About Funchal

Madeira's capital, Funchal, is widely believed to be amongst Portugal's most captivating cities. Rising to prominence as a key port between the 15th and 17th centuries, the city now enchants visitors with its picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches framed by craggy cliffs and mountains. Accommodation options vary enormously, with our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Funchal offering everything from historic quintas to luxurious contemporary hotels overlooking the Atlantic.

On-foot explorers will delight in discovering the well-maintained Palheiro Botanical Gardens, or ambling along the Rua Santa Maria in the Old Town. The area has been transformed into an open-air gallery in recent years, with original artwork adorning almost every doorway. Guided tours of Funchal’s Old Town also come highly recommended. The commanding Sé Cathedral is not to be missed, nor is the excellent Quinta das Cruzes Museum. Other highlights include the Museum of Modern Art of Madeira, the Frederica de Freitas Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art in the former episcopal palace on Praça do Município.

Fill your bags with flowers and fresh produce from the lively Mercado dos Lavradores, before sampling superb fare at the city’s many bustling bars and eateries. A regular programme of cultural events promises dance, live music and exhibitions in venues across this very special city — all within easy reach of the best places to stay in Funchal.

The Best Places to Stay in Funchal 

For City Style

  • Pestana CR7, a partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pestana Hotels, has quirky and colourful modern guest rooms. There's a rooftop pool, gym and hot tub, plus sea views and a nearby beach. A reasonably priced city hotel with a playful feel and all the mod-cons.  
  • The Vine is a 79-room spa hotel with slick minimalist interiors, an impressive wine list and panoramic views of Funchal and the water. Expect a sleek city hotel atmosphere, with lots of glass and muted tones. The spa and rooftop pool are both sensational. 
  • Savoy Palace takes urban chic to new heights, with futuristic communal spaces, atmospheric lighting and smart, luxurious guest rooms and suites. Perched between Funchal’s Old Town and the Atlantic, the hotel has botanical motifs, gold accents, a huge spa and great dining options. Very hip. 

For a Tranquil Retreat

  • Quinta da Casa Branca, a 15 minute walk from the port, boasts lovingly tended gardens with 250 species of plants.  The spa which offers massage treatments, a sauna and yoga invites guests to unwind in absolute tranquility. Classic guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, with pastel-painted walls and garden views. A real oasis — yet within easy reach of Funchal's attractions. 

For Families

  • Quinta de Bela Vista, a grand hilltop mansion, is perfect for fans of timeless style. The generous swimming pool, leafy gardens and countryside feel will appeal to families — and the billiards to groups of friends or teenagers. The guest rooms, restaurants and bars also have a classic elegance. Expect amazing views, too. 
  • Quinta Jardins do Lago, set within the botanical gardens and close to the golf course, dates back to the 18th century. The hotel has both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, plus delicious cuisine. Families are welcome, and the feel is welcoming and laid-back. There's a dedicated children's play area, too. 
  • Qunitinha de São João is a wonderful Goan-Portuguese villa in central Funchal with 42 beautiful rooms and an extensive spa. The acre of mature sub-tropical gardens is ideal for families, as are flexible accommodation options, indoor and outdoor pools, and hammocks swinging in the shade. Lovely. 

For Keen Golfers

  • Casa Velha do Palheiro is a beautiful country house hotel and spa with 37 elegant rooms and suites. Set alongside the Palheiro Gardens and the Palheiro Golf Course, this is a top spot for keen golfers, as well as fans of classic style. Unwind at the spa and savour gourmet fare after a day out on the course.

For Luxury

  • The Reserve, hidden on the upper floors of the Savoy, has enormous suites with private terraces and plunge pools overlooking the ocean. The rooftop pool and Jacaranda restaurant are fabulous — as is the hotel's sprawling spa. An exclusive experience for honeymooners and fans of next-level style. 
  • Les Suites at The Cliff Bay is an exceptional luxury hotel on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Expect sleek suites with contemporary interiors, plus a serene spa, six bars and restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Absolute indulgence for the discerning traveller. 
  • Belmond Reid's Palace is Madeira's Grande Dame. Expect glittering chandeliers in marble-clad shared spaces, beautiful bedrooms and striking views of the sea through mature gardens. Families are welcome, and there are multiple pools and tennis courts. Also a hugely romantic choice for honeymooners seeking classic Belmond bliss. 

For an apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Madeira Airport from Lisbon or other European destinations, and catch a bus into Funchal. Alternatively, most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance. 
  • Madeira is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • The island has hot dry summers and mild, damp winters, with most of the rain between October and March. Temperatures are highly dependent on the direction of the winds which sweep their way over the island. Warm winds from North Africa raise average summer temperature to around 30°C, whilst cooler winds from Europe keep them in the mid-20s. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but autumn and late spring are lovely — and a good time to avoid the school holiday crowds. 

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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 £108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £109 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £112 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £116 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £149 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Savoy Palace

Funchal (Madeira )

Perched between Funchal’s Old Town and the Atlantic, this grand retreat blends timeless elegance with modern flair. Interiors dazzle with botanical motifs, gold accents, and a jaw-dropping chandelier. Expect rooftop pools, a sprawling spa, and dining that spans Portuguese bites to fusion feasts.

  • Total relaxation - Lounge by the sea-facing pool, featuring a lace-inspired bridge, submerged loungers, & manicured garden for ultimate relaxation
  • Hotel Entertainment - Sip cocktails and snack on wood-fired pizzas at the palm-shaded poolside terrace, perfect for breezy afternoons by the water
  • Great walks - Wander Funchal’s historic Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to colourful markets, art galleries, and waterfront cafés
  • Foodies - From Japanese-Peruvian fusion to wood-fired pizzas and rooftop fine dining, this is a culinary playground with epic views
from £269 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £303 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £488 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 £498 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees