The Best Place To Stay in Madeira, Portugal
Though it may look small on a map, Madeira actually spans over 280 square miles with many different towns scattered around its coast. With such mountainous terrain dividing its regions, you may be wondering where the best place to stay in Madeira is to get the most out of your visit. After visiting Madeira, we can confidently say that the best area to stay in is Funchal!
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Why Funchal is the Best Place To Stay in Madeira
To put it simply, the reason we think Funchal is the best place to stay in Madeira is because it is the most accessible city (in two ways). Firstly, Funchal is near Madeira’s major airport, so your trip will have to start & end there regardless of your travel plans. Secondly, because it is the biggest city on the island, essentially all tour companies can accommodate transport from Funchal. This means that whether you want to stay in Funchal, hike to Pico Ruivo, or take a day trip to the far side of the island, you will be able to find yourself a means to do so from Funchal without much hassle.
In addition to the ease with which you can get around from Funchal, it is also a beautiful vacation destination itself! Surrounded by Madeira’s lush mountains and the deep blue of the Atlantic, Funchal is a vast, sustainable city amidst expansive natural beauty. It has direct access to the ocean, an abundance of dining options, and a colorful town center to explore during your visit. For an easy & relaxing getaway, we recommend making Funchal your base while staying in Madeira.
The Best Accommodations in Funchal
If Funchal sounds like the best fit for you, we recommend choosing from one of the following accommodations (based on your personal budget).
- Luxury Hotel: Barceló Funchal Oldtown
- Vacation Suite (Our Choice): Good Memories Lodge
- Budget: Jaca Hostel Funchal
Madeira was our last stop in our journey through Portugal, and we ultimately chose to stay at the Good Memories Lodge. If this apartment is available during your trip, I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s only a few minutes away from town center by foot, has a quiet outdoor balcony, and just feels like a home away from home. To read our full hotel highlight, click here.
Other Destinations in Madeira
As we said above, Funchal is definitely the best place to base your trip out of while in Madeira. But if you’re on the island for an extended period of time and looking to move around a bit, a couple nights in each of the following could be a good way to diversify your trip!
1. Porto Moniz
Located on the farthest northwestern point on the island, Porto Moniz is a tranquil, small region of Madeira. Most famous for its natural swimming pools that look out into the ocean, Porto Moniz is a popular destination for those looking to slow down for a couple of days.
2. Seixal
A small town on the northern coast of Madeira, Seixal is home to one of the most famous black sand beaches on the island. While the southern coast boasts mostly rocky or cliffed beaches, a trip to Seixal will allow you to spend a day in soft volcanic sand.
While there are many other towns in Madeira to pop in and out of, overnight stays in Porto Moniz and Seixal are the ones we would like to highlight for you. While these two destinations are on the north/western side of the island, the majority of other cities (Santa Cruz, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava) are located close enough to Funchal to turn into easy day trips.
Recommendation: Funchal
And there you have it! The best place to stay in Madeira to make the most out of your trip is Funchal. If you’re lucky enough to stay for an extended trip, we recommend a couple overnight stays in Porto Moniz and Seixal to experience the island in full.
Please let us know where your favorite place to stay in Madeira was in the comments below!
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
Funchal sounds wonderful. I will add it to my Portugal itinerary! Thank you!
I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal! I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to travel as a solo female. Thanks for sharing your recommendation on where to stay!