Where to Stay in Madeira: Best Hotels and Areas to Sleep on the Island

Finding the perfect place to stay in Madeira can enhance your experience on the island. In this article, We will explore the best areas and hotels to make your stay in Madeira unforgettable based on our experience traveling around the island.

When arriving to Madeira, it is common to want to settle in a central and accessible place. Funchal, the capital, is where the entry airport to the island is located and the ideal starting point for many travelers. I recommend staying a couple of days in this area to see everything there is in Funchal and take the opportunity to rent your car to get around the island. A week on the island It is an ideal period of time to visit it in its entirety.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and the main tourist center, we We stayed at Hotel Orquidea upon our arrival for its affordable price, the quality of its rooms and the 24-hour reception, since in our case we arrived on the island at night and this hotel is one of the few that has this feature.

Here you will find a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to cheaper options. Funchal is known for its nightlife, high-quality restaurants and numerous tourist attractions.

At the East of Madeira we found one of our favorite stops, Ponta do São Lourenço, a peninsula very famous for its rock formations. To visit this area I recommend staying in Machico, this city has one of the oldest settlements in Madeira, known for its history and its golden sand beach.

Machico is located just a half hour drive from Funchal and about 20 minutes from São Lourenço, it is the perfect place to stay if you want to visit the easternmost area of the island and explore some of the most spectacular trails. In addition to having some levadas and beach, Machico is a quiet place, but where you will not get bored, I recommend spending a couple of days to take advantage of everything you can do around.

The northwest of the island offers, in my point of view, the greatest treasures of the island, starting with the city of Porto Moniz, which has the most incredible natural pools in Madeira and passing through Sao Vicente and Calheta, two equally charming towns.

Porto Moniz is known for its natural pools formed by volcanic lava. It is a perfect destination for lovers of nature and tranquility. We spent two days in the area enjoying the paradise it offers, specifically its levadas and natural pools. We stayed at Janela para o Atlântico, a house with a terrace and very sea views near the natural pools of Seixal. Without a doubt I recommend this accommodation because, in addition to being affordable, it is one of the most welcoming we have visited in Madeira.

During our stay in São Vicente, We stayed at Holidays Madeira, an 18th century house located in the center of the city with very cozy facilities. We chose this accommodation mainly for the price, but there are other options in the area such as Solar da Bica, which offers resort-like facilities with a pool and spa.

One of the main attractions of São Vicente are the Grottoes and the Volcanism Center, where you can explore volcanic caves formed millions of years ago and learn about the geology of the island. I personally recommend spending a day or two in the area, that is more than enough.

We skipped the stay in Calheta, but spent the day in Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel that stands out for its modern design. Specifically, we went on to enjoy its infinity pool with sea views. This accommodation is located in a former sugar factory.

Without a doubt, if I have to choose a place to stay in the south of Madeira, I would choose Ponta do Sol. It is a coastal town that stands out for its relaxed atmosphere and its beach with the most impressive sunsets on the island, we arrived right at sunset and we instantly fell in love with this place. One day will be enough to see everything here. In addition, it has several incredible viewpoints and restaurants with sunset views.

One of the accommodations that I highly recommend is the Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, located on a cliff with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. This boutique hotel combines modernity and comfort with a stunning natural environment. We loved its infinity pool and spa, and although we usually opt for cheaper hotels given our budget, it never hurts to treat yourself from time to time.

Santana is characterized by its traditional houses with thatched roofs and a triangular shape, known locally as "palheiros" that give a very picturesque touch to the town. In addition, here is one of my favorite trails, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde that will take you to an impressive waterfall. One day here is enough, Nature Island It is the accommodation that we chose on our second visit to the island and we were very happy with the treatment we received.

• Book in Advance: During the high season, accommodation in Madeira fills up quickly. Book in advance to secure your spot. We always use booking.com because of the discounts the platform offers and flash offers.
• Consider the Location: Make sure the accommodation is well located for the activities and places you plan to visit. In our case we always try to locate ourselves near the beaches to always be close to restaurants and swimming areas.

Before making a final decision, consider the following points:

• Trip Type: Define whether you prefer a quiet stay in nature, a cultural experience in a historic town, or the comfort of a resort on the beach.
• Budget: Madeira offers options for all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
• Transportation: Check the accessibility of the accommodation and the availability of public transport or car rental. In our case we trust discovercars to rent a car, since you can save a lot of money and the process is very simple.

I really only stayed in hotels in Madeira upon my arrival in Funchal, subsequently I was camping around the island. In any case, my stay in Funchal was wonderful, we arrived after midnight and the reception was open, so we were able to check in without problems.

If you are not going to camp in Madeira, the best option to spend a good vacation on the island is to trust the hotels. In general they are of very good quality and a calm atmosphere, in addition, the prices are not exorbitant if you travel in the low season.