Where to Stay in Madeira
Every visitor to Madeira needs a base. Whether you want a boutique hotel in Funchal's old town, a traditional quinta in the laurel forest, or a cliff-top guesthouse on the north coast — here's how to choose.
Funchal
Old town, marina, cable car — the classic base
- Boutique hotels in Zona Velha
- Seafront resorts in the Lido
- Apartment rentals in São Martinho
Best for: First-timers, food lovers, nightlife
Note: The steep hills above the old town if you dislike walking uphill
Full Funchal guide →
Santana
Thatched-roof villages and laurisilva access
- Traditional quintas with gardens
- Levada-side guesthouses
- Rural tourism cottages
Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, quiet stays
Note: Expect fog and cooler nights; restaurants close early
Full Santana guide →
Porto Moniz
Volcanic pools on the wild north-west coast
- Clifftop hotels over the Atlantic
- Family-run B&Bs
- Self-catering apartments
Best for: Swimmers, coastal walkers, sunset views
Note: The north coast is cloudier and wetter than the south
Full Porto Moniz guide →
Machico
Madeira's first settlement — calm and sunny
- A small beachfront hotel or two
- Guesthouses in the old quarter
- Family-run B&Bs
Best for: Families, golden-sand beach, local atmosphere
Note: Smaller dining scene than Funchal — but much more local than touristy
Full Machico guide →
Calheta
Golden-sand beach and marina life
- Marina apartments
- Hillside villas with pools
- Small boutique inns
Best for: Sun-seekers, sailors, relaxed coastal stays
Note: Less nightlife; plan to drive to Funchal for evening dining
Full Calheta guide →
Caniço de Baixo
Seaside resort villas with a local restaurant scene
- Seafront hotels (3–5 star)
- Residential apartments
- Clifftop villas with pools
Best for: Families, Reis Magos beach, value vs Funchal
Note: A short drive to Funchal for big nightlife or major sights
Full Caniço de Baixo guide →
Câmara de Lobos
Churchill's fishing village, now a Funchal suburb
- Clifftop villas
- Traditional town houses
- Budget guesthouses
Best for: Budget travellers, local atmosphere, poncha bars
Note: Traffic into Funchal at rush hour
Full Câmara de Lobos guide →
Booking tips
- Book early for festivals. The Flower Festival (May) and New Year's fireworks fill every room in Funchal months ahead.
- Check parking. Many old-town hotels have no private parking. Funchal's street parking is paid and tight.
- North-coast stays need a car. Buses run, but once or twice a day. A rental opens up trailheads and viewpoints.
- Quintas often include breakfast. Many are half-board or serve a generous local breakfast — ask when booking.
Common questions
- Should I stay in Funchal or split my trip?
- Most visitors base in Funchal and day-trip. If you're here for a week, splitting 4 nights in Funchal and 3 on the north coast (Santana or Porto Moniz) gives you two worlds — city dining and mountain trails — without daily driving.
- What is a quinta?
- A quinta is a traditional Madeiran estate house, often set in gardens or vineyards, converted into a small hotel or guesthouse. They range from rustic family-run properties to luxury boutique stays with pools and Atlantic views.
- Is Madeira expensive for accommodation?
- Mid-range hotels in Funchal run €80–150/night in shoulder season, €150–250 in peak summer. Quintas and rural guesthouses are often €60–120. The ultra-luxury end — Reid's Palace, Savoy — is €300+. Book early for the Flower Festival (May) and New Year.
- Do I need a car if I stay outside Funchal?
- Yes, unless you're on an organised tour. Buses serve the main towns but trailheads, remote viewpoints and many restaurants are car-dependent. Rental is cheap and roads are good.