Hotels in São Martinho, Funchal
Updated 4 November 2026 · 29 real hotels
São Martinho is a residential parish just west of Funchal's centre, known for its dramatic Atlantic cliffs, lush gardens and a concentration of some of Madeira's most prestigious hotels. It suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who want a quieter, scenic base without being far from the city's restaurants and attractions. Budget-conscious visitors may find better value closer to the old town, but those seeking comfort and sea views will feel at home here.
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Staying in São Martinho, Funchal
São Martinho sits on the western edge of Funchal, stretching from the lower coastal road up into the green hillside above. The area is primarily residential, which keeps the atmosphere calm and relatively uncrowded compared with the busier hotel zone around Lido or the historic centre. The coastline here is characterised by volcanic rock formations and clifftop terraces rather than sandy beaches, and many hotels take full advantage of that drama with infinity pools and sea-view terraces perched high above the Atlantic. It takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes by taxi or rideshare to reach Funchal's old town and the Mercado dos Lavradores, and local buses connect the area to the city regularly throughout the day.
The hotel offer in São Martinho ranges from comfortable four-star adults-only properties to some of the most celebrated five-star addresses on the island, including Reid's Palace and The Cliff Bay. Nightly rates reflect that range, starting around 101 € for the Vila Baleira Residence and climbing to 699 € at Reid's Palace. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a relaxed beach holiday using the hotel's lava-pool access, or simply want to wake up to uninterrupted ocean views, São Martinho delivers a consistently high standard of accommodation with a peaceful, garden-resort character that is distinct from the livelier Lido strip.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorisol Estrelicia Hotel ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 3.6 | 72 €/nuit |
| Dorisol Buganvilia Studio Hotel ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 3.9 | 81 €/nuit |
| Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 3.9 | 84 €/nuit |
| Vila Lusitânia ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.2 | 91 €/nuit |
| Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 3.8 | 95 €/nuit |
| Vila Camacho Guest House ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.6 | 102 €/nuit |
| Terrace Mar ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.6 | 112 €/nuit |
| Vila Baleira Funchal ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.2 | 118 €/nuit |
| Vila Baleira Residence ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.7 | 122 €/nuit |
| Hotel Girassol - Suite Hotel ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.2 | 138 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is São Martinho close enough to Funchal city centre for sightseeing?+
Yes, it is manageable. The parish borders the western edge of Funchal, so the old town, the cable car to Monte and the main waterfront promenade are all reachable in about 10 to 20 minutes by taxi, rideshare or local bus. Many visitors combine a relaxed hotel base in São Martinho with day trips into the centre, and some hotels also run their own shuttle services.
What type of traveller is São Martinho best suited to?+
The area appeals most to couples, honeymooners and adult travellers who prioritise tranquillity, ocean scenery and high-quality hotel facilities over immediate access to nightlife or a sandy beach. Several hotels here are adults-only, reinforcing that quieter atmosphere. Families with children can still find suitable options such as Vila Baleira Funchal, though the volcanic coastline means swimming tends to happen in pools rather than on soft-sand beaches.
Does São Martinho have a beach?+
The coastline in São Martinho is mostly rocky and clifftop rather than sandy. Some hotels provide access to lava-rock sea pools or small bathing platforms directly on the Atlantic. For a more conventional beach experience, the Lido area, which borders São Martinho to the east, has an outdoor seawater complex, and the sandy beach at Calheta is about 30 minutes away by car.
What is the price range for hotels in São Martinho?+
Prices vary considerably depending on the property and season. Among the hotels currently listed in the area, nightly rates start at around 101 € at Vila Baleira Residence and 106 € at Vila Baleira Funchal. Mid-range four-star options such as Allegro Madeira and Hotel Orca Praia sit between 144 € and 155 €, while the five-star Cliff Bay starts at around 363 €. Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira represents the top of the market at 699 € per night.
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