Ponta do Sol

Travel Guide

Ponta do Sol featuring general coastal views
Ponta do Sol showing rocky coastline and a coastal town
Ponta do Sol which includes a house
Ponta do Sol showing rugged coastline
Ponta do Sol featuring 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
$197 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$210 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
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! (349 reviews)
"Couldnt have asked for a better hotel or location 😍😍"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Enotel Sunset Bay
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
$789 nightly
The price is $825 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$825 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (590 reviews)
"Incredible hotel! The staff is amazing. So friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The grounds, rooms, and views are stunning. The sea pool is beyond and the diving boards are so much fun. We brought our 8 month old and they provided a crib, stuffed animal, and adorable backpack. The staff was also ..."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
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
$425 nightly
The price is $447 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$447 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
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! (614 reviews)
"Fantastic service, large rooms. Breakfast was amazing. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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.
Relax at the best Ocean Cliff Villa in Madeira

Relax at the best Ocean Cliff Villa in Madeira

Funchal
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Relax at the best Ocean Cliff Villa in Madeira
"Dom Carlos" Paradise Seaview Villa, with Sunrise & Sunsets Everyday!

"Dom Carlos" Paradise Seaview Villa, with Sunrise & Sunsets Everyday!

Ponta do Sol/Madeira
Stay at this villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy private pools, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Church of Our Lady of Light and Beachside Square ...
"Dom Carlos" Paradise Seaview Villa, with Sunrise & Sunsets Everyday!
Separate apartment on the first floor of a family house with private pool & WiFi

Separate apartment on the first floor of a family house with private pool & WiFi

Arco da Calheta
Stay at this apartment in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Casa das Mudas Arts Center and Church of Our Lady of ...
Separate apartment on the first floor of a family house with private pool & WiFi
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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