CEO of NomadX and founder of the digital nomad village on Madeira island.
This is no holiday hotspot, it's home. Most tourists tend to stay in Funchal. But in Ponta Do Sol, you feel like a local. Nomads that come here are looking for something much harder to find in big cities — a peaceful routine and local Portuguese culture.
The digital nomad community coexists with the island's locals. Tourist hotels are turning into co-living spaces to meet the growing demand, and nomads help organize local events. We have new artists coming to perform every week by the ocean, at sunset. It's magical!
Local businesses are embracing nomads. Madeira has incredible food and local artisan shops. Nomads and entrepreneurs are now coming to the island to learn about the traditions and support local businesses while sharing their skills with and creating a community.
The food scene is rapidly evolving. While traditional restaurants are not to be missed, international travelers inspired a bigger diversity amongst the cuisines offered. Steak & Sun is renowned for offering the best vegetarian and vegan options in town (ironically!) And you don’t have to go far for dessert. Right next door is the Old Pharmacy Café, with homemade cakes and pancakes - not to mention gorgeous interior design and outdoor seating.
The public coworking space is the cornerstone of our nomad community. The island's infrastructure supports work from home, but the free coworking space in the heart of town is a great spot to work from. There’s a community lunch every Wednesday, and a range of events — from networking opportunities to skill-share workshops and startup accelerator programs. You won't struggle to meet people here!
“Local businesses in Madeira are embracing nomads.”
It’s easy to create an active, healthy lifestyle. Madeira is a hiker’s paradise! With more than 200 marked trails throughout the island, you can visit waterfalls, coastal cliffs and stunning beaches. On Mondays & Wednesdays, you can join our workout classes — usually CrossFit or a hike. And with the ocean never far, my days usually end with beach volleyball and a sunset swim before dinner, all year round. It's a paradise and, most importantly, a place I can truly call home.
Check-in with the nomad community at Startup Madeira — they always have initiatives and events to contribute to the local community.