Ensconced on Madeira’s sun-soaked south coast, Madalena do Mar feels like a secret whispered between the sea and the banana groves. This small coastal village, tucked between towering cliffs and the endless Atlantic, is one of the island’s oldest settlements — and one of its most photogenic. Founded in the 15th century by nobleman Henrique Allemão (Henry the German), a companion of Prince Henry the Navigator, the village has fishing, farming, and faith deeply ingrained in its soul. Unlike Madeira’s busier tourist hubs like Funchal or Câmara de Lobos, Madalena do Mar offers a quieter and more authentic experience, making it an ideal spot for those looking to relax and explore Madeira’s natural beauty.
Today, Madalena do Mar blends rustic authenticity with laid-back seaside charm. You’ll find terraced plantations tumbling towards the water, pastel cottages clinging to the slopes, and a peaceful promenade that invites slow, sun-dappled strolls. Its pebble beach is ideal for an afternoon swim or a quiet moment watching the fishing boats return.
Although small, Madalena do Mar makes a perfect base for exploring the southern coast of Madeira — a region of dramatic cliffs, warm seas, and timeless traditions. From here, every turn of the road leads to somewhere remarkable — whether it’s the golden sands of Calheta, the pastel houses of Ponta do Sol, or the mountain trails that wind into the island’s heart. In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, best activities, nearby places to visit, local cuisine, and how to get there.
| Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Madalena
This beautiful seafront walkway is lined with palm trees and ocean views. Great for morning walks, cycling, or simply enjoying the sunset. Stop and enjoy the treasures from the sea served up by the many cafés and restaurants along the way.
This 16th-century church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene and is one of the oldest churches on Madeira, reflecting the island’s early colonial history. Its interior is renowned for its beautiful wooden carvings and intricate azulejo tiles.
The pebble beach of Madalena do Mar is ideal for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. It’s located in a picturesque setting surrounded by high cliffs and banana plantations. The waters here are a beautiful, deep blue and have recently been attracting surfers. Praia da Madalena do Mar is much quieter and less crowded than other Madeira beaches, offering a tranquil atmosphere. Facilities are available, including beach showers and a bar.
Bananas are grown all over Madeira, and Madalena do Mar is no exception. Here, it's possible to get up close and walk amongst the densely vegetated banana plantations. The Rota da Banana, a 1.5 km walking route split into three gentle trails — RB1, RB2, and RB3 — lets you step straight into this lush, living landscape.
Winding through narrow lanes and ancient levadas (irrigation channels), the paths lead you past farms and fields where bananas droop lazily beneath giant green leaves. RB1 follows a levada in its full, gurgling glory — complete with ingenious steel gates used to divert the mountain water. The experience feels part agricultural education, part jungle adventure.
As you wander, you’ll notice how the terraced banana plantations cling to the cliffs above the Atlantic, an extraordinary testament to Madeiran ingenuity. Bananas here grow year-round, though the grand harvest comes between July and October, when the air smells faintly sweet and the fruit hangs heavy on the stalk. If luck is on your side, you might spot one of the huge purple banana flowers, swaying like lanterns beneath the leaves.
The Banana Route is free, easily accessible, and just challenging enough to make you feel heroic. A few slopes, a few narrow bends, and suddenly you’re between sea and sky — cliffs at your back, Atlantic waves at your feet. Local farmers are often happy to chat, and some even offer fresh bananas or tropical fruit tastings.
| Rota da Banana
Embark on an unforgettable whale and dolphin-watching tour leaving from Calheta. Cruise the Atlantic with an expert crew, spotting playful dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Enjoy breathtaking Madeira coastal views and insightful marine commentary. This small-group tour offers a personalised, eco-friendly adventure—perfect for nature lovers and ocean explorers visiting Madeira. A must-do marine experience!.
(1,135) | 2 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Feel the adrenaline of jet skiing in Madeira along the stunning southern coast! Explore dramatic 580-metre cliffs, secret waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. Rent a jet ski with a license or enjoy a safe, guided circuit as a beginner. Experience high-speed thrills, sea spray, and unforgettable views—this Madeira jet ski tour delivers pure excitement and coastal adventure at its best!
(127) | 30 mins | ✔ Free Cancellation
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With Madeira Insideout, every tour is a tailor-made adventure. Forget rigid plans—this is flexible, story-rich exploration led by passionate local guides. Discover Madeira’s hidden gems: Skywalk cliffs, volcanic pools, black sand beaches, rum factories, and mystical forests. Whether you design the route or let them surprise you, it’s more than sightseeing—it’s a personal journey through Madeira’s nature, culture, and history. Authentic, immersive, and unforgettable—this is how Madeira tours should be.
