Where to stay in Madeira – Compare the best areas

Madeira is the island of eternal spring. The Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean offers activities for everyone. From hiking, mountain biking, whale watching to enjoying great food, Madeira has it all. There are several towns in Madeira that are great to stay while exploring the island. 

Funchal is the capital town of the island with the most restaurants around. It has a charming old town and all sorts of facilities you might look for such as a boulevard, shopping centre, cafe’s and nightlife. Funchal is a great place to base yourself with plenty of culture and beautiful old buildings and charming streets to explore. But if you want to stay in the country side of Madeira, then there are some other great options such as Calheta, Santana and Porto da Cruz. So if you are wondering on where to stay in Madeira, then find all the options in our complete guide about the best places to stay in Madeira. 

What is the best area to stay in Madeira?

Depending on your preferences, how long you stay and the things you want to do on Madeira Island, you can choose from plenty areas on the island to book your accommodation. 

The south coast of Madeira is generally sunnier than the north coast. So if you’re coming for a combination of sunshine, hiking and indulging in great food, then either Funchal or Calheta is a safe choice. But other options on the south coast are great as well such as Machico, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava and Jardim do Mar.

Comparison table

To get a quick overview of my recommendations of the best places to stay in Madeira I made the table below. Below the table you’ll find all the in depth information and photos of these accommodations. Please be aware that the given prices may be subject to the season.

Accommodation	Place	Rate/Night
Okulus	Funchal	€450
The Vine Hotel	Funchal	€165
Les Suites Cliff bay	Funchal	€550
Belmond Reid’s	Funchal	€620
Savoy Palace	Funchal	€275
Golden Residence	Funchal	€85
Pestana Fisherman	C. de Lobos	€135
Sea Sunshine	Rib. Brava	€271
Sonho do Oceano	Rib. Brava	€149
Casas da Vargem	P. do Sol	€385
Estalagem	P. do Sol	€159
Calheta Boutique	Calheta	€125
Savoy Saccharum	Calheta	€162
Calheta Glamping	Calheta	€98
Savoy Signature	Calheta	€162
Soul Glamping	Jar. do Mar	€175
Vila ElDoMar	Porto Moniz	€440
Aqua Natura	Porto Moniz	€138
Hotel Euro Moniz	Porto Moniz	€75
Black Sand House	Seixal	€219
Solar da Bica	São Vicente	€115
Casa da Portada	São Vicente	€99
Casa da Piedade	São Vicente	€80
Quinta do Furão	Santana	€129
Vila Bela	P. da Cruz	€58
Dom Pedro Madeira	Machico	€85
Casa do Pescador	Machico	€65
Casa Morena	Santa Cruz	€121

Book your stay in Madeira now!

My favourite places to stay in Madeira

Funchal is often the number one choice because it’s the largest city in Madeira and is often the first stop for many visitors. I love Funchal because it’s a vibrant and bustling city, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Some of the top attractions in Funchal include the historic city center, the Cable Car ride to Monte, and the famous Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market). Funchal is also home to some of the island’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more upscale vacation.

If you are looking more for a laid-back vacation but still want to stay very close to Funchal, Canico de Baixo is also an option. This is a small town located just a short drive from Funchal. It’s a peaceful and tranquil area, perfect for those looking for a more. Canico de Baixo is also home to some of the island’s best beaches, including Reis Magos Beach and Garajau Beach. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples.

My absolute favourite place to stay in Madeira is Calheta. Calheta is a small town located on the southwest coast of Madeira. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and stunning landscapes. Calheta is also a popular spot for watersports, including windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. It’s an excellent choice for families, adventure-seekers, and anyone looking to experience the best of Madeira’s natural beauty.

Seixal at the the north coast is where you can go a bit more off the beaten path. So if you prefer to stay in a less crowded area then Porto do Cruz, Santana, São Vicente and Seixal are great options. 

What is the most beautiful part of Madeira?

Madeira is a stunning archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. While the entire island is incredibly beautiful, I think the following areas stand out as particularly stunning for a lot of people.

One of the most beautiful parts of Madeira is the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers a large part of the island. This ancient forest is home to a variety of rare and endangered trees and its lush vegetation and misty valleys make it feel like a magical wonderland. We’ve visited Fanal Forest many times during our stay in Madeira.

