If you’re planning a road trip around Madeira, don’t miss the western side of the island – it’s wilder and sunnier than the eastern side, and full of hidden gems. Below you’ll find the best towns in West Madeira to explore.

Natural ocean pools In Porto Moniz Madeira, with people enjoying the water on a sunny day.
Natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz Madeira
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s mildly obsessed with islands, markets, and places that make your jaw drop. I’ve cruised around every corner of Madeira. West Madeira is where I fell hardest – for the scenery, the silence, and the poncha-fuelled sunsets.

Here are the top towns to visit on the western side of Madeira (and the best places to stay while you’re soaking it all in).

👉 Don’t miss my separate post on Best Towns in East Madeira for the full island lowdown.

1. Porto Moniz – Pools & Lava Love 🏊‍♀️

Perched on the northwestern tip of Madeira, Porto Moniz feels like the edge of the world – and it’s a seriously scenic one.

The rocky coastal landscape of Porto Moniz features a large, rugged cliff jutting into the blue ocean under a clear sky.

The star of the show is the natural volcanic pools, where you can swim in turquoise water while Atlantic waves crash into lava rocks beside you.

For something a bit different, pop into the tiny but surprisingly good aquarium, or lace up your boots for the Levada da Ribeira da Janela trail, which cuts through lush valleys and waterfalls.

👉 Check out my full guide to Things to do in Porto Moniz for more ideas.

Where to stay in Porto Moniz:

2. Ponta do Sol – Golden Hours Only 🌅

With its colourful buildings, cliff-flanked beach, and bragging rights as the sunniest spot on the island, Ponta do Sol feels tailor-made for golden hour.

Aerial view of a lush, hilly landscape in Ponta do Sol, a charming town in Madeira, with terraced farms and clusters of red-roofed houses under a clear blue sky.

Grab a cocktail and head to the pier for a spectacular sunset, or take a leisurely stroll through the banana plantations just inland. If you’re in the mood for a walk, the Levada do Moinho offers dreamy valley views and just the right amount of effort.

Where to stay in Ponto do Sol:

3. Calheta – Beach Days & Art Stops 🏖️

One of the few places in Madeira with a sandy beach (thank you, imported Sahara sand), Calheta is a hit for swimming, sunbathing, and café hopping. and a pretty marina with cafes.

Aerial view of Praia Da Calheta, a coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, bordered by rocky cliffs and buildings along the shoreline under a cloudy sky.

Art lovers can pop into the modern MUDAS Contemporary Art Museum, perched above the town, while ocean-lovers can hop on a dolphin-watching tour or catamaran cruise from the pretty marina.

Shout out to Calhau Beach Club – laid-back beats, beachy cocktails, and some of the best food in town.

👉 Check out my full guide to Things to do in Calheta for more inspiration.

Where to stay in Calheta:

A woman in sunglasses smiles warmly in front of the picturesque setting of Calheta, with palm trees swaying gently by the shimmering body of water.
A woman in a blue dress with a yellow pattern stands on the gravel of Calheta's scenic coast, beneath a clear blue sky.

4. Ribeira Brava – Easygoing Explorer Base ☕

Ribeira Brava is low-key, central, and a smart base for exploring the island’s west and interior.

Overlooking the scenic Ribeira Brava in Madeira, this coastal town boasts red-roofed buildings embraced by lush green hills and winding roads next to the sea under a cloudy sky.

Start your day with a coffee and fruit from the local market, then visit the beautiful Igreja de São Bento, known for its blue-and-white tiles. The promenade is great for a breezy walk, and the road links from here make it easy to get just about anywhere on the island.

Where to stay in Ribeira Brava:

5. Paul do Mar – Surf, Seafood & Serenity 🏄‍♂️

Tucked between towering cliffs and the sea, Paul do Mar is a surf town with a sleepy soul. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a paradise for ocean lovers.

Paul do Mar village in Madeira boasts a scenic coastal view, with colorful buildings nestled against steep cliffs by a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky.

Watch surfers tackle the big waves, order grilled fish and limpets by the sea, and settle in for a sunset that’ll stop you in your tracks.

