With colorful buildings, an old bridge with beautiful views and a sunny beach, Ponta do Sol is one of the island’s must-see spots.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Ponta do Sol region, plus useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Ponta do Sol worth a visit?
Yes, the town of Ponta do Sol is well worth a visit, for its old town center by the sea.
The colorful buildings, church and historic bridge make for a pleasant stroll in one of the island’s sunniest spots.
It’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful cities.
1. Ponta do Sol Beach
The town’s tourist area is concentrated around the beach and seafront.
As Ponta do Sol is one of the sunniest towns on the island, its beach is very popular and one of the most beautiful on Madeira).
This landscaped pebble beach stretches between the cliffs at the mouth of the valley.
It’s just over 150m long.
- Water temperature approx. 19°C/20°C in summer
- Changing rooms
- Toilets
- Restaurants and bars on the beach and in the street leading up from the beach.
- Supervised beach in summer
- A breakwater has been built to break the waves, allowing safe, calm bathing.
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- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
2. Historic bridge and views
The bridge is the town’s main attraction. It is very picturesque with its round vault. It links the pier to the shore.
Built in 1848 and 1849, this enabled the entire south coast to be supplied by the road linking all the villages.
It’s a very photogenic place, both from the shore and from the bridge and jetty.
Enjoy beautiful views of the cliffs of the north coast. You can even see the towering cliffs of Cabo Girao in the distance.
And on the other side, you also have a beautiful view of the Pont do Sol waterfront.
Also note the shades of blue, the lava rocks and the remains of the
A bridge links the road to the pier. It’s a small stone bridge with an arch in the shape of the old prison.
3. Colorful waterfront buildings
The atmosphere in Ponta do Sol is sunny and tranquil. Take time to admire all the buildings along the waterfront: colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies, typical of these islands.
And at the end of the walk near the tunnel, don’t miss the yellow and brown Art Deco building that used to be the Antigo cinema, built in 1933. In summer, the Micro Film Festival is held in Ponta do Sol.
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4. Nossa Senhora da Luz Church
In the heart of the seafront, discover the small Nossa Senhora da Luz Mère church. Its style is typical of the island, with white walls and gray stone edges.
Built at the end of the 15th century, its façade was rebuilt in the 18th century.
If it’s open, take the time to go inside and admire the ornaments, and especially the ceiling!
From the outside, note the shape around the clock, as it’s not typical and quite surprising!
5. Creating a history of the town
Even if many of the buildings are modern, take the time to understand the place and its history. This fertile, wind-protected valley is one of the oldest places on Madeira Island.
From the earliest years of colonization, around 1425, people settled here. And the village was founded in 1501.
The town was an agricultural center with sugarcane production, which enabled it to prosper. Today, however, you mainly see banana plantations.
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6. Parque Infante D. Henrique
Before or after descending to the sea, don’t miss the stairs leading up behind the church.
They take you to a small square above the waterfront rooftops.
It’s a peaceful place with beautiful views of the sea, the city and the surrounding mountains.
There are also attractive tiles above the benches.
Be careful, there’s no shadow, or just 10 cm here and there with the decorative bars.
6. Note the Palace of Zinos
The rest of the town extends into the valley and into the next valley, but is of little architectural or historical interest.
However, Ponta do Sol’s other famous building is the Zinos Palace.
Be sure to look up to spot it. You can’t miss it, because this romantic late 19th-century building is pink!
You can sleep there or enjoy its restaurant.
Today, it’s a 4-star hotel – see photos and availability
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
7. Hiking around Ponta do Sol: Levada do Moinho
There are several well-known hikes in the vicinity of Ponta do Sol.
The nearest, which starts in the town itself, is PR7 Levada do Moinho.
This is a typical hike along a levada (irrigation channel).
Along the way, you’ll discover the ruins of a mill.
But it’s best known for its tunnel and waterfall, a very photogenic spot!
This is one of the few photos on this site that we didn’t take, but we hope to return soon!
- 8 to 10 km round trip
- attention slippery ground
- moderate difficulty
- allow 4 to 5 hours
Other attractions in and around Ponta do Sol
We’ve listed our must-haves, but you can also take advantage of..:
- John Dos Passos Cultural Center:
The space includes exhibition rooms, a library and an auditorium, in homage to the Portuguese-born writer John Dos Passos,
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. - Banana Museum of Madeira
In the following valley, find out more about planting and the fruit
And you can combine your visit to Ponta do Sol with other attractions in the area:
- Cascada dos Anjos
A waterfall that falls onto a road, for those who want to take an unusual shower. - The village of Madalena do Mar and its mini-hike along the banana plantations.
It’s less than 10 minutes away by car.
Learn more in our article. - The town of Ribeira Brava, especially for its pretty church and gentle way of life.
It’s less than 15 minutes away by car.
You can also plan a day for yourself:
Starting in the hills with the famous Levada das 25 Fontes hike, one of the most beautiful on the island.
Then relax in Ponta do Sol, have lunch and enjoy the beach.
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How to get to Ponta do Sol + parking
Where is Ponta do Sol
- Middle of Madeira’s south coast
- From Funchal = 30 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min
- From Machico = 45 min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way to get around Madeira is to rent a car.
Ponta do Sol is easy to get to, close to main roads, especially from Funchal.
If you don’t want to drive, most guided tours of western Madeira stop at Ponta do SOl: see the program and book your tickets.
Rodoeste operates buses between Funchal and Ponta do Sol. See timetables here.
Parking in Ponta do Sol
Parking can be tricky, especially in the afternoon. To avoid spinning, we recommend arriving early in the morning.
- In all cases, these are paid parking lots. You need coins to operate the machines.
- If you arrive in the afternoon in summer, you may have difficulty finding a parking space.
Useful tips
How long and when is the best time?
Getting around Ponta do Sol isn’t particularly difficult, just a few steep streets.
Ponta do Sol is a popular spot, best known for being Madeira’s sunniest corner. We advise you:
- arrive in the morning for easy parking
- allow 1 hour to explore the waterfront
- consider lunching there
- check webcam conditions
Ponta do Sol is home to a number of festivals that can make traffic difficult: the Microfilm Festival, Madeira Dig…
Restaurants
Ponta do Sol has a restaurant on the beach, another on the bridge access with a beautiful view, and several in the street that runs down the side of the church.
You’ll find fine cuts of meat, fish and seafood, as well as snacks.
Hotels
You can also choose to stay in Ponta do Sol.
The town is central enough to explore the island.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Estalagem, on the seafront with beautiful views
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Enotel Sunset Bay, also by the sea
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel 1905 Zino’s Palace, a charming hotel on the heights of the next valley
See prices, pictures and availability
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
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