Madeira is a truly one-of-a-kind destination—ideal for a vacation, a relaxing getaway, and an island trip all at once. Staying at a resort during your visit gives you the chance to unwind and soak up some sun between hikes, scenic drives, and the island’s spectacular landscapes.
Here’s our list of excellent resorts on the beautiful, lush island of Madeira:
North of the island
- Aqua Natura Madeira – Porto Moniz
Southwest Madeira
- Saccharum Resort & Spa – Calheta
- Village Cabo Girão Resort – Cabo Girão
East of the island
- Hotel Riu Madeira – all-inclusive in Caniço
Madeira’s capital, Funchal, and the surrounding area (the main hub)
- VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira – Funchal
- Savoy Palace – Funchal
- Hotel Porto Mare – Funchal
- Les Suites at The Cliff Bay – Funchal
- Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino – Funchal
- Pestana Vila Lido Madeira Ocean Hotel – Funchal
- The Views Baía – Funchal
- Pestana Ocean Bay Resort – Funchal
What to know before booking a vacation in Madeira
Madeira, the green, remote volcanic island some 560 miles off the coast of Portugal, is unlike anywhere else. Even though we usually associate islands with beaches and sand, volcanic Madeira has very few sandy swimming beaches. What it offers instead is an extraordinary mix of natural attractions: peaks rising above the clouds, dramatic cliffs, intensely green forests, and breathtaking scenery—all packed into a surprisingly small area. Just as importantly, Madeira’s more southerly location means the island stays warm and pleasant for most of the year. In Funchal, right in the resort area, you’ll also find the “Lido,” a public complex of pools and water facilities that makes a very good alternative to the beach.
So when choosing a resort in Madeira, keep in mind that this is less of a beach vacation and more of a poolside one. It’s also usually not the kind of trip where you never leave the hotel, because there’s simply too much to see nearby. Even if you head out to a site like the viewpoint at Cabo Girão, you can easily be back at your resort within 3–4 hours if you’re in the mood to rest afterward. Another plus is that most resorts are located in western Funchal, the island’s capital—a fully modern city with restaurants, nightlife, and plenty going on. That means it’s easy to spend the evening in the city center, which is usually no more than a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel, and from some resorts it’s even within a moderate walking distance.
In most cases, then, a resort stay in Madeira is still an active vacation. Many visitors—especially families—also rent a car, which makes exploring this lovely island much easier and gives you far more flexibility.
Click here for the complete guide on where to stay in Madeira…
A list of 12 standout resorts in Madeira
Before we begin, it’s worth knowing that most of Madeira’s large resorts are concentrated around Funchal, especially in the Lido area west of the city center and along the waterfront, where you’ll find the widest selection and the most convenient base for day trips. In this part of Funchal, most resorts offer parking, and if not, there are public parking lots and street parking nearby.
Travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere may prefer a resort in Calheta or Cabo Girão, while the experience in the north of the island, around Porto Moniz, is more about nature and dramatic scenery and less about city life. Broadly speaking, if you’re planning to explore the island by car—as most visitors to Madeira do—any of these areas can work very well. That said, Funchal remains the most popular choice.
