Madeira is a beautiful island with many natural and cultural attractions.
To discover it, you can choose to sleep in the capital, in a village, near a beach or near natural pools.
Here’s our selection of the best places to stay in Madeira, with map, reviews and photos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Where to stay in Madeira Map and quick answers
Let’s start with a map to help you find your way:
And in a nutshell:
- Where to stay without a car:
Old town of Funchal - Where to stay for a charming little town:
Camara de Lobos - Where to stay for hiking:
Porto da Cruz for hiking in the east, or Ribeira Brava for a very central town. - Where to stay for a sandy beach:
Calheta - Where to stay for natural pools:
Porto Moniz
Best hotels in Madeira
Before describing each place to stay, you may also prefer to choose by hotel rather than by location.
In that case, have a look at our articles:
- Best 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best hotels in Funchal Old Town
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best romantic hotels
1. Old town of Funchal
Why stay in Funchal’s old town?
Staying in Funchal’s old town has many advantages, the main one being easy access to attractions such as Sé Cathedral and Forte São Tiago. You’ll be surrounded by charming architecture and cobbled streets filled with local stores, restaurants and bars. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Madeira’s culture.
Thanks to its central location, we loved being able to walk to most of the sights while enjoying a lively but relaxed atmosphere, day and night.
Nearby attractions
- Cathedral and churches
- Lots of museums: photography, soccer, history, sacred art…
- Old Funchal has a coarse pebble beach
- Dolphin boat tours
- Many excursions available from Funchal
See our article on Funchal’s top attractions.
Where to sleep in old Funchal
We recommend..:
- Appart’hôtel Three House: our favorite! Beautifully decorated, fully-equipped apartments with swimming pool and rooftop bar – see prices, photos and availability.
- Castanheiro Boutique-Hotel: 4-star establishment with superb rooftop pool, bar and Jacuzzi – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel Barcelo Funchal Old Town: luxury hotel with an incredible swimming pool overlooking the city – see prices, photos and availability.
See our article on the best hotels in Funchal’s old town
2. Funchal Casino / port
Why stay near the Casino in Funchal
Staying near the Casino de Funchal, you’ll have access to some of Madeira’s most luxurious accommodation. This neighborhood is home to upscale hotels such as Savoy Palace, Reid’s Palace and Cliff Bay, known for their opulent amenities and breathtaking ocean views.
The hotel’s location gives you easy access to Funchal’s attractions, while offering a more upscale experience in dreamy surroundings.
Nearby attractions
- The CR7 museum is nearby
- Le Casino
- Parque de Santa de Catarina
- No beach
- Dolphin boat tours
- Many excursions available from Funchal
- You’re just a 15-minute walk from the old town.
Where to sleep near Funchal Casino
We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Suites of The Cliff Bay: a charming place with breathtaking ocean views – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel Reid’s Palace: an emblematic luxury hotel overlooking Funchal – see prices, photos and availability.
- Royal Savoy Hotel: breathtaking views and private ocean access – See prices, photos and availability
3. Funchal Lido
Why stay at the Lido
Staying in Funchal’s Lido district has many advantages. It’s known for its beautiful coastal promenade, the popular Lido beach complex with its saltwater pools and easy access to the sea. The area is well served by reliable bus services to the city center and other parts of Madeira. Here you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and stores, allowing you to enjoy a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The mild year-round climate is ideal for outdoor activities, including diving and sunbathing.
Nearby attractions
- Seaside pools
- Tourist shopping
- Closest to Praia Formosa (pebble beach)
- Many excursions available from Funchal
Where to stay in Lido
We recommend..:
- Hotel Enotel in the Lido district, 5-star all-inclusive – see photos and availability
- Hotel Baia Azul – modern, seafront – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Pestana Vila Lido – for those who love resorts, right on the seafront with rock formations – see prices, photos and availability
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
4. Porto Moniz
Why stay in Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is a charming town on the north-western tip of Madeira. It’s famous for its natural volcanic rock pools, which we loved.
Spend the night or your vacation here, and enjoy the pools without the crowds of day-trippers, and discover the tranquility of the city. Away from the crowds of Funchal, this town is convenient for exploring the whole western half of Madeira by day and relaxing in the evening.
Nearby attractions
- Natural pools
- Aquarium
- Ribeira de Janela nearby
- Achadas da Cruz cable car nearby
See our article on the best attractions in Porto Moniz
Where to sleep in Porto Moniz
We recommend..:
- Aqua Natura Madeira, just above the natural pools – See prices, photos and availability
- Aqua Natural Bay, on the harbour with beautiful views of Madeira’s north coast – see prices, photos and availability
- Euro Moniz Hotel: 3-star hotel in the city center – See prices, photos and availability
>> See the top-rated accommodations in Porto Moniz
5. Camara de Lobos
Why stay at Camara
Câmara de Lobos is a picturesque fishing town on the south coast. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty and local culture.
We really appreciated its relaxed atmosphere, organized around the harbor, its views of the high cliffs around Cabo Girao and its historic charm.
Winston Churchill once spent a few days’ vacation here and took the opportunity to paint this charming port.
Nearby attractions
- The narrow streets of the town and its charming little port
- Jardim do Ilheu with its beautiful views of the cliffs
- The pebble beach: Praia de Vigaro
- and not far away: the cliffs of Cabo do Girao and its cable car
See our article on the best attractions in Camara de Lobos.