Another breathtaking area in Madeira is the Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island. The hike to the top is challenging but rewarding, with stunning panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain and coastline.

The coastal town of Ponta de São Lourenço is another must-see destination in Madeira. The area is known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations, which are a popular spot for hiking and photography.

Finally, the valley of Curral das Freiras, or “Nun’s Valley,” is a picturesque area surrounded by towering mountains. The valley is named for the nuns who sought refuge there during a pirate raid in the 16th century, and its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it a favorite among visitors to Madeira.

Overall, Madeira is an incredibly beautiful island with many stunning areas to explore. Whether you’re interested in hiking, nature, watersport or simply soaking up the scenery, you’re sure to find something to love in this breathtaking destination.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

If you have the time, make sure to book at least a week to explore Madeira Island. But to get the most out of everything, I would say book at least 10 – 14 days. Madeira island might look small, but there is so much to explore and so many amazing hikes to do. It would be a pity if you come short in time and have to skip some places from your Madeira itinerary.

Although Portugal is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, Madeira isn’t particularly cheap in terms of accommodation and transportation. The general price for accommodation in Madeira is around €40 – €50 per night. However, the more away from the touristy areas, the lower prices you can find. Besides accommodation it is also highly recommend to rent a car in Madeira to get around easily.

We have lived for 7 months on Madeira Island. So don’t compare all the things we did with what you have to tick off from the list of things to do in a much shorter time. Make sure to select at least a few levada walks, but also the amazing Pico to Pico hike, impressive waterfalls and epic viewpoints. 

Where to stay in Madeira Island

30 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA

Funchal

Funchal is the capital town of Madeira island and has many restaurants and beaches to enjoy. There are plenty of facilities and great things to do in Funchal, perfect if you like to experience some typical Madeira life after exploring the beautiful landscapes on the island. 

In 50 minutes you can drive to the most north western point of Madeira island from Funchal. And most of the best hikes on Madeira are not more than 30 minutes away. 

You can find all sorts of accommodation in Funchal. From luxury hotels, modern apartments to beautiful sea front villa’s. There is accommodation for every budget.

Funchal is basically divided in a few neighbourhoods with each its own charm. The Old Town is very atmospheric with the small, cobbled streets and beautiful authentic buildings. From the Old Town most of the city centre of Funchal is reachable by foot. And you can easily take the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens and Monte. 

São Martinho on the other hand is the more touristy area of Funchal where many big hotels are located. From São Martinho you are very closely located to the biggest beach in Funchal, Praia Formosa. But to get to the city centre of Funchal you will need transport as it is too far to walk. Definitely something to take into consideration before booking your accommodation in Funchal. 

Below some of our recommendations which we have personally experienced. 

Okulus 

Okulus is a spacious 4 bedroom villa located in the Old Town with beautiful views on the ocean and Funchal. The 300m2 villa features a private pool on the rooftop terrace with garden and free parking. With your own washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue facilities, Okulus is your luxury home away from home. 

We have experienced Okulus and loved the incredible sunset views from the terrace as well the 180 degree ocean views which you get throughout the property. Check the photos we took below.

If you take the outdoor stairs down you will get on a small beach which feels like a private beach as not many people come here. Definitely a perfect place for couples that want privacy, or for big families or friend gatherings. With 2 bedrooms with a large bed and 2 bedroom with 2 single beds, a total of 8 people can sleep in Okulus. Highly recommended! 

→ Book your stay at Okulus villa here

The Vine Hotel

The Vine is a modern design luxury hotel overlooking the sea and port of Funchal. This 5 star hotel offers all the convenience for a comfortable stay in the centre of Funchal. The panoramic outdoor pool overlooking the city and mountains, the spacious rooms and the great Uva restaurant on the rooftop terrace are some of the facilities that will make your stay at The Vine unforgettable. It is a perfect place to explore Funchal city from as you walk right in the heart of the centre from the hotel. With parking in the dedicated parking garage of The Vine Hotel, you can easily go on day trips or book some of the amazing tours to explore Madeira island. 