1. Aqua Natura Madeira – Porto Moniz – A small resort facing the natural pools in the island’s northwest
This is a high-quality resort-style hotel set directly across from the natural pools of Porto Moniz, one of the most distinctive attractions in all of Madeira. The hotel itself is not large, and Porto Moniz is a small, remote place where most of the activity centers around those beautiful pools. For that reason, staying here usually makes the most sense for a night or two as part of a wider trip around the island. What you do get is a real closeness to nature and that far-edge-of-the-world feeling Madeira does so well. The resort is best suited to mature couples, though families looking for peace and quiet rather than city life may also enjoy it.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Aqua Natura Madeira…
2. Saccharum – Resort and Spa – Savoy Signature – Calheta – A luxurious resort with a beach at its doorstep
This is a modern, impressive resort in the Calheta area on the south side of the island. The hotel offers a very high standard throughout, along with a spa experience that feels like a true getaway. It’s an excellent choice for couples and a pampering escape, but it also works well for families who prefer something quieter than Funchal. Calheta’s appeal lies in its relaxed atmosphere and convenient access to drives through western Madeira and to the mountain nature trails above. If you’re after an elegant stay with high-end facilities and service, this is a very strong option.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Saccharum…
3. Village Cabo Girão Resort – Cabo Girão – A large holiday village with a spectacular view, great for families
This complex feels more like a holiday village than a standard resort hotel, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s located near Cabo Girão, just a short distance from the famous viewpoint, and the ocean views from here feel almost primeval. This hotel is ideal for families and also makes a good choice for a longer stay. Cabo Girão sits in a convenient spot between Funchal and the west side of the island, so you can enjoy plenty of outings without ever feeling too far away. Staying here is especially well suited to travelers planning to explore a lot, although it’s also easy to spend a full day simply enjoying the hotel.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Village Cabo Girão Resort…
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4. Hotel Riu Madeira – Caniço – A large all-inclusive resort
This is a large resort from the international chain known for easygoing sun-and-pool vacations. It’s one of the few resorts on the island that genuinely caters to guests who want to spend as much time as possible at the hotel itself. Hotel Riu Madeira is a good fit for travelers looking for a simple, comfortable stay, with facilities and services that make it easy to slow down. Caniço, located between the airport and Funchal, is a smart choice for those who prefer being just outside the city while still staying a short drive away. The hotel is especially well suited to families and couples planning to combine lazy resort days with time out exploring the island.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Hotel Riu Madeira…
5. VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira – Funchal – A large, comfortable, family-friendly waterfront resort
This is a very large waterfront resort with a self-contained feel that works particularly well for a family vacation or a longer stay. One of its biggest advantages is the wide range of facilities on site, so there’s no need to plan every minute—especially if you’re traveling with children. The hotel sits in the heart of the resort strip west of central Funchal, less than a 10-minute drive from downtown. It also makes an easy base for day trips around the island. This is one of the city’s older, well-known resorts, and its standout feature is the set of pools right along the water’s edge.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira…
6. Savoy Palace – Funchal – One of the best resorts on the island
One of Madeira’s standout hotels for travelers seeking a true luxury experience, with impressive facilities, contemporary design, and a real wow factor from the moment you arrive. Without question, this is one of the finest resorts on the island. It suits couples, travelers in search of indulgence, and families who prefer an especially high standard. Its location in Funchall is convenient, making it easy to mix city outings with quiet days at the hotel. If you want a resort that delivers everything the word “resort” suggests, this is the place.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Savoy Palace…
7. Hotel Porto Mare – PortoBay – Funchal – Excellent for families in the Lido area
One of the most successful family-friendly hotels in Funchal, with a pleasant resort atmosphere, comfortable shared spaces, and pools that make it easy to spend full days enjoying the property. Its location in the Lido area is excellent, with restaurants, a promenade, and convenient transportation all around you, so you won’t need a car for every little outing. This resort works well for families, couples, and first-time visitors to Madeira who want a straightforward, comfortable base. Its prime location, generous size, and position just above the Lido all help make it a particularly enjoyable place to stay.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Hotel Porto Mare…
8. Les Suites at The Cliff Bay – PortoBay – Funchal – A true luxury resort
This is a more upscale resort, especially well suited to couples and anyone looking for peace and quiet. Service is excellent, and the focus here is on privacy, tranquility, a high standard, and sea views rather than children’s activities. The resort feels pleasantly removed from the bustle, yet in reality it’s only about 1.2 miles from central Funchal. That means you can head out for day trips or a packed day of sightseeing and attractions in the city, then return to a calm, exceptionally elegant room at the end of the day—or even in the middle of it. It’s a perfect choice for a honeymoon, a birthday getaway, or an elegant vacation.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Les Suites at The Cliff Bay…
9. Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino – Funchal – A large hotel with plenty of facilities
