The visual record
Madalena do Mar: town in Madeira
Madalena do Mar sits in the municipality of Ponta do Sol, Madeira. Its population is around 1,031.
Banana-growing village on the south-west coast, said to be where the exiled Polish king Władysław III lived in the 15th century.
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About Madalena do Mar
Madalena do Mar is part of the municipality of Ponta do Sol, with a population of around 1,031
Madalena do Mar sits where terraced banana plantations and sunny south-facing cliffs meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm: fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
- Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts, a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
- Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.
Best time to visit
Madalena do Mar is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
South-west, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.72220, -17.13110
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Madalena do Mar. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
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Frequently asked
Is Madalena do Mar worth visiting?
Yes. Madalena do Mar shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.
How do I get to Madalena do Mar from Funchal?
Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.
Plan around Madalena do Mar
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Madalena do Mar in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Madalena do Mar.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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