→ Book your stay at The Vine hotel here

Les Suites at The Cliff bay by PortoBay

Les Suites at The Cliff Bay is part of the PortoBay brand. This luxury hotel in Funchal is located in the Sao Martinho district and provides guests access to a hot tub, sauna and beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean. With spacious rooms of at least 60m2 with private balcony overlooking the ocean, three restaurants, an indoor pool, a gym and a Pilates room, you will have an incredible all inclusive luxury treatment at the Cliff Bay Funchal. 

→ Book your stay at Les Suites at The Cliff Bay here

The Cliff Bay by PortoBay 

If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Madeira with all the comforts you need, then The Cliff Bay by PortoBay is the answer. With a wide range of luxurious, large rooms with ocean view, 3 salt-water swimming pools, three jacuzzi’s and an incredible fitness and wellness center, you can completely recharge in the hotel after a day of exploring. The multiple restaurants and bars on-site will tickle your taste buds while you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Madeira’s south coast. Definitely some of the best places to stay in Madeira for couples. 

→ Book your stay at The Cliff Bay Funchal here

Belmond Reid’s Palace

The historic Belmond Reis’s Palace hotel is perched on a cliff with wonderful views on Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1891, the Belmond Reid’s Palace offers classic and elegant rooms with modern amenities while keeping the hotel’s traditional interior design and charm. Many famous people have stayed here including Winston Churchill. You will be transported to a 18’s century fairytale when staying at the Belmond Reis’s Palace. The amenities are furthermore several outdoor swimming pools, four restaurants from which one is a Michelin star restaurant, afternoon tea, a bar, spa, wellness center, tennis court, and more. With an elevator guests can be taken down the sea level where they can enjoy the natural rock pools. 

→ Book your stay at Belmond Reid’s Palace here

Savoy Palace

The Savoy Palace Resort brings contemporary luxury to Funchal. Located in the touristy area of São Martinho, you are just a short, scenic walk away from the heart of Funchal’s charming Old Town. The eye catcher of Savoy Palace is the infinity pool overlooking Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore the hotel provides another outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are spacious and provided with everything you need! 

→ Book here your stay at Savoy Palace Funchal

Golden Residence Hotel 

The Golden Residence Hotel is closely located to Praia Formosa, the largest beach in Funchal. This 4 star hotel offers 172 spacious rooms including family rooms and apartments. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, balcony, and more. The on site restaurant Golden Flavours serves regional and international cuisine made with fresh produce from the hotel’s vegetable garden. Other amenities are the Golden Spa which offers various health and beauty treatments, including hot stone massages. It also features a heated indoor pool, a gym, and a meditation room. A perfect choice to stay in Madeira for families and couples. 

→ Book your stay at Golden Residence Hotel here

Câmara de Lobos

Only a 15 minute drive away from Funchal’s centre is the fishermen’s town Cвmara de Lobos located. This town was one of Madeira’s earliest settlements in the 15th century. Nowadays the small town is still a fishermen’s place despite the influx of tourists. During the day you can see the colourful boats bobbing in the waters. At night they go out on the ocean to catch the typical and weird-looking black scabbard fish. Fun thing to know is that Poncha originated in Câmara de Lobos. It was the first place where Poncha was made by fishermen to keep themselves warm during cold nights. So for a complete Cвmara de Lobos experience you have to drink a Poncha here! If you prefer a small village to stay in Madeira, then Câmara de Lobos is a great option. Find here the best places to stay in Câmara de Lobos.

Pestana Fisherman Village

This boutique hotel is located in the picturesque historic centre of Câmara de Lobos, surrounded by the sea and protected by the hillsides of banana plantations. The 42 room hotel is located in one of the main streets, close to the entertainment and commerce that is characteristic of this location. The modern, light rooms with authentic details such as the stone walls are some of the eye catchers of this hotel. Furthermore this hotel provides a year-round outdoor pool and buffet breakfast. 

