Madeira

I'm not being flippant but suggestions for what? Properties? Villages? Where and how to learn Portuguese in two months? How to get by without speaking Portuguese? The proximity of a hospital will depend on where you choose to stay, how far from a hospital you think is acceptable, what means of transport you will have available and what you would do if there's nobody on duty who speaks a language that you speak.

tony_b

i hope this is clearer

we are looking for a village/town to stay for a month that is close to a beach and town and with easy access to medical facilities (within 30mins drive)...any suggestions?

That's pretty easy then. There is just one hospital on Madeira that has an emergency service: the Hospital Cruz de Carvalho in Funchal.

Since you want to be within 30 minutes of a hospital and Funchal is a difficult place to drive around, especially if you're in a hurry, you'd probably be better off staying in the city itself or one of its outlying suburbs and not bothering with renting a car. In an emergency, call a taxi.

The people of Funchal are used to dealing with people who speak only English because Madeira has long been a popular holiday destination for British people.

Given the transport limitations on the island I don't recommend that you venture too far from Funchal if you want to stay within 30 minutes drive of the hospital.

We want to be able to relax near a beach

Madeira is famous for not having beaches.
The only natural beach on the island is tiny and remote.

...so now you will have to change plans and go for neighbouring island Porto Santo, that has wonderful beaches. But I wonder hot the "medical infrastructure" is there.

PS: Do not be too optimistic about the weather - it is pretty cloudy/rainy this time of the year- 100 mm/month at south coast of Madeira - much more on the north.

There is just a medical centre on Porto Santo: no hospital.

J

You can stay in central Funchal to be near a hospital, supermarkets, pharmacy etc and also be a quick taxi ride/walk from the waterfront "beaches" (ocean side rock pools with facilites). This is typical of the beaches you will get in Madeira be it in Funchal, the far north (Porto Muniz) or east (Praia do Faial) - they are all rock pools built in the ocean with sunbathing facilites, cafes etc. You will not get long white stretches of sea sand in Madeira.
My family rents out a holiday apartment in central Funchal - if you are interested let me know.

thanks people...your replies were very useful