Hotels
Best hotels in Madeira: 10 places for year-round spring
Madeira is the island of eternal spring, with flowers, levada walks and 20 degrees in January. These are the hotels we would choose, from the classic Reid's in Funchal to clifftop stays on the north coast.
In the middle of the Atlantic, closer to Africa than to Portugal, lies a green volcanic island where it is rarely below 18 degrees. Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring, with flower markets in Funchal, footpaths along old irrigation channels and sheer cliffs dropping into the sea.
It is around four hours from London, and the island works as well for a week of hiking as for a slow holiday by the pool. Hotels are often built into the hillside, so almost every room looks out to sea.
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Where to stay in Madeira
Most visitors stay in Funchal, where you will find the restaurants, the market and the hotel zone. For something quieter, Ponta do Sol and Calheta on the south west coast are sunny and relaxed. The north coast is wilder and greener, with the best hikes on your doorstep.
Funchal centre and old town for restaurants and nightlife
The hotel zone west of the centre for pools and sea views
Ponta do Sol and Calheta for sunshine and calm
The north coast around Santana for nature and hiking
Funchal: classics and rooftop pools
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Sea views from a room at Reid's.
Reid's Palace: the classic above Funchal
Reid's Palace stands on a cliff above the sea just west of Funchal centre and has welcomed guests since the 1890s. Afternoon tea on the terrace is a Madeira tradition, and the garden runs all the way down to the sea.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and guests praise the staff. This is the hotel for old school elegance and views across the whole bay.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Views of the ocean and cliffs from Les Suites.
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay: suites on the cliff
Les Suites sits on the cliffs in Funchal's hotel zone, and every unit is a suite with sea views. There are two outdoor pools and three restaurants, and Funchal marina is just a few minutes away.
Choose it for space, calm and sunsets from your own terrace.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Quinta da Casa Branca
The garden at Quinta da Casa Branca in the evening light.
Quinta da Casa Branca: a garden in the city
Quinta da Casa Branca is an old Madeiran quinta with a large garden, a few minutes from Funchal marina. The modern wing is hidden among the trees, and it is easy to forget you are in a city.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and guests especially praise the staff.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Quinta da Casa Branca
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
The rooftop pool overlooking Funchal.
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel: a rooftop pool in the old town
Castanheiro occupies old town houses in central Funchal, close to the market and the old town restaurants. From the rooftop pool you look out over the rooftops, the harbour and the sea.
The hotel has a spa and two bars, and guests praise the staff. A good choice for a city break on foot.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
The Vine
The rooftop pool at The Vine in the evening.
The Vine: design and a rooftop terrace
The Vine is in the heart of Funchal, with two restaurants and an outdoor pool on the roof. The interior is modern and dark, inspired by the wine the island is famous for.
Guests praise the breakfast, and the marina is just a few minutes away on foot.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at The Vine
Quinta Jardins do Lago
The pool and garden at Quinta Jardins do Lago.
Quinta Jardins do Lago: flowers and quiet
Quinta Jardins do Lago is an old manor house on the hillside above Funchal centre, with palms, flowers and a small lake. Every room has a balcony, and there is both an indoor pool and a pool in the garden.
It suits those who want slow mornings in the garden with the city a short trip away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Quinta Jardins do Lago
Beyond Funchal: sun in the west, nature in the north
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Sea views from Estalagem da Ponta do Sol.
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol: design on the clifftop
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol sits on top of the cliff above the village of Ponta do Sol, one of the sunniest spots on the island. Its modern architecture contrasts with the old stone house, and every room has a balcony.
The hotel has a spa, and wifi and parking are included. Walk down to the village for a coffee by the harbour.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Pestana Churchill Bay
The terrace overlooking the bay at Câmara de Lobos.
Pestana Churchill Bay: the fishing village Churchill painted
Pestana Churchill Bay is in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill sat and painted when he visited Madeira in 1950. The hotel is right by the harbour, with colourful fishing boats below.
There is an outdoor pool and a restaurant, and guests praise the staff. Funchal is a short drive away.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Pestana Churchill Bay
Saccharum Resort
The pool overlooking the cliffs at Calheta.
Saccharum Resort: sugar cane and sunsets in Calheta
Saccharum is in Calheta on the south west coast, a few minutes from one of Madeira's few sandy beaches. The name comes from the sugar cane once grown here, and the hotel has two outdoor pools with sea views.
Guests praise the staff. This is a place for long days in the sun and some of the island's finest sunsets.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Saccharum Resort
Hotel Quinta do Furão
Quinta do Furão on the cliff above the sea.
Quinta do Furão: vineyards on the north coast
Quinta do Furão sits on the cliffs near Santana on the north coast, surrounded by vineyards and close to the Rocha do Navio nature reserve. The mountains and some of the island's best levada walks are close by.
Breakfast, wifi and parking are included. Stay here for nature, fresh air and a greener Madeira.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Quinta do Furão
When to visit Madeira
Madeira is mild all year, with around 19 to 20 degrees in winter and 25 in summer. The New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal are among the biggest in the world, and the spring Flower Festival fills the streets with colour. If you are going between Christmas and New Year, book early.
Book early for New Year in Funchal
Pack good shoes for the levadas
Hire a car to explore the north coast and the mountains
See also where is hot in January and winter sun destinations in Europe.
FAQ: hotels in Madeira
Where should I stay in Madeira?
Funchal is the best base for most visitors, with restaurants, the market and hotels with sea views. Ponta do Sol and Calheta are sunny and quiet, while the north coast suits hikers.
Is Madeira warm in winter?
Yes, daytime temperatures in Funchal are usually 19 to 20 degrees in winter, and the sea stays around 18 degrees. It can rain, especially in the north, so pack a rain jacket.
Does Madeira have sandy beaches?
Madeira mostly has pebble beaches and lidos on the rocks, but Calheta has a man-made sandy beach. Many hotels make up for it with pools overlooking the sea.
Is New Year in Madeira worth it?
The fireworks over Funchal bay are among the biggest in the world and draw thousands of visitors. Hotels overlooking the bay are booked up early.
How long is the flight to Madeira from the UK?
A direct flight from London takes around four hours, with routes from several UK airports.