→ Book your stay at Pestana Fisherman Village here

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava is strategically located on the south coast of Madeira Island close to where the main highways of Madeira island cross each other. If you want to get quickly to the north coast, then you’re in a blink on the VE4 road which takes you directly up north to Sao Vicente. Ribeira Brava does have a pebble stone beach, but it’s not the most beautiful beach of Madeira Island. There are some convenience stores and supermarkets, but overall is Ribeira Brava not that vibrant as Funchal and Calheta with it’s charming marine. Nevertheless, Ribeira Brava can be a great choice to spend a few days and to be very centrally located on the island. Find here the best places to stay in Ribeira Brava. 

Madeira Sea Sunshine with heated pool

This stunning apartment with infinity ocean view has a heated pool which is quite unique for Madeira. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the pool even in the colder winter months. The comfy bed, fully equipped kitchen and spacious outdoor terrace with pool with give you all the comfort and luxury to enjoy your stay in private. The incredible sunset views are a huge bonus and the central location makes it the perfect base to explore Madeira island from. 

→ Book here your stay at Madeira Sea Sunshine

Sonho do Oceano

This stunning villa can be booked as a 3 bedroom villa but also has a separate 1 bedroom with private swimming pool. So you can either book the place as 1, 3 or 4 bedroom villa. The incredible views on the ocean, modern and minimalist design and fully equipped kitchen makes a stay at Sonho do Oceano a perfect, luxury stay in Madeira. 

→ Book here your stay at Sonho do Oceano

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol translates from Portuguese to English to ‘Cape of Sun’. It is known to be the sunniest place on Madeira Island, including Calheta. Ponta do Sol is also the Digital Nomad village of Madeira Island with the first coliving space on Madeira, free working space, events and access to the community. But if you are not a Digital Nomad, then there are still some great accommodations to choose from. Find here the best places to stay in Ponta do Sol. 

Casas da Vargem

Casas da Vargem consists of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes with private bathrooms and a shared swimming pool with incredible ocean views. The light and bright modern design of the villa is appealing and thanks to the floor to ceiling windows you will have a fantastic panoramic ocean view from almost every room. The villa’s all have a patio, sea views, seating area, cable flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, oven and stovetop. Perfect to prepare your own meals and enjoy the food with spectacular views from the terrace.

→ Book your stay at Casas da Vargem here

Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol

This fantastic boutique hotel in Ponta do Sol is some of the most luxury places to stay in Madeira. Set atop a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean, Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol offers minimalistic-style rooms with comfy beds, floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the incredible views and a balcony.

The incredible outdoor infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the ocean and Ponta do Sol are breathtakingly beautiful. Another great feature is the on-site spa and wellness center where guests can pamper themselves after a day of exploring. 

→ Book here your stay at Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol

Calheta

Calheta is one of the few areas in Madeira with a sandy beach. Most of the beaches in Madeira have pebble stones, which is not that comfortable to lay down on. But Calheta beach is a man made beach from about 100 meters long with sea walls to protect the beach from waves and the current. Besides having a great beach, Calheta is a very jovial town to stay where you can mingle in the everyday life of the Madeireans.

Most of the accommodations in Calheta have beautiful ocean view as the town is spread out over the surrounding hills. With easy access to some of the best levada walks on Madeira, and strategically located on the south coast, Calheta is a great choice to stay. Especially if you don’t like city centre vibes, which you get quickly in Funchal. Calheta is a great in between choice of not being too off the beaten path, but still have a nice and quiet experience. Find here the best places to stay in Calheta. 

Calheta Boutique Houses 

Calheta Boutique Houses is a luxury accommodation in Calheta with shared outdoor swimming pool and private villa’s with ocean view. You will have all the amenities that you need and the comfort and luxury of your own private home in Madeira. The modern design and spacious rooms will give you that home away from home feeling. With a fully equipped kitchen, private outdoor seating area and living room including tv you will have everything you need. Definitely recommended for people that want privacy in combination with a luxury stay. We stayed here for 5 weeks and had an amazing time at Calheta Boutique Houses. 

→ Book your stay at Calheta Boutique Houses here

Savoy Saccharum Resort

Savoy Saccarum Resort is one of the most luxury places to stay in Madeira. This 5 star resort features spacious and luxurious room with amazing sea views. It is a perfect resort for either couples or families. Guests can use the squash court, there is a playroom for children and you can easily access Calheta beach. For colder days guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool. But for the warmer days, 2 outdoor swimming pools are available with large sun terraces. The rooftop swimming pool is definitely the eye-catching feature of Savoy, providing breathtaking views over the ocean. There you will also find the rooftop bar serving a variety of beverages. The perfect place to sip on a cocktail while enjoying the amazing sunset views in Calheta.

