Calheta(Portugal) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best areas to stay in Funchal are São Martinho and Cristo Rei, both offering a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. São Martinho features upscale boutique hotels like Hotel Santa Clara, nestled in lush gardens with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Cristo Rei provides quiet residential charm with easy access to the city center via the scenic Funchal Cable Car. Both districts are close to Praia de Palheiro beach and local markets selling Madeira wine and artisanal honey. Staying here ensures proximity to cultural sites like the Cathedral of Funchal and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

To experience authentic Madeiran cuisine, head to Restaurante O Gavião near Cristo Rei, known for its slow-cooked Espetada (grilled beef skewers) and fresh seafood from local fishermen. For a more intimate setting, Terra Nova in São Martinho offers seasonal menus featuring black scabbard fish and chouriço sausage, all sourced from regional farms. Many hotels in Funchal partner with local chefs to offer private dining experiences—ask your concierge about a Madeira wine pairing dinner at a historic quinta (estate). Don’t miss trying Pudim de Laranja (orange pudding), a signature dessert served across the city.

Yes, Hotel Santo António in Funchal is a certified eco-lodge that uses solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and zero-waste kitchens. The hotel sources ingredients from nearby organic farms and serves only local Madeira wines and plant-based dishes. Guests can participate in beach clean-ups or tree-planting events organized by the staff. Another option is Quinta da Casa Velha, a restored 18th-century estate where rooms are powered by renewable energy and furnished with reclaimed wood. Both properties offer eco-tours to the Serra do Pico nature reserve, highlighting biodiversity conservation efforts on the island.

Beyond sightseeing, try a traditional Madeiran embroidery workshop at the Centro Cultural de São João in Funchal, where locals teach intricate patterns passed down through generations. You can also join a whale-watching cruise from the harbor, often led by marine biologists who explain cetacean behavior in the Atlantic. For a deeper connection, attend a quintas wine-tasting session at a family-run vineyard in São Vicente, where you’ll learn about the aging process of Verdelho and Malmsey wines. These immersive experiences offer genuine insight into the island’s heritage and craftsmanship.

The best time to visit Funchal is April to June and September to October, when temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C and tourist numbers are lower than during peak summer months. Spring brings blooming gardens, especially around the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, while autumn offers clear skies and ideal conditions for hiking the Calheta Trail. Avoid July and August if you prefer quieter streets—these months see high demand due to European holidays. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions without the midday heat.

Yes, several local operators in Funchal offer private boat tours to secluded coves like Ponta do Sol and Cabo Girão, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by cliffs. Companies such as Madeira Sea Adventures provide customized itineraries with snorkeling gear, picnic baskets, and bilingual guides. Tours typically last 4–6 hours and include stops at sea caves and rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. Reservations should be made in advance, especially during summer months, and many boats are equipped with safety gear and Wi-Fi for real-time navigation.