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Where to Stay in Madeira: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Choosing where to stay in Madeira depends largely on what kind of experience you are looking for. The island is diverse, compact, and full of contrasts, offering everything from vibrant city life to peaceful rural landscapes. Below is a guide to help you decide the best area to stay, based on your travel style and interests. In this post each levada walk/hike is listed under the municipality where the start point / main access is located.

Climate Considerations

In general, the south of Madeira tends to be sunnier and drier, while the north is more humid and rainy.But Climate in Madeira varies greatly and you can have sun in the north while its raining in Funchal or the other way around, it’s really 4 seasons in one day sometimes due to its several microclimates.  This is an important factor to consider when choosing where to stay.

Funchal: The Best Base for First-Time Visitors

For those visiting Madeira for the first time and wanting to experience a bit of everything, Funchal is the best place to stay. It is the capital city and home to most of the island’s population. Funchal offers the widest range of services, attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transportation connecting you to other parts of the island.

It is also from Funchal that the ferry departs to Porto Santo Island, as well as most of the pick up point for tours all around the island, as well as public buses,  making it a convenient base for exploring beyond Funchal itself without a car. The city also has the largest concentration of tourist accommodation, including hotels, apartments, and hostels, catering to all budgets.

Main Attractions in Funchal

• Historic Center (Farmer’s Market)
• Monte (Carros de cesto)
• Funchal Marina (boat tours)
• Museums
• Beaches
• Shopping
• Sports including Golf courses
• Gardens
• Food scene
• Nightlife
• Events Hub

Funchal is rich in things to do. You can easily spend a full week there without running out of activities, from cultural attractions, beaches and gardens to food markets, museums, and nightlife. It is also the best place to access the famous PR1 – Pico do Areeiro as there’s a direct bus among, other recommended paths named as “PR’s”.

Hiking in Funchal

• PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (direct bus from Funchal)

• PR3 – Vereda do Burro (Bus CAM 56, 103 )

• PR3.1 – Caminho Real do Monte (Bus HF 21 )

• PR4 – Levada do Barreiro (Bus CAM 56, 103 )

For Nature Lovers and a Slower Pace: Beyond Funchal

If your goal is to relax, disconnect from city noises, traffic, and crowds, and immerse yourself in nature, you may want to consider staying outside Funchal. Madeira has several municipalities and towns, each offering a different atmosphere. Consider reting a car in Madeira

Câmara de Lobos

Just outside Funchal is the municipality of Câmara de Lobos which stands out for its historical heritage, dramatic Atlantic landscapes, and enduring fishing tradition. It’s also famous for its fish and espetada restaurants, original bars serving Poncha and a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Câmara de Lobos

Main Attractions in Câmara de Lobos

• Câmara de Lobos Bay
• Cabo Girão
• Eira do Serrado Viewpoint
• Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)
• Paredão Viewpoint
• Wineries Barbeito’s and H&H

Hiking in Câmara de Lobos

• Caminho Real – Eira do Serrado to Curral das freiras (Bus HF 81: inform the driver when boarding, about your stop at Eira do Serrado)
• PR2 – Vereda do Urzal  (Bus HF 81: via Fajã dos Cardos)

West Coast: Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta. Sunsets, Events, Beaches & Surf

The West Coast of Madeira features several charming towns, including Jardim do Mar by the sea and Fajã da Ovelha, a quieter rural village set on the cliffs above the Atlantic, known for its traditional landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. This region stands out for its climate, breathtaking sunsets and strong connection to nature, offering access to scenic coastal walks, surfing spots and traditional villages.

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava is shaped by a beautiful mix of mountains, fertile valleys and Atlantic coastline, enjoying a pleasant climate for most of the year. Made up of four parishes, including Campanário, Serra de Água and Tabua, it blends scenic landscapes with cultural highlights such as the Madeira Ethnographic Museum. Agriculture plays an important role here, with fertile soils producing classic Madeiran crops like bananas and sweet potatoes, giving the area a strong connection to the land and local traditions.

Encumeada Valley – Serra d’Água | Ribeira Brava

Main Attractions in Ribeira Brava

• City center (Igreja De São Bento)
• Ribeira Brava Market
• Encumeada Valley
• Fajã dos Padres
• Madeira Ethnographic Museum
• Calhau da Lapa

Hiking in Ribeira Brava 

• • • PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada

    • PR12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada

    • PR17 – Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

    • PR21 – Caminho do Norte

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol offers a lively cultural scene, with regular events such as the Purple Fridays, weekly electronic music gatherings, the L concerts in Summer, as well as music and arts festivals throughout the year. The town also has a cultural center and a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

Ponta do Sol center

Main Attractions in Ponta do Sol:

• Ponta do Sol Beach
• Madalena do Mar
• Paúl da Serra
• Ponta do Sol Pier
• Anjos Beach

Hiking in Ponta do Sol

• PR7 – Levada do Moinho

Calheta

Calheta, Madeira’s largest municipality, stretches between the south and west of the island and is known for its sunny climate and relaxed lifestyle. Made up of eight welcoming parishes, it offers a mix of surf spots like Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, quieter rural areas such as Ponta do Pargo, Fajã da Ovelha and Prazeres, and some of the island’s most popular hiking trails and waterfalls.