(39) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Saccharum Resort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★9.4/10 Exceptional (974 verified customer reviews) If James Bond retired to Madeira, he’d end up at the Saccharum Resort, a five-star temple of glass, concrete, and calm in Madalena do Mar. Built on the site of an old sugar mill, this sleek oceanside sanctuary pays homage to Madeira’s sugarcane heritage with artful design and intoxicating sea views. Each room gazes straight over the Atlantic — a visual cocktail best sipped from the rooftop infinity pool. The spa, all marble and murmurs, could pacify a dictator. The food? A deliriously fresh parade of seafood, island produce, and local rum cocktails. Sophisticated yet barefoot-friendly — pure Madeiran luxury with a heartbeat. |
Socalco Nature Calheta ★ ★ ★ ★9.8/10 Exceptional (101 verified customer reviews) At Socalco Nature Calheta, luxury takes off its shoes and runs barefoot through the vines. Perched above Madalena do Mar, this eco-retreat marries sustainable design, farm-to-table gastronomy, and gasp-worthy views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each villa and suite feels like an art installation curated by Mother Nature herself — all stone, sunlight, and serenity. Chef Octávio Freitas transforms local produce into edible poetry at the on-site restaurant, where Madeiran wine flows as generously as the conversation. The infinity pool melts into the horizon, the sunsets are operatic, and the peace is absolute. It’s less a hotel and more a love letter to Madeira’s landscape. |
1905 Zino's Palace ★ ★ ★ ★9.8/10 Exceptional (40 verified customer reviews) A vision in rose and cream, perched regally above the Atlantic in Madalena do Mar — it’s as if Wes Anderson designed a Madeiran dream. Once the summer residence of aristocrats, it is now a boutique sanctuary that blends history, luxury, and sea-scented serenity. Each of the nine rooms whispers elegance, with ocean views so cinematic you’ll half-expect a string quartet to appear on the terrace. Breakfast is a slow, joyful ritual of local honey, tropical fruit, and strong Madeiran coffee. With its infinity pool glistening above banana groves and service that feels telepathic, 1905 Zino’s Palace offers the perfect blend of heritage and indulgence — the very definition of Madeiran refinement. |
Marina Azul RestaurantAt Marina Azul, the first thing you notice is the view — the Atlantic sparkling like molten sapphire just beyond the terrace. The restaurant itself is a blend of nautical charm and modern comfort, with light wood, blue accents, and the constant hum of the sea. The menu celebrates Madeiran seafood, with the espada com banana (black scabbardfish with banana) stealing the show, perfectly paired with local wine. The grilled limpets and fresh octopus are equally sublime, each bite a testament to the island’s culinary heritage. Service is warm and knowledgeable, guiding you effortlessly through flavors while the ocean breeze keeps your hair in wild, happy disarray. Marina Azul is not just a meal; it’s a coastal symphony of taste, scent, and sight. 
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Restaurante MoreiaAt Restaurante Moreia, the Atlantic is never far from your fork. This unpretentious seaside gem delivers Madeira’s finest seafood with an honesty that makes fancy plating feel unnecessary. The grilled moray eel, tender and smoky, is a revelation, while the scabbardfish with banana and fresh limpets sing of the island’s culinary soul. The interior is casual, with maritime décor that feels lived-in rather than staged, while tables on the terrace offer direct views of the ocean’s restless blue. Staff move with practiced ease, recommending local wines and poncha to complement each dish. At Moreia, you’re not just eating — you’re tasting Madeira itself, in sun, salt, and sizzling simplicity.
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Brasa MarBrasa Mar is the kind of restaurant that makes you believe in the power of fire and salt. Situated in the heart of Madalena do Mar, it delivers grilled seafood and meats with a smoky precision that feels almost alchemical. The black scabbardfish with banana is sublime, the grilled limpets melt on the tongue, and the pork espetadas — skewers of tender, marinated perfection — demand seconds. The interior is simple, yet welcoming, while the terrace spills out into the village, catching the Atlantic breeze. Service is relaxed but attentive, guiding you through Madeira’s culinary highlights. Brasa Mar is unpretentious, flavoursome, and utterly Madeiran — a blaze of taste on the coast.
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59.5km (37 miles) west of Madeira Airport Website 
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From Lisbon cross the Ponte Vasco da Gama bridge over the Tejo, take the A12 south untill the N6 turn off, take eastward route. Latitude - 38º 22' 21.1" | Longitude - 08º 30' 46.9" 
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| Rodoeste run bus services in Madeira - Lines #80 & 142 from Funchal bus terminal: Website |
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