Nord (Porto Moniz, São Vicente & Santana)

Where to Stay in North Madeira : Complete Guide

Madeira's north unfurls black cliffs and laurel forests facing the Atlantic. At Porto Moniz, volcanic pools capture turquoise light while São Vicente reveals tunnels carved through lava. Santana, with its traditional red-roofed houses, seems frozen in a fairy tale. Levadas wind between mist and banana groves, offering grand panoramas. This wild, wind-battered coastline invites sensory immersion between eucalyptus scents and salty spray.

Safety score: 9/10midpassionate hikerscouples seeking calmfamilies with childrennature lovers

Pros

  • Exceptional natural pools
  • Spectacular volcanic landscapes
  • Varied levada hikes
  • Authentic, calm villages

Cons

  • Very winding roads
  • Fewer tourist facilities
  • Often misty weather

The 5 best hotels in Nord (Porto Moniz, São Vicente & Santana)

Casa da Capelinha - Vue d'ensemble
1

Casa da Capelinha

3-star hotel
8.7478 reviews
Top pick

Located in the North area of Madère, Casa da Capelinha is in Porto Moniz. This three-star establishment offers a pool and a restaurant. Room service and free Wi-Fi are available. Its location facilitates access to São Vicente and Santana. The rating of 8.7 reflects a good level of satisfaction.

1 piscineService d'étageRestaurantConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~366EUR / night
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White Waters Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
2

White Waters Hotel

3-star hotel
8.3742 reviews
Excellent

White Waters Hotel is located in the North area, near Porto Moniz. This three-star hotel benefits from a beachfront position. It offers a restaurant and facilities for disabled guests. Free Wi-Fi is provided. Its positioning makes it a base for discovering the north coast.

En bord de plageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesRestaurantConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~180EUR / night
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Aqua Natura Madeira - Vue d'ensemble
3

Aqua Natura Madeira

4-star hotel
9.11 786 reviews
Recommended

Aqua Natura Madeira is located in the North area, at Porto Moniz. This four-star establishment offers direct beach access. It provides a fitness centre and an airport shuttle. Room service and the restaurant complete the services. Its rating of 9.1 reflects a high level of services.

Centre de remise en formeNavette aéroportService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesRestaurantEn bord de plage
From ~713EUR / night
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Aqua Natura Bay - Vue d'ensemble
4

Aqua Natura Bay

4-star hotel
9.02 901 reviews

Aqua Natura Bay is located in the North area of Madère, near Porto Moniz. This four-star hotel provides two pools and a fitness centre. The airport shuttle and room service are included. A restaurant is available on site. Its rating of 9 indicates excellent overall quality.

2 piscinesCentre de remise en formeNavette aéroportService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesRestaurant
From ~598EUR / night
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Saccharum - Resort and Spa - Savoy Signature - Vue d'ensemble
5

Saccharum - Resort and Spa - Savoy Signature

5-star hotel
8.92 399 reviews

Saccharum Resort and Spa is located in the North area, near Porto Moniz. This five-star establishment offers three pools and beach access. The spa, fitness centre and airport shuttle are available. Room service completes the offering. Its rating of 8.9 confirms high comfort.

3 piscinesEn bord de plageSpa et centre de bien-êtreCentre de remise en formeNavette aéroportService d'étage
From ~674EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & Landscapes

North Madeira offers a raw, majestic atmosphere. Porto Moniz's sheer cliffs plunge into the ocean, sculpted by centuries of waves. Natural pools formed by lava flows create basins of crystalline water with emerald reflections. Further east, São Vicente impresses with deep gorges and volcanic tunnels. Santana reveals primary laurel forests bathed in mist, where light filters through dense foliage. Winding levadas cross banana groves and sugar-cane fields, offering sweeping views over the jagged coast. This volcanic landscape, constantly reshaped by the elements, radiates both wild energy and calm.

Things to See and Do

Explore Porto Moniz natural pools, swim in protected waters and admire rock formations. Visit São Vicente caves and tunnels for a unique underground experience. Walk the Santana levada to hidden waterfalls. Discover the Bee House theme park and traditional thatched houses. Hike to the São Jorge viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. Watch dolphins on a boat trip off the north coast.

Where to Eat and Drink

Taste grilled espada, a local speciality served with banana and sweet potato. Enjoy bolo do caco, traditional bread with garlic butter. Porto Moniz restaurants offer rabbit in red wine and slow-cooked octopus. Try poncha, the local rum, lemon and honey cocktail. Terraces often provide ocean views during meals.

Transport & Access

Car hire remains essential to explore the region freely. Coastal roads, though winding, are well maintained. Regular buses link Funchal to Porto Moniz and Santana. Taxis are available in main villages. Allow time for journeys due to bends and frequent photo stops.

Other neighborhoods in Madère

Funchal (capitale)

honeymoon coupleshistory and culture loversfamilies with children

Funchal unfolds its colourful façades between the indigo ocean and Madeira's verdant hills. The cobbled lanes of the old port whisper tales of navigators while blooming jacarandas scent the air. Markets overflowing with tropical fruit, hanging gardens and terraces offering endless panoramas compose a lively tableau. At night, waterfront lights dance on the waves, inviting a romantic stroll or local wine tasting. The island capital harmoniously blends historic heritage with contemporary vibrancy.

Sud-Est (Caniço, Garajau, Machico & Caniçal)

honeymoon coupleshiking enthusiastsfamilies with children

Imagine a corner of Madeira where sheer cliffs plunge into the turquoise Atlantic Ocean, bordered by picturesque villages and pebble beaches. The South-East, with localities such as Caniço, Garajau, Machico and Caniçal, offers an enchanting blend of maritime traditions and lush nature. Levadas wind through verdant landscapes while sunsets paint the sky in orange hues. This sector combines authenticity and serenity, far from tourist crowds, ideal for those seeking the island's true essence.

Sud-Ouest (Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol & Calheta)

honeymoon coupleshiking enthusiastswine and gastronomy lovers

In south-west Madeira, steep cliffs caress the Atlantic Ocean in a ballet of light and foam. Câmara de Lobos reveals terraced vineyards overlooking colourful harbours, while Ponta do Sol offers blazing sunsets over the sea. Calheta seduces with black pebble beaches and turquoise water. This preserved region blends maritime traditions, lush nature and island authenticity. Scents of tropical fruit and Madeira wine drift in the air, inviting a unique sensory immersion between sea and mountain.

Intérieur & Montagnes (Curral das Freiras & Santo da Serra)

hiking enthusiastsphotographers seeking inspirationfamilies seeking calm

Plunge into Madeira's wild heart, where the mountainous interior reveals deep valleys and captivating summits. Curral das Freiras, nestled in a natural amphitheatre, offers sweeping views over slopes cloaked in laurel and banana trees. Santo da Serra extends its misty plateaux, perfect for contemplative walks. Winding roads cross lush forests, creating an air of mystery and serenity. This authentic corner invites escape from tourist coasts towards preserved nature and picturesque villages bathed in soft light.

Porto Santo

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Picture an island bathed in golden light, where the beach stretches endlessly beneath an azure sky. Porto Santo, the discreet gem of the Madeira archipelago, welcomes you with turquoise waters and fine sand. Far from the bustle, this destination offers a haven of peace for souls seeking serenity. Time-sculpted volcanic cliffs border lush valleys, while sea breezes caress the palms. Each sunset paints unforgettable scenes, inviting contemplation and escape. Explore preserved nature, perfect for recharging. Whether you love hiking or gentle strolls, Porto Santo promises lasting memories filled with warmth and authenticity.