Cookie Policy

This website of Lost In Madeira uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure correct operation, improve user experience, analyze traffic, and when appropriate, carry out marketing actions. This Policy explains which cookies we use, what they are for, and how you can manage your preferences.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored in your browser when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits, save preferences, and improve your experience.

Similar technologies include web beacons, tracking pixels, browser local storage (localStorage), and other identification technologies.

2. Categories of cookies used

We use cookies in different categories, as follows:

2.1 Essential cookies (strictly necessary)

These cookies are necessary for basic website functionality and cannot be disabled without compromising functionality.

These cookies are strictly necessary for website security and to process booking forms, contacts, and authentication. They do not require prior consent.

2.2 Analytics and performance cookies

These cookies allow us to measure how the website is used, identify problems, and optimise performance and content.

These cookies allow us to understand visitor behaviour, most visited pages, time spent and traffic sources, so we can improve the website. You can object through your cookie preferences or through the Google Analytics Opt-out extension.

2.3 Marketing and advertising cookies

These cookies allow us to present relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness. They are only used if you have consented.

These cookies allow advertising platforms, such as Meta and Google, to present targeted advertisements to users who have visited our website, even on other sites. They will only be used if you give explicit consent.

2.4 Functionality and preferences cookies

These cookies store your preferences to improve your experience.

2.5 Third-party integrated cookies

The website may integrate third-party functionalities, which may store their own cookies:

• WhatsApp: Direct contact button; WhatsApp cookies
• Google Maps (if applicable): Interactive maps; Google cookies
• Booking forms: Payment processing platforms may store session identifiers

3. Legal basis for cookie use

The use of cookies is based on:

• Essential cookies: Contract execution and legitimate interests (do not require prior consent).
• Analytics cookies: Legitimate interest in improving the website and understanding user behaviour; require consent on first visit.
• Marketing cookies: Explicit user consent; only activated if you accept the “Marketing” category.

4. How to manage your cookie preferences

On your first visit, the website displays a cookie banner with options to accept or customise your preferences. You can:

• Accept all: Allows all non-essential cookies.
• Reject: Disables only non-essential cookies; essential ones remain active.
• Customise: Choose your preferences category by category.

After your first visit, you can change your preferences at any time through:

1. Cookie banner: The “Manage cookies” or “Preferences” link in the website footer opens the configuration panel.
2. Browser settings:
   
   • You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.).
   • For instructions, visit your browser’s documentation.
3. Advertising opt-out:
   
   • Google Ads: Google Ad Settings
   • Meta: Meta Ad Preferences

Important note: If you disable essential cookies, some website features (such as booking forms, authentication, security) may not work correctly.

5. Consent duration

Consent to non-essential cookies is stored for 12 months. After this period, you will be asked again to confirm your preferences if you return to the website.

6. Cookies for registered users (clients)

If you create an account to manage bookings or receive newsletters, additional cookies may be stored to:

• Maintain your account session;
• Store booking history;
• Personalise content and offers.

Data associated with these cookies is processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

7. Marketing communications

If you consent to receive marketing communications via email or WhatsApp, we will use cookies to:

• Track whether you opened an email (via tracking pixel);
• Identify which links you clicked;
• Measure campaign effectiveness.

You can withdraw consent for communications at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link at the end of any email or by contacting us directly.

8. Cookie security

Cookies used on the website are:

• Encrypted: Sensitive data (such as session IDs) are encrypted in transit.
• HTTP only: Some cookies are marked as “HttpOnly” to prevent access by malicious scripts.
• Secure: Only transmitted over HTTPS, never over plain HTTP.

We do not store passwords, credit card numbers, or other financial information in cookies. Payment data is processed by secure third parties and is not stored in your browser.

9. User rights

You have the right to:

• Know which cookies are being used;
• Refuse non-essential cookies;
• Delete existing cookies;
• Object to advertising tracking;
• Request information on how your data is used (see Privacy Policy).

To exercise these rights, contact us via [email] or [WhatsApp].

10. Cookies from other websites

This Policy applies only to lostinmadeira.pt. When you click links to other websites or use social media, those sites have their own cookie policies. We are not responsible for third-party cookie practices.

11. Applicable legislation

This Cookie Policy complies with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU 2016/679);
• Directive on privacy and electronic communications (ePrivacy Directive) (2002/58/EC, amended by 2009/136/EC);
• Personal Data Protection Law (Law no. 67/98, as amended);
• Cybersecurity Law (Law no. 32/2008).

12. Contact

For questions about cookies or privacy:

• Email: [email]
• Phone/WhatsApp: [number]
• Address: [full fiscal address]

For complaints about privacy to the supervising authority:

• National Data Protection Commission (CNPD)
• Website: www.cnpd.pt

13. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect new technologies, legal changes, or new practices. The version in force will always be the one published on the website on the date of consultation.