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The Best Beach Hotels in Madeira, Portugal

Hotel Royal Savoy blends luxury living with an unbeatable beachfront location
Hotel Royal Savoy blends luxury living with an unbeatable beachfront location | © Imagebroker / Alamy Stock Photo

An oasis in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is repeatedly mentioned among the world’s top island destinations. The Portuguese escape has a selection of black sand beaches that are quite unlike any European counterpart, plus volcanic terrain and subtropical temperatures to boot. In order to fully appreciate the beauty of the island, spend your vacation by the shore in one of these excellent beachfront hotels in Madeira, Portugal — bookable with Culture Trip.

Calheta Beach

Luxury, Hotel

Modern and spacious twin room with private balcony looking out to the ocean, Calheta Beach Hotel, Madeira.
Courtesy of Calheta Beach / Expedia

Located in the southwest of the island, the Calheta Beach resort has exclusive access to one of the only beaches on the island with white sand. Within a few strides, you can go from the comforts of the several hotel pools and restaurants to the ocean. For days when a dip in the water might not take your fancy, enjoy a walking tour of the town and learn about the people and history of Calheta.

Pestana Village Garden Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

Cosy and spacious king room with private balcony at Pestana Village Garden Hotel.
Courtesy of Pestana Village Garden Hotel / Expedia

Madeira isn’t just spectacular coastlines, it also has a biodiverse landscape. This couldn’t be better highlighted than at the Pestana Village Garden Hotel, which is surrounded by 5,000sqm (54,000sqft) of gardens. Positioned 15 minutes on foot from the centre of the capital, Funchal, and a 12-minute walk to the nearest beach, there’s easy access to the surrounding culture and sea life. The floral-wallpapered rooms with mountain, garden or sea views make this hotel an idyllic and romantic setting for nature lovers.

Porto Mare Hotel

Hotel

Spacious King room at Porto Mare Hotel, with a private balcony offering views of palm trees and the ocean.
Courtesy of Porto Mare Hotel / Expedia

Built for families, the Porto Mare Hotel has amenities to entertain everyone from wee ones to the elderly. Containing five pools – including a kiddies’ one – 13,000sqm (140,000sqft) of gardens, a tennis court, a spa, five restaurants, a mini-golf course, a children’s activities programme, plus much more, there isn’t a reason you have to leave. For the beach hungry, there are ocean-view rooms, whilst it’s just a five-minute drive to the pebble beach, Praia Formosa.

Hotel Riu Palace Madeira – All Inclusive

Hotel

The grand exterior of Hotel Riu Palace Madeira, with two large outdoor pools and sun-loungers facing the ocean.
Courtesy of Hotel Riu Palace Madeira / Expedia

On the ocean promenade of Caniço de Baixo, Hotel Riu Palace is in the ideal location to explore the coastal town of Caniço. Local attractions include diving with manta rays and grouper; a beach at the bottom of a cliff accessed by the Garajau Cable Car; and ocean panoramas from the Cristo Rei Viewpoint, home to the Christ the King statue. The hotel itself has two swimming pools and a children’s pool, ocean-view rooms and a terrace made for sundowners.

The Cliff Bay

Luxury, Chain Hotel

Spacious and modern king room with a private balconyfacing spectacular ocean views, at The Cliff Bay Hotel Madeira.
Courtesy of the Cliff Bay / Expedia

With views of the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to think you’re on the edge of the world at The Cliff Bay, which is tucked into Funchal Bay. The luxurious offerings include a private balcony, fresh fruit and wine on arrival and 24-hour room service. Take a few strides down the promontory to explore what’s going on below sea level with diving organised through the hotel. Then finish your day with dinner at Il Gallo d’Oro, a two-Michelin-star establishment helmed by chef Benoît Sinthon.

The Vine

Luxury, Spa Hotel

Stylish double suite with a private balcony offering city views at The Vine Hotel in Madeira.
Courtesy of the Vine Hotel / Expedia

A design-forward hotel, the Vine compliments the beauty of its surroundings. Local interior designer Nini Andrade Silva took inspiration from the regional wine, creating a decor that reflects the richness and subtlety of the full-bodied Madeira vino through a grape-inspired colour palette. Each floor is a nod to a different season, representing the numerous stages of grape growth. Madeira wine is best served with dessert and a glass of this while stargazing from the rooftop jacuzzi will no doubt prove a sweet end to your day.

Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel

Hotel

Spacious double room with a private balcony facing the ocean at Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel.
Courtesy of Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel / Expedia

Located in the north of the island, the family-run Aqua Natura is the closest you’ll get to literally sleeping on the seafront. The 25 rooms, which are just as charming as the hosts, overlook the Atlantic Ocean, where safe swimming is sorted thanks to a series of natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rocks. There’s also a sauna, solarium, gym and a sunbathing deck with a large whirlpool tub.

The Savoy Palace

Luxury, Hotel

Stylish and spacious king room with a television, desk, armchair and private balcony facing the ocean at The Savoy Palace, Madeira.
Courtesy of Savoy Palace / Expedia

Once the Savoy Hotel, the 352-room Savoy Palace is now a juggernaut of leisure with a casino, spa with a champagne and nails room and a cigar club. Although it’s only a 10-minute drive to Praia Formosa, you may be tempted to stay in thanks to the adults-only infinity pool on the rooftop – ocean views included – and the alluring collection of restaurants.

Castanheiro Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Spacious king room with a private balcony at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, Madeira.
Courtesy of Castanheiro Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Those who prefer historical beauty over modern aesthetics will feel at home in the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel. The 81-room building has five historically classified buildings spanning three centuries, plus a collection of antiques and period furniture. While the bones are old, there are plenty of modern luxuries, such as an infinity pool with extensive views of Funchal Bay. If those views make you yearn for an ocean swim, Praia Formosa is just over 10 minutes by car.

Hotel Baía Azul

Luxury, Hotel

Spacious twin room with a private balcony facing the ocean at Hotel Baía Azul, Madeira.
Courtesy of Hotel Baía Azul / Expedia

A plum cliff-top spot affords Baía Azul arresting Atlantic Ocean views. Enjoy them from one of the sea-view rooms, from the sun lounger-lined pool or perhaps while sipping a cocktail in the bar. Praia Formosa is a five-minute drive away or, if you’ve got kids, you might want to try the nearby Lido Complex, which has two saltwater pools, a floating pool system in the ocean and a children’s play area.

Heading to Madeira? Check out why the Pearl of the Atlantic is a must-visit destination. Looking for a hotel? You can book directly with Culture Trip, from our list of recommendations – whether that’s the best hotels for every traveller, the top luxury hotels, or if you’re after a little more independence, the coolest Madeira apartments.

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