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.
Bitcoin businesses on the island
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.
Learn more
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.
Next events
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.
I want my business to accept BitcoinHow 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.
Lisbon
1h 50min
Porto
2h 00min
Madrid
2h 25min
Paris
3h 40min
London
3h 50min
Zurich
3h 55min
Frankfurt
4h 05min
Amesterdam
4h 10min
FREE Madeira events
Plan your visit around an event.
Every four years
Bitcoin Atlantis
Every last Wednesday of the month, FREE Madeira organises a Bitcoin meetup, bringing the community together. Know more and sign up.
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.
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
Annual
Diploma Bitcoin
A Portuguese adaptation of the internationally recognized 10-week program developed by My First Bitcoin. This course will give the participants a solid understanding of Bitcoin.
Don't come alone
The FREE Madeira community welcomes Bitcoiners from around the world. Introduce yourself before you arrive.