|350px

Listed around the island, counterclockwise from Funchal:

  • Funchal GPS: 32.65,-16.916667 - Island capital and largest city in Madeira, home to tourist resorts, gorgeous panoramas, and local color.
  • Santa Cruz (Portugal) | Santa Cruz GPS: 32.683333,-16.8 — city and home of the Madeira airport
  • Machico GPS: 32.7,-16.766667 — second largest city on Madeira
  • Porto da Cruz GPS: 32.772222,-16.828889 — beach village in the northeastern corner of the island
  • Santana (Portugal) | Santana GPS: 32.803736,-16.879806
  • Paul do Mar GPS: 32.758889,-17.230278 — scenic village on the west end of the island
  • Calheta GPS: 32.725833,-17.165833 — town, home to one of the only working sugarcane mills / distilleries on Madeira
  • Ribeira Brava GPS: 32.683333,-17.05 — town
  • Câmara de Lobos GPS: 32.695278,-16.978056 — The "chamber of the sealions" is a town near Funchal.

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Madeira

  • The nearby island of *Porto Santo GPS: 33.084444,-16.322222}}.

Madeira Halal Explorer

Madeira Islands are just a short trip from Europe (more or less 4 hours from UK), to a destination where you can combine holidays by the sea, in the mountains or in the city.

Discovered early in the 15th century by the Portuguese navigators João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal.

Madeira is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. Its constant mild climate (temperatures between 20 and 27°C) keeps the spring on Madeira all year round. The levadas, an ingenious system of stone- and concrete-lined watercourses distributing water from the rainy north to the dry south, help flowers and crops flourish all year. That's why this island is called the Garden in the Atlantic. The maintenance pathways for these water canals provide wonderful level trails for hiking in the mountains (up to 1861 m) and through the tremendous landscape.

Travel as a Muslim to Madeira

Madeira has the same immigration laws as the rest of Portugal, and is thereby part of the Schengen Area.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Madeira

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport IATA Flight Code: FNC formerly known as Santa Catarina Airport/Funchal Airport - 32.694167, -16.778056 about 30 minutes from Funchal, in Santa Cruz municipality ☎ +35 1 291 52 07 00 - Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport Aeroporto da Madeira runway - The following airlines fly regularly to Madeira International Airport: TAP Portugal, Portugália, SATA, British Airways, Norwegian Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Air France, easyJet, Finnair, First Choice Airways, Thomson, LTU, Thomas Cook, Condor, SAS, Sterling, Transavia, My Travel, Binter Canarias and Jet2.com.

The neighbouring island is Porto Santo. Porto Santo Airport (IATA Flight Code: PXO) is a 15-minutes flight from Madeira.

There is boat/ship service between the two islands.

If you go to/from the airport by (rental) car, ask for directions to the parking area you need; there are 7, and they are badly signposted. Note that some smaller rental companies operate from sites near but not at the airport, and provide transport between terminal and depot.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Madeira

  • Cruise ships port here.
  • There is a car ferry between Porto Santo and Madeira, two hours one way. Ferry Service Funchal-Porto Santo

How to get around in Madeira

Travel on a Bus in Madeira

Bus timetables are very confusing as they do not include clear route details. Pay special attention to any footnotes for your route listed on the schedule, as holidays or school days can change the presence of the route.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver, who can provide change. For extra-urban buses, fare varies by distance traveled so tell the driver your destination and he'll give you a transfer if necessary. If you'll be taking the bus often, multi-day bus passes are available from most bus companies, but they are limited to one operator, so only useful if you'll by staying in the same general part of Madeira.

There are three bus companies on Madeira. This external page gives a more complete overview.]

