Tourists continue to stroll through Funchal

Tobi Hughes·
News Blog

Despite the quarantine moment, tourists continue to stroll through the city, in practically deserted streets, where the only movement is practically citizens of other nationalities.

Quarantine is not compulsory for all, but is for anyone who arrived after midnight Saturday, and they need to stay confined to their rooms for 14 days.

Previous ArticleQuarantine keeps people off the road
Next ArticleMiguel de Sousa asks for honor from Madeirans at Madeira Airport
Tobi Hughes

38 Responses

  1. Yes we look on the Ritz Cam and we could see obvious tourists wandering about today.

  2. They should all be repatriated now. What good is this if they are still allowed to wander around! They should all be mandatory quarantined and repatriated immediately!

    1. My wife and I arrived in Madeira on March 9th. There was no restriction to our travel from the UK, we have not contracted Covid-19 in the past eight days. We are fit and well and not subject to any quarantine regulations on the island. As it happens we haven’t been into Funchal but there are no restrictions against us doing so if we wish to support businesses, restaurants and bars in Funchal. We are currently awaiting a revised flight day and time from Jet2 before the flight embargo starts on Sunday 22nd. I am not at all happy with the suggestion that we shouldn’t be here.

  3. Are you a resident? Are you on Madeira at the moment? I am one of those tourists right now, sticking to myself, lonely walks more than 2 meters away from anyone. I see locals inviting me to the restaurants all the time, I kindly say no and move along. I see groups at restaurants, I see elderly couples, I am enjoying my last days here being as mindful of others as I can. Your name sounds nothing like a Portuguese name yet you talk as if the island was yours. Why is that? Of course the times are hard and I am well aware of it, hence why I do everything in my might to not be a problem to anyone. There is plenty of space to walk, not that many people. It’s not like I go and hug everyone or impose on people. Stop sounding like you are perfect and everyone on Madeira is a walking time bomb. Let government do it’s job they are doing and you focus on being the best person you can be instead of being so judgmental.

    1. jay,
      dont be blind to the problems, stay in your room until you fly home simple rules, dont put yourself or others at risk.

      1. Why should he have to stay inside. He has as much right as anyone else to go out. He has said that he is taking precautions and being sensible. He arrived before the restrictions were put in place so surely he is as safe as any local!

  5. As a tourist I think I need to defend our position. We arrived more than a week ago when things were very different. In fact when we arrived there were three cruise ships in the harbour, which was surprising given recent press about the virus on ships.
    We visit annually for a month. We didn’t cancel our travel plans as such actions would be bad for the local trade. Our health is good and we have been out and about in Funchal for eight days using restaurants and shops. As long as our flight is still available in April, we hope to continue enjoying the facilities in the area for the remainder of our visit. Madeira has always made us welcome which is one of the reasons that we keep returning.
    We were out in central Funchal this morning and the tourists were certainly in the minority with many locals about.
    I agree with the steps being taken by the local government and think that Madeira is currently a very safe place to be.

  6. Jay , thank you for behaving with care and concern for the residents of Madeira . It is appreciated. No one asked to be in this situation . Hopefully you will get home ok . Hopefully you will return when all this is over . Let’s all try and be kind in a catastrophic worldwide crisis .

  7. Remember. This island exists mainly because of tourism.
    We invite people from all over the world to come here and enjoy what we experience every single day.
    Fortunately they choose Madeira and pay handsomely for the privileged.
    The ones who are still here should be treated with respect right up to the moment when they depart. They did not ask for this situation.
    I, for one, hope they go home with fond memories of this wonderful island and her people and a longing to return in better times.
    May you all return home safe and thank you for choosing Madeira.
    Hope to see you all again soon.

  10. Jay, get off that soap box, if you were here before the lockdown the ok, otherwise abide by the rules, Resident of Madeira, not Madeira Ian, but I live her and rules are rules unless you are like the Dutch that ignored the rules.
    Its difficult currently to know how many are not listening to the authorities, but within the next 2 weeks, things should be more clear as the average persons are on short stays and finger hopefully will go the 14 days in house period. Which are you before or after the 14 day period? Acting Responsibly or NOT?

  12. Please remember all, just a short time back two selfish “tourists” left their contaminated son in Copenhagen and broke quarantine, went through a very busy airport airplane, jumped on an airplane,went through another very busy airport, booked into the hotel without one single concern for others other than their potential loss of money/holiday is it little wonder peoples nerves are ragged up, with such an approach to others health and without the ability to know if the people you bump into, sit and a seat after, touch a press here button are like minded selfish, you are going to wonder!!!! But lets all give the benefit of the doubt and hope they are responsible or SELF ISOLATE and then you won’t come into contact with anyone, but will you be safe!!!!
    We are here in uk where people of my age are being advised isolate for four months!!!! People are put in jail for serious crimes for less time.
    This is a very fluid developing situation so don’t expect what is implemented today to be current tomorrow.
    Be safe and try to be tolerant.

