Madeira Remote: Is Funchal’s Newest Coliving Space Worth It?

Madeira is one of those places that every digital nomad needs to tick off their bucket list at some point. It's filled with stunning views, lots of unique culture and history, delicious food, and what we think might be Europe’s strongest remote work community.

So, when we heard about Madeira Friends’ brand new coliving space, Madeira Remote, we knew we had to check it out. It calls itself an amazing coliving space with built-in community for digital nomads, but we’re here to tell you whether it really delivers on this promise

Spoiler alert: it absolutely does.

Madeira Remote: What Is It and How Does It Work?

If you’ve spent time as a digital nomad in Madeira before, then you’ve probably already heard of Madeira Friends, the people behind Madeira Remote…and if not, then no worries, we can fill you in.

Madeira Friends is a digital nomad community and non-profit that runs events across the island to bring digital nomads and locals together. They organize 800+ hikes, workshops, beach cleanups, dinners, hangouts, etc every year, so it’s pretty safe to say they know a lot about who the remote workers in Madeira are…and what they need.

Enter Madeira Remote. It’s Madeira Friends’ new coliving service that’s designed to bring digital nomads like us both a great living space and a built-in community along with it.

What’s Included?

We’ve heard the promise of “coliving and community” before, so the first thing we had to check out was what is actually included in a stay.

First things first, rooms start from €60/night, although your stay has to be a minimum of 1 week. This covers all the normal things like a private room, fast WiFi across the facility, a shared kitchen, weekly cleaning, plus living areas and a terrace.

Where things start to get interesting is when you go past the coliving space entirely. This is because your stay also includes access to all of Madeira Friends’ community events and the private WhatsApp group. Seeing as membership usually costs €25/month, this is definitely a huge perk.

You’re able to join yoga classes, group hikes, family-style meals, etc., right off the bat.

In other words, for once this is a coliving space that genuinely prioritizes community. We also love that you get a hot desk at Madeira Friends Hub, the community’s coworking space in Funchal’s old town. Then, as an added bonus, Madeira Remote also throws in a Madeira discount card with discounts on 60+ local partners.

Casa de Pico

Casa de Pico is the name of Madeira Remote’s actual coliving space. It’s located right in Funchal’s city center, around 20-25 minutes from the airport by taxi or airport bus, or better yet, only 15-20 minutes from both the ocean and Funchal’s old town.

Within the house, there are 5 room types to pick from depending on your own digital nomad needs. The cheapest is Orquídea, which starts from €60/night for a solo traveler, and includes a double bed and shared bathroom. Buganvília, Protea, and Hortênsia are from €62 to €63/night for 2 guests, with queen beds, desks, and shared bathrooms. Then there’s the premium Strelitzia room from €79/night for 2 people. That one has a private ensuite and large desk.

We have to say, the coliving house as a whole is stunning. There’s plenty of natural light, a cozy vibe throughout, and really lovely shared living areas.

If you want to work in the sun, there’s a roof terrace with gorgeous views. Then, when work’s done, you can hit the jacuzzi in the courtyard.

It’s less glamorous, but if you’re used to life working from the road, then you’ll know how huge it is that the space also has a laundry room on-site.

Casa de Pico: Calçada do Pico 42, 9000-206 Funchal

Madeira Remote vs Airbnb and Hotels

If you’re traveling to Madeira for a vacation where you want to do absolutely nothing and not have to open your laptop even once, then there are some amazing hotels on the island…this is not what Madeira Remote is all about. As a coliving space, it’s heavy on the living, as in you’ll get living spaces, kitchens, a desk, WiFi, etc.

Of course, an Airbnb can offer some of these elements, but where the two really start to differ is in the community aspect. With Casa de Pico’s built-in Madeira Friends access, you can arrive solo in Madeira and meet similarly-minded people literally within the hour. This is because the second you arrive, you’re able to join one of the many community events that run every day, or you can join the private Madeira Friends’ WhatsApp group for immediate connection.

We can also say that knowing everyone in the coliving space is there for similar reasons as you makes it easier to connect and make friends...sort of like a hostel except way nicer and designed specifically for us digital nomads.

Who Is It Best For?

It sort of goes without saying that Madeira Remote is an absolute gem for digital nomads visiting the island for a few weeks. It bridges the gap between wanting to work and find a social life all in one place, with multiple options for both at all times.

Even beyond that, we’d say the coliving space is especially great for someone working and traveling solo who wants to find community from the day they touch down. Equally, if it’s your first-time in Madeira, we think Madeira Remote is really worth checking out. They run lots of trips and tours to help you see more of Madeira, e.g., Sunday hikes and sunset dinners around the island.

All that being said, Madeira Remote isn’t for everyone. It isn’t a luxury resort built for all-out relaxation, so if you’re not planning on working during your trip, then a lot of the perks might be lost on you. Elsewhere, for digital nomads who aren’t necessarily looking for community or would prefer a totally private living space, something like an Airbnb might be a better option.

A final note on this point is that Madeira Remote is also primarily made for people staying in Madeira for weeks, not days or years. You have to stay a minimum of 7 days, and although you’ll get 15% off for staying 3+ weeks, if you’re planning to be in Madeira for multiple months, a longer-term rental plus Madeira Friends membership is probably going to work out cheaper.

Things to Keep in Mind…

No space comes without its quirks, and it's safe to say you should probably know the full scope of what you’re booking before you book it. Now, that’s not to say we don’t recommend Madeira Remote (we definitely do), but there are just a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering a stay there:

• Coliving isn’t for everyone: You’ll be sharing spaces like the kitchen, living rooms, and bathrooms (except in the premium room), and you won’t know who your coliving housemates will be until you get there.
• You can’t book Madeira Remote for just a couple of nights: There’s a 1-week booking minimum, and the coliving space is really made for stays of a few weeks at a time, not for super short or long-term living.
• Funchal vs Ponta do Sol: Although Funchal is Madeira’s capital, Ponta do Sol is usually considered the island’s digital nomad hub with a more relaxed, small-town vibe. The two are only 20-25 minutes apart by car, but the experience can be quite different depending on where you want to stay.
• Community is a big part of the experience: Madeira Remote attracts remote workers and travelers looking to connect with others. If you're hoping for a completely private stay and space, then a coliving space may not be the right fit.
• The social atmosphere changes from week to week: Since people are constantly coming in and out of Casa de Pico, the community vibe can change depending on who happens to be staying there during your visit. Luckily, the Madeira Friends is a lot more consistent, so even if you don’t click with anyone in the coliving house, there’s a good chance you will at the community events.

Madeira Remote FAQs

Is Madeira good for digital nomads?

We’d go so far as to say it's one of the best digital nomad destinations. The island is home to an already strong remote work community, as well as the world’s first digital nomad village, plenty of coworking and coliving spaces like Madeira Remote. Plus, there’s fast wifi, great weather, and some amazing natural beauty.

Where do most digital nomads live in Portugal?

Most digital nomads in Portugal choose Lisbon and Porto, but Madeira has also become a popular hotspot. Within Madeira, many remote workers are drawn to Ponta do Sol and Funchal for their strong nomad communities.

Is Funchal, Madeira worth visiting?

Absolutely! We think Funchal is probably the all-around best base in Madeira, with its mix of historic charm, waterfront views, great restaurants, and easy access to the rest of the island.

Is English widely spoken in Madeira?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Madeira. Most digital nomads and visitors can get around pretty comfortably without speaking Portuguese.

Ready to experience the Madeira Remote community for yourself?