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Madeira is an island that treasures nature and has received numerous awards. In 2023, EarthCheck presented Madeira with the Silver award as a 'Sustainable Tourism Destination', acknowledging their efforts to conserve nature, culture, and agriculture.
Madeira is home to a diverse range of species, natural treasures, and opportunities for adventure in some of the most scenic settings. This slice of Portuguese paradise, often referred to as the 'Hawaii of Europe', has a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere, making it a 'must-visit' destination for visitors of all ages.
This tropical island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean provides ideal conditions for growing bananas, pineapples, and many other exotic fruits and flowers. Towering green mountains dominate the centre of Madeira, with most of the roads tracing the island's coastline.
One of Madeira’s leading ecotourism initiatives is the development of sustainable hotels. These hotels are deeply connected to their surroundings, serving local cuisine, rooted in tradition, using renewable energy and offering low-impact activities on the island.
This guide will share some of the best hotels and villas to stay in Madeira, from traditional Quintas with cultural heritage to sleek and modern villas with stunning infinity pools. We have put together a list of the top places to stay in both the north and the south of Madeira.
Once you’ve decided where to stay, read our 4-day Madeira itinerary for more Madeira inspiration.
When to stay in Madeira?
Madeira has a mild tropical climate, making it one of the best destinations to visit all year round. The best times to visit Madeira are autumn and spring.
We visited Madeira in October and experienced very warm temperatures, a little above average around 30°C. October is a great option to escape cooler temperatures in the UK. Autumn is one of the best times to visit when temperatures are still warm and the weather allows you to explore the island and do hiking and canyoneering.
Other quieter times to visit Madeira are winter and spring, with slightly cooler temperatures in winter at an average of 20°C. Spring brings beautiful blooms and the lowest levels of rain other than the summer months.
Where to stay in Madeira?
When visiting Madeira, picking the perfect area that matches your travel style and interests can make all the difference in your overall experience.
The bustling capital of Funchal is best for those who enjoy city life with all its conveniences. The city is located on the southeast coast of the island and has a good selection of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Funchal is a great base while exploring the island, with plenty to see in the city, including tropical gardens, art galleries, museums, cable cars, basket rides, and farmers markets.
If you decide to stay outside Funchal, we’d recommend allocating at least a day to explore the city and the wonderful attractions nearby. Perhaps a more remote, quiet escape is your cup of tea, then consider staying on the north coast in places such as Santana and Porto da Cruz.
If you’re looking for a more remote, quiet escape, you should consider the north coast, including Santana and Porto da Cruz. Other beautiful wilder locations located on the southwest coast include the Madelana do Mar, Ponta do Sol, Calheta and Jardim do Mar.
Sun-seekers should look at staying in Calheta in the southwest of the island, which gets the most sun and is also a great base for nearby hikes. On this part of the island, there is an abundance of beautiful flowers, bananas and avocados.
The north coast of Madeira
Hotel Quinta Do Furao, Santana
Close to the straw-covered roofs of the Santana houses, the charming clifftop Quinta do Furao overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by beautiful grounds and vineyards. This is the perfect place to relax, surrounded by lush greenery and epic coastal views.
Quinta do Furao has one of the best restaurants on the island, serving breathtaking coastal scenes alongside delicious traditional food, including some of the best sweet potato bread! We had the most delicious chargrilled tuna and would highly recommend eating at the restaurant if you have the chance.
The South coast of Madeira
Sentido Galosol, CaniÇo
We stayed at Sentido Galosol, a 4* hotel known for its sustainability credentials and being one of the first on the island. Powered mostly by solar panels, located next to the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve. Sentido Galosol has wonderful sea-view rooms, with balconies to make the most of your surroundings.
The highlights of this property include the outdoor seawater pool, which is a safe swimming spot with the option to snorkel in the underwater nature reserve, or just sunbathe next to the waves crashing against the rocks.
Atlantis Restaurant looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, serving delicious fresh seafood, including the notorious scabbard fish, which despite its looks, is one of the most tasty things to try when in Madeira. There is a spa and indoor pool to enjoy after a day out exploring.
Se Boutique Hotel, Funchal
Located in the heart of Funchal, Se Boutique Hotel is a quirky and vibrant city base with a beautiful rooftop terrace perfect for sunset cocktails. This boutique hotel has a lovely streetside restaurant with picture-perfect views of Funchal Cathedral, serving delicious food with fresh organic ingredients from their farm.
Three House Hotel, Funchal
A luxury modern alternative to the traditional Quinta’s, Three House Hotel is an aparthotel with a minimalist, natural-elements-inspired decor. There is a cascading rooftop with a saltwater infinity pool, Mediterranean sunbathing terrace and cocktail bar. Each room is beautifully decorated with a Scandi-inspired theme and the option to book apartment rooms with a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen.
ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal, FUnchal
ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal is a recently refurbished, 100-year-old traditional mansion house in Funchal. This beautiful boutique hotel features modern-style rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and the option to stay in a suite with a lovely terrace to observe city life in Funchal.
The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the centre of Funchal and some of the rooms benefit from ocean views. It features art from the best local artists across the property and some rooms are presented in an apartment style with a kitchenette.
Reid’s Palace, Funchal
One of the most glamorous hotels, Reid’s Palace is a pink palace perched on top of the cliffs surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean waves. Part of the Belmond family, Reid’s Palace is located a little further out from the centre of Funchal in a much more quiet, relaxing setting close to the harbour where guests would originally arrive before the airport was built.
