Ponta do Sol Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ponta do Sol featuring general coastal views
Ponta do Sol showing rugged coastline and a coastal town
Ponta do Sol which includes a house
Ponta do Sol featuring rugged coastline
Ponta do Sol showing 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 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.

Enotel Sunset Bay

Enotel Sunset Bay

4 out of 5
Avenida 1 de Maio, Ponta do Sol
The price is £140 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
£140
per night
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beachside Square and Church ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
"The staff were nice. The breakfast was included and had a variety of fresh food daily. Especially appreciated the drying line in the shower so bathing suits could be hung up to dry. The only downside was the parking situation: a very small underground garage that didn't say it was full (first come, ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Enotel Sunset Bay
1905 Zino's Palace

1905 Zino's Palace

4 out of 5
Palacete do Lugar de Baixo, VE3 10, Ponta do Sol
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Church of Our Lady of Light ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Beautiful relaxing delicious dinner"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

1905 Zino's Palace
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 £391 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£391
per night
6 Aug - 7 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (595 reviews)
"It was amazing and the staff was exceptional"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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, Madeira Region
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Our guests praise the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Amazing Family Vacation
"We wanted a place to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary with our children and grandchildren. This is the perfect spot! Amazing views, stunning property and the beautiful island of Madeira. The villa is spacious, well appointed and almost every bedroom has a view of the sea. There is lots of space ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Relax at the best Ocean Cliff Villa in Madeira
Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway

Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway

3 out of 5
Caminho dos Anjos 16, Casa 4, Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ponta Do Sol Beach and Church of Our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"One of the most beautiful, well managed vacation rentals I’ve ever booked. You must stay here. 10/10!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway
"Dom Carlos" Paradise Seaview Villa, with Sunrise & Sunsets Everyday!

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

Ponta do Sol/Madeira, Madeira Region
Stay at this villa in Ponta do Sol. Enjoy private pools, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions Church of Our Lady of Light and Beachside Square ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Amazing view. Excellent location on the island.
"Clean house with lots of room and outside decks for enjoying the view. Friendly neighbors. Property owner was very helpful with everything."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

"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.

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