If a recent study is to be believed, by the year 2100, due to global warming, most of the Portuguese coastline will be waterlogged and temperatures in the Algarve will soar, becoming a playground for swarms of bugs and parasites and forcing tourists to head north.

The study, exploring the effects of climate change on Iberian destinations to the end of the 21st century, was carried out by the Estoril Higher School for Tourism and Hospitality (ESHTE), its predictions being described as “worrying”, by Eunice Gonçalves, head of the ESHTE’s directive board and co-author of the study.

“The study was devised to warn people that if nothing is done to prevent the predicted future there are strong probabilities this catastrophic scenario will become a reality”, she said. Rises in average temperatures of up to six degrees are forecast by the study for the Algarve, figures that have been predicted by other recent studies and surveys.

As a consequence, it has been predicted that tourist flows will start to head north, in search of cooler temperatures, and that winter will become the high season for the Algarve and southern Spain.  Those responsible for the research said climate change won’t be the ‘death’ of the Algarve, “but as a destination it will start to thin out and cause other regions to fatten up”, like Northern Portugal, Madeira and the Azores.

One of the most worrying effects is the average rise is sea levels, because of which experts predict a large part of Portuguese coastline will become waterlogged and submersed. On a global scale, this century the sea has risen by 10 to 20 centimetres due to the melting of icebergs

 2 new golf courses for Madeira

 Property investors will be able to choose from two new luxury golf developments on Madeira  .Work is due to commence on the schemes, the Calheta Golf Course in the Ponta do Pargo region and another in the Sao Vicente area further north, next year. The developments should be completed by 2011.

Golf is a great catalyst for attracting high net worth individuals and boosting local infrastructure facilities. Expect properties located in and around these prospective courses to appreciate over the next few years - a potentially good property investment opportunity.

It is claimed that local authorities are buying up the land adjacent to the Calheta Golf Course with the aim of building a major residential development.

 Nick Faldo is behind the Calheta Golf Course and it is thought that Severiano Ballesteros will put his name to the course in the Sao Vicente area as well as another on neighbouring Porto Santo  which is due to be completed in the same time frame.....14/10/08

 Madeira ferry to continue after summer

According to the ferry company, the route's continuation is due to the "huge success" it has had since it was launched on June 13th, since when it has transported over 14,000 passengers.   Naviera Armas he route's continuation is due to the "huge success" it has had since it was launched on June 13th, since when it has transported over 14,000 passengers. Naviera Armas is now looking to "incorporate a new ferry" onto the route, one of two new vessels currently under construction.  The company also confirmed that as of May next year, "it is likely the crossing will be upped to twice a week", between the three ports, instead of being a weekly crossing, as it is at present. Naviera Armas first started a Canary Island - Madeira crossing three years ago, this year tying the port of Portimão into its route. Demand far surpassed expectations, and what started off as testing the waters has been confirmed as an ongoing service. Source: The Portugal News 2/10/08

Another step to improve the low cost travel towards Madeira Islands … which will start on the 27th of October … exactly one year after starting with regular flights between London Stansted and Funchal.  This is good news for the regional tourist sector, in particular, and also for the madeirean, in general, as this new operation offers dirt-cheap prices, in comparison with other carriers in the same route. At the moment, the lowest offered ticket is just under the ˆ 26.00 (all inclusive). Easyjet is one of the best known low cost airlines, with low base prices, and that has revolutionized the concept of the aerial trips in the whole world … a concept that has been followed by others.

THE first ferry to cross between the Algarve, Madeira and the Canary Islands set off last Sunday from Portimao.

Considered by the Algarve authorities as an historical crossing, as it is the first ever maritime passenger link connecting the region with these two important tourist areas, it also marks the return of a regular passenger ship service between continental Portugal and Madeira for 35 years.

The Algarve tourism authorities said the new sea route not only promotes Portimao as an important port-of-call, but also opens up new travel options as passenger transport between the continent and Madeira was previously only available by air. The Spanish shipping company, ‘Naveira Armas’ will be responsible for the route, which will operate from July to September and is expected to run for a minimum of two years.

