How does it actually work?

You pick the group that fits you on this website, click the WhatsApp button, send us a message, and within 48 hours (usually the same day) a real person adds you to the right WhatsApp community. That's it. No apps to download, no login, no fees.

Yes. Joining any Madeira People Club group is 100 percent free. We do not sell your number, we do not spam the chat, we do not run ads inside the groups.

Can I join more than one group?

Absolutely. If you're a digital nomad who surfs at dawn and parties on Fridays, join the Nomads, Surfers and Party groups. Most members are in 2 to 4 groups.

What's the group size? Won't it be spammy?

Each group stays under 250 members with active moderation. Anyone posting promo, crypto, or off-topic links gets removed. The chat is for members, by members.

I'm only in Madeira for 5 days. Worth joining?

That's exactly why Tourists - 10 Days exists. You get a welcome dinner, airport-pickup carpools, and a dozen locals telling you the real spots within hours of landing.

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

WhatsApp is how Madeira actually runs - taxis, surf lessons, scooter rentals, doctors - everything. If you're in Madeira it's the one app to install. If you really can't, message us from the contact page and we'll figure something out.

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

Every new member sends one intro message before being added - 1 photo, first name, where you're from, which group you want. We remove anyone flagged for harassment or scams. We're a community of travellers, not a business directory.

Madeira People Club is run by long-term Madeira residents and travellers who believe nobody should stay alone here. We started informally in 2021 with one WhatsApp group; now we moderate ten. It's a labor of love, not a company.

All communities

Community

Backpackers

You will not stay alone. The Madeira Backpackers community is already waiting.

Join the group Who is in it

About this group

Budget-friendly. Hostel-hopping. Always one more scooter ride.

Twenty-somethings doing Madeira on a shoestring. Hostel reviews that are actually honest, scooter rental tips, where to eat for under 15 euros, and who's heading to the Porto Santo tomorrow.

Group vibe

Young, broke, happy. Lots of 'anyone wanna...' messages.

Members

Who is in this group.

Example members. Real archetypes drawn from the people who already meet up here.

Felix, 22

From Berlin

6 months in SE Asia, stays at Kosta Hostel Funchal, up for any adventure.

Maya, 24

From Dublin

Gap year, learning to surf cheap at Praia Formosa, cooks in hostel kitchen.

Leo, 21

From Sydney

First solo trip, loves the Porto Santo, negotiates scooter rent down to 15 euros/day.

Nina, 23

From Sao Paulo

Budget tracker queen. Knows every 10-euro espetada tasca in Funchal.

What we do

What happens in the chat.

Daily 'who's going where' post - carpool, scooter convoys, ferry groupings
Hostel reviews with real photos (not the booking.com ones)
Tasca map: where locals eat for 12 euros a meal
Group rate negotiations with scooter rentals, surf schools, day trips
Weekly beach bonfire at a secret Funchal spot

Before you join

Quick answers.

Is it free to join?: Yes. All ten Madeira People Club communities are free. No hidden fees.
How fast do I get added?: Usually same day, always within 48 hours. You will send a quick intro message before being added.
Can I leave whenever?: Of course. Leave the WhatsApp group any time. No questions, no guilt.
Will the chat be spammy?: Each group is capped around 250 members with active moderation. Promotional or off-topic messages get removed.