Where to sleep in Camara de Lobos
We recommend..:
- Hotel Pestana Churchill Bay: with panoramic views of the little harbour and a rooftop pool – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Pestana Fisherman village: with all the charm of Madeira – See prices, photos and availability
- And lots of great apartments to rent with beautiful views – see top-rated accommodations
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
6. Ponta do Sol
Why stay in Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is an idyllic location on the south coast, known as the sunniest town on the island. Nestled between plantation-covered cliffs, its charming little center is organized around a pebble beach.
There are lots of visitors during the day, but in the evening you’ll enjoy a very relaxed, natural atmosphere.
Nearby attractions
- Historic bridge
- Pebble beach
- Near Levada do Moinho
- Near the village of Madalena do Mar
- Near Cascada dos Anjos, waterfall on the road
See our article on the best attractions in Ponta do Sol.
Where to sleep in Ponta do Sol
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
7. Calheta
Why stay in Calheta
Calheta is a region in the south-west of Madeira for those wishing to enjoy a day at the beach between days of exploring the countryside. The island doesn’t have many beaches, but Claheta has one of the two (imported) sandy beaches.
Nearby attractions
- Beach, beach, beach
- Several charming villages in the area: Jardim do Mar, Madalena do Mar…
Where to sleep in Calheta
We recommend..:
- Hotel Socalco Nature – nestled in atypical dwellings in the heart of a vineyard – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Saccharum – Savoy Signature: superb rooftop infinity pool and private beach – see prices, photos and availability
- Yeotown Health Retreat Hotel – a more secluded option for rejuvenating in the area – see prices, photos and availability
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8. Machico
Why stay in Machico
Machico is the other destination for those seeking easy access to a sandy beach. It’s the island’s second-largest city. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with a local flair. There are no big hotels here, but a mix of rentals and local accommodation.
Nearby attractions
- Golden sand beach (imported)
- All viewpoints around the city
- Caniçal and the Whale Museum
- Nearby (15 min) is Ponta de Sao Louranço with its hiking trails and volcanic cliffs. A magnificent place
See our article on the best attractions in Machico.
Where to sleep in Machico
In Machico, you won’t find any hotels, mainly rentals.
See some options on Booking.
9. Porto da Cruz
Why stay in Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz is a peaceful fishing village on the north coast, offering a tranquil escape from the busiest tourist areas. We liked its location, which makes it an ideal base for exploring the wild countryside and hiking.
Watching the locals sit on a bench to admire the beauty of nature around them was fascinating.
Nearby attractions
- The seawater pool
- The sugar cane factory museum
- Access to numerous hikes in reasonable time: Pico do Arieiro, Ponta de Sao Louranço, Verada de Caldeirao Verde…
See our article on the best attractions in Porto da Cruz.
Where to sleep in Porto da Cruz
This city is less developed for tourism. You’ll find two small hotels by the sea and rental properties.
- Hotel Costa Linda – see photos and availability
- Hotel Vila Bela – see photos and availability
- House for rent – Modern and close to water – see photos and availability
10. Jardim do Mar
Why stay at Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar is a coastal village in the southwest. It offers a tranquil base from which to discover the island’s natural beauty. For those looking for a more unique place to stay, this is our recommendation.
Here, you’ll find your own accommodation in one of the narrow streets (no approach by car), with beautiful sea views. It really is a cliffside village.
Nearby attractions
- The village lanes
- The beautiful waterfront
- Other villages such as Paul do Mar
- the Garganta Funda waterfall on the west side of the island
- Ponta do Pargo lighthouse
- Calheta beach just 5 minutes away (sand)
See our article on the best attractions in Jardim do Mar.
Where to sleep in Jardim do Mar
Here you’ll find mainly rentals.
- Villa Flora, for a peaceful stay (above Jardim do Mar) – see photos and availability
- Casa do Mar, in the historic center – see photos and availability
- Casa do Sol’s swimming pool – see photos and availability
11. Ribeira Brava
Why stay in Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava is Madeira’s most central town. It is at the junction of the south coast road and the road that runs through the middle of the island. We love the peaceful atmosphere of this town with its pebble beach, beautiful church and surrounding plantations.
Nearby attractions
- Downtown with church
- The pebble beach and seafront
- Easy access to most of the island thanks to its location
See our article on the best attractions in Ribeira Brava.
Where to sleep in Ribeira Brava
You’ll find mainly rentals. We recommend..:
- Boutique Hotel Sonho do Oceano, in the hills – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Dazkarizeh73, with its exotic ambience – See prices, photos and availability
- or view top-rated homes
Other Madeira destinations
Caniço / Praia Rei Magos
On the west coast, just a 20-minute drive from Funchal.
Caniço offers a pebble beach with a small seawater pool and pretty basalt cliffs.
Here you’ll find several hotels and rentals.
See the best rated accommodations.
Santa Cruz
Close to the airport and aquapark.
With a full-length pebble beach.
See the best rated accommodations.
Sao Vicente
Sao Vicente is Ribeira Brava’s counterpart on the north coast, in the middle of the island.
It’s also a convenient location for visiting the whole island.
The town stretches along the valley, with a beautiful waterfront.
You’ll find mostly rentals.
See the top-rated accommodations in Sao Vicente.
FAQs
North or south coast?
It all depends on what you’re looking for:
The south coast is home to almost all the island’s hotels and restaurants. It’s livelier and sunnier.
The north coast is wilder, with more grandiose landscapes (in our opinion) and rural accommodation.
One home or several?
Madeira isn’t very big, so you can discover the whole island from a single location.
If you’re staying longer than 5 days, you may want to cut down on travel time (especially if you’re hiking early in the morning) and experience two different places.
In this case, we recommend you choose accommodation in Funchal, and accommodation on the west side of the island.
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
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
