Madalena do Mar
Banana-growing village on the south-west coast — said to be where the exiled Polish king Władysław III lived in the 15th century.
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
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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.