→ Book your stay at Savoy Saccarum Resort Calheta here

Calheta Glamping Pods – Nature Retreat

The Calheta Glamping Pods are a unique stay in Calheta. These tiny bungalow homes overlook the ocean and each have a patio, private seating area, cable flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. Some units include a dining area and/or a balcony. There are several bungalow options to choose from. Whether you come as a couple or family, you can pick the bungalow that suits your needs. 

→ Book your stay at Calheta Glamping Pods here

Calheta Beach- Savoy Signature

Another great hotel in Calheta is Savoy Signature. With incredible mountain and ocean views, this beachfront hotel features 104 rooms ranging from double rooms, suites to apartments. The apartments comes with a fully-equipped kitchen which makes it a great choice for longer term stays or travellers that like to cook themselves. Savoy Signature is a very family friendly hotel with a sandy beach and calm water, a kids playground and swimming pools with sun loungers. There are a few restaurants and bars you can choose from at Savoy Signature, including a snack bar serving high-quality food and drinks. Other amenities are a Turkish bath, sauna, gym and conference rooms.

→ Book your stay at Savoy Signature Calheta here

Jardim do Mar

The island’s meeting point for the international surfing community. Jardim do Mar breaths surfing with some of the best waves on the island. The small and charming village with narrow cobble stone streets and a beautiful boulevard gives true holiday vibes. However, besides surfing there is not much more to do in the village itself. You will definitely need a car to explore the west coast of the island and go to some of the best levada walks. However, there are some beautiful and unique accommodations in Jardim do Mar, so that would make it a perfect place to relax for one or a few days! Find here the best places to stay in Jardim do Mar. 

Soul Glamping Madeira

This is without a doubt some of the most unique stays in Madeira. Soul Glamping in Jardim do Mar is a luxury dome tent with incredible views on the oceans and village. With all the amenities and luxury you need such as a comfy bed, air conditioning, dining table, flat-screen TV, private bathroom and even a jacuzzi outside, you have everything you need. The sunset views from the southern coast of Madeira are wonderful. Can you already imagine yourself sitting in the jacuzzi with a glass of wine, soaking in the sunset after a day of exploring Madeira?! 

→ Book here your stay at Soul Glamping Madeira

Vila ElDoMar

For larger families and friend groups is Villa El do Mar a perfect choice. The 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms villa consists of 2 bedrooms with a large double bed and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 2 bunk beds, making it a total of 8 people that can sleep at Vila El Do Mar. The private pool with garden, barbecue facilities and fully equipped kitchen makes Vila El Do Mar a great place to stay and enjoy cooking and bbq’ing from home. 

→ Book your stay at Vila ElDoMar here

Porto Moniz

This coastal town on the north western tip of Madeira Island is famous for the natural swimming pools. The laid back town is mainly visited on day trips, but if you like to experience the relaxing ocean vibes and still be close to some of the best hikes on the island, including Fanal Forest, then Porto Moniz is a great are to spend one, or a few, nights. Find here the best places to stay in Porto Moniz. 

Aqua Natura Madeira

Located adjacent to the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, Aqua Natura Madeira offers incredible views on the rugged coastline of North Madeira. With 22 rooms ranging from single, double to suite rooms, you will have a stunning ocean view from every room. There are two on-site restaurants in the hotel and a rooftop bar with incredible views. Wherever you are in Aqua Natura hotel, you will always feel connected with the ocean. Another great feature is the free access to the natural swimming pools. And if you’re into scuba diving then you can do this from Porto Moniz as well! 

→ Book here your stay at Aqua Nature Porto Moniz

Hotel Euro Moniz

Another great hotel in Porto Moniz is Euro Moniz, situated near the Porto Moniz Swimming Pools as well. This 3-star hotel is a great choice for families as it provides a wide range of rooms including five family rooms. Each room has a flat-screen TV and a balcony where guests can enjoy the views. The indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi are other great features of Euro Moniz Hotel. Breakfast is served in their on site restaurant and besides that, there is a bar overlooking the rock pools. Other services provided by the hotel are laundry, bicycle rental, massage, room service, and much more. All in all, this hotel offers good value for money and is a great place to stay in Madeira for families.

