HOW TO VISIT PONTA DO SOL, MADEIRA'S SUNNIEST TOWN

panoramic view of Ponta Do Sol in Madeira

The town of Porta do Sol, meaning “sun point” enjoys Madeira’s most sunshine hours. Nestling scenically in a river valley between two cliffs, on the island’s south coast has charm in abundance.

Wander the cobbled streets of the old town past colourful buildings, to the pretty beach. Cast a glance upwards to the terraced banana fields, which provide a picturesque backdrop.

This town is rich in history, the details of which you can consider whilst sipping on something cold as you enjoy the ocean view.

Here is our guide to the best things to do in Ponta do Sol Madeira.

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WHY IS PONTA DO SOL WORTH VISITING?

With so many towns in Madeira to explore, why visit Ponta do Sol? Aside from the municipality being the hottest on the island, the town is packed with charm, history, a delightful beach, and a photogenic arched stone bridge.

Ponta do sol weather brings plenty of hours of sunshine each year. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are dry, cool, and windy.

WHERE IS PONTA DO SOL AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Ponta do Sol is situated on the southwest coast of Madeira Island. Its climate and fertile soil make the town perfect for cultivating sugar cane and banana.

The municipality includes Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar and Canhas, and has the only plateau on the island, Paul da Serra. At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the area is scenic with natural characteristics including indigenous vegetation.

Driving distance from Funchal to Ponta do Sol is 30 minutes via ER101.
Ribeira Brava to Ponta do Sol is a 15-minute drive

Driving in Madeira is easy, and the perfect way to explore the island.

PONTA DO SOL MAP

WHERE TO PARK TO EXPLORE THE TOWN

main street with a tunnel at the end — Parking inside the tunnel

As you head down into town on ER101, there is a PAID car park on your right-hand side. Continue down the road to the promenade.

Paid parking along Av. 1º Maio in marked spaces alongside the promenade
There is also parking at both ends of the avenue, in the tunnels. *the far tunnel is very wet with a dripping ceiling! *
Parking fees are cash only, with free parking on Sundays.
In Summer, try to arrive early to find a space.

We suggest spending a few hours here, exploring the town and enjoying the cafes/restaurants. Or why not stay a night to watch the beautiful sunset over dinner.

THINGS TO DO IN PONTA DO SOL

BRIEF HISTORY OF PONTA DO SOL

The municipality was founded around 1425, after the island’s discovery by Portuguese settlers, including Goncalves Zarco. Village status was granted in 1501.

One of the oldest settlements in Madeira, its economy is based banana and sugar cane production. Today, the town has a good quality hotel business, and there is always an event or celebration going on.

1. PONTA DO SOL BEACH

Protected from the wind either side by high cliffs, a safe swimming zone has been created by a manmade breakwater.

Straw parasols set up between boards and flattened pebbles, make the bay a perfect place for a swim in the warm clear water.

Facilities include:

Toilets and changing rooms.
Lifeguard during the summer
Sun spot café with other eateries within a few minutes’ walk

TOP TIP: Walk to the western end of the beach and look up to the cliffs. You can spot a lovely waterfall.

As you leave the promenade and stroll around the old centre of the town, you’ll find the following attractions.

2. CHURCH OF NOSSA SENHORA DA LUZ

a white church with colourful garlands hanging from the street in Ponta Do Sol.

In the 18th-century the church was consecrated to “Our Lady of the Light”.

The church consists of a single nave, and unique styled square bell tower, that provides a focal point in the town. Although the temple dates to the late 15^th-century, the actual church’ façade was rebuilt in 1708.

You can see features of both Manueline and Neo-Mannerist religious architecture. Inside, things to look out for include:

An ‘alfarje’ panelled ceiling in the chancel
Mudéjar style baptismal font, believed to be from Seville.
Collection of silver religious ornaments

3. MIRADOURO INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE

Take the stairs behind the church, to this small park featuring beautiful pergolas, and seats with tile panels. From the viewpoint, you can see the ocean, church, and across the terracotta roofs.

