Hotels in São Martinho, Funchal
Updated 6 August 2026 · 22 real hotels
São Martinho is a well-regarded area to stay in Funchal, particularly for travellers who want a quieter, residential setting without straying far from the city. It suits couples, families, and anyone drawn to clifftop ocean views and full-service resort hotels. Those needing to walk everywhere in the old town may prefer a more central parish, but for comfort and scenery it is hard to beat.
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Staying in São Martinho, Funchal
São Martinho is a parish that stretches along the western cliffs of Funchal, sitting roughly between the city centre and the Câmara de Lobos headland. The area rises steeply from the Atlantic shoreline, which means many hotels here command sweeping ocean views and benefit from the sea breeze. The vibe is noticeably calmer than the busier Zona Velha or the Marina district: you will find tree-lined avenues, manicured gardens, and a mix of long-stay residents and resort guests rather than a heavy concentration of bars and souvenir shops. A number of Funchal's most established and well-regarded hotels are located here, ranging from grand five-star cliff-edge resorts to smaller guesthouses tucked into the hillside.
Getting around from São Martinho is straightforward. Public buses connect the parish to Funchal's centre in around ten to fifteen minutes, and taxis or rideshare apps are widely available. The seafront promenade that runs along Funchal's southern edge can be reached on foot or by a short downhill walk, giving access to the Lido swimming complex and the Estrada Monumental, lined with restaurants and cafes. For visitors who plan to explore the rest of Madeira by hired car, the area offers relatively easy access to the main roads heading west and into the island's interior. São Martinho suits couples on a romantic break, travellers who value resort facilities such as pools and spa services, and families who prefer a peaceful base over a lively nightlife 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 | 119 €/nuit |
| Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 3.9 | 143 €/nuit |
| Vila Baleira Residence ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.7 | 172 €/nuit |
| Terrace Mar ★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.6 | 172 €/nuit |
| Pestana Quinta Perestrello ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.9 | 198 €/nuit |
| Madeira Panoramico ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.5 | 200 €/nuit |
| Allegro Madeira - Adults Only - Member of Barceló Hotel Group ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.6 | 208 €/nuit |
| The Editory Ocean Way Funchal ★★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.8 | 218 €/nuit |
| Melia Madeira Mare ★★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.6 | 228 €/nuit |
| Tui Blue Gardens - Adults Only - Savoy Signature ★★★★ | São Martinho | ★ 4.3 | 234 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is São Martinho far from Funchal city centre?+
São Martinho sits immediately west of Funchal's main tourist zone. By bus the journey to the centre takes roughly ten to fifteen minutes, and by taxi it is even quicker. The seafront Estrada Monumental, with its restaurants and shops, runs through or near the parish, so daily amenities are close at hand even if the historic old town requires a short trip.
What types of hotels are available in São Martinho?+
The area covers a wide price range. At the top end, Les Suites at The Cliff Bay by PortoBay (5 stars, from 883 EUR per night, rated 4.9 out of 5) and Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel (5 stars, from 834 EUR per night, rated 4.9 out of 5) offer some of the most celebrated luxury experiences on the island. Mid-range options include the Pestana Promenade Ocean Resort Hotel (4 stars, from 216 EUR per night, rated 4.6 out of 5), Enotel Magnolia (4 stars, from 224 EUR per night, rated 4.5 out of 5), and Porto Mare Hotel by PortoBay (4 stars, from 332 EUR per night, rated 4.8 out of 5). For a more modest budget, Vila Camacho Guest House (3 stars, from 95 EUR per night, rated 4.7 out of 5) provides good value with strong guest reviews.
Does São Martinho have a beach?+
Madeira's coastline in this area is primarily volcanic cliff and rocky foreshore rather than sandy beach. However, the Lido complex nearby offers seawater pools and sunbathing terraces, and several hotels in São Martinho have their own pools perched above the ocean. Natural rock swimming spots can also be found along the coastal promenade. If a traditional sand beach is a priority, the black-sand beach at Prainha or the artificial sand beach at Calheta are reachable by car or bus.
Who is São Martinho best suited to as a base in Funchal?+
The parish is a particularly good fit for couples looking for a romantic or restful stay, for travellers who prioritise sea views and resort amenities, and for those who plan to hire a car and explore the wider island. It is slightly less convenient for visitors who want to walk to Funchal's Zona Velha, the cathedral, or the Mercado dos Lavradores without using transport. Budget travellers can still find options here, especially at the Vila Camacho Guest House, though the majority of properties lean toward the mid-range and luxury segments.
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