Where to Stay in Madeira: Complete Accomodation Guide
Introduction
Comprehensive guide to choosing the best accommodation location in Madeira based on trip length, budget, activities, and weather preferences. Covers all major towns and regions with insider insights from long-term residents.
Additional Resources:
- Full video on things to do in Funchal
- Madeira e-book guide with detailed town insights
- Discounts for tours, activities, and car rentals
Best for Short Stays (Less Than 1 Week)
Funchal ★ HANDS DOWN BEST CHOICE
Why Funchal for Short Visits:
Location:
- Island capital
- Central hub for everything
- Easy access to tours and transportation
Activities:
- Incredible things to do during the day
- Active nightlife
- Most amenities and services
- Lively city atmosphere
Resources Available: Full video covering all the best things to do in Funchal
Downsides to Consider:
Cost:
- Most popular place on island
- Accommodation tends to be more expensive
- Higher overall prices
Crowds:
- Can feel very crowded
- Especially at peak times
- Tourist-heavy atmosphere
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want everything at their fingertips, plan to rely on public transport, or want to take many tours.
Southern Madeira: Best Weather & Nearby Towns
Regional Advantage
Weather Benefits:
- More pleasant weather in southern Madeira
- Especially important for winter visits
- Northern parts much colder
- North has more frequent rain
Who Should Consider: Those planning to rent a car or wanting to experience different sides of Madeira with more affordable accommodation options.
Câmara de Lobos
Location:
- Closest town to Funchal
- Can reach by promenade from Formosa Beach
- Very convenient access
Characteristics:
- Charming fishing village
- Beautiful harbor
- Traditional atmosphere
Amenities:
- Lots of good restaurants
- Variety of accommodations
- Local fishing village vibe
Ribeira Brava
Location:
- Just a bit further west from Câmara de Lobos
- Still very close to Funchal
- Easy access to capital
Characteristics:
- Quiet town
- More relaxed pace
Amenities:
- Lots of affordable places to stay
- Good restaurants
- Many supermarkets
- Beach available
Value Proposition: Great balance of affordability and convenience.
Caniço
Location:
- Just east of Funchal
Personal Experience: "For the first two years on Madeira, we lived in Caniço, and we loved it."
Advantages:
Connectivity:
- Well connected to the capital
- Easy access to Funchal
Atmosphere:
- Remains relatively quiet
- Less touristy than Funchal
- Peaceful residential feel
Activities:
- Reis Magos Beach
- Garajau exploration
- Famous Cristo Rei viewpoint
- Plenty of things to do
Best For: Those wanting proximity to Funchal without the crowds and tourist atmosphere.
Eastern Madeira: Strategic Location
Machico ★ SECOND OLDEST TOWN
Strategic Location Benefits:
Quick Access To:
- Both north and south coast
- Best hiking spots easily reachable
- Central position on island
Famous Hiking Nearby:
- Pico do Arieiro
- São Lourenço Peninsula
- Santana region
Practical Advantages:
Airport Proximity:
- Very close to airport
- Convenient for arrivals/departures
- Short transfer time
Accommodation:
- Wide range of options
- Fits any budget
- Good availability
Unique Feature:
- Golden sand beach (rare for Madeira)
- Sand brought from Sahara Desert
- Popular with visitors
Best For: Hikers, those wanting easy north-south access, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone wanting beach access.
Ponta da Cruz (Porto da Cruz)
Location:
- Just 10 minutes from Machico
Character:
- One of most popular surfing spots on Madeira
- Small town atmosphere
- Surrounded by green lush mountains
- Laid-back vibe
Perfect For: "If you are planning your surfing trip on Madeira, this is the perfect spot for you."
Northern Madeira: Dramatic & Iconic
Important Weather Consideration
Climate Warning: "Keep in mind, if you're going to stay there outside of summer period, it can get really rainy and very overcast."
Summer vs. Off-Season:
- Beautiful in summer
- Challenging weather other times
- More rain than south
- Cloudier conditions
Visual Appeal: "Absolutely stunning, with some of the most dramatic views."
Seixal ★ ONE OF MOST ICONIC PLACES
Famous Features:
Natural Attractions:
- Natural swimming pools
- Black sand beach (truly breathtaking)
- Scenic setting
Popularity:
- Gets thousands of visitors every year
- "A spot you definitely can't miss during your visit to Madeira"
Surrounding Activities:
- Scenic hikes
- Numerous viewpoints
- Nearby waterfalls to explore
- Beautiful natural areas
Accommodation Style:
- Mostly Airbnb-style stays
- Cozy local vibe
- Authentic experience
Challenges:
Limited Services:
- Limited dining options
- No larger supermarkets nearby
- Small town infrastructure
Overcrowding Issues: "Seixal is quite a small town which is not fully ready for the amount of tourists it's currently receiving."
