Ponta do Sol

The municipality of Ponta do Sol, based in the city of the same name, is located 18 kilometres from Funchal, on the South coast of Madeira Island. It is said that the name was given by João Gonçalves Zarco, in 1420, when he was in reconnaissance trip off the coast of island, and struck a tip in the sea and from which they could see a rock so polished by the waves that seemed to reflect the sun's rays. Thanks to its port and the fertility of its lands, the locale has progressed so quickly that before 1486, the population already had a church, by assigning the construction to Rodrigo Enes, one of the first settlers of Ponta do Sol. By charter of D. Manuel, dated December 2, 1501, the village is elevated to the category of City Councilas a result of the great economic development from the intense sugar activity and culture of cereals. The extension of the County would be reduced over the years, with the creation of the village of Calheta in 1511 and, later, with the creation of the new municipality of Ribeira Brava in 1914, and currently comprises three parishes: Canhas, Madalena do Mar and Ponta do Sol. Today, the municipality of Ponta do Sol continues to live on Agriculture (sugar cane, horticulture, floriculture and banana) and also tourism, powered by rich heritage, the natural beauties, the subtropical climate and the excellent bathing conditions, allowing the inhabitants maintain a serene pace of life in a combination of contemporary and historical and cultural heritages. In gastronomy, be sure to try the "espetada em espeto de louro", the fish stew, or the tuna steaks and, within the craft, watch out in patchwork tapestry, fabrics, Madeira embroidery, in cooperage in the wicker works.

What to do in Ponta do Sol

Miradouro do Cais da Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

A belvedere with a lovely panoramic view of the ocean and of the rocky formations that surround it.

Baía

Ponta do Sol

A restaurant that belongs to the Baía do Sol Hotel, with lovely views. A luxurious and refined space that serves fine dishes that combine the regional and international cuisines.

Enotel Baía do Sol

Ponta do Sol

Located between the mountain and the sea, this hotel is located in the beautiful Ponta do Sol Village, 20 minutes away from downtown Funchal. It has 71 modern and comfortable rooms, an indoors heated swimming pool, a gymnasium and direct …

Estalagem da Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

An ancient farm of the Madeira island, located atop a rock, renewed and tranformed into an inn. A special note to the wonderful panoramic views of the place. It has 54 well equipped rooms, a restaurant, a lounge bar and …

Centro de Observação da Natureza da Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

A location that offers a direct observation of nature, from several animal species to its exotic flora. It has also a pleasant terrace, ideal for relaxing.

Passeio Marítimo de Madalena do Mar

Ponta do Sol

A very pleasant space with maginificent views of the sea and of the neighbouring mountains. It has some benches where one can rest and enjoy the peacefulness of the location.

Miradouro de Vargem

Ponta do Sol

A place that has lovely views of the ocean, of the port and of the surrounding region.

Marina do Lugar de Baixo

Ponta do Sol

A marina with a capacity for 297 boats between eight and 25 metres.It has also a waiting dock, a ramp for small boats, a restaurant, a games field, a gymnasium and swimming pools.

Praia de Madalena do Mar

Ponta do Sol

A beach with claer waters and a calm sea with a boardwalk that connects to the sea and two ramps that connect to the beach.It has a restaurant, three bars, a children's layground and a volleyball field.

Praia de Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

A stone beach known for its mild temperatures throughout the entire year.It has a bar-restaurant, bathrooms and is accessible to the handicapped.

Capela do Espírito Santo da Lombada

Ponta do Sol

A baroque chapel with a longitudinal plan and a frontispiece with a fronton. It was built in the 18th century and remodelled in the 20th century. Inside, a special note to some baroque paintings and some caves unframed by golden …

Restaurante da Estalagem da Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

A restaurant that belongs to the Ponta do Sol inn, with a pleasant covered balcony/terrace that has lovely views of the village and of the sea. It serves fine regional dishes.

Igreja Matriz de Ponta do Sol / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz

Ponta do Sol

A manuelin and neo-mannerist church with a longitudinal plan and a sole nave, built in the 16th century, extended in the 18th century and restored in the 20th century.

FIND THE BEST PLACES

Where to eat in Ponta do Sol

Pizzaria Santa Teresa
Italian, Regional
10.00 €

A simple and modern space that serves Italian dishes and some regional dishes.

Dos Amigos
Portuguese, Regional
13.00 €

A simple and familiar space, located on a villa's ground floor, that serves regional dishes.

Restaurante da Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Contemporary

A restaurant that belongs to the Ponta do Sol inn, with a pleasant covered balcony/terrace that has…

Baía
International, Regional
20.00 €

A restaurant that belongs to the Baía do Sol Hotel, with lovely views. A luxurious and refined spac…

Where to sleep in Ponta do Sol

Estalagem da Ponta do Sol

4 star

An ancient farm of the Madeira island, located atop a rock, renewed and tranformed into an inn. A special note to the wonderful panoramic views of the place. I…

Ponta do Sol

What to do in Ponta do Sol

Where to eat in Ponta do Sol

Where to sleep in Ponta do Sol

Near Ponta do Sol

São Vicente

Calheta

Santa Cruz

Ribeira Brava