→ Book here your stay at Hotel Euro Moniz

Seixal

Seixal is located on the North coast of Madeira Island and is famous for it’s beautiful black sand beach. With the green mountains as backdrop, you will understand why Madeira is also being called ‘Europe’s Hawaii’. Seixal is a very laidback beach town where not much is happening. Therefore it is a great place to relax and recharge batteries. It is a perfect base to explore the rest of Madeira’s wild north coast. Find here the best places to stay in Seixal. 

Madeira Black Sand House 

This lovely 2 bedroom holiday home with views on Seixal beach is some of the best places to stay in Seixal. Boasting a patio with garden and sea views and providing all the amenities you need to be self sufficient, the Madeira Black Sand House is the perfect stay for couples and families that like to have privacy and enjoy beautiful views. With a full equipped kitchen including dishwasher, a seating area with flatscreen TV and two bedrooms with both double beds and a bathroom you will have everything you need to make your stay in Seixal comfortable. 

→ Book your stay at Madeira Black Sand House here

São Vicente

Located in a beautiful valley along the north coast of Madeira Island lies the quiet São Vicente. This small town is surrounded by mountains and is great base for nature and hike lovers. However, keep in mind that you are further away from the many restaurants, shops and nightlife in Funchal. However, if that’s not your thing, then São Vicente could be a great place to stay in Madeira. Find here the best places to stay in São Vicente.

Solar da Bica

Solar da Bica is a cosy and tranquil retreat overlooking the incredible landscape of green mountains in the São Vicente valley. The hotel features in room accommodation and an apartment with fully-equipped kitchen. The rooms all feature a private bathroom, satellite TV and mountain views. 

The heated salt water swimming pool and sauna are available for guests to enjoy for a relaxing break. Moreover, there is a beautiful outdoor lounge with sofas and a fireplace where guests can quietly enjoy a book and the scenic mountain views. Although breakfast is served at the property, there is no restaurant to order lunch or dinner, so a car is recommended when you decide to stay at Solar da Bica. 

→ Book your stay at Solar da Bica here

Casa da Portada

Casa da Portada is a wonderful 2 bedroom private holiday home, perfect for friends or families to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of São Vicente valley. The fully-equipped kitchen, large garden and swimming pool, breathtaking views on the garden and surroundings mountains will make your stay at Casa da Portada unforgettable. 

→ Book your stay at Casa da Portada here

Casa da Piedade 

This small boutique hotel is situated in a restored 18th-century home. Casa Da Piedade offers double, twin and single rooms with private bathrooms including a walk-in shower. The lounge with fireplace, outdoor garden with barbecue and incredible views on the surroundings mountains are absolute eye-catchers of the property. 

→ Book your stay at Casa da Piedade here

Santana

Santana is a beautiful village on the north coast of Madeira, famous for its thatched triangular houses. From Santana you can do some great hikes such as Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Pico Ruivo hike, Levada do Rei and many more. It is a town where you won’t see many other tourists, so if you like to stay a bit more off the beaten path, then Santana is the place for you. Find here the best places to stay in Santana. 

Hotel Quinta do Furão 

Quinta do Furão is a characteristic hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the rugged coastline of Madeira’s north coast. Facing east, you can watch the sunrise every morning from your balcony. The rooms at Hotel Quinta do Furão are decorated with soft natural colours and elegant wooden furniture. Most of the rooms have a gorgeous view overlooking the cliffs, ocean and vineyards surrounding the hotel. From the hotel’s garden you can even see a waterfall pouring into the ocean from the rough coastline. A truly unique sight in Madeira!

Besides these eye-catching features of the hotel, their infinity pool in between the vineyards is a perfect way to cool off and relax after a day of exploring. Other wellness facilities offered by the hotel are a sauna, fitness room and a massage room. Quinta Do Furão restaurant serves a selection of typical Madeiran dishes and international gourmet cuisine including a very extensive breakfast menu. 

