Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Sol: 2 Best Towns in Madeira
While traveling around the island of Madeira, you’ll come across countless small towns and villages in the mountains and along the coast. There are plenty to choose from to walk around and visit, but we recommend Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Sol.
Jardim do Mar is a quaint little colorful village along the coast with access to the water and a promenade that follows the ocean with great coastal views.
You might remember seeing Ponta do Sol in our other posts. It’s where we chose as our home base for exploring the island. It’s safe to say it’s one of our favorite places in Madeira as well. Read on for the details on these 2 best towns in Madeira.
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Things to Know
Jardim do Mar
- There is a moderately sized FREE parking lot here in the middle of town. It’s usually pretty busy, but hopefully you can snag a parking spot here.
- It gets warm down near the water. Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
- There are restroom facilities down the street from the parking area, located here. They were free, but needed some toilet paper and soap.
- Visit one of the local restaurants for a bite to eat after walking around town. We recommend Joe’s Bar!
- There is water access here, but it’s along a very bouldery (is that a word?) beach, so probably not a great spot for sunbathing.
🌞 If you are planning on spending more time on Madeira, check out our full 9-day itinerary with the best hikes and things to do on the island!
Ponta do Sol
- Parking is a bit harder in Ponta do Sol. If you can find a spot, we recommend the parking lot here, or you can park along the road at this location. Bring coins to pay!
- If you are looking for free parking, check out one of the tunnels right near the beach.
- There are restroom facilities down the street from the paid parking area, located here, right near the beach.
- Visit one of the local restaurants for a bite to eat after walking around town. We dined at many great spots here, including Caprice, Palm Spot Restaurant, Sun Spot Cafe, and Pastelaria Pizzaria Sol Doce. Don’t miss the gelato cart down by the beach!
- Praia da Ponta do Sol is a popular beach here as well. It’s rocky with pebbles, but there are raised boardwalks and wooden platforms to lie on if you can snag a spot. Don’t forget your beach towel.
Webcams In Madeira
Don’t forget to check the live webcams each morning before locking in your plans for the day. A quick view can save you from getting to a location and being bummed if it’s cloudy, foggy, or raining.
How to Explore Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar is a small coastal village on Madeira, known for its steep cliffs, ocean views, and quiet atmosphere. It has narrow pedestrian streets, a seafront promenade, and tasty restaurants. The village offers a more relaxed and traditional side of the island compared to busier tourist areas.
Once you secure a parking spot, take a little walk around town. One of our favorite little alleyways is located in Jardim do Mar. Head there first by walking through the small park. There, turn left and walk toward the church steeple. Follow the pedestrian road on the right.
Continue walking, and on the left, turn on Vereda da Beira Mar, and the cute, narrow alley that will give you access to the promenade below is a picturesque sight. The view of the vibrant blue water with contrasting colorful walls is one thing you can’t miss.
As you continue walking, you’ll reach the promenade below. We recommend turning right here and walking toward one end of town. At the end of the promenade, you’ll reach an area where you can access the water. There are some great views of the cliffs in the distance.
After you enjoy the promenade, walk up the stairs and onto Vereda Serrado do Pau. Follow this, passing 2 small pedestrian roads on your right. Then, turn right on Vereda da Igreja, and you’ll reach Joe’s Bar, a great place for lunch or dinner.
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After enjoying a quick bite to eat, we decided to explore the rest of the town and walked down the main road toward the other end of the village. If you walk all the way down, you’ll reach Praia do Portinho, a small beach. This beach, like many others in Madeira, is not the greatest for swimming.
That said, there are a few louge chairs and umbrellas here if you can snag one.
After this, feel free to walk back down the promenade again, or head back to the car and end your day here. After visiting this town, we recommend heading to Ponta do Sol next.
What to Expect In Ponta do Sol
Another one of the best towns in Madeira to visit is Ponta do Sol. Ponta do Sol is a small town on Madeira known for its sunny weather, waterfront setting, and relaxing, quiet atmosphere. Ponta do Sol is a popular base for exploring the island, to stay somewhere quieter than the main tourist hubs. This is exactly why we chose it!
Once you have secured parking, we recommend walking down toward the beach. On the way, you’ll pass by many restaurants and eateries. As you reach the waterfront, you’ll be greeted by colorful buildings, palm trees, and the beach.
The beach in Ponta do Sol is a small pebble beach offering calm waters for swimming, a laid-back atmosphere, and easy access to nearby cafés. As noted before, there are wooden walkways over the pebbles as well as wooden platforms where you can lay your towel to relax.
In addition, don’t miss walking along the Ponta do Sol Pier. This is located at the far eastern section of the town, right before the tunnel. Walk out to enjoy the sights of the beach and waterfront.
There is a restaurant up here, and if you continue to walk, you’ll reach a bridge that leads to more views of the surrounding area. If you are looking for access to the water, head down the steps and jump right in! This location is also perfect for watching the sunset.
Finally, the best way to end your day in Ponta do Sol? Gelato from the gelato cart, of course! This little spot offers some local flavors that you can only enjoy in paradise.
Want to make Ponta do Sol your home base while enjoying Madeira? Great idea!
Where to Stay
Here are a few great places to stay in Ponta do Sol:
- A VRBO! If you are looking for your own place to stay on Madeira, check out the great rental options in Ponta do Sol or across the entire island of Madeira!
- 1905 Zino’s Palace – a beautifully restored pink palace in Ponta do Sol, offering an intimate boutique stay in a historic 19th-century building. With elegant rooms, ocean views, and a peaceful pool area, it blends Madeiran heritage with relaxed, modern comfort. Complete with a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Check it out now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Enotel Sunset Bay – a relaxed 4-star hotel in Ponta do Sol, right by the Atlantic with stunning sunset views and easy access to a pebble beach. The property offers a heated pool, sauna, and restaurant serving local cuisine. Book right now on Expedia or Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
If you want to make the most of your time on the island of Madeira, be sure to book a rental car and book it early. For the best rates, check the prices and options at DiscoverCars! You really can’t go wrong with DiscoverCars.
If there is one takeaway about rental cars in Madeira, make sure you get the smallest one that fits your party. Roads are narrow, and parking can be tough!
Is A Visit To Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Sol Worth It?
We couldn’t get enough of these towns in Madeira, so yes, put them on your list! We visited Jardim do Mar after completing the 25 Fontes hike, and it was perfect for an afternoon by the sea. We walked around town and had a delicious early dinner at Joe’s Bar outside on the patio.
We couldn’t leave out talking a little bit about Ponta do Sol, too. We spent a lot of time here, and it’s one of the most picturesque little beach towns on the island, in our opinion. Lie on the beach, walk the pier, dine outside, and eat gelato. I mean, that sounds like literal paradise, right?
🛌🏽 Looking for a place to stay with an epic view and pool, too? Don’t forget to check out VRBO or Expedia to book your stay!
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