Winston Churchill stayed at Reid’s Palace in 1950 as a way to promote Madeira as a prime holiday destination and today a room is named after him. Each room is decorated in an elegant theme accented with dark wood and florals and a must is having afternoon tea on the black and white chequered terrace.
Funchal cottages, Funchal
Funchal Cottages oceanside villas are stunning, each one designed to perfection. These beautiful villas were a restoration project and are inspired by the tropical island of Madeira, offering an eco-luxury experience.
Each villa is uniquely crafted to create its individual feel; from bohemian styles, infinity pools and nods to local culture and heritage, staying in Funchal Cottages is bound to be a memorable one.
Quinta da Casa Branca, FUnchal
Surrounded by lush greenery and offering a chance to experience serenity in nature, Quinta da Casa Branca has wonderful botanical gardens that attract local wildlife. This 1940s manor house was converted into a hotel from a previous banana plantation and displays the perfect blend of modern and classic design.
The botanical wilderness spreads into the bedrooms with beautiful florals, nature-inspired colour palettes and large doors welcoming in plenty of natural light. The rooms also benefit from beautiful private terraces to bring the outside in and the chance to relax surrounded by Madeiran paradise.
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The View Baia, FUNCHAL
The View Baia Hotel overlooks the beautiful Funchal Bay, offering rooms that have a modern, fresh, airy feel. Facilities onsite include not one, but two swimming pools and features a gym and a selection of restaurants.
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Quinta da Saraiva, Câmara de Lobos
If you’re looking to experience a traditional local Madeiran property, Quinta da Saraiva is a great choice. The rooms have a charming, classic style blended with all the modern comforts. The property is surrounded by beautiful bananas and tropical flowers.
Quinta da Saraiva also has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and beautiful solarium. They produce fruits and vegetables on the estate, including grapes, potatoes, bananas, and tomatoes where guests benefit from trying delicious fresh produce.
Pestana Fisherman Village, CÂmara de Lobos
This spectacular boutique hotel is found in the picturesque Câmara de Lobos, known as a fishing town steeped in tradition. Pestana Fisherman Village Hotel is a combination of lovingly restored buildings with a modern touch.
The authenticity and history of the place have been thoughtfully preserved throughout the property, maintaining its old-world charm with vaulted ceilings and wooden beams. A rooftop boasts an outdoor swimming pool accompanied by sun loungers and a nearby bar allows you to enjoy a traditional nikita or punch.
Socalco nature, Calheta
Socalco Nature Hotel is a beautiful blend of agrotourism with a sustainable focus on permaculture, where guests can experience local flavours fresh from the ground. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on the farm, offering a chance to learn about Madeiran cuisine all in a picturesque, rural setting.
Surrounded by nature in the stunning region of Calheta, Socalco Nature sits above the cliffs with panoramic ocean views. Memorable experiences include making bread, jam and even a cooking class. Different rooms are looking out onto the vineyards and there is the option to book a whole villa to yourself for the ultimate privacy and luxury.
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Saccharum Resort & Spa, Calheta
A luxury 5* hotel on the beautiful south coast of Madeira, Saccharum Resort and Spa is one of a kind. A former sugar cane mill, this property has a beach club, private beach, kitchen garden, rooftop infinity pool and serene spa.
The rooms at Saccharum face either the garden courtyard or the ocean, with balconies to relax and read a book. Each room is decorated in warm, neutral tones echoing its surroundings and creating calm spaces to return to after a day exploring the island, with the chance to spot whales right from your room.
Sustainability is also a focus of the hotel, with solar panels, local produce from the kitchen garden and LED bulbs across the property, reducing energy consumption.
Les TerRasse suites madeira, Calheta
Perhaps you’re on the search for a more intimate setting with fewer guests and somewhere that is LGBTQIA+ friendly? Les Terrasse Suites cascades over the edge of the cliff, providing some of the best views in Calheta of vivid blue ocean panoramas.
The property is surrounded by agricultural terraces built with volcanic stone, which inspired the owners to use volcanic rocks within their design, creating a seamless blend with its environment. The brushed concrete walls in the rooms give it a raw feel, with warm elements of wood and curved doorways bringing softness and perfectly framing the outdoor terrace.
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CASA DA PITANGA, JArdim do Mar
This beautiful seaside casa is located in the quiet coastal village of Jardim do Mar. Casa da Pitanga provides you with 2 bedrooms, a lovely balcony, an open-plan kitchen and a lounge with an outdoor barbecue area. A great location to base yourself to explore the island, with local amenities nearby and close to a good surf beach.
Casas da Levada
The Casas da Levada was born from a shared dream, a family looking to create their own magical space in nature, living in harmony with its surroundings and restoring ancient ruins to their former glory. Casas da Levada is an agrotourism project that offers the chance to have unique experiences from wildlife watching, yoga classes, surfing and more.
The family produces cider from the Ponta do Pargo apples grown on the farm orchard and animals also wander the grounds. A beautiful surprise is the hobbit bar, a cosy cave-like space where guests serve themselves to enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
1905 Zino’s Palace, Ponta do Sol
A signature pink adorns the walls of this chocolate box-style hotel, where even the roof is a work of art. 1905 Zino’s Palace is a Madeiran fairytale; when this island couldn’t get any dreamier. staying here will make you feel like you’re in a Wes Anderson movie.
This wonderful 4-star pink palace has to be one of the most charming and elegant hotels on the island, surrounded by tropical banana plantations.
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Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol, Ponta do Sol
Perched on the cliffs sits the spectacular Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, the result of a lovingly restored traditional Quinta to a contemporary masterpiece. Each room has either a garden or sea view, with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.