From relaxed summer concerts by Calheta Beach to the tasty Tuna Festival in Paul do Mar there’s always something happening. Add in the traditional village festas such as Festa do Senhor Bom Jesus (Ponta do Pargo) with music, food and a great community vibe, and Calheta is a lovely place to experience Madeira like a local.

With a sandy beach, dramatic landscapes and a lively calendar of local events, Calheta is a great place to enjoy both outdoor adventure and authentic Madeiran culture.

Main Attractions in Calheta

• Calheta Beach & Marina
• Casa das Mudas – Modern Art Museum
• Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
• Garganta Funda Viewpoint
• Prazeres Gallery
• Paul do Mar beach
• Jardim do Mar pedestrian center and church

Jardim do Mar

Hiking in Calheta

• • PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes

  • PR6.1 – Levada do Risco

  • PR6.2 – Levada do Alecrim

  • PR6.3 – Vereda da Lagoa do Vento

  • PR6.4 – Levada Velha do Rabaçal

  • PR6.5 – Vereda do Pico Fernandes

  • PR6.6 – Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo

  • PR6.8 – Levada do Paul II – Um caminho para todos

  • PR27 – Glaciar de Planalto

  • PR19 – Caminho Real do Paul do Mar

  • PR20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar

North Coast – Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz: Nature, Levada Walks, and Tranquility

The North Coast of Madeira is the most natural and untouched part of the island. It is where you’ll find the highest concentration of Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as many of the island’s famous levada walks and hiking trails.

This area offers a range of accommodation options, from rural tourism houses to luxury hotels, all in a much quieter and more peaceful setting. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a strong connection with nature.

However, for visitors without a car, staying on the North Coast can be more challenging, unless you plan to remain mostly around your accommodation. For those looking for a more rural and authentic Madeira experience, it is an excellent choice. The weather tends to be more humid though, so beware the accommodation you choose offers heating/air conditioning.

Santana: Tradition and Mountain Access

Also located on the North Coast, Santana is known for its traditional thatched houses, with a distinctive triangular shape, scenic landscapes, and access to some of Madeira’s most famous levadas.  Santana was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, offering hiking trails through carefully protected landscapes. It is one of the main gateways to Pico Ruivo (the highest peak on the island) and Queimadas Natural Park – the start point for PR9 Caldeirão Verde,  making it a popular base for hikers.

Pico Ruivo House

Main Atractions in Santana

• Madeira Theme Park
• Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve
• Faial Bathing complex
• Guindaste Viewpoint
• São Jorge Ruins
• Cabo Aéreo Viewpoint
• Museum of Wine and Vine
• Karting track
• Water Mill

Hiking in Santana

• PR1.1 – Vereda da Ilha

• PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo

• PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde

• PR9.1 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde – Um caminho para todos

• PR10 – Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio → Portela) (Bus CAM 56, 103 )

• PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões (Ribeiro Frio) (Bus CAM 56, 103 )

São Vicente: Volcanic Valleys, Wineries and Surf

São Vicente is one of Madeira’s most privileged municipalities for experiencing nature, with vast areas of well-preserved Laurissilva Forest offering scenic hiking trails often framed by ocean and winery views. Shaped by powerful volcanic forces, the landscape features dramatic green valleys and the famous volcanic caves formed around 890,000 years ago. Home to parishes like Ponta Delgada and Boaventura, São Vicente combines rich natural beauty with a strong cultural identity, making it a standout destination. Praia da Fajã da Areia is also a main surf spot for experienced surfers with a consistent swell.

North Coast, São VIcente

Main Attractions in São Vicente

• Ponta Delgada Bathing complex
• São Cristovão Viewpoint
• Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel
• Rota da Cal
• Poço dos namorados
• Foz da Ribeira do Porco
• Lava caves (currently closed)

Hiking in São Vicente

• PR16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues

• PR22 – Vereda do Chão dos Louros

Porto Moniz: Madeira’s Volcanic Pools and Untamed Nature

Located on Madeira’s far northwest coast, Porto Moniz is shaped by the dramatic meeting of mountains, Laurissilva forest and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its iconic natural volcanic pools, nearby waterfalls and the striking black-sand beach of Seixal, the municipality also offers scenic hiking trails through lush, rugged landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing Madeira’s wild natural beauty.

