Ponta do Sol

Travel Guide

Ponta do Sol showing general coastal views
Ponta do Sol which includes rugged coastline and a coastal town
Ponta do Sol showing a house
Ponta do Sol which includes rugged coastline
Ponta do Sol which includes flowers and street scenes
Visit this pleasantly secluded village, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, stunning coastal views and sunny weather. 

Explore Ponta do Sol to discover a charming town filled with red-roofed houses, quaint cobbled alleys and historic architecture. Meaning “sun point,” Ponta do Sol is said to receive more sunshine throughout the year than any other part of Madeira. 

The town was once primarily an agricultural center and has a long history of prosperous sugar cane production. Today, Ponta do Sol is filled with lush banana plantations. Banana cultivation may be the backbone of the area’s economy, but new restaurants, bars and hotels are appearing steadily as Ponta do Sol’s repute as a vacation destination grows. 

Take a look inside the town’s lovely 19th-century church, Nossa Senhora da Luz. Notice the biblical scenes painted on its wooden ceiling, the green ceramic baptismal font and gorgeous 17th-century tiles. 

Walk down Rua Principe Dom Luis I and look for the John do Passos Cultural Centre. This facility honors the esteemed 20th-century American writer whose grandparents lived in the Ponta do Sol. The town is proud of its connection to this great writer, known for his U.S.A. trilogy novels. Spend some time in the cultural center learning about the writer read some of his work in the library, browse artifacts in the exhibition dedicated to do Passos and see if there are any events on in the auditorium. 

Go for a swim at the town’s main beach, Ponta do Sol Beach. Although this modest beach is covered with grey stones rather than sand, it’s an enjoyable place to take advantage of Ponta do Sol’s consistently mild weather. 

Head up the hillside of Lugar de Baixo to see Zinos Palace. Originally built in the 19th century, this Romanesque building is considered to be an important example of Madeira’s historic architecture. After being abandoned for decades, the palace was renovated in the early 21st century and now hosts meetings, parties and other events. 

Make Ponta do Sol your base for visiting Paúl da Serra, Madeira’s largest and highest plateau. At an altitude of 4,593 feet (1,500 meters), you can see stunning views over the surrounding valley and mountains. 

Ponta do Sol is located on the southwestern coast of Madeira. It can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from Madeira’s capital, Funchal.

Enotel Sunset Bay
Enotel Sunset Bay
4 out of 5
Avenida 1 de Maio, Ponta do Sol
The price is P10,000 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
P10,000
P10,400 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beachside Square and Church ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"Everything you would need around you, great restaurants just around the corner, great service, view from room is brilliant, the beach is great, the size of the room is amazing and the facilities are all good, the WiFi is a bit slow but would definitely come stay again"

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025

Enotel Sunset Bay
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
Lombo De São João, Ponta do Sol
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Church of Our Lady of ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (40 reviews)
"Villa Alto is a lovely old house set high up in the hills above Ponta do Sol. With beautiful views. You will definitely need a hire car. The Staff are wonderful and work very hard to make you feel welcome. The breakfast is amazing, all freshly made from scratch. Sadly there was no dinner service ..."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
5 out of 5
Avenida do Infante, 25, Funchal
The price is P20,619 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
P20,619
P21,691 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (514 reviews)
"Very glamorous Fantastic staff Big rooms Excellent breakfast We intend to go again"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Cabo Girao
Village Cabo Girao
4 out of 5
Rua 1º de Julho, nº 2, Camara de Lobos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (181 reviews)
"The complex had everything we needed. Spacious and clean apartment with an amazing view over Funchal and the sea, with a nice size balcony and outdoors seating. The downside was the road in-between the accommodation and the facilities. It was quiet late at night although the traffic in the morning ..."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Village Cabo Girao
Dom Pedro Garajau
Dom Pedro Garajau
3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (436 reviews)
"Ideal spot if staying in Madeira for the first time. Easy access to Funchal and the place is really quiet and safe."

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024

Dom Pedro Garajau
Florasol Residence Hotel
Florasol Residence Hotel
3 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 306, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (192 reviews)
Excellent
"Returned to stay, and will book again."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Florasol Residence Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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