Home › Madeira › Where to stay
Where to stay in Madeira
Madeira is a mountainous volcanic island where geography dictates your experience. The south coast, particularly around Funchal, offers the most accessible climate and services. Moving north or further into the interior, you trade convenience for dramatic cliffs and rainforest access, requiring a rental car. Choose your base based on your primary intent: city culture and transit access in the south, or rugged isolation and hiking proximity in the northern regions.
Funchal (Old Town and Marina)
This is the island’s heartbeat, featuring narrow cobblestone streets and the colorful doors of Rua de Santa Maria. You are steps from the cable car to Monte, the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, and the marina. It feels cosmopolitan yet traditional, with endless cafes and bars. You don't need a car here, as everything is walkable and transit links are reliable.
Calheta
Located on the sunny southwest coast, Calheta feels significantly warmer and drier than the north. The area centers around a purpose-built marina and two sheltered sandy coves. It is highly walkable within the waterfront district, offering calm swimming and a variety of ocean-view dining. It acts as a convenient, flat base for driving west to explore the dramatic cliffs of Ponta do Pargo.
São Vicente
Nestled in a lush green valley, this area is defined by its dramatic black-sand coastline and jagged volcanic peaks. It feels remote, misty, and intensely quiet compared to the southern hubs. You can walk to the volcanic caves and the rugged seafront promenade easily. It serves as the ideal launchpad for northern levada walks and surfing the Atlantic swells of the north coast.
Rent a car in Madeira
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in MadeiraOne thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation in the high-altitude interior villages like Curral das Freiras if you don't have a reliable rental car. The winding mountain roads are steep and narrow, making even short trips to the coast time-consuming and exhausting after dark.
Other places to stay in Portugal: lastminute.com · SANA Hotels · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Madeira are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Madeira
Common questions
Do I really need a rental car to enjoy Madeira?
If you stay exclusively in central Funchal, you can manage with buses and walking. However, to see the island's iconic levada trails, mountain viewpoints, and remote northern villages, a rental car is essential. Public transport is limited to main roads and rarely reaches the most breathtaking interior trailheads or viewpoints.
Which time of year offers the most reliable weather?
Madeira enjoys a 'perpetual spring,' but the south coast is significantly drier than the north. May through September provides the most consistent sunshine and warmth for beach activities. If you visit in winter, expect frequent coastal showers and much colder temperatures in the mountain peaks, necessitating layers for all your daily excursions.
Are the levada walks suitable for beginner hikers?
Many levada walks are flat and follow irrigation channels, making them accessible, but they often feature steep drops and narrow paths without railings. Beginners should choose well-maintained, popular trails like Levada dos Balcões. Always check local trail status updates, as paths can close unexpectedly due to landslides or heavy rain events in the mountains.
Hotel links go to Booking.com. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.