Beware Of Travel Advisory Sites
One site we consider that has more genuine reviews is www.booking.com, as you can only write your comments if you have actually booked and stayed in accommodation and given your personal details. Recently, an Italian restaurant made a complaint against one of the largest advisory sites due to a high number of negative reviews that were not true, claiming that it was being targeted by one of its competitors. Since the advisory site refused to remove the comments in question, the establishment decided to register a fictitious restaurant on the website, hired a company in India, which there are many, that specializes in writing fake reviews and, within six weeks, it became the number 1 restaurant on this international travel advisory website for its region, even though it did not exist. One of the solutions we propose at Madeira Portugal to stop this abuse would be to have a traceable international ID number for every person who wants to leave a review or a comment on any digital media, so that they can be held accountable for any untrue damaging comments.
Funchal Lido Promenade with the Clube Naval pool areas
We recommend our comprehensive destination travel guides for the island, www.madeira-web.com and www.madeira-live.com. These highly acclaimed tourism websites have videos and live webcams, all the things to do and places to see plus a wealth of other useful information, such as airport transfer services.
Pestana Promenade Hotel and the Funchal Lido Promenade
Best Place To Stay Resort Feels
Calheta
And right near Jardim do Mar is another one of the best places to stay in Madeira, although this one couldnt be more different!
Yes from surfer town to full resort, if you want somewhere to really get a tan, stroll a harbourside, get a gelato, swim in the sea and generally get on the mega-relax, Calheta is probably the place for you.
I think its pretty fair to say that Madeira is not renowned for its resort tourism for a start, its quite far away from mainland Europe and doesnt always boast the best weather , nor does it have a huge number of sandy beaches but Calheta is the exception here.
Ok, so its a manmade beach at Calheta, but its still pretty decent, with good safe swimming.
Plus, the hotels around here definitely make it the place to come if you just want to chill by the pool with other tourists and not really move!
Top Places to Stay in Calheta
Santana Famous For Its Traditional Houses Of The Island
Located on the North Coast of Madeira Island, the whole municipality of Santana is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It contains six parishes including Santana, São Roque do Faial, Faial, Ilha, São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge.
The town of Santana is famous for its traditional, timber-and-thatch palheiros houses. The village was named after St Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. In the in the center of Santana stands a baroque style, sixteenth century Chapel of Santa Ana .
For years, people visited to see the traditional homes of the island. White buildings, with red doors, blue-trimmed windows, and sloping, triangular, straw-covered roofs. These dwellings had long been inhabited by local farmers and fishermen, giving visitors the opportunity to see how they have lived over the years, first-hand.
Santana is also famous for its arts and crafts, especially bordado da Madeira which is a type of embroidery. You can grab tablecloths, place mats, and tea towels at souvenir shops.
As the number of visitors grew, the area took advantage of it and created a number of hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops in the area, to ensure the visitors were well catered for. However, in October 2004 those efforts went into overdrive, with the creation of the Madeira Theme Park in the area.
Another scenic beauty spot is the Natural Reserve of Rocha do Navio, which is set between Ponta de São Jorge and Ponta do Clérigo. You can visit by cable car or through Miradouro da Rocha do Navio.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madeira
Which is the best area to stay in Madeira?
Thanks to its proximity to main attractions and offering activities for all kinds of travelers, Funchal is the best town to stay in Madeira. Some of the best Madeira hotels that I highly recommend in this area are Savoy Palace and Golden Residence Hotel.
What is the best month to go to Madeira?
If you want to enjoy beaches with hot weather the best time to visit Madeira is between June and September. For those who would like to go hiking, I suggest you travel between April-June and September-November when the weather is cooler.
How many days do you need in Madeira?
I recommend you to stay at least 4 days in Madeira to discover the different coasts of the island.
Is Madeira expensive to visit?
Madeira is not an expensive island. In order to give you an idea, the average price of food in a good restaurant costs around 10 EUR .
What is the best place to stay in Madeira without a car?
Funchal is the best place to stay in Madeira without a car. In Funchal, you can reach main attractions on foot and arrange tours if you want to discover the different parts of the island. Savoy Palace and Golden Residence Hotel are the best hotels in Funchal.
Where to stay in Madeira for hiking?
Ponta do Sol is the best town to stay in for hiking. Some of the best hotels you can stay in this area are 1905 Zinos Palace and Enotel Sunset Bay.
How long is the ferry from Portugal to Madeira?
Do you need a car in Madeira?