Where to stay in Paul do Mar:

6. Jardim do Mar – Flower-Filled Peace 🌸

No cars. Just flowers, cobbled streets, and the sound of the ocean. Jardim do Mar is tiny and tranquil – a proper “get away from it all” village.

A scenic coastal promenade at Jardim do Mar in Madeira features a paved walkway curving alongside a rocky cliff. The clear blue ocean lies to the left, while sparse vegetation lines the right beneath a bright, clear sky.

Spend the morning wandering the alleys, the afternoon watching surfers from the seafront, and the evening with a coffee, a view, and nowhere to be. It’s peaceful perfection.

Where to stay in Jardim do Mar:

7. São Vicente – Caves, Coast & Mountains ⛰️

Set in a dramatic valley on the north coast, São Vicente is all lush mountains, volcanic caves, and charming stone houses.

Terraced vineyards on a hillside in São Vicente, with houses scattered at the base, surrounded by Madeira’s lush green foliage.

The São Vicente Caves offer a look into the island’s lava-filled past, while the Volcano Centre next door keeps things surprisingly interactive.

The road from here to Seixal might just be one of Madeira’s most scenic drives – coastal cliffs on one side, green cliffs on the other.

Where to stay in São Vicente:

Map of West Madeira Towns 🗺️

Use this map to get your bearings and plan out your west side adventure, from surf towns to sunset cliffs.

👉 Planning to see the whole island? Don’t miss my companion post: Best Towns in East Madeira – it’s packed with levadas, lush forests, colourful markets and more!

Madeira Road Trip Itineraries 🚗

Here’s how to turn these towns into unforgettable island road trips:

Spend a week exploring the island’s eastern side, with coastal hikes, traditional villages, and one or two levada walks.

🌅 7 Days West: Focus on the dramatic cliffs, natural pools, and relaxed fishing towns of the island’s western half.

🚗 12-Day Coastal Route: The full island loop – from Funchal to Seixal via hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, forest trails and sleepy fishing villages.

Aerial view of a curved beach with dark sand beside a cliff, with a breakwater and buildings nearby. Part of an itinerary for Madeira.
Black sand beach at Seixal

❓ FAQs About West Madeira Towns

Got questions before you road trip the west coast? Here’s what people usually ask me:

Q: Is West Madeira good for nature lovers?

A: 100%. It’s less built-up, with dramatic cliffs, coastal trails, lush valleys and natural pools. Hiking boots highly recommended. You may also like my best places in Europe for nature post.

Q: What’s the weather like in West Madeira?

A: Generally sunnier than the north and east, especially around Ponta do Sol and Calheta. Bring sunscreen and layers.

Q: Can you swim at the beaches in Madeira?

A: Yes – Calheta and Paul do Mar are popular, though many beaches are rocky or pebbled. Porto Moniz’s lava pools are a must.

Q: How do I get around in Madeira?

A: A hire car is your best friend. Buses run but are infrequent, especially in more remote towns like Paul do Mar or Jardim do Mar. I recommend Discover Cars for car rentals in Madeira.

Q: Which town in Madeira is best for sunsets?

A: Ponta do Sol is famous for them, but Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar are strong contenders.

Q: What is the best food to eat in Madeira?

A: Fresh seafood is a highlight. Try grilled limpets (lapas), octopus, and espetada – beef skewers cooked over open flames.

Q: Is it quiet or touristy in Western Madeira?

A: West Madeira is quieter than the east, especially the likes of Funchal. You’ll find fewer crowds, especially if you stay outside the beach hubs.

Enjoy your western wanderings!
Hazel ☀️

Related Reading 💡

Want to keep exploring Madeira? Here are a few more guides you might love:

🏖️ Best Towns in East Madeira: Traditions, Trails & Tropical Vibes.
🌋 15 Excellent Things to Do in Porto Moniz, Madeira.
🛣️ 12-Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary.
🌆15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira.
🍷 Food in Madeira: What to Eat on Madeira Island.
🐬10 Great Things to Do in Calheta, Madeira Island.

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