The Best Beach Hotels in Madeira, Portugal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.