FAQ
Everything you want to know before you move in.
Work setup, privacy, community, location and booking: if you’re unsure whether Luzia is the right fit, this page should help you decide. Still curious? Just ask us.
Is Luzia right for me?
What is Luzia Coliving in one sentence?
Luzia Coliving is a small boutique coliving in Funchal, Madeira, where up to 6 remote workers, digital nomads and workation guests share a sunlit four-bedroom villa with private rooms, proper workspaces, sea-view terraces and easy access to the city and the island's wider nomad community.
Who is Luzia Coliving best suited for?
Digital nomads, remote workers and location-independent professionals who want a comfortable, well-equipped home base in Funchal. It also suits people on a workation or a longer holiday who want to combine focused work with a relaxed, high-quality place to live. Most guests value good work conditions, personal space, and being close to the city and the sea without living in the middle of the busiest areas. It is not designed for party-focused or short weekend stays.
Can I focus on work while staying here?
Yes. The layout, the room setup and the guest profile make it easy to focus. Many residents work regular hours and treat Luzia as their main work base while exploring Madeira in their free time.
Is Luzia suitable for workations or longer holidays?
Yes. The house is set up for remote work, with reliable internet, dedicated workspaces and a calm atmosphere during the day, and its location close to Funchal's centre makes it easy to step away to cafés, the sea, nature and social life. Many guests stay for several weeks or months to work part-time, take an extended holiday, or combine both.
How is Luzia different from other colivings in Madeira?
Luzia is smaller and more residential than the large coliving hubs. It focuses on comfort, space and work-friendly living rather than organised events or high guest turnover, so it suits people who want stability and quality over a highly programmed coliving experience.
Community & daily life
How many people live in the coliving?
Up to 6 people share the house. Each person, or sometimes a couple, has their own private room. Most guests are active, open-minded and nature-loving; they enjoy a calm, respectful atmosphere and like joining hikes or dinners when they can.
What kind of community and events can I expect?
Luzia is not a hostel, a retreat centre or a guided workation, but it is very well connected. When you move in, we introduce you to the wider digital nomad community on the island and share the WhatsApp groups for activities, coworking and events. Most people find their tribe quickly and join meetups, outdoor adventures or simply a coffee with others. You can be as social or as quiet as you like.
What is a typical day like at Luzia?
Most residents work from their room or the shared work areas, take breaks in the garden or on the sunny terrace, and spend evenings cooking together, walking into the city or meeting friends nearby. Weekends are for hikes, levadas, the beach and the rest of the island.
Will I have privacy?
Yes. It is a large house with 3 bathrooms, several common areas and 3 outdoor spaces. Every guest has a private room, and the layout gives you privacy even when the house is full.
Can couples stay at Luzia?
Yes, a couple can share one of the double rooms. Tell us in your application that you are travelling as two, so we can plan the house mix.
How do I connect with the wider digital nomad community in Madeira?
Through nearby coworking spaces, local meetups, the community WhatsApp groups we share when you arrive, and recommendations from the house. Funchal has a lively nomad scene with hikes, sports, dance classes, founder meetups and more, so you never depend on in-house events.
Work setup & internet
How fast and reliable is the internet?
The house runs on glass fibre at around 500 Mbit/s (often more), with a mesh network that covers the entire house. LAN cables are usually available if you prefer a wired connection. Guests in high-bandwidth fields such as video editing and game streaming have found it very reliable.
Are there dedicated workspaces?
Yes. Every room has its own desk with an external monitor, plugs and an ergonomic chair, and there are shared work areas and a call-friendly rooftop for the daytime. The setup supports focused, independent work rather than a loud coworking atmosphere.
Where can I take calls?
In your own room or in the designated call spots such as the rooftop. To keep the shared spaces calm, the house rules ask residents not to take work or private calls in the common areas when others are around.
Do guests usually work full-time while staying here?
Many do, while others combine part-time work with a longer holiday. The house attracts people who value a good work setup but also want the flexibility to enjoy Madeira and slow down when needed.
Availability & booking
Do you operate as a coliving all year round?
No, Luzia is a seasonal coliving. From November to May, rooms are rented individually as a small, work-friendly coliving; this season starts on 8 November 2026. From June to October, the whole house is rented privately as one unit, which is ideal for families, friends and groups.
What is the minimum stay?
The minimum stay is 5 nights. We especially love hosting people who stay 2 weeks or longer, so they can settle in, feel at home, deepen their connections and enjoy a regular routine.
How does the booking process work?