  13. David whitefield did you read what I said? I said I respect and abide by the ways of government here. Clearly I arrived before the lockdown otherwise I would not say I agree and follow the rules and then state that I walk around the city? Use common sense please, also the couple that broke the quarantine was not Dutch but from Denmark. Read first and make sure of what you post. Because you are talking about a completely different nationality.

    Jane, thank you. I fell in love with this island and people and wish all the best for them, I never wanted this to happen so on my part I’m doing everything I can and definitively will be back here once the chaos is gone and the virus defeated. Theres so many things I had to give up on but instead I’m discovering the island on my own two feet and Google maps and loving every second of it!

  14. Hi. I’m a tourist and I’m staying in Ponto Delgarda I’d like to say that I am also anxious and frightened of what we all may face. I am away from my family in a situation I never expected to be in when I arrived last week. I understand the valid and great concern of the people who live on this beautiful island but please spare a thought for us too. We just want to be home with our families and feel safe too. Thank you to the wonderful staff at our hotel Monte mar palace hotel who are doing their best to support us and help us get through this worrying time. We aren’t even getting information from our airlines

  15. I arrived in Madeira before all those things started and left much earlier than planned because of them. I can only say that usually Madeira and all the people living there are just wonderful – of course, considering that they need tourists.
    This time was completely different. Even at the airport, when we checked in, the ladies discussed how horrible it was that we are still in Madeira, being Austrian. They certainly thought we would not understand.
    Everywhere right now, people are concerend and I understand that in Madeira they might run into serious problems. But I am also pretty sure that many people, who experienced Madeira for the first time last week, will tell everybody they know not to go there, ever. And this is a pitty.
    That being said, everyone should know that a virus does not stop on any mainland. I for one think, that Madeira, and any other island for that matter, already has it. We don’t have the real numbers now, in Austria they say we have around 1000 sick people – and all the science behind it says it has to be at least 10 times more than that.
    Stay safe, wash your hands and try not the freak out 😉
    Anela

  16. We have been coming to Madeira for many years we hope to come back when trouble settles down but all these comments of wanting to get rid of the tourists have any of the people thought that they are going back. To infected areas
    you should think your self lucky that you don’t have the virus here but if negative comments about tourists hit home many might not think as we do and won’t want to come back!

  17. I’m here till Friday and very worried about my flight I would love to go home now. Our holiday is ruined but I blame no one and don’t expect a refund just an earlier flight would be good

  18. Touche to Pauline, negativity is a destroyer and as she points out will do long term damage, and think about those who may not have the choice to return if they die from it!!! Sobering thought that one.

  19. Perhaps spot checks by the PSP and or GNR would help to alleviate suspicions and enforce the law. All entries and exits to Madeira are on the SEF computer system. Surely no public spirited person could object?

  20. Jay, you are absolutely right about Maggie Norman, she has picked up on my emails before we have lived here 8 years and I expect people still think we are tourists except the people that know us and by the way I have a feeling she is English.

  21. There are many nationalities living in Madeira , walking around , going to the supermarket etc . Who is to know who lives here and who is on holiday ? Just because you may hear English spoken, for example , it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a tourist , just someone going about their business .Secondly , please don’t be put off by negative remarks as Harry says. Madeira and the wonderful people who live here, will suffer enough , economically , with this crisis , without bad press .

  22. I am sorry Maggie Norman, but your comments are totally uncalled for. My husband and I came on 9th March for 2 weeks. Sadly, our return flight has been ‘suspended’ by Jet2 who will no longer be flying here after Saturday and so we are awaiting news of when we can be flown home. In the mean time we are trying our best to enjoy this beautiful island – this is our 8th visit but have spent most of our time in and around our hotel. We have walked up the promenade and have had drinks & meals in several places, trying to support local businesses. I’m afraid that your attitude, Maggie, will only serve to put people off coming here and as the economy is totally reliant on the tourist industry, I think that you should think twice about voicing such inflammatory thoughts as this thing is not going away for many many months and the whole of the Madeira economy could collapse, something that none of us would wish to see. End of rant but your comments really made me angry.

