Welcome to Madeira Island, Portugal
As expats and locals, we've explored every corner of Madeira: villages,
levadas, beaches, and more. Whether you're dreaming of a fresh start or
just curious about life in Portugal, we're here to guide you every step of
the way.
The Madeira Island Vibe: Q&A
While we are working on our HA Madeira release, we have created a group to discuss Madeira's hidden gems and hidden hurdles.
The group is an enforced, non-commercial safe place to ask any question you have about relocation, visits, cultural differences and even specific neighborhoods.
As a group member, you will have access to any of our pre-release features or content and we appreciate your thoughts, good and bad!
See you there!
We will be releasing exclusive articles to our first guests, immersing you in the island's chic yet laid-back lifestyle. As our app rolls out we will learn about your interests, activities, and needs, you'll be able to visualize what it feels like to live your perfect lifestyle.
Sign up for early access to the most comprehensive guide to Madeira,
curated by your preferences and uncovering hidden treasures most American
visitors never find!
The Team
Our team of regional experts are excited to introduce you to Madeira,
"The Gem of the Ocean" (A Joia do Mar).
Latest from our blog
Imagine arriving at your dream home in a charming Portuguese freguesia, ready to settle in with your family, only to discover you can't use the top floor because someone else legally has the right to live there. Surprisingly, this isn't just a hypothetical scenario; it recently occurred with a property shown to a prospective buyer. Luckily, the buyer thought to inquire about the top floor, prom...
Depending on where in the world you want to live, narrowing down a European country for relocation typically needs to start with finding the best visa and residency programs. Some countries make it more difficult if you live outside the EU or even Europe. Then, you need to do as much due diligence as you can, before you dig into the lifestyle options. As we did our research, the most accessible...
Is it hard to become a Madeiran resident? If you pre-plan and follow all details, it's not hard. Be prepared, follow these steps and do your fact checking. This is a brief overview of three important stages for 2025. Beware of old guides and tips.Stage 1: The Due Diligence StepsReview the visa types (in this article we're using the popular D7).Check the personal requirements and the expectation...
Madeira’s culinary scene has discovered ponchas and espetadas and their popularity have made them two of the most familiar icons in Madeira Island. They are featured in every laminated tourist menu but don’t order either of them, it will just end in disappointment since you need to find specialists to enjoy authentic poncha and espetada experiences.At Least It’s Not Pigeon and GrogIf your espet...
Savoring Madeira: Every Meal Tells a Story
Madeira's cuisine reflects its rich cultural blend, history, and geography, featuring iconic dishes like bolo do caco, espetada, and espada, each paired with local traditions, vibrant social experiences, and the island's renowned wines.
Madeira’s food isn’t just about individual dishes—it’s a reflection of the island’s unique blend of cultures, history, and flavors - always with a nod to its history, agriculture and geography. From the hearty pratos típicos to the fresh catches of the day, every meal tells a story.Bolo do Caco. Let’s get one thing straight: 'bolo do caco' is NOT 'poop bread,' as that hilariously bad tran...
Share your stories or ask us anything!
Our site will set the bar when it comes to in-depth information about the entire island. We’re creating a dynamic mapping system with premium information for the entire island from the microclimates to the zones to the neighborhoods to the actual streets.
We are accepting submissions from those bright individuals who wish to contribute in social media or make posts about regional content. Contact us via Instagram or WhatsApp or email your idea. Our WhatsApp and Instagram QR codes are below. Email: jessie@happinessabroad.com.
MADEIRA
Jessie
Matilde
Dan