Try all the delicious food of Madeira Island. If you have the opportunity a short stay in Porto Santo, the other inhabited island of the Madeira Archipelago, may be a good choice. Its next to bus stops, restaurants and ten minutes walk from the Marina. If youre still undecided about which island to visit, I highly recommend also checking out Gran Canaria if youre looking for somewhere that has a little bit of everything! Camara de Lobos, a place for walkers, photographers, and artists, 9. 7 AWESOME Beach Towns Where to Stay in Madeira - Miss Tourist In Porto do Sol you will find pristine pebble beaches surrounded by lush green areas. If you like towns that offer a bit of everything with a cool vibe then Im sure you will love Machico! Sun-chasing Europeans flock to Madeira (670 miles off the Portuguese coast) year-round; now Americans can too. Its also one of the coolest places to stay in Madeira, as each room was designed by a local artist. You can drive round the island without stopping in around 120 minutes, (although youll miss so much). That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you enjoy old chapels, churches, and cathedrals, youll find plenty to keep you happy all over Madeira. Thats why its important to choose the area most suited to what you want out of your trip! But this Portuguese archipelago is certainly alluring, and not just because it's back on England's travel green list.What Madeira lacks in size (it's only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide) it makes up for in the sheer variety . Machico has an excellent selection of accommodation for your stay in Madeira including self-catering holiday apartments and villas, guest houses, single rooms, and three to five star hotels. BEST Area to stay in Funchal? - Madeira Forum - Tripadvisor This 4-star hotel offers all-inclusive accommodation, modern rooms with a private balcony, 3 swimming pools, and a spa, Marina Rooms offers affordable accommodation right on the beach, has free parking and rooms with a private balcony, This Airbnb has rooms with modern amenities, a large terrace with a hot tub overlooking the sea, and free parking. If you enjoy exploring by day, the Ponta do Sol has the church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, and the Lugar de Baixo Palace to be investigated. Where to Stay in Madeira (2023 Neighborhood Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Located in Canic, its set amongst 30,000 square meters of a botanical garden in a 19th century Manor House. COOLEST Thing to Do in Calheta Head down to the popular beach Praia da Calheta for swimming and sunbathing.BEST Place to Visit in Calheta The Museu de Arte Contempornea da Madeira for a look at the islands art scene. So, where do we stay in Funchal, or do we indeed need to stay in Funchal? 2. Calheta Beach is one of the best beaches in Madeira that has amazing golden sand and turquoise water. A popular pastime with the majority of visitors. This is why its become a popular choice when people are deciding where to stay in Madeira for families as it offers a popular beach as well as all the outdoor activities and water sports you could ask for. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. By staying here you will have access to the main attractions and since the main tour companies are also located in the area, you can easily arrange tours based on your interest without a hassle. Madeira is an underrated gem in Portugal. Accommodation Car hire Beaches Weather Portugal Madeira Funchal Car hire Funchal is the picturesque capital of Madeira; it is by far one of the most characteristic cities of Portugal as well as the entry point to the island. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA IN SANTA CRUZ. If you fancy a chilled, laid back day, take a drive through to Delgada, and enjoy a few hours in the Bathing Complex of Ponta Delgada. The beach front walkway has a number of good restaurants, cafes, and small bars where you can enjoy a light lunch, or pleasant evening meal. The area is made up of the three parishes of Ponta do Sol, Canhas, and Madalena do Mar. I think this is the best private accommodation in So Vicente and I highly recommend you to stay here if you are looking for an ultimate accommodation choice. The Swan House is one of our favourites in Madeira but theyre not taking guests right now. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. 15 Best areas to stay in Madeira for tourists To get an overall idea of Madeira, check out this video, or continue reading: 1. There are also very nice seafood restaurants, local cafes, and historic churches in Canial. Wander through the gardens and mineral museum at the Monte Palace Madeira. If you want to have a chilled holiday by the beach, Ponta do Sol is calling you! Sitting on the south coast of Madeira, Ribeira Brava nestles in the valley of the Ribeira River. In order to give you an idea, the average price of food in a good restaurant costs around 10 EUR ($12 USD). We only recommend the things we actually use ourselves and never accept useless sponsored crap. No matter what your budget or travel style, this Madeira neighborhood guide will show you the best places to stay on the islands. Located on a large slope facing the Atlantic and shaped like a natural amphitheatre, Funchal is Madeira's largest tourist, commercial and cultural centre. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Madeira island is an authentic place you'll want to experience. Ride AppsAlthough Uber was available in Madeira for a short period, at the time of writing it has been suspended. Check out the beautiful churches, local shops, restaurants, and cafes, then its time to head to the beautiful sandy beach to chill and swim in the turquoise water! Where to stay in Madeira (2023) - 14 Best Areas Last updated on February 22, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links ( Info) Where to stay in Madeira to best enjoy the island? Moving inland from the coast, the area is lush and green, with areas turned over to banana and sugar cultivation, and vineyards. If you are looking for an attractive town where you can have local experiences, Ribeira Brava will definitely suit your taste. Machico is home to some of the best hikes in Madeira. After watching the sunset by the beach, have a local wine in the lively bars with a friendly atmosphere. Check out the beautiful buildings with colonial architecture, impressive churches, and museums, and make sure to take the cable car to Monte for some stunning views of the island! Wear your hiking boots and start discovering spectacular cliffs views, beautiful botanical gardens, historical buildings, and churches. The Mother Church of Machico (Igreja Matriz de Machico), is probably the oldest piece of 15th century Gothic architecture in Madeira. Its right next to the beach and has spacious rooms with balconies, as well as a pool with staggeringly beautiful views. For more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. It is a place popular with those seeking water-sport facilities. The spectacular scenery and amazing views though, makes the effort worthwhile. List View. Since this is the most popular town where to stay in Madeira, plus the hotels I gave you above are the best of the best, they may book out quickly. 12. Follow the trail up to Viewpoint Portela to take in rewarding views. Book your stay in Madeira now! You can easily take a taxi from the airport and in the city centers. As these are the best places to stay, you have to be quick and make a reservation in advance if you dont want to miss them. 1 2 Welshtraveller111 Wales, United. Bars and shops stretch along the beach walkway, and parasols and sunbeds are available on the beach. This 4-star hotel features 2 swimming pools, a spa, free parking, and a spacious room with a balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, This budget Hotel offers an outdoor swimming room, a room with a private balcony, free wifi and a nice restaurant, This Airbnb has rooms with modern amenities, a private terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and free parking. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA IN CANICAL, See also: Where to stay in Lisbon, where to stay in Porto, where to stay in Algarve. Located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira has nicely stable temperatures throughout the year making the volcanic island a dream destination for many travelers. Funchal: when to go, things to do and where to stay - Portugal.net Located in the heart of the city, this hostel in Madeira has all the charm and colour you could want for your vacation. Aim to start in the capital, Funchal, and book in . Ponta do Sol, the place to stay in Madeira for sun lovers and nature lovers, 8. Shorter and gentler hikes? This family-friendly hotel offers guests an outdoor pool, rooms with ocean views, and a nice garden, This nice accommodation features an outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a garden terrace, and clean rooms, This Airbnb offers guests an outdoor pool, a large garden with an ocean view, and family-friendly rooms. Now, the towns big visitor attractions are its natural lava seawater swimming pools, its scenic hinterland, and one of Madeiras most popular walks. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira doesnt suffer the high summer temperatures and dry, arid terrain of its volcanic Canarian cousins. If you dont want to drive you can easily take a tour here, but dont forget to take your camera with you! But, being just a few kilometres from the Islands capital of Funchal, it also plays host to those visitors wanting to spend time in the city, but who prefer quieter, more relaxed evenings. Take in the views at the viewpoint known as Miradouro de Machico. Which area of Funchal? - Funchal Message Board - Tripadvisor As Madeira has a mountainous territory, you will encounter many tunnels and narrow roads but the epic scenery is definitely worth it. For those who would like to stay in a less touristy area, here are the best accommodations that I handpicked for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. This hotel offers the perfect luxurious experience to anyone with a bit more to spend on accommodation. Ponta do Sol is located on the south coast, a 25min drive from Funchal. If you reach the Miradouro Cristo Rei, the view down on tiny Garajau beach is spectacular. Have a drink at Barretos Bar or Bar 7 Instrumentos. Theres a restaurant and infinity pool, and sporting facilities. This area is also one of the best places to stay in Madeira for hiking. An old city of whitewashed terraced properties with terracotta tiled roofs, narrow alleyways, and old cobbled streets; Santa Cruz oozes its early 15th century beginnings. You can enjoy chilling on the sun terrace that offers breathtaking views while having some Portuguese wine. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! 15 Best Hotels In Funchal: Complete Guide - Journey Era And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. The location is unbeatable, and the rooms on offer range to suit any type of traveler. Guests can have a local wine in the beautiful garden while watching the sunset. Sao Vicente is located on the north coast of the island, a 35 min drive from Funchal. To Relax The Casa Velha do Palheiro is a beautiful country house hotel with 37 rooms and a great position, right next to a golf course. Look out for Santa Maria Street, and its multi-coloured doorways in the old town area. Here you will find the islands most scenic and impressive natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava! Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Igreja de So Salvador Church. Let the kids enjoy some high-speed action at the Indoor Kart Madeira. The complex has two saltwater pools, solariums, spa, first aid station, and a bar to round off your day. For those who would like to go hiking, I suggest you travel between April-June and September-November when the weather is cooler. Now that you know there are so many incredible things to do no matter where you stay, Im sure youre probably wanting to find out how to get around on the island. This apartment is just as advertised, located in the best neighborhood to stay in Madeira right in the heart of Funchal. Try the local food at Restaurante Gonclaves, Taberna do Petiscro, or the Franco Wine Bar & Restaurante. If thats what you want, Funchal is just 15 minutes away by cab. Canio has an excellent choice of all types of accommodation to suit all pockets and tastes for your stay in Madeira. See black sand beaches at CanialLocated on the eastern coast, Canial is just a half an hour drive from Funchal. As the capital city of Madeira, it has a good collection of accommodation options as well as plenty of historical landmarks and natural gardens to explore. At night (21:00 to 6:00) you will pay 0.56 per km + 0.25 per min with a 3.90 starting fee.. For those who dont drive a car, there is also the possibility to rent a daily or half-day taxi. A Week In Madeira Without A Car: An Easy 7-Day Itinerary - THE FLASHPACKER The hotel also has an outdoor pool and rooms of varying sizes to suit every travel group. It is a small fishing town where you will be able to see unique natural black sand beaches and pools. Meaning all youve really got to do is pick a spot, and enjoy your holiday. Its also close to popular hiking areas and the beach. Calheta is the best area in Madeira to stay if you just want to chase the sun. In order to reach Pico do Arieiro you can drive or join daily tours from the major towns. The best things to do in. The hike is around 12 km (8 mi) long and includes steps through tunnels and alongside rocks as you make your way to the top. Although still very un-commercialised, it has enough attractions, such as its History of Whaling Museum, to appeal to a good number of annual visitors. Jardim do Mar, in English, Garden of the Sea, is a pretty little village lying on the southwest coast of Madeira. Canio, a popular year round destination where to stay in Madeira. Madeira is an island that seems made for people who enjoy the outdoors. They all have great reviews and perfect locations! If youre still unsure, you cant go wrong with Quinta Splendid Wellness & Botanical Garden. If your promenading takes you as far as the Garajau Marine Reserve, you can admire the Miradouro Cristo Rei do Garajau, a 14 metre high statue of Christ, that looks very similar to the one towering above Rio de Janeiro. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA IN RIBEIRA BRAVA. Ribeira Brava, a quiet attractive village for couples and seniors, 10. Theres an awesome glass bottom platform which sticks out over the cliff face allowing you to see straight down below your feet, this awesome experience is also called SkyWalk. A natural-born butterfly, She's spent most of her adult life hovering between Australia's obscenely high minimum wage and putting that EU-proof passport to good use travelling Western Europe. Fun in Funchal: top things to do, where to stay & what to eat Here are the best hotels in Madeira from luxury to budget if you dont have time to read the whole post. Being a very popular holiday destination in Portugal all year round, Madeira offers a great selection of hotels for all budgets. In 2008, thousands of tonnes of white desert sand was imported from Morocco, and laid over the pebbles, to provide Machico with the Islands first golden sand beach. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! For those who are looking for fun family activities, there are plenty of options to keep the kids busy in and around Santa Cruz such as go-karting, Aquaparque Madeira, and Madeira Theme Park just to name a few. COOLEST Thing to Do in Funchal Head up to Monte and take the cable car for the most spectacular views of the city and its surrounds.BEST Place to Visit in Funchal Visit the Qunita das Cruzes museum to explore the history of the captain who discovered Madeira. IT DEPENDS! Read on! BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA IN SAO VICENTE. Ribeira Brava is a charming coastal village located 20 km (12 miles) west of Funchal. If you have any other suggestions or questions about Madeira Portugal, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. Where to stay in Madeira: Best Areas 2022 - Portugal Travel Hub A theme park with a difference, it is based around science, tradition, and the history of the Madeira Islands. Where To Stay In Madeira, Portugal: Six Of The Best Hotels - Forbes Enotel Magnlia. Split into four main categories, the exhibition uses a range of multimedia deliveries to keep the attention of even the youngest visitors. Visiting Madeira was one of our favorite vacations since we moved to Portugal. Take a walking tour of Funchal City. If you choose to do a little hiking inland, you may come across one of the 18th century, two-storey colonial plantation houses still standing. Its a clean, modern building with a restaurant and bar on-site, which provides a delicious breakfast daily. Its not as large as Funchal but still has lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. Its located in Canico and offers lovely sea views. As Madeira is part of the EU, European driving licenses are accepted to rent a car. Set on a cliffside in one of the most stunning locations imaginable, this hotel in Madeira offers a touch of luxury and majesty. This is my favorite accommodation in Madeira and is the perfect spot to stay for any of you luxury travelers out there! You'll find so much good food in Madeira, so many incredible hikes by the famous Levada and the most picturesque fishing villages. December 13, 2022 Updated: January 18, 2023 By Jerry R Why Funchal Makes A Great Base Where to stay in Madeira: Best Areas to Stay in Madeira, Portugal If youre visiting Madeira without a car but want to explore the island, it makes most sense to choose accommodation in Funchal. The decor is elegant, the restaurant gourmet, the spa fantastic and the gardens exquisite. icon-lightbulb Madeira is not an expensive island. Tickets cost between 1-6 ($1-7) depending on how far you are traveling. Its a haven for hikers and beach lovers alike, but is often missed by travelers visiting Portugal. This 5-star hotel located right on the Calheta Beach offers 3 swimming pools, a fantastic spa, free parking, 2 restaurants, and modern rooms with a private balcony overlooking the sea. Hike at Pico do ArieiroPico de Arieiro is located 20km (12 mi) north of Funchal and is the 3rd highest peak in Madeira. Many of the hotels have a free cancelation, so dont worry if you change your mind. For history lovers, there are more than enough churches, historic buildings, and museums that are waiting to be discovered and at night you can have drinks in trendy bars and enjoy mouth-watering food in local restaurants. 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.. Savoy Palace and Golden Residence Hotel are the best hotels in Funchal. Entertaining the children shouldnt be a problem at Santa Cruzs large aqua-park complete with flumes, slides, kiddies pool, and all the amenities you need for a good day out. Founded as a village in 1502, its Portuguese name means small cove, and thats exactly what you see when approaching from the water. The Capital: a perfect combination between Nature, Culture and Lifestyle. In addition, the decor is based on a sugar cane theme, which makes for some interesting images! Said to be the oldest municipality in Madeira, Canial is a small fishing village on the east coast of the island, between So Loureno and Machico. The establishments featured here are in no way a complete listing, but will give you an idea of the types of properties, and the travelers for whom they are geared. With calming rooms, this hotel is one of the best places in Madeira to stay in if you want to be in the heart of Funchal city. 11. Happy exploring! When visiting Madeira do not miss the chance to stay in