Summer Concerns:
- Trouble finding parking
- Driving along narrow streets difficult
- Infrastructure strain
Recommendation: "Seixal might not be the most convenient place for a longer stay, but it's definitely worth visiting even just for a day."
São Vicente
Location:
- Just 10 minutes from Seixal
- Coastal town
Setting:
- Beautiful waterfront
- Surrounded by green mountains and blue ocean
- Scenic environment
Advantages:
Dining:
- Lots of great restaurants
- Good food scene
Accommodation:
- Many affordable options
- Budget-friendly hotels
- Cozy Airbnbs
- Good value
Activities:
- Many amazing viewpoints nearby
- Hiking along Levadas
- Scenic walks
Limitations:
Beach Conditions:
- Very rough ocean
- Beach isn't great for swimming
- Limited water activities
Weather:
- Can be cloudy outside summer
- Gloomy conditions possible
- Keep this in mind when planning
Best For: Those prioritizing restaurants, affordability, and mountain scenery over beach activities.
Porto Moniz ★ WORTH THE DRIVE
Location:
- Northwest corner of Madeira
- Furthest place from airport
Distance Reality: "Making it the furthest place from the airport. But trust me, it's worth the drive."
Star Attraction: Natural Lava Pools
What Makes Them Special:
- Filled with clear ocean water
- Surrounded by volcanic rocks
- Safe swimming environment
- Scenic setting
- Truly unique experience
Dining:
- Great selection of oceanfront restaurants
- Fresh seafood available
- Local dishes
- Beautiful views while dining
Accommodation:
- Plenty of hotels
- Guest houses available
- Stay for night or two
Recommendation: "If you're not planning to stay in Porto Moniz, it's still one of the top places to see on Madeira."
Western Madeira: The Sunniest Part
Regional Advantage
Weather: "The west side of the island is the sunniest part of Madeira."
Best For: Combining beach time with hiking—towns here are very short drive from Rabaçal (main hiking hub).
Calheta
Famous For:
- Two large sandy beaches
- Perfect for a day out
- Beach-focused activities
Ponta do Sol ★ "SUNNY POINT OF MADEIRA"
Location: Where Karol and Maria are currently located (in video)
Character:
- Charming little town
- Commonly known as the sunny point of Madeira
- Pleasant climate
Strategic Location:
Proximity to Rabaçal:
- Main hiking hub of Madeira
- Home to many famous Levada walks
- Very short drive away
Perfect Combination: Beach time + Hiking access in sunniest part of island
Summary & Recommendations
Quick Decision Guide
For Short Stays (Less Than 1 Week):
- Funchal - Everything at your fingertips, best for public transport users
For Car Renters:
- East or West small towns - Closer to hiking trails and beaches
- Consider: Caniço, Machico, Ponta do Sol, Calheta
For Hikers:
- Machico - Best access to hiking spots
- West towns - Near Rabaçal hiking hub
For Beach & Sun:
- West side (Ponta do Sol, Calheta) - Sunniest part
- Machico - Rare golden sand beach
For Surfers:
- Ponta da Cruz - Popular surfing spot, laid-back vibe
For Budget Travelers:
- Ribeira Brava - Affordable with good amenities
- São Vicente - Many affordable options
For Unique Experiences:
- Porto Moniz - Natural lava pools (worth the drive)
- Seixal - Black sand beach, natural pools (day visit recommended)
For Winter Visits:
- Stick to Southern Madeira - Better weather, less rain
- Avoid North - Much colder, more frequent rain
Weather Considerations by Region
South (Best Weather):
- More pleasant year-round
- Important for winter visits
- Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Caniço
West (Sunniest):
- Best sunshine
- Ponta do Sol, Calheta
North (Dramatic but Wet):
- Absolutely stunning views
- Outside summer: rainy and overcast
- Seixal, São Vicente, Porto Moniz
East (Strategic):
- Good access to both coasts
- Machico, Ponta da Cruz
Final Thoughts
Island Size: "Even though Madeira is a relatively small island, there is a big variety of places where you can stay."
Key Factors to Consider:
- Trip length
- Transportation (car vs. public transport)
- Season of visit
- Budget
- Primary activities (beach, hiking, sightseeing)
- Desired atmosphere (lively vs. quiet)
Additional Resources
Madeira E-Book Guide:
- In-depth information on all locations
- Detailed insights into pros/cons of staying in different small towns
- Tour discounts
- Activity discounts
- Car rental discounts
- Comprehensive travel planning resource
Related Videos:
- Full video on best things to do in Funchal
- Additional Madeira content on channel
Closing: "We hope this video gave you a better idea on where to book accommodation in Madeira. Thank you for watching and we will see you in the next one. Ciao!"