Ponta do Sol

Travel Guide
Ponta do Sol showing rugged coastline and a coastal town
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 centre 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 holiday 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 honours 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 centre 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 metres), 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.

Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
5 out of 5
Largo Antonio Nobre, Funchal
The price is ₹13,922 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
₹13,922
per night
2 Jul - 3 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (988 reviews)
"The staff and facilities were wonderful. Enjoyed the pub as an end of the day meeting place."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2023

Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort 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 ₹25,080 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
₹25,080
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (258 reviews)
Great service and amazing hotel!
"Great service and amazing hotel. Can’t wait to stay here again!"

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2023

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Saccharum Hedonist Design Resort
Saccharum Hedonist Design Resort
5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is ₹16,506 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
₹16,506
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Calheta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (620 reviews)
"The property was very beautifully located with the mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Loved the spa facilities and the staff are very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 23 May 2023

Saccharum Hedonist Design Resort
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.
Dom Pedro Garajau
Dom Pedro Garajau
3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz, 9125-067
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the comfy ...
7.2/10 Good! (328 reviews)
Great short break!
"Lovely hotel with comfortable rooms with superb sea views. Pools and gardens good too. Close to shops and some restaurants. Very good value accommodation for a short break on Madeira!"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2023

Dom Pedro Garajau
Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
3 out of 5
Caminho dos Anjos 16, Casa 4, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, 9360-355
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Do Sol Beach and Church of Our ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Everything was great-Location,natural beauty,the amazing breakfasts....Petra and her staff were great. One thing that upset us was the service at 90 degrees restaurant at night-in this case it was New Year's Eve.The server,a great guy, was inappropriately rushing us which took away a lot of the experience.People ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2023

Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
Apartamentos Ferreiros
Apartamentos Ferreiros
3 out of 5
Tv. do Nascimento 6, Funchal, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV and cable TV. Popular attractions Funchal Sacred Art Museum and Funchal Town Hall are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Happy week
"Really helpful concierge team."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2023

Apartamentos Ferreiros
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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