Eylul
Take A Ride On A Cable Car
The cable cars in Madeira are a great way to see the island and ocean views. This is the perfect activity for the whole family. The best cable car is the one in Funchal, a 20-minute ride that goes up to 560 meters high. We also recommend the Achadas da Cruz cable car, on the Northern part of Madeira in Porto Moniz. This cable car is around 450 meters high and passes through the Fajã da Quebrada Nova where you can see crystal clear waters.
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Things To See And Do In Santa Cruz:
- Play a round at the Santo da Serra Golf Club.
- Go diving at the Haliotis Dive Center Madeira.
- Take in the views at the viewpoint known as Miradouro de Machico.
- Have a drink at Barretos Bar or Bar 7 Instrumentos.
- Try the local food at Restaurante Gonclaves, Taberna do Petiscro, or the Franco Wine Bar & Restaurante.
- Let the kids enjoy some high-speed action at the Indoor Kart Madeira.
What Not To Miss
- It might not sound like a highlight when compared to the beautiful coastline and spectacular mountains, but Madeiras levadas, the stone and concrete-lined waterways which distribute water from the wetter north to the drier south keeping Madeira looking so lovely and green all year round, make for fantastic walking trails. Once youve walked beside a levada for a bit youll have a new respect for the lush pleasures of Madeiras famous botanical gardens, which are definitely unmissable.
- As far as that spectacular coastline goes, one of the must-sees is Cabo Girão, the worlds highest ocean cliffs, which rise 590 metres out of the sea!
- If you are up in the mountains youll not want to miss the São Vicente Caves, a series of fascinating lava tubes and volcanic caves.
- After appreciating the pleasures of the land youll also want to get out onto, or under the water. Madeira is a fantastic backdrop against which to kayak, sail, surf, snorkel or scuba dive.
- As far as cultural attractions go, Funchals Qunita das Cruzes museum, which was once the home of the captain who discovered Madeira, is aristocratic and fantastic. Theres also a great art museum and the incredible Mercado dos Lavradores, a market just bursting with smells and flavours.
Madeira is frequently referred to as the Island of Eternal Spring, but it can be quite busy in actual spring and summer, so its a good idea to book into the best places to stay on Madeira as far in advance as you can.
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Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa
Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa : If your idea of dream accommodation is sleeping in a spacious and luxurious room with amazing sea views, then Saccharum is a place for you! This sugarcane-inspired hotel has a wide range of well-appointed rooms equipped with everything you need including a balcony.
It features a wellness center, a mini-museum about the sugar cane industry, beaches and wharf, a restaurant, and swimming pools. But perhaps its best feature is the rooftop pool where guests can float into the horizon and take photos for their Instagram posts.
There is a rooftop bar that serves a variety of beverages plus the epic sunset view. At Savoy Saccharum Resort, guests can choose to have their free breakfast on the terrace. This is another great place to stay on Madeira for couples and families.
Luxury: Hotel Quinta Jardins Do Lago
Located in the hills surrounding Funchal, this 18th-century mansion is set in extensive botanical gardens with 600 different plant species. All rooms have a private balcony overlooking the gardens. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool in this luxury hotel and enjoy the spacious rooms and your private bathroom. There’s an onsite restaurant available as well. Prices for the double rooms start from £150 per person.
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Star Hotels In Funchal
The spacious and elegant rooms of 5-star Quintinha Sao Joao are surrounded by peaceful and landscaped gardens. Treat yourself to one of the wide variety of treatments available from the onsite spa or make use of indoor and outdoor pools according to the weather. On the outskirts of Funchal, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from the marina and an indoor car park on site. Check availability.
Belmond Reids Palace is a charming 5-star resort hotel set in a superb location overlooking the Atlantic with very professional staff. It has several pools, an oceanfront spa and direct access to the ocean. All rooms are elegantly furnished with period décor, light and spacious. The complimentary minibar is a welcome bonus, as is the free parking. Note that dress codes apply. e.g. for afternoon tea. Pick a room with a view.
Quinta da Casa Branca is a boutique hotel within an elegant manor house with luxurious rooms set within botanical gardens that includes a banana plantation. A heated pool, health club and spa provide a variety of health and beauty treatments. The two restaurants provide excellent al fresco or terrace dining. Check current prices.
The luxurious, 5-star all-inclusive Enotel Lido Madeira Hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and sauna and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with direct access to the oceanfront promenade. Get more details.
Unique Stays On Madeira Island
We spent two nights at the Achadas da Cruz tent/hut in the autumn of 2020, and it was one of the most memorable experiences on Madeira. Whether it was the location, the views, a homeless dog who decided to keep us company I do not know, but there is something special about the place Read more:
At the time of our stay, we had a chance to choose either one of those cabins above, or. a village cottage down the cliff on Fajã da Quebrada Nova, which you can only reach with the cable car.