Seixal, Porto Moniz

Main Attractions in Porto Moniz

• Volcanic Pools
• Fanal Forest
• Ribeira da Janela
• Seixal Beach
• Véu da Noiva waterfall
• Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
• Laje Beach
• Madeira Aquarium
• Poça das Lesmas

Hiking in Porto Moniz

• PR13 – Vereda do Fanal

• PR14 – Levada dos Cedros

• PR15 – Vereda da Ribeira da Janela

• PR28 – Levada da Rocha Vermelha

East Coast: Machico and Santa Cruz, historic towns with Beaches and Madeira Airport

If you prefer staying close to the sea while still having access to restaurants, coastal walks, and some hiking opportunities, Machico and Santa Cruz are great options. Both towns offer a relaxed coastal atmosphere and are well located for exploring other parts of the island, including Ponta de São Lourenço and popular hikes like Vereda do Larano and Levada do Rei. Santa da Cruz is also home to Madeira Airport, about 20 minutes drive to Funchal center.

Machico

Machico is one of Madeira’s most historically significant towns, known as the place where the island’s first settlers landed in 1419. Today, it combines a strong cultural identity with beautiful natural scenery, from its elegant bay and seaside promenade to nearby mountains and viewpoints. With sandy and pebble beaches, green areas, traditional villages like Porto da Cruz, and easy access to hikes such as Vereda do Larano and Levada do Rei, Machico is a relaxed coastal base that blends history, nature and local life.

Machico city

Main Attractions in Machico

• Machico historical center
• Banda d’Além Beach (Sand Beach)
• Whale Museum
• Baia D’Abra
• Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint
• Pico do Facho
• Prainha (sand beach)
• Caniçal
• Alagoa Beach
• Maiata Beach (surf)
• Ribeira do Natal Beach

Hiking in Machico

• PR5 – Vereda das Funduras

• PR 18 – Levada do Rei

• PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (BUS CAM 113)

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is often the first place visitors see in Madeira, home to the island’s international airport and just a short 20-minute drive from Funchal (outside rush hours). Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains, it is one of the island’s oldest settlements and offers a relaxed mix of beaches, natural areas, gardens and local culture. With parishes like Caniço and Camacha, Santa Cruz makes a great base for travelers looking to enjoy coastal walks, nature and authentic Madeira at an easy pace.

Madeira Airport, Santa Cruz

Main Attractions in Santa Cruz

• Caniço Promenade (Ponta do Garajau → Reis Magos)

• Reis Magos Beach

• Camacha Church

• Santo da Serra Quinta da Junta

• Santo da Serra Sunday Market

• Santo da Serra Golf Club

• Garajau Natural Reserve

Porto Santo Island

Porto Santo is the kind of place where life slows down and simple pleasures take center stage. Famous for its long golden sandy beach with healing properties and calm, turquoise sea, the island is perfect for relaxed days by the water. Beyond the beach, there’s more to discover, from the Casa Colombo Museum and local food spots to unique volcanic landscapes like Pico Ana Ferreira. 

Since 2020, Porto Santo has been part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, highlighting the island’s unique natural and cultural value. The Biosphere Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes, crystal-clear waters and more than 2,000 species, some found only here, making Porto Santo a must-visit destination for nature and geology lovers.

Small, welcoming and full of charm, Porto Santo is an easy escape for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a different side of the Madeira Archipelago.

Main Attractions in Porto Santo

• Porto Santo Beach
• Porto Santo Golf Course
• Calheta Beach
• Zimbralinho Beach
• Porto das Salemas
• Fenda da Dona Beija
• Pico Ana Ferreira
• Morenos
• Cardina Museum
• Colombo Museum
• Portela Viewpoint

Hiking in Porto Santo

• PS PR1 – Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã 
• PS PR2 – Vereda do Pico do Castelo 
• PS PR3 – Levada do Pico do Castelo 

Final Recommendations

If this is your first visit to Madeira, Funchal is the most practical and versatile base. Distances on the island are short by car, you can reach most major points of interest within about an hour.

For travelers with a car who want to fully explore Madeira, a great option is to split your stay: spend a few days in Funchal and a few days on the North Coast to experience the island’s contrasts.

Finally, don’t overlook Porto Santo Island. With its golden sandy beach and a peaceful  unique atmosphere, it is a fantastic destination well worth adding to your Madeira itinerary.

Have a wonderful stay in Madeira!

Sofia

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