Wondering where to stay in Madeira? Whether you’re after luxe oceanfront resorts, clifftop hideaways, or stylish boutique stays in the heart of Funchal, this lush Portuguese island has you covered.
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As a travel writer who’s slightly obsessed with Madeira (and who keeps finding excuses to go back), I’ve explored the island across seasons and stayed in a mix of places, from cable-car-access-only eco retreats to glamorous rooftop-pool hotels.
Here are 14 of the best hotels in Madeira, all tried, tested, or seriously well-reviewed. Plus, you can check availability via handy Booking.com links (free cancellation on most stays).
1. Luxe Living at Saccharum Resort & Spa 🏖️
Location: Calheta
If sleek design, sea views, and spa vibes are your thing, Saccharum is calling. It’s tucked between sugarcane hills and the Atlantic, and it’s honestly one of the dreamiest spots on the island.
I stayed here (and wrote a review) and loved everything from the rooftop infinity pool to the laid-back beach bar. You’re right by Calheta Beach, and there’s a spa for peak chill.
👉 Check prices for Saccharum.
👉 Read next: 10 Best Things to Do in Calheta, Madeira.
2. Designer Feels at The Vine Hotel 🛋️
Location: Funchal
A modernist masterpiece above a shopping centre (yes really, but it works!). The rooms are plush, the rooftop pool is ?, and the on-site Uva Restaurant serves up fine dining with a sea breeze.
And there are Acqua di Parma toiletries and a complimentary minibar too.
👉 Check prices for The Vine Hotel here.
👉 Explore more: 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira
3. Afternoon Tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace ☕
Location: Funchal
Built in 1891, this is the OG Madeira luxury hotel. Think old-world charm, tropical gardens, and views for days. Perfect for romantic escapes or splashing out on a posh afternoon tea.
4. Sea Views at Hotel Baia Azul 🌊
Location: Funchal
Modern and nautical-themed, Baia Azul has sweeping Atlantic views, multiple pools, and a free shuttle into town. Great value, and fab if you want a seaside stay close to Funchal’s buzz.
5. Cliff-Top Vibes at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol 🌅
Location: Ponta do Sol
Modern rooms perched on a cliff, an infinity pool with insane views, and two friendly hotel dogs named Poncha and Shaka. What’s not to love?
6. Cable Cars & Chill at Fajã dos Padres 🚡
Location: Ribeira Brava
Accessible only by cable car or boat, this farm-stay-style hideaway is all rustic charm and ocean breeze. Great for disconnecting, and breakfast among mango trees is magical.
7. Backpacker Cool at Hostel Santa Maria 🎒
Location: Funchal
Converted from an old school, this hostel is full of character. It’s smack bang in the middle of Funchal’s old town (with the famous painted doors!) and includes breakfast, afternoon cake, and good vibes.
8. Bold & Boutique at Castanheiro Hotel 🎨
Location: Funchal
Stylish, central, and seriously colourful, Castanheiro is a fun four-star pick with a rooftop pool, spa, and a trio of restaurants. Some rooms even have kitchens for self-catering stays.
9. Sleek Stays at Funchal Design Hotel 🖤
Location: Funchal
Small but chic, this spot is all about that monochrome aesthetic with splashes of colour. Great if you want to stay in central Funchal without the frills of the grand hotels.
10. Historic Charm at Quinta Mirabela 🏛️
Location: Funchal Hills
Perched above the town, this elegant villa hotel has toboggan rides nearby (yes, really), a gorgeous terrace, and classic 19th-century charm. Plus, those views…
11. For Football Fans: Pestana CR7 Hotel ⚽
Location: Funchal Waterfront
Cristiano Ronaldo fans, this one’s for you. Co-owned by the man himself, it’s sporty, flashy, and right by the marina. You even get free entry to the CR7 Museum next door.
12. North Coast Nature at Aqua Natura 🛁
Location: Porto Moniz
Right by the volcanic pools, Aqua Natura is a dream for ocean lovers. Watch the waves crash while you soak in the jacuzzi, then hit up the trails nearby.
👉 Check prices for Aqua Natura.
👉 Read my guide: 15 Excellent Things to Do in Porto Moniz
13. Island Bliss at Hotel Porto Santo & Spa 🧘♀️
Location: Porto Santo Island
Take a ferry and escape the crowds on Porto Santo. This hotel has a stunning beach, chilled-out pool scene, and spa for total zen. Perfect for couples or anyone needing a reset.
14. Garden Vibes at Porto Bay Serra Golf ⛳
Location: Santo da Serra
If you like your stays quaint and green, this charming country hotel near a golf course is just the ticket. Book a room in the main house for peak cosiness and enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge.
Where to Stay in Madeira: FAQs 💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about where to stay in Madeira.
A: I always recommend Booking.com. You can usually reserve without paying anything upfront, and most stays come with free cancellation. Check Savoy Saccharum deals here and lock in your dates early (it gets booked up fast!).
A: For beach lovers, Funchal has a few city beaches like Praia Formosa and Barreirinha. But for golden sand and sun-loungers, head west to Calheta (where Saccharum is based) or hop over to Porto Santo Island.
A: Oh, so many. Top picks with jaw-dropping sea views include Saccharum in Calheta, Belmond Reid’s Palace, Vine Hotel, Hotel Baia Azul (all in or near Funchal), and Aqua Natura up on the wild north coast.
A: Hostel Santa Maria in Funchal is super friendly, and you’ll find plenty of cute guesthouses and apartments around the island – great for self-catering and saving on food too.
A: Treat yourself at Savoy Saccharum (that spa is chef’s kiss), Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, or Pestana CR7 for a more modern wellness setup. Most have pools, saunas, and a menu of treatments to unwind.
A: For quick access to the levadas (Madeira’s famous hiking trails), base yourself in Funchal or Ponta do Sol. Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is a dreamy post-hike hotel. I tackled Levada Nova and Moinho while staying near Calheta – both were gorgeous.
? Explore: 16 of the Best Levada Walks in Madeira
Where to stay in Madeira: Related posts 📚
See below for further posts related to where to stay in Madeira.
🏨 Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa Madeira: A Dreamy Cliffside Escape.
🌅 Best Towns in West Madeira: Sunsets, Surf & Seriously Good Views.
🏝️ Best Towns in East Madeira: Traditions, Trails & Tropical Vibes.
🚗 20 of the Best Day Trips from Funchal, Madeira.
🗓️ 12-Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary.
Pinterest: Where to stay in Madeira 📌
If you have enjoyed reading this guide on where to stay in Madeira, or found it useful, please use the below images to pin this article to your Pinterest boards.
- Reserve your Madeira Hotel early, before they sell out.
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- Book Madeira tours in advance (no payment required up front).
- Take a quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
- Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
- Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
- Need something to read on the beach? 20 Best Books For Travellers.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Europe, Hotels, Islands, Madeira, Portugal