Because you share the house with others, we ask you to tell us a bit about yourself first: your dates, how you imagine a normal working day, and what kind of place and people you're looking for. We usually reply within a day. If it's a good fit and the room is free, we send the next steps to secure your stay. Rooms 3 and 4 can also be booked directly online, and Rooms 1 and 2 on Airbnb. A few days or weeks before arrival, we invite you to the house WhatsApp group so you can meet your fellow colivers.
Is there a selection process?
There is a light selection process for stays of two weeks or longer, to make sure guests and the house are a good fit. It keeps the atmosphere respectful and work-friendly for everyone.
How much does a room cost?
Rates depend on the room, the season and the length of your stay. Send us your dates and we'll reply with the exact price for your stay.
How does payment work?
Direct bookings for Rooms 3 and 4 are made in our booking system, which shows the price, the payment schedule and any deposit at checkout and on your confirmation email. Rooms 1 and 2 are booked on Airbnb and follow Airbnb's payment terms. If you book after applying with us, we send you the payment details with your confirmation.
What is the cancellation policy?
For direct bookings, cancellation is free up to 60 days before check-in; after that, the full stay is charged. Stays in the high season, 23 December to 6 January, are non-refundable. The policy shown at checkout and on your confirmation is the one that applies. Airbnb bookings follow the cancellation policy on the Airbnb listing.
How far in advance should I book?
Ideally a few weeks ahead, especially for longer stays or the busier winter months, because there are only four rooms and most stays are mid- to long-term. Last-minute spots do open up, so if your dates are flexible it's still worth asking.
How can I hear about availability first?
Send us your WhatsApp number or email and we'll add you to our priority list. When a room becomes free, you'll hear about it before we post it publicly.
Location & getting around
Where exactly is Luzia Coliving?
In Santa Luzia, a peaceful residential neighbourhood just above Funchal's city centre, at Rua de Santa Luzia 101B. The area is safe, well connected and popular with locals.
How far is it to the city centre and the sea?
The centre, cafés, supermarkets and the seafront are all within walking distance: most places take 12 to 25 minutes on foot. The nearest supermarket is 900 m away, the marina 1.4 km and Rua de Santa Maria, the old-town street full of restaurants and bars, 1.3 km. The walk back is uphill, which many guests count as their daily workout.
Do I need a car or scooter?
Not for daily life: shops, cafés, the centre and the sea are walkable, and the bus stop is right outside. To explore the rest of Madeira, such as hikes, beaches outside Funchal and viewpoints, we strongly recommend renting a car or scooter, because public transport is limited for day trips. We're happy to share reliable rental contacts.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is private covered parking at the house and free street parking right outside.
How do I get from the airport?
Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from Funchal. You can take a taxi, use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt, or rent a car at the airport. Ask us for local driver contacts.
Practical questions
What is included in my stay?
Your private room with air conditioning and a full workspace, fibre Wi-Fi, all shared spaces (living room with smart TV, Netflix and sound system, coworking area, kitchen, garden and three terraces), bed linen and towels, regular cleaning, a washing machine, and free parking. Shared household basics such as soap, detergent, toilet paper, oil and spices are split evenly between residents.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is any time after 15:00 and check-out any time before 11:00. If your flight leaves later, you can leave your luggage in the living room.
Are there house rules?
A few, based on respect and common sense: quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am, no calls in shared spaces when others are around, smoking only outside on the terrace, no pets, and guests only with prior agreement.
What's the weather like in Madeira in winter?
Surprisingly mild. In December, daytime temperatures are around 18–22 °C, with evenings around 14–16 °C. Rain happens, especially in the mountains, but rarely lasts long. The sea stays around 20 °C, so you can still swim, and it's a lovely time for hiking with fewer crowds.
What should I pack for Madeira?
Layers, a light jacket and a rain layer, because the weather can change quickly. Hiking shoes are really useful, as trails can be slippery. If you don't want to bring them, there's a Decathlon and a good second-hand market on the island. Before arrival we send you a guide with useful apps, groups to join, outdoor tips and a packing list.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No. Almost everyone in Funchal speaks English, especially in the nomad community, and locals and expats are friendly and helpful.
Didn’t find your answer?
Send us a message on WhatsApp or apply directly. We usually reply within a day.
Is this a social or a quiet coliving?
It is a balanced coliving. Luzia is social in a natural, low-key way: shared meals and conversations happen organically, but it is not a party house and does not run scheduled events. Guests respect each other's work routines and privacy.