Years ago, a ferry route connected Funchal, Madeira, and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. The journey, covering 324 miles, took about 14 hours and was operated once a week by ENM Ferries. However, ENM Ferries seems to have vanished from public memory, with its booking websites abandoned and little information available today.
Nothing has been heard about this ferry since, and it seems highly unlikely that a new ferry service will resume on this route to Tenerife in the foreseeable future.
It's not the only ferry route to Madeira that has been abandoned.
The Disappearance of the Connection to Portugal
Today, there are no ferries connecting Madeira to either the Canary Islands or mainland Portugal. The once-popular route between Portimão and Funchal has also been discontinued, leaving travelers with no ferry options to reach the island.
The reasons for this disappearance are likely economic and logistical. Operating ferries over such long distances can be expensive, especially with low passenger demand. Furthermore, competition from air travel, which is both faster and often more affordable, has likely made it unfeasible for ferry operators to maintain these routes profitably.
Why air travel took over
Air travel is now the dominant mode of transportation between Madeira and other regions. With frequent flights and shorter travel times. (2 hours (flight) vs 24 hours (ferry) from Portugal)
Airlines also have the advantage of offering more flexible schedules, making them a preferred option over ferries.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Cargo Ship Alternative
For those seeking a more adventurous way to reach Madeira, there is a less-known alternative. GSLines, a cargo shipping company, operates a route between mainland Portugal and Madeira. They offer a limited number of passenger cabins on board their cargo ships. Though not a traditional ferry service, this option allows travelers to experience a unique journey by sea.
Conclusion
The days of ferry connections to Madeira may be over for now, likely due to economic factors, though it might just be a rumor but people also talk about corruption related to the ferry. However, for the adventurous traveler, the cargo ship route still offers a link to this beautiful island.
Ps. There are still a few people fighting for return of the ferry.
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