Ponta do Sol

Travel Guide

Ponta do Sol showing general coastal views
Ponta do Sol which includes a coastal town and rugged coastline
Ponta do Sol which includes a house
Ponta do Sol featuring rocky 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
The price is €168 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€168
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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)
"Everything you would need around you, great restaurants just around the corner, great service, view from room is brilliant, the beach is great, the size of the room is amazing and the facilities are all good, the WiFi is a bit slow but would definitely come stay again"

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2025

Enotel Sunset Bay
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
Lombo De São João, Ponta do Sol
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! (38 reviews)
"It was a beautiful older but full of character villa. Breakfast was top notch. The staff were very friendly and willing to point you in the right direction. Would definitely come back"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
 Saccharum Resort
Saccharum Resort
5 out of 5
Rua Serra de Água, 1, Calheta
The price is €221 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
€221
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Calheta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (846 reviews)
Great stay
"Had a great stay all the staff were great. We had an upgrade to a suite what was very nice of them. The location was lovely and allowed easy travel to all places. Overall would recommend hotel to anyone, I would also gladly return to this hotel."

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

Saccharum 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.
Villa with pool and stunning views near the beach of Ponta do Sol
Villa with pool and stunning views near the beach of Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol
Stay at this villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Beachside Square and Church of Our Lady of Light are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Stunning Ponta do Sol Villa
"The house is beautiful. The pool area is an amazing place to take in the views, sunsets and relax. The directions and accompanying literature provided by the host are very informative and answered all of our questions about using the house amenities. Highly recommend taking advantage of the bakery ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Villa with pool and stunning views near the beach of Ponta do Sol
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
First-class property
"The appartement was accurately described with a view to die for.A new bathroom with walk-in shower, spacious living/dining room and small but well-equipped kitchen made for a great stay. But the best is definitely the view from the private balcony"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Separate apartment on the first floor of a family house with private pool & WiFi
"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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
From beginning to end..............
"From beginning to the end of our month long stay we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The location is excellent surrounded by banana plantations which are situated on the mountain side, the views are beautiful, don’t forget your walking boots there are some excellent walks with breath taking views, ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2019

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

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ponta do Sol

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful, peaceful village. Only 20 mins from Funchal. Perfect location for us.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Like most towns outside Funchal, Ponta do Sol is very small, with just enough bars and restaurants and a small supermarket for a short stay. Rather noisy in Sept 2019 with work to make the cliffs safer. The bay is swim safe. Town centre is charming.