Ponta do Sol Holidays

Ponta do Sol, a small town on Madeira’s south-west coast, is dictionary definition of secluded. Its red-roofed houses are stacked up on two sides of a steep, ridged ravine that’s blanketed in vineyards and banana trees. There’s a small port and a harbour, plus a few restaurants and supermarkets – all lifted by a couple of design-led hotels that give the place a boutique feel. Plus, Ponta do Sol translates as Sun Point, so be sure to catch the rich, golden sunsets at the end of each day.

Madeira's not known for its beaches, but Ponta do Sol bucks the trend. It boasts a small, pebble stretch, backed by a palm-fringed promenade. A breakwater curls in front of the shore, keeping the water sheltered and emerald green. And there’s a bar in the far corner where you can rent parasols and sunloungers. Another beach, Faja Dos Padres, is a 10-minute drive away at the foot of a cliff. A lift runs to the bottom, where there’s a peaceful swathe of black volcanic pebbles, edged by gardens.

Ponta Do Sol has much more than beaches to offer. By boat, you can head off on the lookout for bottlenose dolphins, go scuba diving to the wreck of the Bowbelle – a trawler that sank off the coast in a storm – or explore the bays notched along the coast. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, hike into Madeira’s untouched interior of sugar cane plantations and waterfalls, following aqueducts the whole way.

Madeira’s cosmopolitan capital is 30 minutes’ drive away. Packed into the old town are sights like the pristine Botanical Gardens and the Mercado Dos Lavradores – a maze-like food market. Blandy’s Wine Lodge, meanwhile, has tasting rooms where you can sample trademark Madeira wine. Come night-time, crowds head to the harbour, where bars and clubs overlook the Atlantic Ocean.