In terms of accommodation, you can go in all directions on Madeira: from authentic quintas in small villages to fine hotels and apartments on the beach or in the capital Funchal. There is something for everyone, but it can be difficult to choose where to stay in Madeira. Not sure where to stay in Madeira? View the most beautiful places and accommodations in Madeira in this article!
#1 Funchal
The capital of this island is Funchal and this is one of the most convenient places to stay in Madeira. Especially if you don’t want to change accommodation during your holiday, Funchal is the ideal base to the rest of the island. In addition, there is more than enough to see and do in Funchal itself. Keep in mind that the city is quite busy, especially if you are in the so-called hotel district on the west side. I myself spent 6 nights in the very quiet and non-touristy east of Funchal in a fantastically beautiful quinta. If you are looking for peace, but want to have the center within walking distance, I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful place.
I ended my trip with 2 nights in the busy west and stayed overnight at TUI Blue Gardens. This is a very comfortable adult only hotel with two swimming pools. Personally I prefer the east, but if you prefer a bit more bustle and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, the west is a better option.
Tips for accommodations in Funchal
- Romantic Studio. Wonderful quinta in the east of Funchal. One of my favorite stays in Madeira.
- TUI Blue Gardens. Modern hotel in the lively Lido district with beautiful views over the bay and the surrounding area.
#2 Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz is a small town on the east coast of Madeira. As far as I’m concerned, the coastline here is one of the most beautiful on the entire island. This town is located in a small bay, so you have a view of the mountain landscape on the other side of the water from the coast. Porto da Cruz is home to the North Mills Distillery, Madeira’s most famous rum distiller. From Porto da Cruz, the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula is within easy reach. In addition, the mountain village of Santana and Ribeiro Frio National Park are also nearby. The bay of Porto da Cruz is known as one of the finest surfing spots in Madeira.
Tips for accommodations in Porto da Cruz
- Villa Ricardo. Beautifully situated accommodation with views over the bay and the mountains. With a nice swimming pool and very friendly and hospitable owners.
- Hotel Vila Bela. Small-scale hotel on the beach of Praia da Alagoa. The hotel has a nice restaurant and, in addition to hotel rooms, they also rent out apartments with wonderfully spacious private terraces.
#3 Calheta
Calheta has something unique: here you will find one of the few beaches in Madeira. Admittedly, it’s a bit of cheating, as the sand on this beach was imported from Morocco, but it’s still a great destination if you also want to relax on the beach with a good book. For a bed you only pay €2 for a whole day. Great deal if you ask me. There are also quite a few nice restaurants in Calheta. At the harbor you have Manifattura Di Gelato, for example, a very good Italian. In addition, the fish restaurants are also really good with competitively priced dishes. Calheta is the ideal base to the west of Madeira. From here you can easily drive to the PR 6 25 Fontes, one of the most popular hikes on the island. The fanal forest and lighthouse of Ponta da Pargo are also easy to visit.
Tips for accommodations in Calheta
- Villa Esmeralda. We stayed in Villa Esmeralda and that is highly recommended if you want to stay centrally in a nice, spacious and very new studio.
- Glamping Pods Nature Retreat. Beautiful glamping houses in the hills of Calheta. With swimming pool and beautiful views over the coastline.
#4 Camara de Lobos
Funchal runs almost flawlessly on the west side in the town of Câmara de Lobos. In terms of atmosphere, the city center also resembles Funchal. With its atmospheric streets and nice harbor, Câmara de Lobos is a good alternative to the busier capital. If you want to stay on Madeira in a place where there are plenty of restaurants, but it is not too busy, Câmara de Lobos is a good option. I advise you to sit in the central part, because it is the cosiest. Do you want really traditional food? Then go to the Viola Restaurant higher up and order estepada, the meat dish of Madeira. Those who love Madeira wine should not miss winery Barbeito.
Tips for accommodations in Câmara de Lobos
- Quinta da Saraiva. Beautiful, slightly elevated quinta with swimming pool and accommodation including breakfast. A wonderful place if you prefer not to stay in the center.
- Casa do Ilheu. Super centrally located holiday home with terrace and balcony. Ideal if you are in Madeira with two couples or your family,
#5 Sao Vincente
My favorite place to stay in Madeira was São Vincente in the north. The weather in the north is a lot less predictable than in the south. This makes it less touristy here, while the landscape is much more impressive. I was therefore very happy that I had included a stay in São Vincente in our trip. The town itself is not that much, although there are a number of restaurants on the water. Nevertheless, I advise you to opt for a higher-lying accommodation. I stayed overnight at Quinta Vale Vitis and this is without doubt one of the nicest accommodations I have ever stayed at. This quinta opened its doors in 2022 so everything is wonderfully new. Breakfast is included and you are also free to pick whatever you want in the vegetable garden. A lovely place where I would have liked to stay a little longer!
Tips for accommodations in Sao Vincente
- Quinta Vale Vitis. Small-scale boutique hotel with swimming pool, vegetable garden and sauna. Located in a beautiful location in the hills of São Vincente.
- House of Bago. Entire holiday home with 3 bedrooms within walking distance of the coast. Including wonderfully spacious garden and terrace.
#6 Porto Moniz
The place that gave me the most holiday feeling in Madeira was Porto Moniz. This seaside resort is located in the northwest of the island and is known for its natural pools. These are, as the name implies, pools of water between the rocks that you can swim in. In addition, there is also an aquarium in Porto Moniz and you will find plenty of restaurants. From Porto Moniz you can drive to the town of Seixal in five minutes. Here you will find a natural black beach. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bays in Madeira. The fanal forest is also nearby.
Tips for accommodations in Porto Moniz
- Aqua Nature Bay. This four-star hotel is located right on the coast of Porto Moniz and is fully equipped. There are two swimming pools, a wellness center and a restaurant.
- Pont House. Complete and competitively priced two bedroom house 500 meters from the coast of Porto Moniz.
#7 Ponta do Sol or Ribeira Brava
Do you want the chance of sun to be as high as possible during your stay in Madeira? Then choose an accommodation in Ponta do Sol or neighboring Ribeira Brava. On average, these two places receive the most sunshine throughout the year. Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava are small coastal towns between Funchal and Calheta. There is not much to do, but both are a great base for the rest of the island. In Ponta do Sol I really liked the pier. The waves crash against it with such force, beautiful to see! The most beautiful walk you can take in the area is Levada do Moinho.
Tips for accommodations in Ponta do Sol
- 1905 Zinos Palace. Those who feel like immersing themselves in luxury can choose to stay in the historic 1905 Zino’s Palace. A beautiful and unique accommodation with swimming pool and close to the beach.
- Sol Apt Beachfront. Lovely spacious apartment in the heart of Ponta do Sol.
All destinations in Madeira on the map
The map below shows where all the above towns are located on Madeira.
Package tour to Madeira
If you would like to book a package trip including flight, accommodation and possibly transport, that is of course also possible. Most package holidays go to Funchal, simply because this is where most accommodations are located. You have a wide choice of beautiful accommodations, ranging from large hotels to small-scale apartment complexes.
With these tips I hope to have answered your question where to stay in Madeira.