This is the hotel opposite Funchal’s casino, around a 10-minute walk from the start of the city center. It’s a large, well-known property that offers an urban vacation feel in Funchal, while still providing the facilities, pool, and services that make for an easy, comfortable resort-style stay. It works well for couples, families, and first-time visitors to Funchal who want to stay close to the main points of interest. The casino is a nice bonus for anyone who enjoys evening entertainment, though even without it, this is still a convenient resort-style hotel. The hotel and surrounding area offer plenty of parking options, so arriving by car is easy—as it is at most resorts nearby—though here you’ll have even more choice than usual. It’s an especially good pick if location and easy access to the promenade and downtown matter to you.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Pestana Casino Park…
Check out our guide to Casinos in Portugal…
10. Pestana Vila Lido Madeira Ocean Hotel – Funchal – Facing the sea in the Lido area
This resort-style hotel enjoys an excellent location in the Lido area, right by the sea and close to restaurants, bars, and a pleasant promenade. The experience here is very much “a vacation without disconnecting from the city,” meaning you can feel like you’re on holiday while still heading out in the evening without relying on taxis or complicated planning. The hotel is best suited to couples, especially mature couples, and it isn’t especially large. It has a pleasant pool, lovely views, and an overall quieter, more relaxed feel.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Pestana Vila Lido…
11. The Views Baía Adults Only – Funchal – A hotel above the city with views and a youthful atmosphere
This hotel has a somewhat different character from the classic waterfront resorts, with an emphasis on sweeping panoramic views, a modern atmosphere, and a style that particularly suits younger travelers and couples. It’s a good choice for those who want Funchal but don’t need to be right on the promenade and would rather stay somewhere with a more contemporary urban feel. It’s an excellent option for travelers who enjoy having a pool and some resort comforts, while also wanting to head out in the evening and experience the city. If you’re after a resort with a slightly different feel, right in Funchal, this is a great direction to take.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at The Views Baía…
12. Pestana Ocean Bay Resort – Funchal – A calm seaside resort
This resort suits travelers looking for a laid-back sun-and-pool stay close to the sea, with an easygoing atmosphere. It’s a long-established hotel right on the waterfront at the far western edge of Funchal. The area is excellent for anyone wanting peace and a certain sense of getting away from it all, while still staying just a short drive from the center and the main attractions. The hotel is best suited to mature couples, though it also works for families seeking a slower pace and for travelers who enjoy spending part of their time at the hotel itself.
Click here for photos, reviews, and room availability at Pestana Ocean Bay Resort…
A few tips for traveling in Madeira
1. When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira is a year-round destination, and that’s one of its biggest draws. Still, the most pleasant times to visit are usually spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when the weather is comfortable and the island feels more relaxed. Summer brings higher prices and more visitors, but conditions are generally still pleasant compared with hotter beach destinations in Europe. In winter, the island is especially green and there are plenty of beautiful days, though you should expect more cloud cover and intermittent rain, especially in the north and in the mountains.
2. The north side of the island offers a different experience
The north—places like Porto Moniz and Santana—feels wilder, with cliffs, dramatic seas, more wind and rain, and a less touristy atmosphere. It’s wonderful for travelers seeking nature and quiet, but less suited to anyone looking for a large resort with everything close at hand. There also aren’t many resorts in the north. Because Madeira is so small—or more accurately, so compact—it’s easy to stay in the south and explore the north during the day. Drives on Madeira take up to an hour and a half, and most are much shorter.
3. Do you need a car in Madeira? No—but it’s highly recommended, especially for families
You can manage without one, especially if you stay in Funchal and combine organized tours with public transportation, but a car opens up the island in a big way. If you’re staying outside Funchal, having one is close to essential and will make the whole trip much easier. It’s worth knowing that the mountain roads include steep climbs and descents, tunnels, and winding curves. That doesn’t mean driving in Madeira is difficult, but drivers do need to pay attention to the road conditions.
4. Don’t expect “huge beaches” like in other fly-and-flop destinations
As mentioned above, Madeira is more about scenery, pools, promenades, and nature than wide sandy beaches. There are some wonderful swimming spots and natural pools, and Calheta also has an artificial sandy beach, but this is not the Caribbean when it comes to beaches. If you’re arriving with the image of a classic beach resort in mind, it’s best to set expectations accordingly. People come to Madeira for the sense of escape, the beautiful landscapes, and the free, refreshing atmosphere.
5. Madeira is an island for exploring—but not an exhausting one
The island is so unusual and filled with such stunning natural formations and scenery that it’s hard to stay only at the hotel. Since Madeira is small, distances are short and you won’t spend much time in the car. That also makes the trip easier for children, with fewer long, impatient moments on the road. So yes, you’ll explore—but it’s still easy to return to your resort at a reasonable hour and enjoy the facilities, and you can absolutely plan a day or two just to stay at the resort. Or, especially if you’re in Funchal, spend most of your time at the resort and head into the city center in the evening for ice cream and dinner.
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