  23. My wife and I were in Madeira earlier in the year to celebrate (if that’s the right description) my birthday, we’ve been doing this for ten years now, everything about our two week stay was good. So good that we booked to return for our wedding anniversary in June, I don’t see that happening though, I would like to think that it’ll be done and dusted by then, but I have my doubts.
    I’m debating whether to pay the balance and take whatever is offered, or cancel.
    We will be back at the tail end of January come what may, stay safe people, wherever you are.

  24. I think Maggie Normans comment should be removed. it is not at all helpful in the current situation and in my experience is certainly NOT the belief held by most Madeiran locals. She should be ashamed of comments like that!

  25. Lets all calm down here, by default these sites generate subjective comments and therefore differing points of views, it doesn’t help to get at each other and may shut down really helpful dialogue and opinions that may lead to helping and not hindering.

  26. I have just returned from Madeira after my 18th visit. I enjoyed the first 5 days and felt welcome.
    My last 2 days were the worst I have endured anywhere.
    I thank the people of Madeira for some fantastic memories which will never be forgotten.
    However, Madeira will remain a memory, keep your island and insular mentality, it is clear that when the chips are rown we are not really wanted.
    My Country has many places yet to be explored by me and my Wife, we will do what we should have done earlier.
    Thank you for showing us how we should look after those closest to us we are off to explore England.

  27. Looks to me like you have a troll, best ignored. We were looking forward to joing you at Easter, but I guess we’ll have to re-schedule to next January. Dammit, I was so looking forward to returning.

  29. There is no mandatory quarantine in place for tourists nor for residents who were in the island prior to the 15th of March. There is a mandatory quarantine in place for anyone who arrived after 15th of March, this is both for tourists and residents.

    People who are not under mandatory quarantine are advised to take precautions namely: avoid gatherings, avoid restaurants, avoid shopping mall, avoid bars, etc. This is not mandatory but most locals are following the advice.

    No one will be prevented to returning home by Madeira’s government. What happens is that due the lack of people flying towards Madeira, airlines are cancelling return flights. This is a commercial issue. If the airlines want to arrange rescue flights, Madeira won’t prevent anyone from returning home.

    Finally, locals know the virus will get here too. Local authorities are trying to DELAY that as much as possible to prepare the local health system. There is lack of means to deal with mass spreading so when the local authorities are preventing people from coming in that is for the benefit of both residents and tourists.

  30. We are all suffering from the corona virus in some way, the beautiful Island of Madiera needs the tourists and hopefully a few months down the line we will all be well and can visit again (our holiday was cancelled). This situation is out of all our hands and we should be glad that all the stringent controls put in place both home and abroad are there for our protection. To our wonderful friends on the island, Keep safe and see you later in the year. .

    1. Thank you M for a beautifully balanced post. You could not have put it better !! Well said .

  31. At the moment it’s no better anywhere else. Most people will not know they’re carrying the virus or even spreading it, as we now know that it can be spread by someone who is asymptomatic. And unfortunately those who are, aren’t being tested. In an ideal world there would be self-testing kits. Adrian, I’m sorry you feel that way. As a Madeiran I’d like to reassure you that we treasure our tourists, and yes we do rely on you for our economy, our livelihood. In return we offer some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and fresh air. No country is safe from this virus. People say and do irational things out of fear. We’re an island, we have nowhere else to go. Our government is trying to protect our borders for the safety of citizens and tourists. When Brexit was announced many foreign workers in Britain were targeted and there were some hate related crimes reported. So please try to understand the intense reactions of some of our people. We’re only trying to protect everyone, from ex-pats to locals, just as you want to protect your sovereignty. Unlike Brexit, COVID-19 is a matter of life and death for us. Please don’t judge us harshly. It’s possible that the person who made that unpleasant comment is not even a native of Madeira. Anyone correct me if I’m wrong.
    Warm wishes to everyone and be safe.

  32. I am writing in support of Maggie Norman who is right to say tourists need repatriating immediately and to be quarantined before then in their hotels. What right have you to think that in these unprecedented times it is ok for you to wander round the island of Madeira without a care for the local residents, With your ignorance and arrogance and self satisfied attitude there is no wonder that this virus spreads worldwide. Look how quickly it is spreading in the UK at the moment! I am a resident of the UK and so i know the British mentality very well!!

  33. And for those who want to know her origin, she is from Transylvania but speaks good English,

  34. It doesn’t matter where your from this is a human tragedy and we are all human. Each of us will be affected in some way. We all deserve respect and that includes visitors to your country who never asked to be in this awful situatiom

Comments are closed.

© 2023 Madeira Island News | Privacy Policy