‘Naviera Armas’ has assigned its brand new, 154 metre ferry, ‘Volcan de Tijarafe’, to the route, with 56 cabins, 206 beds and a capacity for 1,000 passengers and 600 cars. A one-way ticket to Madeira will cost approximately 82 euros.

Vehicles will cost around 110 euros and cabin prices start from 164 euros. On board, passengers can enjoy a hot buffet for the duration of the 21-hour Portimao-Madeira cruise, as well as use of a swimming pool, shows, a disco, and children’s entertainment.

The ferry departs Portimão every Sunday, arriving at Funchal on Mondays and the Canary Islands’ ports of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Tuesdays.

The return journey to the Algarve will take place on Fridays from the Canary Islands and on Saturdays from Madeira

2,400 adults surveyed about how they use the internet to research homes or apartments.

According to the survey, of those who used the Internet in their housing search:

• 57 percent said the online info reduced the number of places they looked at
• 29 percent said such info helped them save money on their house or apartment
• 23 percent said the Internet had a major impact on their housing decision

Ferry crossings to commence to Madeira

As of June 15th, Spanish company Naviera Armas, which is based in Gran Canaria, is to initiate regular ferry crossings between Portimão and Funchal, Madeira. Unconfirmed reports suggest liners of Royal Caribbean calibre will, before too long, be a regular sight on the Arade river(May 2008)

Madeira property costs 30% less than property in the Algarve

Roger Still, who has worked on various Portuguese developments, told the Times that despite new buildings cropping up in Madeira, there are still plenty of deals available for those who act fast.
"These prices are at least 30 per cent below the Algarve. Since we started selling the homes off-plan we have seen prices appreciate by at least ten per cent per annum," he remarked.
Still, the article pointed out that since 70 per cent of Madeira is protected national park land, it is highly unlikely that it will be blighted by overdevelopment. Instead, investors are hoping that it will maintain its balance of untouched beauty and holiday haven.
At a 90-minute flight distance from Lisbon and three hours from the UK, the archipelago is also close enough to give investors the option of using their property as a holiday home as well.
According to resident Jonathan Fletcher, formerly of Surrey, families can thrive in Madeira. He told the Times: "Funchal has all the amenities of a modern city ... yet it is a very safe environment for the children." (May 2008)

Funchal hosts 500 years tall ships regatta

Nick Faldo designed golf course

The construction of the new Nick Faldo designed golf course is due to commence in September.  Special earth moving machinery is due to arrive Funchal port for transfer to the site by helicopters.     Read what Nick Faldo says about the new golf course.   "The enduring feature of our project at Ponta do Pargo is the sheer dramatic nature of the site. The routing that we are currently developing makes full use of the cliff-tops of a broad headland that juts out into the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean below; it is absolutely stunning. The layout will also utilise a number of valleys that cut through the site, allowing for some remarkable elevation changes, and there are several stands of mature conifers that will help to add real character to the design. With many of the holes hugging the cliff-tops and views across the ocean from much of the course, this will certainly be an aesthetically appealing round of golf; but, most of all, this design will appeal to any golfer with a thoughtful approach to their game and an appreciation for the strategic elements that will characterise this exciting design.”  (February 2008)

Low cost flights & new golf course

The increasing number of low cost flights & the construction of the NEW Nick Faldo endorsed championship golf course has increased investor interest in the south west area of Madeira with property and land prices showing an increase.  It is forecasted that land prices close to the course will quadruple during & after the golf course construction.    (February 2008)

Aer Lingus links Dublin to Madeira with direct flights

From 30 October Aer Lingus will fly on Tuesday and Friday to Madeira Airport (Book a flight)

Property prices in Madeira increasing

Property prices on the most popular Portuguese tourist island, Madeira, have recently been growing at around 10 per cent per annum. As two thirds of the island, known as 'flower island', is protected land, this level of growth is expected to increase in the medium term. The island has traditionally attracted a wide range of foreign investors as sea-view properties on Madeira remain considerably cheaper than on the Algarve coast.  (5 September 2007 World of Property News)

EasyJet daily flights from Stansted & Bristol

 Easyjet has just announced direct flights to Madeira, starting 29th October making short visits really viable. This will be good news for short term breaks and such visitors as golfing parties ( (24 July 2007)

Madeira set to become an upmarket haven

DID YOU KNOW........