Madeira
The island that embraced Bitcoin
Madeira is more than a tourist destination – spring-like climate, an active community and over 150 businesses accepting sats!
The island
Why Madeira?
An autonomous island in the Atlantic – 1,000 km from the European continent, with a spring-like climate, GMT time zone and part of one of the most Bitcoin-friendly jurisdictions in the European Union.
Energy
Renewables as a foundation, Bitcoin as a tool
Madeira produces energy from its own renewable sources. FREE Madeira actively explores the connection between Bitcoin mining and surplus renewable energy.
Climate
Spring all year round
Funchal has one of the most stable temperatures in Europe — from 19°C to 27°C throughout the year. Any month is ideal for working remotely or attending a Bitcoin meetup.
Bitcoin adoption
About 80% of merchants are holding onto their Sats – using Bitcoin as a store of value.
Adoption in Madeira is not superficial. Merchants genuinely believe in what they are doing. Your business could be next.
How to prepare your visit
Everything you need to visit Madeira and use Bitcoin in your day-to-day.
Travel wallet
- Use a Lightning wallet for day-to-day payments (Phoenix, Wallet of Satoshi, Breez, Bitkit)
- Load your wallet before arriving — most businesses accept Lightning
- Install BTC Map to find nearby businesses in real time
Getting there and getting around
- Direct flights from several European cities — see list below
- Car hire is recommended for exploring the island
- Uber is available in Funchal
Where you can fly from
Approximate flight time on a direct flight to Funchal.
- Lisbon1h 50min
- Porto2h 00min
- Madrid2h 25min
- Paris3h 40min
- London3h 50min
- Zurich3h 55min
- Frankfurt4h 05min
- Amsterdam4h 10min
FREE Madeira events
Plan your visit around an event.
Every four years
Bitcoin Atlantis
Bitcoin Atlantis gathers the leading voices in Bitcoin for a conference in Madeira, in the middle of the Atlantic. It returns in 2028.
ConferenceIn-person
Annual
FREE Energy Summit
A focused, in-person event dedicated to real-world projects at the intersection of Bitcoin mining and energy systems. Technical, economic and operational insight on concrete, live initiatives.
ConferenceIn-person
Last Wednesday of every month
FREE Madeira Bitcoin Meetup
Join us for an evening of Bitcoin discussion, networking, and learning with fellow enthusiasts, builders, and newcomers alike. Whether you're deep into the ecosystem or just getting started, everyone is welcome at our monthly meetup.
MeetupIn-person
Annual
Diploma Bitcoin
A Portuguese adaptation of the internationally recognised 10-week programme developed by My First Bitcoin. This course gives participants a solid understanding of Bitcoin.
EducationCourseOnline
Don't come alone
The FREE Madeira community welcomes Bitcoiners from around the world. Introduce yourself before you arrive.