  • Within the city of Funchal, Horarios do Funchal (yellow buses) operates lines no 20/21 Funchal - Monte, line no 29 Funchal - Camacha, no 56 Funchal - Santana (via Ribeiro Frio), no 77 Funchal - Santo Antonio da Serra (via Camacha and Sitio Quarto Estradas), no 81 Funchal - Curral de Freiras and no 103 (Funchal - Arco de Sao Jorge (via Faial, Santana and Sao Horge).
  • Connecting the west side of Madeira, Rodoeste (grey/white with red stripe) operates lines no 3 Funchal - Estreito de Camara de Lobos, no 6 Funchal - Arco de Sao Jorge (via Encumeada), no 7 Funchal - Ribeira Brava, no 80 Funchal - Porto Montiz (via Calheta and Prazeres), no 96 Funchal - Jadrim da Serra (Corticeirias), no 139 Funchal - Porto Moniz, no 142 Funchal - Ponta da Pago (via Prazeres) and no 148 Funchal - Boa Morte.
  • Connecting the east side of Madeira, S.A.M. (green or white buses) operates lines no 23 Funchal - Machico (Espressbus), no 53 Funchal - Faial (via Airport), no 113 Funchal - Canical (via Airport) and no 156 Funchal - Marocos (via Machico, changes bus at Machico).

All Rodoeste and S.A.M. buses converge in the center of Funchal.

By car

  • Taxis
  • Car rental

Driving in Madeira is not for the faint-hearted. A small number of main routes marked "Via Expresso" or "Via Rapida" (VE and VR on maps) are well-maintained, reasonably straight and level - thanks to a large number of tunnels, bridges and viaducts. All other roads are narrow and often steep. If a member of your group really enjoys the challenge of driving up ceaseless-seeming hairpin bends up mountains against oncoming traffic and usually with a sheer cliff face on one (or both) sides and then you may wish to consider hiring a car. Otherwise, it is best not to attempt driving on most of the island and instead to use buses and taxis. Of course a holiday based on public transport is less flexible, but for a driver with less than 100% confidence many of the roads are tiring, stressful and even dangerous. No-one should feel ashamed relying on the local bus, taxi and tour drivers (who after all are much better used to this kind of road). If you do decide to drive and then renting via the Internet is usually cheaper than walking-in.

Local Language in Madeira

English is as common as in Portugal|mainland Portugal, although people will always appreciate it if you try and learn a few words of Portuguese. Note that the Portuguese spoken in Madeira tends to be heavily accented.

What to see in Madeira

Laurazeen wood madeira hg - World legacy listed laurel forest

  • Levadas An impressive system of aquaducts built between 1461 and 1966 to bring water from the mountains to farmland.

Cabo Girão. One of the world's highest ocean cliffs (590m/1,935 ft. above sea level).

  • Jardim Botânico. Funchal Botanical garden.
  • São Vicente Caves - Volcanic caves (grutas) where you can visit lava tubes. -
  • Jardim do Monte Palace Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel.
  • Jardim Orquídea Orchid garden.
  • Fireworks on New Year's Eve The biggest fireworks in the world (Guinness world record 2007). Best places to see the fireworks include the tip of the marina of Funchal, on a cruise ship and Pico dos Barcelos (on the side where you can see the Funchal's marina).
  • Miradouro means viewpoint. Splendid views of the island can be seen from various viewpoints, including Pico dos Barcelos, Pico do Arieiro, Pico de Facho, Curral das Freiras, Monte.
  • The Laurisilva of Madeira — a special kind of subtropical forest found only on Madeira, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Madeira

- Madeira Sidecar Tours

  • Sports Training Camps

How to work legally in Madeira

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Madeira

  • Madeira fruit cocktail, of course. Available in many varieties in all supermarkets and specialist shops.

Halal Restaurants in Madeira

Cuisine

  • Espetada - Espetada Madeiran barbecue.
  • Bolo de mel - Bolo de mel KakkuMadeiralta A Christmas cake.