its capital, Funchal. Luxury Hotels Quintas Mid-Range Hotels Luxury Hotels Do you see why I picked this area for families? Gastronomes can enjoy nights dining and drinking al-fresco in the myriad caf/bars and restaurants serving traditional local cuisine. This charming town on the southwest coast is the island's capital city and has many cultural landmarks and attractions to explore. On the south coast of Madeira Island, Funchal, the capital city offers an abundance of things to see and do, making it a great place to stay in Madeira if you don't want to spend too long moving around the island and prefer everything nearby. Here is a map for where to stay in Madeira with the 7 best areas I will be talking about in this blog post so you can easily visualize them: Located on the south coast of the island, Funchal Madeira is the capital of Madeira and offers more than enough activities for all kinds of travelers. With narrow cobbled alleys and lanes running between them, and vineyards and banana plantations dotted around the outskirts, the whole area provides a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Take the Funchal cable car to the Botanical Gardens. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. You can easily rent a car from Madeira Airport or the city center and begin your island exploration. Move a little inland, and the richly fertile soil supports terraces of banana plantations, vineyards, and cherry bushes. If you want to enjoy beaches with hot weather the best time to visit Madeira is between June and September. You can swim in the crystal clear water of these natural pools and take some epic Instagram photos. The Islands whitewashed and red tiled houses sprawl through the lush green valley of the Machico River, with a backdrop on three sides of cliff-like, forest clad hillsides. 3. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Madeira is an awesome place to stay in Portugal. Instead, buy an eSIM! Weve also included our top accommodation and activity picks in each. Related article: Santa Cruz is a coastal village located on the east coast and 20 km (12 mi) from Funchal. Family groups and solo travelers like the convenience Funchal offers. With groynes to reduce incoming swell, a black sand beach, and kiddies swimming pool, it is a safe area for children of all ages. Where to stay in Funchal? Its become a popular choice for where to stay in Madeira for families, as it offers a friendly beach and water-sport activities. Elevated to city status on 21 August 1508 by the royal charter of King Manuel I, the History of this archipelago's . In 50 minutes you can drive to the most north . Lifeguards are on duty, and long groynes stretch into the bay to keep the water calm and safe for kids. Start your day in Funchal, Madeira with a stroll through the town center. It also contains lots of popular and sometimes quirky beaches, as well as chances to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming and water sports. (More on things to do in Madeira here) Here is a list of our favourite . Start your trip to Santa Cruz with a small sightseeing tour to familiarise yourself with the town. If maximum sunshine is your top priority when choosing where to stay in Madeira, then Ponta do Sol is the place to head for. But theres much more to Calheta than just sun, sea, and water-sports. Things to Do Madeira all year round Madeira is a stunning landscape, with deep blue sea and a huge sky to match. Check out the breathtaking views from Europes highest sea cliff at Cape GiroCape Giro is located 15 km (8 mi) west of Funchal and is a must-see place in Madeira. Thanks to its sandy beach, family-friendly attractions, and hotels, Santa Cruz is the best place to stay in Madeira for those traveling with children. Go swimming in lava pools in Porto MonizPorto Moniz is located on the most north-western point of Madeira and is a 50 minutes drive from Funchal. You can easily reach Madeira by taking the ferry from Portugal or a flight to Madeira Airport. If youre looking for spacious rooms and a pool with ocean vistas, Albatroz is the place to be. 6 Best Neighborhoods in Mallorca with Hotels + Prices! In this blog weve put together a number of the best places to stay in Madeira, to make sure you can enjoy a first-class visitor experience during your holiday. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. If you plan to stay in the northern and western parts of Madeira you will need to use bus services operated by Rodoeste. In addition, the rooms are big, bright, and have their own private bathrooms and kitchenettes. You will have a great time in this lovely village! Want to be featured in our list? The isle boasts some 200 levadas (historic water channels) which today delineate miles upon miles of walking trails. Most of the museums, shops and cafes are located at the heart of the city and we recommend a city tour to explore the colourful history of the place. Madeira travel guide: everything you need to know - Times Travel