Madeira Cruise Tourism Brings €62 Million in 2025
Funchal’s cruise port closed 2025 with record €62 million impact and 750,000 passengers, but growth slowed compared with the stronger increase seen in 2024.
Funchal’s cruise port closed 2025 with record €62 million impact and 750,000 passengers, but growth slowed compared with the stronger increase seen in 2024.
Alberto JoĂŁo Jardim, known as the King of Madeira, led the island for 37 years, transforming its economy and infrastructure. A charismatic yet polarizing leader, he championed autonomy but faced criticism for debt and authoritarian tendencies.
“We have never done anything illegal”. More than two years after the mega operation that continues to cast a shadow over Madeira, the Lisbon Court of Appeal says there are now “strong indications” of corruption-related crimes in the case.
A DW Travel video explores Madeira’s record visitor numbers and growing pressure on popular tourist hotspots. The report includes an interview with regional secretary Eduardo Jesus discussing tourism management on the island.
Around 3,000 people are waiting for dermatology consultations in Madeira, as SESARAM warns of rising skin cancer cases and growing melanoma diagnoses among younger adults.
With access to affordable rental housing being very limited, President Albuquerque today called for allowing next-day evictions for tenants who fail to pay rent. He said this would reduce pressure on the housing market.
Madeira authorities inspected 5,500 hiking trail users since April, detecting 43 unpaid access fees and less than a dozen illegal entries on closed routes.
In 2025, Madeira’s car market showed a clear shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, with electrified vehicles accounting for 44% of all new registrations among nearly 3,800 cars.
Rental prices in Madeira reached €16.7/m² in April 2026, rising 11.4% year on year and setting a new record level.
As Iran sends threats and obstructs the Strait of Hormuz, warnings over rising energy costs and a possible reduction in flights to Madeira are causing growing concern within the regional government.
Carreiros do Monte have increased prices for their traditional toboggan rides, citing rising operational costs.