Staying in Funchal's hotel zone
Treat the hotel's street entrance as the starting point for every journey. A sea-facing terrace can sit several levels below the road, and a short distance on the map may include a steep driveway. Properties around Estrada Monumental vary in their walking distance from town, so check both the outward route and the climb back after dinner.
At a glance
- Best for
- Resorts, sea views
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- Taxis and buses; no walking to town
- Price level
- €€€€
Large hotels on the cliffs west of the center, with terraces, pools and the sea below.
Good for
- Pools, terraces and sea views
- A resort stay with a few trips into town
- Quiet nights
Think twice if
- You want to walk to restaurants and the old town
- You are on a budget
- Hills and a late return are hard for you
What is near The hotel zone
Quinta Magnólia
From the eastern hotel zone around Largo da Paz, allow roughly ten to fifteen minutes uphill to the grounds of Quinta Magnólia.
Parque de Santa Catarina
From Largo da Paz, allow around fifteen to twenty minutes east toward this park above the harbor.
Lido promenade
From Largo da Paz, allow roughly twenty to thirty minutes west toward the Lido, followed by a descent to the waterfront.
Eating in The hotel zone
Casal da Penha is an option around the eastern end of the hotel district. Elsewhere, compare hotel dining with restaurants along Estrada Monumental. Before choosing somewhere below road level, check the return route: stairs that feel manageable before dinner can be less appealing after a long day of sightseeing.
Getting around from The hotel zone
Estrada Monumental is the main road to use when checking bus stops for the center and Lido. Confirm the service and direction at the stop or with your hotel. For taxis, specify the reception entrance, since large properties can have several access points at different levels.
Hotels in The hotel zone
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Other areas of Funchal
Staying in Funchal's hotel zone
How do I compare two hotels in this area?
Compare their entrances, nearby bus stops and walking routes to your planned evening meals. Similar sea views can come with quite different slopes and road access.
Can I reach the sea directly from my hotel?
Check the property's own access arrangements. A cliffside location does not necessarily provide a public swimming entrance or a continuous path beside the water.
Should I walk back from the center?
Check the distance to your particular hotel and expect an uphill section west of the center. A taxi can be useful after a tiring day.