Would you dare to spend the night in the village below? Knowing that the cable car is not operating at night? We, as two women, did not, but the tent / cabin upstairs was an ideal option.
That adventurous option isnt unfortunately available at the moment, but keep an eye on this area, as it might appear again one day:
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Hike Levada do Moinho please do not confuse it with the Levada do Moinho in Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is one of the sunniest areas of the island, and for some, it is the most beautiful area to stay. This is where some of the most amazing villas are located as well as one of our favourite design hotels. But there is one more amazing way to stay in Ponta do Sol glamping!
Smaller tipi or a bigger yurt it is up to you. A unique location, among green banana trees and a priceless sunset view.
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How To Get Around Madeira
Hiring a car is the best way to get around Madeira. Find a great deal here.
Otherwise, if you dont want to drive, I recommend staying in Funchal theres an airport bus that can run you to the capital from the airport and then a public bus service you can use to get around to other parts of the island.
Ribeira Brava A Quiet Attractive Village For Couples And Seniors
Sitting on the south coast of Madeira, Ribeira Brava nestles in the valley of the Ribeira River. Its name in Portuguese means Angry River due to the fact it swells and speeds up considerably during periods of heavy inland rain.
A popular day out with many day trippers, it has the Igreja de São Bento Church, built during the 16th century, which is open to the public.
Other attractions include the Fort of São Bento, The Ethnographic Museum of Madeira, which charts the habits, customs and culture of Madeira and its peoples, and the lighthouse, which offers great views over the village.
It also has a large sports centre, attracting sportsmen and women from across Portugal.
With groynes to reduce incoming swell, a black sand beach, and kiddies swimming pool, it is a safe area for children of all ages.
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.
Ribeira Brava is a village that attracts those who just want to relax and recharge the batteries, and those wishing to use it as a base for exploring the island.
Accommodation is good in, or close to the village for your stay in Madeira, with self-catering apartments, guest houses, and hotels.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA IN RIBEIRA BRAVA
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Ponta Do Sol Where To Stay In Madeira For Relaxation
Ponta do Sol is located on the south coast, a 25min drive from Funchal. This coastal village offers charming beaches with palm trees and picturesque views. If you want to have a chilled holiday by the beach, Ponta do Sol is calling you!
In Porto do Sol you will find pristine pebble beaches surrounded by lush green areas. There are 4 charming beaches in the town which are Anjos, Lugar de Baixo, Madalena do Mar, and Ponta do Sol. So get ready to go beach hopping!
Apart from relaxed beaches, Ponta do Sol offers also amazing parks and hiking trails that will make outdoors lovers happy. You can go on waterfall hunts, hike Madeiras highest plateau, Paul da Serra, or just simply enjoy a stroll along the cute streets of Ponta do Sol and try out some traditional foods.
Things to do in Ponta do Sol
- Spend time swimming and chilling at Ponta do Sol Beach
- Go hiking to see the gorgeous waterfall Mill Levada
- See the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz
- Check out the stunning views from Cascalho Viewpoint
- Have a drink at Lugar de Baixo Palace
- Take a day trip to hike at Madeiras highest plateau, Paul da Serra
Welcome To The Hotel Madeira
If you don’t know where to stay in Madeira and looking for a cosy and welcoming place situated right in the heart of Madeira Island – you’ve found it! Hotel Madeira is a 3 star Hotel very well known by its personalized service and quality. Here you’ll find everything you need for relaxing and unforgettable holidays: comfortable equipped rooms with all contemporary ways of connection and recreation zones .
You can book a room right now!
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Where To Stay In Madeira Best Cities & Resorts
The island of Madeira is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and has some of the most beautiful nature in the world. With comfortable weather all year round , it is the perfect getaway any time you feel the urge to travel.
But a common question is where to stay in Madeira the island has so many fascinating destinations, so it is not always an easy choice. In this article, you will get a basic overview of the best cities and resorts in Madeira with at least one hotel recommendation in each place.
For more general information on things to see and dishes to eat in Madeira, read our full Madeira travel guide here. Otherwise, stay on this page and scroll down to see the best places to stay on the island!
Contents
Stay In Calheta For The Marina And Sandy Beach
The addition of a marina and imported golden sand from Morocco has raised the profile and appeal of Calheta as well as the number of restaurants and cafés. Its also home to a vintage sugar cane factory and a contemporary arts centre should you be looking for some cultural activities.
Unless your accommodation offers regular transfers to Funchal, or youre happy to stay put, youll need a car to get around the rest of Madeira. With a vehicle, you have good access from Calheta to many of the popular walking trails in the west of the island.
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