→ Book your stay at Quinta do Furão here

Porto da Cruz

Famous for the sugar cane industry, Porto da Cruz is a quiet little town on the north east coast of Madeira. Surrounded by the highest peaks of Madeira Island, you won’t come short on great views in Porto da Cruz. It is some of our favourite areas in Madeira in terms of nature and landscape. You can base yourself for a few days in Porto da Cruz to hike some of the best levadas and veredas on Madeira. And besides that you can learn more about the local produce of sugar can rum, go paragliding or learn surfing on the waves of Porto da Cruz. Find here the best places to stay in Porto da Cruz.

Vila Bela 

Hotel Vila Bela is located adjacent to the Porto da Cruz promenade and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Praia da Alagoa. The rooms offer each a private bathroom, and some of them have a patio balcony with ocean view. The rooms which are located at the other side of the building overlook the island’s mountains. Vila Bela offers plenty of activities such as surf lessons by their own surf school. But also mountain biking, yoga, walking tours and much more. 

→ Book here your stay at Vila Bela

Machico

Machico is one of the few towns in Madeira with a sandy beach, perfect for both swimming and sunbathing. It connects Porto da Cruz with Santa Cruz and is the town you will cross on the way to Ponta de São Lourenço. The tranquil town boasts some great guesthouses, hotels and restaurants together with 2 beaches, from which one is sandy and the other one, Sao Roque beach, is a pebble stone beach. There are enough facilities to find in Machico, and you are closely located to some of the best hikes in Madeira. Find here the best places to stay in Machico. 

Dom Pedro Madeira 

Dom Pedro is some of the best accommodations in Machico with its beautiful location right next to the sandy beach. With a large salt water pool facing the ocean and sun loungers in the garden, there is enough space to enjoy the outdoor area. But the hotel also has an indoor pool with sliding roof. A wide variety of rooms at Dom Pedro can welcome any type of guest. From family rooms, suites, and clubrooms with double or twin beds, there is an option for everyone. All rooms are equipped with TV, air conditioning, a bathtub and work desk. Some rooms have a balcony. The restaurant of Dom Pedro hotel has buffet service, a pool bar, and a piano bar that offers great entertainment every night.

→ Book your stay at Dom Pedro Machico here

Casa do Pescador 

This lovely beachfront property is only 400 meters away from Sao Roque Beach and 600 meters from Banda d’Alem beach. Casa do Pescador is a self sufficient holiday home with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, dining area, fully equipped kitchen and a patio with garden views. Perfect for travellers who like to cook their own meals and have more privacy than when staying in a hotel. 

→ Book your stay at Casa do Pescador here

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a small coastal town closely located to the airport of Madeira. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore more of the east coast of Madeira island and still be close to some of the best beaches in Madeira. With a water park and golf course closeby, the whole family can enjoy several actives in Santa da Cruz. Find here the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. 

Casa Morena

Casa Morena is a two bedroom house with private parking, a garden and balcony with stunning ocean views. From the living and bed rooms you’ll also have stunning ocean views. Casa Morena is a very practical house with everything you need. From a fully equipped kitchen to spacious bathrooms, a dining area and living room with flat-screen TV. It’s only a 3-minute walk to Palmeiras Beach, perfect for a morning or afternoon walk. 

→ Book here your stay at Casa Morena

Book your stay in Madeira now!

How to get around in Madeira

The best way to get around the island and explore the best of Madeira is with a rental car. Public transport is not very convenient and doesn’t come to the best spots on the island. You can also rent a scooter in Madeira if you prefer that. However, with the ever changing weather, especially in the mountains, renting a car is recommended. Before booking your accommodation in Madeira, you should check if there is parking for your rental car. Some hotels and accommodations have private parking included, but this is not always the case.

→ Check the Madeira car rental deals here and book before prices go up (it’s free cancellation)

Read in our complete guide everything you need to know about Car hire in Madeira

Book a tour to explore Madeira Island

Another option to explore Madeira island is to book a tour. For some activities such as whale watching it is highly recommended to book your tour upfront to secure your spot.

More Madeira travel inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the best places to stay in Madeira. And of course that you’ve found a great place to stay!

For more in depth information about Madeira, head over to our other travel blogs.

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