Where to Stay in Madeira?

Looking for a sunny vacation, new discoveries, and a getaway? Take flight to Madeira ️ If you plan to spend several days, you will surely need to find one or more accommodations on the island. To help you, this article provides several lodging options if you don't know where to stay in Madeira!

Nicknamed the Floating Garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is famous for its lush nature and breathtaking views. From steep mountains to verdant valleys, passing by steep cliffs and golden sandy beaches, the island is full of natural treasures. In addition to this, its fascinating cultural heritage, traditional villages, and colorful houses will surely delight you. Old churches, museums, and folk festivals, not to mention the local cuisine, will also be part of your journey

To determine the best place to stay in Madeira, you should consider the length of your stay. If it's not more than 3 days, it's better to stay in larger cities like Funchal and Machico to enjoy the amenities and attractions.

On the other hand, if you have a rental car, you can afford to venture further by passing through Caniço, Porto Moniz, or Santa Cruz, for example. Also, budget for plenty of activities on the island. In any case, remember to book your accommodation in advance if you want to be sure to find the rare gem at the best price and optimize your budget for the rest of your stay

To save you time if you don't want to read the whole article, here are my favorite places to stay in Madeira <-️

Perfect if you want to enjoy all the major activities and attractions, Funchal offers a multitude of beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and captivating activities. With its cobblestone streets and colorful houses, Funchal exudes a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere

The downtown area of Funchal is lively and filled with boutiques, restaurants, and traditional cafes where you can enjoy the famous Madeiran cuisine. You can stroll along the waterfront, admire the fishing boats, and enjoy stunning views of the ocean. By the way, don't forget to take the cable car to the village of Monte for an incredible view!

Funchal's market is a must-visit place, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and discover a variety of fresh products such as exotic fruits, colorful vegetables, and fragrant flowers. Don't forget to taste the Madeiran wines, which the island is known for.

If you are a history lover, you will be delighted to visit the cathedral of Funchal, a beautiful church dating back to the 15th century, as well as the São Tiago fort built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate invasions. There is also the Botanical Garden where you will find a large variety of exotic plants and the tropical Monte Palace garden with its waterfalls, ponds, and collections of oriental art...

Funchal is truly an ideal base to make the most of everything. Accommodation options are abundant, catering to all tastes and budgets

With an ideal location to reach the historic center in just a few minutes, the Pestana Casino Studios features an outdoor pool and a terrace. The accommodations are fully equipped and start at $147 per night for a studio rental.

The Catedral Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms in downtown Funchal, featuring panoramic views of the area. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and standard double rooms are available starting at approximately $99 per night.

Located near the capital of the island, Caniço is a charming village with spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation, and a truly relaxed atmosphere. This village provides an ideal setting for those seeking tranquility and nature during their vacation

Caniço is famous for its steep cliffs and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy beautiful pebble beaches and secluded coves to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters. For water sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of options here, including scuba diving, sailing, and windsurfing

In this village of colorful houses and quaint streets, you'll find restaurants, outdoor cafes, and artisan shops where you can get local souvenirs. If you love to eat, then go try traditional Portuguese dishes, particularly those made with fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by the famous Madeiran wines

Nearby the village is the Garajau Nature Reserve, an area with rich marine biodiversity. You can follow trails offering panoramic views and walks through Madeira's laurel forest, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Undoubtedly, Caniço is a prime destination if you are in search of tranquility, stunning landscapes, and preserved nature. There are also plenty of lodging options available if you wish to stay in this part of the island.

Perched on a cliff at Ponta da Oliveira, the Sentido Galomar - Adults Only offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, with direct access to the sea. Rooms feature modern decor, starting at $154 per night, including breakfast.

Located in Caniço, the Inn & Art Madeira features an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and restaurant. With a bar on site, it is less than 1.2 km from Reis Magos beach, and rooms and apartments start at $151 per night, including breakfast.

Another interesting base to consider is Porto Moniz. This village, located on Madeira's northwestern coast, is very famous for its natural swimming pools Although this destination attracts a large number of tourists, it offers the perfect blend of beauty and calm.

The natural pools of Porto Moniz are undoubtedly the main attraction in the area. Formed by volcanic lava, these pools offer crystal-clear waters where visitors can safely swim while enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by volcanic rocks, these pools give the impression of being alone in the world!

In addition to the natural pools, Porto Moniz features a magnificent mountainous landscape, with lush terrain surrounding the village. You can enjoy hiking trails where outdoor enthusiasts can stroll and explore the natural beauty of the region. The panoramas are truly breathtaking, with views of the ocean and steep cliffs

As for the village, it has retained its traditional charm with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets. There are small restaurants and cafes where you can taste local specialties, particularly fresh fish and seafood If you don't know where to stay in Madeira, the atmosphere of Porto Moniz is really peaceful and enjoyable, especially if you want to have a relaxing vacation.

Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and hot tub, the Aqua Natura Bay is a 4-star hotel offering seaside accommodations. The price for a room for one night starts at $162, including breakfast. If you're unsure where to stay in Madeira, I highly recommend this hotel

The Euro Moniz Hotel boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is just 100 meters from the volcanic rock natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz. Most rooms come with a balcony, and accommodations start at $156 per night, including breakfast ☕️

Calheta is one of the most important municipalities on the island that offers a unique blend of nature and local history. It's a truly interesting base if you are looking for a peaceful vacation filled with relaxation and lounging on the warm sand ️

The most distinctive feature of Calheta is its beautiful sandy beach. It is one of the few natural sandy beaches on the island and is an ideal place for relaxation for tourists and locals alike. Surrounded by lush hills and offering clear crystal waters, Calheta beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and practicing activities such as sailing and canoeing!

The village is picturesque and tranquil, with traditional houses featuring red roofs. You can stroll through the historic center of Calheta and discover the parish church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, which dates back to the 15th century. There is also a sugar cane museum to learn more about the history of Madeira's sugar industry.

If you wish, you can also explore the surroundings of the village. You'll find stunning natural landscapes and surrounding hills covered with vineyards. You may even enjoy hiking by exploring trails winding through the mountains and enjoying impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean

Located in Calheta, 700 meters from the beach, the Socalco Nature Calheta is a beautiful establishment with a garden, private parking, terrace, and restaurant. You can also enjoy a bar and accommodations available from $184 per night, including breakfast.

The Calheta Beach - All-inclusive - Savoy Signature is a 4-star hotel equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, fitness center, and access to the sea via the beach. Rooms and apartments have mountain or sea views and start at $220 per night, all-inclusive

Here's another place to stay in Madeira that you will certainly like! Santa Cruz, located on the southeastern coast of the island, offers breathtaking landscapes. The atmosphere is relatively peaceful, making it a favored spot for tourists!

Santa Cruz is known for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, inviting anyone to relax and soak up the sun. Activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sailing are very popular and will be an integral part of your plans! However, you can also admire the colorful houses of the village, its blooming gardens, and the many local shops.

If you enjoy cultural and historical outings, visit the church of Santa Cruz, which dates back to the 16th century, and the chapel of São Sebastião, with its beautiful azulejos. Continue with a stroll along the waterfront to view the ocean and its breathtaking sunset!

You can also enjoy nature! Santa Cruz is surrounded by numerous hiking trails offering views of the mountains and coast. If you are traveling with family, the Santa Cruz water park is also a very popular attraction with its pools, slides, and water games

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Vila Gale Santa Cruz offers luxury accommodations with a wellness center, pool, beauty treatments, and a nearby golf course. Expect a minimum of $151 per night for a double room, with breakfast included.

Located in Santa Cruz, the Solar Bom Jesus Hotel features an outdoor pool, gym, garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. The rooms are fully equipped and comfortable, starting at $104 per night, breakfast included.

Machico is known for being the first historical capital of Madeira, which gives it a rich history and traditional character. With its beautiful landscapes, tranquil ambiance, and cultural heritage, it's a favored destination if you don't know where to stay in Madeira.

One of Machico's main attractions is its sandy beach, surrounded by lush cliffs. It's the perfect spot to relax in the sun or swim in the crystal-clear waters, in addition to water sports like windsurfing or surfing

The historic center is full of charm with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and picturesque church. The main square, Praça do Município, is a lively place where everyone meets to enjoy local cafes and restaurants. It's also interesting to visit the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a building that houses valuable religious artwork.

For hiking, note that the city is surrounded by beautiful trails offering panoramic views of the coast and surrounding mountains. The famous levada of Machico is a popular route to discover the natural beauty of the island! Between the Fort of São João Baptista, the viewpoint Pico do Facho, and the natural reserve of the point of Sao Lourenço, there's plenty to do

The Modern & Recycled Guest House is a hostel located 200 meters from Sao Roque beach. It offers well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and seating areas. You'll also have access to a kitchen and a terrace. Accommodations are available from $175 per night.

Located a 5-minute walk from Machico beach, the Residencial Familia Machico has all the amenities necessary for a pleasant vacation. The price for a night for 2 people is $119, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before booking. Very convenient in case of problems.

Here we are at the end of this article! I hope you enjoyed it and that you now have some ideas for accommodations if you're still wondering where to stay in Madeira If you don't know yet what to do in Madeira, feel free to check out my dedicated article for the must-do activities on the island.