Restaurants

  • Adega da Quinta Quinta do Estreito, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos ☎ +351 291 910 530 - Traditional restaurant where you can eat "espetada" in an old fruit cocktailry uphill from Câmara de Lobos.
  • Coral Restaurante Praca da Autonomia, Câmara de Lobos ☎ +351 291 098 284 - Fresh fish and shell fish.
  • Espada Preta Caminho Trincheira, 9300-159 Câmara de Lobos ☎ +351 291 948 439 - Fresh fish and shell fish, also try their specialty "bread soup" (main course).
  • Restaurante O Tunel - Near the tunnel of Caniçal. Seafood starters and espetada as main course. Convenient if you do the levada walk or drive around the area of Caniçal, Machico, and Pico de Facho.

Madeira Wine is a fortified prized equally for drinking and cooking. There are four major types of Madeira: Malvasia (commonly called Malmsey or Malvazia), Bual (or Boal), Verdelho, and Sercial and the latter two being drier.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Madeira

Madeira - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Madeira, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madeira. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Madeira and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Madeira. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Madeira. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMadeira: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Madeira.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Madeira: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Madeira, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Madeira.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Madeira, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Madeira, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Madeira and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Madeira, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Madeira, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Madeira without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Madeira is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Madeira.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Madeira is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Madeira, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Madeira Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Madeira

eHalal Group Madeira is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Madeira. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Madeira.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Madeira ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Madeira. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Madeira, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Madeira are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Madeira

See individual city articles for listings. Those below are mostly outside towns.

  • Atrio - Madeira - @madeira.com Lombo dos Moinhos Acima, 9370-912 Estreito da Calheta South Madeira ☎ +35 129 182 0400 A small family run hotel. Each room is individually styled.
  • Estalagem do Mar Just outside São Vicente on the north coast Low-season €50 Rooms with private bathroom and tub and view to the Atlantic. Indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and a sauna, lots of parking space.
  • Quinta da Quebrada - Arco de São Jorge, on the north coast - The place has pleasant weather, with sun all year round. Very warm and dry in summer, gentle temperature and very few rainy days in winter. The unit has 7 bungalows all with a beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean, TV, and telephone. Each one is made up of a double room, a private bath-room, and a kitchenette/living-room.
  • Vila Galé Santa Cruz - Rua de São Fernando 9100-157 Santa Cruz ☎ +35 1 291 529 000 5 minutes away from Funchal International Airport, top-quality hotel where you only have the sea for a vista. Only a few kilometers away from the tourism centre of Funchal.
  • Villa Koala @madeira.com South side of Madeira. Small hotel.
  • Casas Valleparaizo - Estrada Regional 102, n.161, 9135-060 Camacha, Santa Cruz From highway ER101 take exit 15 towards Cancela. At the roundabout, enter the tunnel. At the next roundabout go left. At the T-junction (SA supermarket), go left. Entrance is after the long pink wall at the bus stop ☎ +35 129 192 2174 Nine mountain cottages and a main house scattered around a beautiful large sloping garden. Quiet surroundings, yet only a 20 minutes drive from Funchal.
  • Pestana Hotels & Resorts - The Pestana Group has 10 hotels in Madeira, 9 hotels in Funchal and 1 hotel in Porto Santo.
  • Quinta das Colmeias - Caminho do Poiso, Casais Proximos, Santo Antonio da Serra From Funchal/airport, drive past the golf course. Just before the round about and there is a turning to your left. It's the fourth gate on your right ☎ +35 129 174 1515 - Two holiday homes. The main house sleeps 8 and the Cottage sleeps 6. Both share a common swimming pool. A few minutes drive from Santo da Serra Golf Course and Horse Riding Centre. 32° 43' 08,83, 016° 48' 49,33

Stay safe as a Muslim in Madeira

Emergency Service telephone number is 112. Some police in Funchal have red armbands, this signifies that they speak another language other than Portuguese, mainly English and German. Crime figures for Madeira are very low.

Telecommunications in Madeira

  • Internet - In some of the larger towns and cities on Madeira there is public free Wi-Fi Internet access sponsored by the Madeiran government. You'll find a 2m tall white and blue board telling you that Wi-Fi is available. There is also free access in the airport terminal. In addition, some cafes and cafés offer Internet access too.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.