Portugal

Where to Stay in Madeira: Funchal, Caniço, the Sunny South-West or Wild North?

Discover The Residence Porto Mare a 4-star hotel in Portugal
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Madeira is small but mountainous, so where you stay shapes your holiday. Funchal is the lively, elegant capital; Caniço and the east are quieter; the south-west is the sunniest coast; and the north is wild and green, with natural lava pools.

Here is our guide, with eight of our best-rated hotels across the island.

You’ll find on this page

At a glance: compare the hotels

Hotel Where Stars Board TripAdvisor Adults only
The Residence Porto Mare Funchal, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Self Catering 4.8/5 No
Hotel Caju Funchal, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast 4.8/5 No
Hotel Quinta Da Serra Camara de Lobos, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.5/5 No
Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden Canico, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.3/5 No
The Views Oasis Canico, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.3/5 No
Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina Canical, Madeira 4★ All Inclusive Plus 4.3/5 No
Enotel Sunset Bay Ponta Do Sol, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.3/5 No
Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel Porto Moniz, Madeira 4★ Bed and Breakfast, Half Board 4.7/5 No

Star ratings are official; TripAdvisor scores were correct when we last checked and can change. Board options vary by room and date.

Quick verdicts

Funchal and Câmara de Lobos

Restaurants, gardens, the cable car and the most choice.

The Residence Porto Mare

The Residence Porto Mare, Funchal
  • Funchal, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

The Residence Porto Mare in Funchal has a beautiful seafront location in botanical gardens, five pools and excellent dining options.

Best for: Funchal seafront

See The Residence Porto Mare →

Hotel Caju

Hotel Caju, Funchal
  • Funchal, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • TripAdvisor 4.8/5

Hotel Caju in Funchal has modern, comfortable rooms and an on-site bar and restaurant in a good location, perfect for exploring.

Best for: City base

See Hotel Caju →

Hotel Quinta Da Serra

Hotel Quinta Da Serra, Camara de Lobos
  • Camara de Lobos, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.5/5

Hotel Quinta da Serra near Câmara de Lobos has a traditional style, lush surroundings, a secluded location and an indoor pool.

Best for: Mountain peace

See Hotel Quinta Da Serra →

Caniço and the east

Quieter, with sea views and easy access to the airport.

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden, Canico
  • Canico, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.3/5

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden in Caniço has a classic style, extensive gardens and a relaxing setting, great for couples.

Best for: Gardens

See Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden →

The Views Oasis

The Views Oasis, Canico
  • Canico, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.3/5

The Views Oasis in Caniço has direct access to a pebble beach, a peaceful atmosphere and is close to shops and bars, great for families, friends or couples.

Best for: Families

See The Views Oasis →

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina

Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina, Canical
  • Canical, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • All Inclusive Plus
  • TripAdvisor 4.3/5

Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina in Caniçal has direct access to the sea, stunning views, a great range of facilities and All Inclusive Plus.

Best for: All-inclusive

See Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina →

The south-west and north

The sunniest coast and the island’s wild side.

Enotel Sunset Bay

Enotel Sunset Bay, Ponta Do Sol
  • Ponta Do Sol, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.3/5

Enotel Sunset Bay in Ponta do Sol has a heated indoor pool, a relaxing sun terrace and beautiful ocean views.

Best for: Sunsets

See Enotel Sunset Bay →

Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel

Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel, Porto Moniz
  • Porto Moniz, Madeira
  • 4-star
  • Half Board
  • TripAdvisor 4.7/5

Aqua Natura Madeira in Porto Moniz overlooks the natural lava pools, with spectacular ocean views close to the resort centre, great for active holidays.

Best for: Explorers

See Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel →

How to choose

First visit: Funchal, for restaurants, gardens, the cable car and easy excursions. Peace and gardens: Caniço. Sunshine: the south-west around Ponta do Sol and Calheta. Scenery and walking: the north, around Porto Moniz. Many guests combine Funchal with a few nights elsewhere.

How we chose these hotels

We looked at all 71 hotels we sell in Madeira and chose the best-rated in each area. We excluded hotels already featured in our other guides, so you get fresh choices. Every hotel here is well rated by our guests on TripAdvisor, and every one can be booked with us as an ATOL-protected package with flights and transfers. Prices change daily, so use the search box at the end of this page for live availability, or ask a Travel Designer for a tailored shortlist.

When to go and getting there

Madeira is warm all year: mid-20s °C in summer and around 19 to 20 °C in winter. Flights take around three and three-quarter hours from the UK. Funchal and Caniço are 15 to 25 minutes from the airport, Ponta do Sol around 40 minutes and Porto Moniz around an hour and a quarter.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to stay in Madeira?

Funchal for most visitors; Caniço for peace; the south-west for sunshine.

Do I need a car in Madeira?

Not in Funchal, but a car or tours help you explore the north and west.

Which side of Madeira is sunniest?

The south, especially the south-west around Ponta do Sol and Calheta.

How long is the flight to Madeira?

About three and three-quarter hours.

Find your Madeira holiday

Search live prices with flights and transfers, all ATOL protected, or ask a Travel Designer to compare these hotels.

Ask a Travel Designer →

Keep planning

Updated October 2026. Hotels can be booked as ATOL-protected packages with flights and transfers through Travelisto.