Madeira has become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for longer stays — not just a week's holiday, but 1, 3, or even 12 months. The combination of year-round mild climate, fast internet, lower cost of living than Western Europe, and the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa has made the island a magnet for remote workers, retirees, and anyone seeking a slower pace of life in extraordinary surroundings.
💡 Key advantage: Monthly rentals booked directly with owners are 30–50% cheaper than short-stay nightly rates. A Funchal apartment at €150/night for 30 nights would cost €4,500 — but a monthly rental of the same property might be €1,200–1,500. Always negotiate directly.
Why Choose Madeira for a Long Stay?
- Climate: 18–26°C year-round. No extreme heat, no harsh winters. The "Island of Eternal Spring" is not a marketing cliché.
- Internet: Fibre broadband (100–500 Mbps) widely available in Funchal apartments. Madeira consistently ranks among Europe's top digital nomad destinations.
- Cost of living: Roughly 30% lower than Lisbon, 50% lower than London. Groceries, restaurants, and services are affordable by Western European standards.
- Safety: One of the safest places in Europe. Low crime, friendly local community, good public healthcare (SESARAM).
- Connectivity: 3–4 hours from most European capitals. TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair and others fly direct from 30+ European cities.
- Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa: Launched in 2022, this allows non-EU remote workers to live legally in Portugal (including Madeira) while working for foreign employers. Monthly income requirement: ~€3,040.
Long Term Rental Prices in Madeira (2026)
| Property type | Monthly rental (direct) | What's typically included |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / T0, Funchal centre | €900–1,200 | Wi-Fi, utilities often included |
| 1-bed apartment, Funchal | €1,100–1,500 | Wi-Fi, furnished, often utilities |
| 2-bed apartment, Funchal | €1,300–1,800 | Furnished, Wi-Fi, parking sometimes |
| 2-bed with sea view, São Gonçalo | €1,400–2,000 | Furnished, panoramic views, parking |
| Villa / house, island-wide | €2,000–4,000 | Garden, pool sometimes, parking |
| Santa Cruz (near airport) | €900–1,400 | More space, quieter, sea views |
Best Areas for Long Stays
Funchal Centre & Estrada Monumental
Best for: those who want to walk everywhere. Close to Forum Madeira shopping, ocean promenade, restaurants, and bus connections. Most apartments are in apartment blocks — modern, furnished, with management companies that handle longer stays.
São Gonçalo
Best for: remote workers and couples who want extraordinary views and a quieter lifestyle. A 10-minute drive to the centre, but feels like a different world. Most rental apartments here have panoramic Atlantic views from private balconies. Our listings in this area start from €1,400/month for longer stays.
Santa Cruz
Best for: families and those who want more space for less money. Spacious apartments, Madeira's only sandy beach, great local market, 10 minutes to the airport. Our Ina's Garden listing (101m², ocean views, private parking) is available for monthly stays.
How to Find Long Term Rentals in Madeira
The best long-term rentals in Madeira are never on Airbnb — they're found through direct contact with property owners. Platforms charge hosts 3–15% commission, which makes long-term listings uneconomical for owners. Most monthly rentals are arranged privately via WhatsApp or email.
madeira.rentals works directly with property owners. If you see a listing you like, contact the owner via WhatsApp and simply ask: "Are you available for a 1-month / 3-month stay, and what's the monthly rate?" Most owners are very open to longer bookings at reduced rates.
Find your long term rental in Madeira
Browse apartments available for monthly stays. All owners contactable directly via WhatsApp — ask about monthly rates.
Browse apartments → 💬 Ask us directlyFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a monthly rental cost in Madeira?
Monthly rentals in Madeira range from €900–1,200/month for a studio in Funchal to €1,300–2,000/month for a 2-bedroom apartment with sea views. Prices are significantly lower than short-stay nightly rates — booking directly with owners saves an additional 15–20% versus platforms.
Can I rent an apartment in Madeira for 3 months?
Yes — most property owners in Madeira welcome stays of 1–6 months, especially in winter. Contact owners directly via WhatsApp and ask about monthly rates. Longer stays typically receive 20–40% discounts compared to nightly rates.
Do I need a visa to stay in Madeira long term?
EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely. Non-EU citizens can stay up to 90 days as tourists. For longer stays, Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2022) allows remote workers to live legally in Portugal for 1+ years. Income requirement: approximately €3,040/month.
Is Madeira good for digital nomads?
Yes — Madeira is consistently ranked among Europe's top 5 digital nomad destinations. Fast fibre broadband, good cafes and co-working spaces, year-round mild climate, affordable cost of living, and a friendly expat community. The island even has a dedicated Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol.