About Funchal

Madeira’s capital, Funchal is frequently referred to as one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities. It was an important port between the 15th and 17th centuries and its harbour is still one of its most fascinating features. That alongside the beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and mountains, and year-round warm sunny weather. These features mean Funchal appeals to many different kinds of travellers, and that’s reflected in the broad range of choice you’ll find when searching for the best places to stay in Funchal.

Things not to miss:

  • Small enough to explore on foot, Funchal’s exquisite botanical gardens give this city a green elegance, and quite a northern European feel - despite all the sunshine.
  • To get the best view of this pretty city you’ll want to head up to Monte - the cable car offers the most spectacular sights.
  • As far as cultural attractions go, Funchal’s Qunita das Cruzes museum, which was once the home of the captain who discovered Madeira, is aristocratic and fantastic.
  • There’s also a great art museum and the incredible Mercado dos Lavradores, a market bursting with smells and flavours.
  • The Sé Cathedral is Funchal’s focal point, apart from the harbour, and is one of the city’s most popular monuments.
  • Stroll down the Rua de Santa Maria in the Old Town. Since 2010 an art project has been in progress to revitalise the area, and this can be seen in the fabulous original artworks on display on almost every doorway.

Madeira is frequently referred to as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, but it can be quite busy in actual spring and summer, so it’s a good idea to book into the best places to stay in Funchal as far in advance as you can.

The best places to stay in Funchal

To Relax

  • The Casa Velha do Palheiro is a beautiful country house hotel with 37 rooms and a great position, right next to a golf course. The decor is elegant, the restaurant gourmet, the spa fantastic and the gardens exquisite.

Beach Break

  • Pestana CR7 has wonderful sea views and quirky, colourful boutique decor. There’s an infinity pool on the roof and a jacuzzi.

For Families

  • Reid's Palace is Madeira's Grande Dame, but it's still ideal for an easy family holiday. There's plenty to do on the grounds, including multiple pools - one just for kids - an indoor play area and outdoor playground, supervised activities, including tennis lessons, and they'll help you organise activities for the whole family to do together. There's also have a wide choice of rooms and suites.
  • Five stars and family friendly don't always go together, but Quinta de Bela Vista offers it. This grand, hilltop mansion also has amazing views and plenty of space.

Spa Break

  • In addition to the pleasures of the island itself, Qunita da Casa Branca offers a wide range of spa and massage treatments, a sauna, yoga, a gym and a big, wonderfully calm garden.
  • Qunitinha de são João is a wonderful Goan-Portuguese villa in central Funchal with 42 beautiful rooms and an extensive spa. As well as lovely interiors the hotel has excellent Goan cuisine and serene gardens.

Inexpensive Chic

  • For inexpensive chic in Funchal try The Vine: it's big, super modern, and has excellent spa facilities. And all for as little a €120 per night.

For a self-catering Apartment or private Villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Just east of Funchal at Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport is the island’s only one. There are direct flights from London and other major European capitals, but if you can’t find a suitable option you might want to fly to Lisbon and change for the 90 minute TAP flight, which is quite inexpensive and runs twice a day. If you’re going to Funchal from the airport you can catch a bus, everywhere else you’re better off with a hotel transfer, taxi or hire car.
  • If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend if you want to see the island - click here for the best rates.
  • Madeira has hot dry summers and mild, damp winters, with most of the rain between October and March. Madeira’s temperatures are highly dependent on the winds coming across the island, with warm winds coming from North Africa bringing average summer temperatures of around 30°C, and cooler winds from Europe keeping things in the mid-20s. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but autumn and late spring are lovely too.

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The best hotels in Funchal

Quinta da Bela Vista

Funchal (Madeira)

A stunning five star hotel set in beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. Restaurants, bars, billiards, a swimming pool, and seamless rooms with private balconies. Unrivalled views that match the splendour of its interiors: a hilltop countryside mansion for those wanting lofty luxury.

  • Garden - A stunning garden with magnificent views.
  • Views - Overlooking the gardens and the bay.
  • Suites -
  • 5* Luxury
from CA$192 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Quintinha de São João

Funchal

A wonderful Goan-Portugese villa in central Funchal with an extensive spa. Delightful old world charm throughout the interiors, excellent cuisine with Goan roots, serene gardens. A relaxed spot close to the beach. Great for families.

  • Sights nearby - Central Funchal location. Everything is easily accessible on foot.
  • Spa - Three treatment rooms and a wet area
  • Restaurant - Specialising in Goan cuisine
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor and Indoor Pools
from CA$195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pestana CR7

Funchal (Funchal)

Located in the heart of Funchal on Madeira's coast, Pestana CR7 was born out of partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pestana Hotels. Quirky and colourful boutique rooms boasting splendid sea views. Be sure to visit the rooftop infinity pool or relax in the hot tub! A great coastal spot.

  • Beach Life - Spend your days lounging by the sea or sipping on cocktails as you watch the cruise ships roll in
  • Local exploring - Madeira's top sights are just a short distance from Pestana CR7
  • Great walks - Wander around Madeira Botanical Garden or Monte Palace Tropical Garden
  • Seaside
from CA$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Vine

Funchal

This is a super modern spa hotel with slick minimalist interiors, lengthy wine list, and panoramic views of Funchal. A sophisticated spa break for those who want to be pampered to the max in a city environment.

  • Local exploring
  • Views
  • Architectural
  • Wellbeing
from CA$207 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Quinta da Casa Branca

Funchal

Relax and unwind in tranquil and unstuffy surroundings. Architecturally combining contemporary elegance and modern authenticity. Flora and fauna gardens in which to stroll and a Health Club for pampering.

  • Elegant
  • Total relaxation
  • Wellbeing
  • Great walks - Over 3000km of Levada walks to undertake.
from CA$266 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa Velha do Palheiro

Funchal

A beautiful country house hotel and spa in Funchal next to the golf course. Understated, elegant rooms and suites in pastels with soft fabrics. Excellent gourmet restaurant, exquisite gardens, fantastic spa. A sophisticated hotel for avid golfers and those who like all things nice.

  • Sights nearby - The hotel borders the world-renowned Palheiro Gardens
  • Golf - Golf on its doorstep.
  • Spa breaks
  • Restaurant - Award winning gourmet restaurant
from CA$295 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Quinta Jardins do Lago

Funchal (Sao Pedro)

This luxury, good value hotel is set in beautiful botanical gardens above Funchal in an oasis of peace and tranquility. Classic interiors complement the heritage property, and all bedrooms offer a private balcony with views onto the lush gardens. Have lunch by the pool and relax - you're on holiday.

  • Romantic Break - With verdant grounds comprising a swimming pool, gardens and spa, this hotel makes a great destination for a romantic break
  • Hideaway - Set within extensive botanical gardens on the island of Madeira, book this hotel for a relaxing hideaway holiday
  • Families - With large family suites available, plus a dedicated children's play area, this hotel is great for families
  • Great walks - Explore the botanical gardens which surround the hotel on a long walk; request a picnic from the hotel to take with you
from CA$295 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Belmond Reid's Palace

Funchal

Steeped in history Reid's Palace is ideal for family holidays or a spa break. This cliff-top hotel offers supreme and timeless style and elegance. It has a range of sporting activities, such as tennis, as well as extensive spa treatments, and magnificent swimming pools.

  • Spa
  • Families
  • Spa breaks
  • Swimming Pool - Lovely Outdoor Pool
from CA$538 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Reserve

Funchal (Madeira)

An exclusive luxury hotel within a luxury hotel, tucked away on the upper floors of the immense Savoy in Funchal. There are apartment-sized rooms with private terraces and plunge pools, plus exclusive use of the rooftop pool and Jacaranda restaurant and access to the hotel's spa. A stylish getaway.

  • Hotel boats for hire - Venture on a private yacht tour or guided fishing boat ride, experiencing the pristine waters and scenic beauty of Madeira
  • City Style - A chic city break with panoramic ocean views, a sleek infinity pool, and the exclusive Jacarandá Club's gourmet delights
  • Total relaxation - Unwind in ultimate luxury with 24-hour personal assistants, rejuvenating spa treatments, and tranquil infinity jet pools
  • Spa breaks - Discover the Laurea Spa, where lush greenery and floral essences of Madeira's ancient Laurissilva forest inspire
from CA$869 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay

Funchal (Madeira)

Modern luxury suites by the shores of Funchal. Inside, contemporary elegance meets comfort, with sleek decor and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. There are six restaurants and bars to choose from, a spa, and indoor/outdoor pool options. Ideal for the discerning traveller seeking total relaxation.

  • Sailing - Sail into a sunset at Marina do Funchal, just a stone's throw from the hotel, and watch the city lights twinkle
  • Total relaxation - Nestle into serenity with on-site spa amenities, including a sauna and tranquil garden views
  • Groups - Perfect for group getaways, enjoy billiards and bike rides just steps from Gorgulho Beach
  • Close to nightlife - Gamble on an exhilarating evening at Madeira Casino, offering glitzy entertainment
from CA$885 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia