Ponta do Sol: what to Expect from Madeira’s “Nomad Village”
Ponta do Sol is often described as “sunny,” “charming,” and “laid-back”. All of those adjectives are well-deserved, but there’s more to it. Despite being Madeira’s smallest city, Ponta do Sol is the biggest exporter of banana. An agriculture powerhouse with hills lined by banana trees, sugar cane and tropical fruits, where the old-time way of living is still very much alive.
In the last few years, Ponta do Sol has also made a name of itself as a “nomad village”, where digital nomads can find harbour and a place to work. This, along with tourism – it’s always sunny in Ponta do Sol – has made Ponta do Sol the most expensive place to buy property in Madeira, and the second city (after Porto Moniz) with the least purchasing power.
The disparity between old Madeiran farm houses and the new, modern, concrete blocks is huge. So, here’s what to expect and what to with Ponta do Sol.
The vibe in Ponta do Sol
In a word, Ponta do Sol is cute. Maybe it’s unfair to bring it down to one single word, but that’s what it is. The old city center is charming, there are several concerts throughout the year (either promoted by Estalagem da Ponta do Sol or by the City Council, such as Festival Aqui Acolá), the walls are decorated with art, and the waterfront is colourful like a postcard. Simply put, there isn’t a single village that can compete: not in South coast, not in north Coast.
Some would even call it… hipster. And over the last few years an international community of English, German, French and Russian expatriates has created a cosmopolitan feel that’s most unexpected. That’s why you can find places such as Veganaria, a delightful vegan deli with cashew-based cheese that draws a crowd in a town of only 9.000 people. (And I cannot recommend their cheesecakes and vegan Camembert enough.)
What to do Around Ponta do Sol
The highlight is the old village with the small streets filled with small bars, hotels, AirBnBs and flowers. Then there’s the pebble beach, which is one of the best places to see the sunset around the island – Ponta do Sol gets more sunlight hours per year than anywhere else. In fact, while Ponta do Sol is not precisely a beach destination, the beach is pretty decent around the Summertime. Besides, you also have the beach at Madalena, which is beloved by locals.
Then, for a town this size, Ponta do Sol punches above its weight culturally. Every year, there’s the Aqui Acolá Music Festival highlighting world music and lusophone artists. Estalagem da Ponta do Sol also organises Concertos L, the city council also sponsors concerts in August for the city’s birthday, and then there’s the occasional theatre or film at the John dos Passos Auditorium. Make sure to look around what’s happening before you come to Ponta do Sol.
Walking, Hiking, and Exploring nature in Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is also well known for its levadas. If you want to take a nice, easy stroll through the banana farms, you can try Vereda do Nateiro in Madalena do Mar. If you’re looking for something more demanding, Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho, at Lombada da Ponta do Sol, will give you just what you’re yearning for. At the latter, I recommend going by bus to Ponta do Sol and then get a taxi to the levada.
Going through Canhas, you also have access to Bica da Cana, the highest point in Ponta do Sol. Because Bica da Cana is not has high as Pico Areeiro or Pico Ruivo, it’s an underrated viewpoint. But I guarantee the sunrise up there is pretty beautiful too, and you won’t have to share it with half the tourists on the island, even though it’s getting more and more popular. Apart from Bica da Cana, you can also take the chance to see Paul da Serra, the island’s only plateau at 1500 m altitude.
From Paul da Serra, you can then head to Fanal Forest and connect to the North Side of the Island, leading you to Porto Moniz.
Paragliding in Madalena do Mar
Paragliding in Madalena do Mar is one of the best thrill rides in Madeira. You launch from above the cliffs, fly over the village, and land by the sea. There’s just one catch: they decide how many flights and the weight limit at the beginning of each day. So you can’t plan ahead. You need to keep some space on your agenda, call in the morning, and decide you can fit it into your schedule.
Eat and Drink
Ponta do Sol doesn’t have endless dining options, but what’s there is curated. For foodies, there’s the restaurant at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Palm Spot Restaurant by the beach, snacks by The Old Pharmacy, and Veganaria at the old shopping mall. You’ll find local produce paired with international recipes, and that’s among the most special things you can try on the island. And that’s just at the heart of the village!
If you want something more traditional, try fresh fish at Moreia in Madalena do Mar. I’m sure your body will appreciate the break from laurel skewers.
So, should you go to Ponta do sol? Definitely!
Ponta do Sol is ideal if you want to visit a sun, charming village with a traditional feel. It’s a great place to visit during the summertime, if you want to sunbathe and swim, and a very pretty setting around Christmas. But should you stay there? Probably not, unless you’re staying for a longer time (over two weeks). Ponta do Sol is not a convenient place to explore the rest of the island, and you’ll need to rent a car for sure.
If you’re staying for a months at a time and willing to rent a car, then Ponta do Sol could be an option. However, if you chose to do this, just beware you’re a part of growing problem regarding housing, affordability, and increasing traffic. You should also take into consideration that distances can be deceiving in Ponta do Sol due to the steep roads going uphill. Besides, some streets are quite narrow, so make sure to check on Google Maps before booking.
Final thoughts About Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is beautiful, curated, and increasingly sought-after. But it also reflects broader changes happening across Madeira: rising prices, international interest, and a shift toward lifestyle tourism. Visit it, enjoy it, but go in with your eyes open and be respectful.