Where to stay in Madeira: 11 best areas (2024)

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.

Contents masquer

Where to stay in Madeira Map and quick answers

Best hotels in Madeira

1. Old town of Funchal

2. Funchal Casino / port

Other Madeira destinations

FAQs

Where to stay in Madeira Map and quick answers

Let’s start with a map to help you find your way:

map where to stay madera — Map: Where to stay in Madeira

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:

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.

Appart'hôtel Three House — Appart’hôtel Three House

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

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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

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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.

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See our tips

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.