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 P10,461 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P10,461
P11,138 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
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! (325 reviews)
"Good breakfast with variety of options, clean pool with sauna, unforgettable view from the room, nice small town to walk around."

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2025

Enotel Sunset Bay
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
Lombo De São João, Ponta do Sol
The price is P7,552 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P7,552
P8,113 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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! (41 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 P21,176 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P21,176
P22,280 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 22 - Apr 23
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! (524 reviews)
"We had a perfect stay - the property and the staff are wonderful. We will certainly be back"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 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.
Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
3 out of 5
Caminho dos Anjos 16, Casa 4, Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Do Sol Beach and Church of Our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Incredible Honeymoon Spot
"Experience was fantastic! Private pool with incredible views and setset from your room. Super helpful and professional staff, we disnt even know they were there! Breakfast and dinner were great - awesome honeymoon at Escarpa."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2024

Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
Dia Dourado Comfortable Holiday Residence
Dia Dourado Comfortable Holiday Residence
3 out of 5
Ponta do Sol
Stay at this 3-star villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Church of Our Lady of Light and Ponta Do Sol Beach ...
Dia Dourado Comfortable Holiday Residence
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! (441 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
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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