Rua Santo António

4. CAPELO DE SANTO ANTONIO

17^th-century São Sebastião Chapel was closed on our visit, but inside, the altarpiece has three gilded medallions and is adorned with stylized angels.

Rua da Confraria

5. ADMIRE THE ART INSTALLATIONS

art figures made out of iron in a green patch of grass

As you wander around the town, you will see two separate art installations, which are really interesting.

A Reflection of Life: The artist, Catarina Maria Lobo Goncalves, has based this art piece on a passage from the bible alluding to Ash Wednesday, “From dust you are, and to dust you will return”. Made of iron, the three figures illustrate where we came from, who we are, and where we are going. (Located near the public toilets)
Parede de Memórias: Patricia Sumares proposes an artistic intervention with a sense of community, by calling on locals to “show their faces” for the project. Two hundred and fifty face moulds showcase the expressions and feelings of a community. Contrasting with the faces are a flock of bird silhouettes, representing Madeira’s fauna. (Located on Rue da Marquesa)

While very different from each other in style, both pieces are quite alluring and incredibly meaningful.

6. CULTURAL CENTRE JOHN DOS PASSOS

exterior of a building with banana terraces in the background

Housed in a 19^th-century building in the centre of town, and dedicated to writer John dos Passos, the space has a permanent exhibit to the life and work of the popular writer.

There are also two museums, library, and spaces for temporary exhibitions. A symposium dedicated to the North American national, is held here annually.

Open Monday to Friday from 9.00am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm

7. WANDER ALONG THE SEAFRONT PROMENADE

As you join the promenade from the old town, you can see the yellow and brown building with a “Cine” sign above it. Built in 1933 by Antonio Marques Teixeira, this is where the Micro Film Festival is held each year.

The palm-lined promenade has the beach on one side, and colourful buildings on the other.

Be sure to look over to where the river runs into the ocean, where native birds will be seating with their young.

8. PONTA DO SOL BRIDGE

One of the most popular things to do in Ponta do Sol is to view the very photogenic arched bridge and pier.

Prior to the 1830’s, transportation was essentially by sea. Between 1848 and 1849, Ponta do Sol City Hall began the construction of both a pier, and a road network connecting villages along the seaside.

A small stone bridge was built over the Santiago River stream, and the connection between the village centre and the pier entrance is made along a steep ravine, through a wide round sturdy vault arch tunnel.

If you look closely at the pier entrance, an old prison excavated in the rock interior, and a guard booth are still visible.

Parts of this path were on Royal Path 23, the former Caminho Real 23, renamed Estrada Nacional in 1910.

Take your time to explore this area and watch the waves crashing against the rocks.

PONTA DO SOL RESTAURANTS

For such a small town, there are plenty of places to eat in Ponta do Sol.

R. Dr. Joao Augusto Teixeira is the main street leading from the church to the promenade. The Old Pharmacy is a popular haunt, doubling up as a cocktail bar in the evenings.
Estalagem Ponta Do Sol overlooks the cliffs and a great spot for a sunset dinner.
Restaurante Sol Poente is the yellow building perched on the bridge. Whilst it gets mixed reviews, we had coffee and tarts here on the terrace, and it was delicious. Plus, the view is incredible!

PONTA DO SOL HOTELS AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the sun and have access to other local attractions such as Cascada dos Anjos, the village of Madalena do Mar, and Levada do Moinho (PR7), Ponta do Sol makes a great base for a few days.

Here are some accommodation options to consider:

Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol – check availability and photos.
Escarpa – The Madeira Hideaway – check availability and photos.
1905 Zino’s Palace – check availability and photos.
Apartment Villa Sol II – check availability and photos.

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND PONTA DO SOL

Ponta Do Sol’s position on the south coast, makes it an ideal location for visiting other attractions in Madeira.

Levada do Moinho
Ribeira Brava
Madalena Do Mar
Cascada dos Anjos along the coastal road

We hope this article has inspired you to visit this pictureque and charming town. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

HOW TO VISIT PONTA DO SOL, MADEIRA’S SUNNIEST TOWN