Madeira is a stunning island destination well loved by the outdoor adventurer and explorer community.
It is a Portuguese island, that sits a staggering 540 miles from Lisbon!
Known as Spring Island for its year-round lush vegetation and brightly colored flowers, for those who want to get out and enjoy nature, Madeira is a beautiful spot. It has a constantly warm temperature, and an impressive variety of trails and hikes, ranging from half-hour walks to advanced hikes and challenging day-long treks.
Funchal is the capital and biggest city, but there are tons of small villages dotted across the main island, each with its own charm and atmosphere.
Although Madeira is a hotspot for exciting nature and activities, relaxation, and delectable cuisine, it still maintains a local vibe without feeling too touristy. Many of the best places to stay on the island are boutique guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering villas, rather than large hotels and resorts.
Not only do the bed and breakfasts in Madeira give a local insight, they are usually much more affordable. Check out these quaint, magical places to stay in magnificent Madeira.
Solar da Bica
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Boutique agro-tourism hotel in the mountains of Sao Vicente
- > Modern interiors and sweeping mountain and city views
Casa do Til
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > In Santana, a short walk from the iconic traditional houses
- > Restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace on site
Casa dos Reis
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > In the mountains overlooking Tabua
- > Traditional Madeiran house
Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Madeira
Why stay in a stuffy hotel or monotonous resort suite when you can book a unique room in a boutique, family-run bed and breakfast?
Most B&Bs in Madeira are located along the coastline or in the mountains, overlooking the azure ocean and luscious landscapes.
Bed and breakfasts are notoriously a more homey and intimate atmosphere, usually carefully curated by owners who hold a lot of pride in their property and business. You may be imagining something a little aged or well-worn, but the best places to stay in Madeira still have all modern amenities you need to feel at home.
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There isn’t a whole lot of big hotels or resorts in Madeira, so the collection of friendly B&Bs are a point of pride on the island. Portugal is already known for its charming B&B scene, and its island cousin follows suit.
What to Look For in a Bed and Breakfast in Madeira
Bed and breakfasts in Madeira are a perfect combination of hotel and vacation rental. They have all the comfortable services and amenities you might expect from a hotel, as well as beautiful and convenient communal spaces that you will share with other guests.
As the name promises, the best bed and breakfasts usually include a continental or cooked breakfast. The half-board option is perfect for quick stopovers when you don’t want to purchase ingredients and plan meals. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking your own food, there are plenty of B&Bs with a shared kitchen space.
Since Madeira is famed for its lush foliage and verdant landscapes, many of the B&Bs on Spring Island are surrounded by gorgeous gardens. For the summer months in the sun, cooler evenings and when you want to tire out the kids, the gardens are great for relaxing and refreshing in cool swimming pools.
Many of the visitors to Madeira explore the island by car, stopping off at all the small towns and villages along the way. Some bed and breakfasts include free parking, however you will want to double check!
Most of the Madeira’s bed and breakfasts are listed on Booking.com, with a few more on Airbnb. Both sites let you filter your search, and find the perfect spot to fit your needs.
The Top 10 Bed and Breakfasts in Madeira
Now for the good part, a list of bed and breakfasts in Madeira that are cosy, cute and well located! Check these out.
Overall Best Value Bed and Breakfast in Madeira – Cecilia’s House Bed and Breakfast
Set in the timeless small village of Jardim do Mar, Cecilia’s House is a charming Madeira B&B surrounded by tranquil gardens and outstanding ocean views. A beautiful spot to call your island home, there are comfortable bedrooms and a shared kitchen within the home.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- The Royal Route of the Sea Trail
- School Farm Dos Prazeres Madeira Art Gallery
- Calheta Beach
You can cook and store food in the fully-equipped kitchen to save some money on eating out everyday, and enjoy lazy afternoons in the garden looking out over the horizon and amazing landscapes.
Along with your own beautiful suite, there is also a shared living room and sunny balcony. Breakfast is served daily and can be enjoyed on the terrace or in the garden.
Best Budget Bed and Breakfast in Madeira – Casa do Til
Casa do Til is the best bed and breakfast in Madeira on a budget. Thanks to its amazing location yet simple and easy style, the price per night is super reasonable and affordable. Surrounded by magical local villages and with picturesque views, it is a perfect spot to base an island adventure. After a day of tackling the best hikes in Madeira, you will have your own peaceful spot to unwind.
The rooms are decorated with modern interiors and boast fresh linens, as well as a Continental breakfast served each morning!
You can enjoy dining at the restaurant, lounging on the terrace and taking in the beauty of the area.
Best Bed and Breakfast for Couples in Madeira – Solar da Bica
Sitting somewhere between a B&B and a boutique hotel, Solar di Bica in Sao Vicente is an incredibly cozy retreat facing the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. With the choice between double rooms and a private apartment, it is a beautiful spot to have a romantic getaway with your loved one or hang out with friends. Basing yourself in the mountains allows for days of stunning views even when you don’t fancy heading out to explore.
You can make use of the full kitchen, and enjoy time around the heated indoor saltwater pool and sauna (for a small additional fee).
There is also a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, and a continental breakfast spread served each day.
Bed and Breakfast for a Group of Friends in Madeira – Vila Camacho Guest House
Flooded with natural light and fresh island air, Vila Camacho is a beautiful, modern guesthouse just a short distance from Gavinas Beach in Sao Martinho. With a boutique setup, this bed and breakfast in Madeira is ideal for larger traveling groups like a group of friends or family. There is spacious family rooms, and junior suites that can fit a fair few people.
Spend time around the swimming pool, explore the nearby town and have lazy days dining in the restaurant right on the property!
Over-the-Top Luxury Bed and Breakfast in Madeira – Casa dos Reis
Designed as a traditional Madeiran home, with quaint window shutters and a sunny manicured garden, Casa dos Reis is a luxe B&B located just a short drive from Funchal.
It is surrounded by magical mountains, that can be seen from the breezy swimming pool area and just outside your bedroom. Perfect for those who want a piece of luxury to return to after a day of adventuring the must-see sights, Casa dos Reis is an idyllic spot.
There is a shared dining and living area with a wood-burning fireplace where breakfast will be served daily. But, there is also a kitchen that is open to use if you prefer to prepare your own meals. If you want something a little more cozy than a villa in Madeira, this special bed and breakfast is perfect!
Bed and Breakfast for Families Visiting Madeira – Gardens Guest House
With room for up to nine guests, the spacious family room option at Gardens Guest House is ideal for those who need plenty of space for lots of kids. As well as 2 single beds (that be arranged into a double), there are 6 bunk beds!
Located in the quiet neighborhood of Sao Vicente, near the famous volcanic caves, it is a perfect base for being able to get around with the whole family without having to order a bunch of taxis.
There is a terrace with BBQ facilities, and a dining area great for family gatherings. The warm and cozy home has a flourishing garden as well as a quiet library.
Best Bed and Breakfast in Madeira for Backpackers – North Coast Guest House
If you’re on a budget and want to stay somewhere a little more social, but don’t fancy the overwhelming vibe of a hostel in Madeira, a room in the North Coast Guest House is cozy, affordable, and well-located in the heart of Sao Vicente.
It has spacious indoor and outdoor shared areas where you can make friends with the other guests and have a day of chilling out. You can make use of the full kitchen or BBQ area to cook your own food, using herbs harvested from the B&B’s vegetable garden.
There are even some little extras like outdoor personal training, surfboard rentals, and SUP lessons.
Bed and Breakfast in Madeira with the Best Views – Vila Afonso
With an old-school look and feel, Vila Afonso is magnificent spot to base your Madeira adventures. The traditional Madeiran home is right in the mountains, with incredible views of the sea and quaint local village below.
Not only does this Madeira bed and breakfast have great views, it also features a garden and terrace where you can look out over the surroundings, and an indoor swimming pool for those chillier days.
Each of the private rooms are fitted with everything you need – like a private bathroom and front row seats to those stunning views. Featuring antique decor and furnishings, the property has a very relaxing aura to it which is ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Top All-Inclusive Bed and Breakfast in Madeira – Quinta B
Quinta B is another traditional Madeiran home refurbished with modern interiors, neutral tones, and unique artwork to be a beautiful and comfortable bed and breakfast.
It is set in the hills above Santa Maria in Funchul, overlooking expansive city and ocean views, and all just a short stroll to Almirante Reis Beach.
Enjoy spending slow afternoons on the sunny terrace or by the pool, and enjoy an a la carte breakfast in the sunshine before heading out to explore the island.
Bed and Breakfast for a Weekend Trip to Madeira – Vitorina Corte Guesthouse
Vitorina Corte Guesthouse has some magical sea views, and is located just a two minute walk from the beach! For those seeking a weekend of lazing on the sand, this bed and breakfast in Madeira is perfect. You’ll be just a hop and a skip away from the heart of town, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to check out.
All of the rooms are beautifully designed to emphasize the natural light and ocean views. They serve a daily breakfast in the dining area, and housekeeping will make sure your room is kept clean and cozy during your stay.
Don’t Forget Your Madeira Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Bed and Breakfasts in Madeira
The incredible mountain and coastal landscapes of Madeira, draped in lush plant life, is a dream destination for outdoor lovers and sun seekers.
Relatively untarnished by hotel chains and resorts, the island is dotted with local bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and self-catering rentals that will make you feel all the more comfortable and at home.
Staying in a bed and breakfast in Madeira is one of the best ways to experience an enjoyable time on the island. Usually owned or managed by a local family, bed and breakfasts provide a family-oriented experience where you will be treated more like family than just another guest.
Make sure you arrive with a full travel and health insurance plan for your trip to Madeira. Although the island is super safe, outdoor adventures always pose a risk of injury, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
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