
Funchal/Coal pier Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step onto Cais do Carvao, and you’re stepping into a living seascape—crimson-and-white lighthouse standing guard, sea breeze brushing your skin, the endless Atlantic stretching beyond. This isn’t just a dock; it’s the romantic heartbeat of Funchal. Morning light dances on the waves, evening fishing boats return in silence—every moment here is pure magic, begging to be captured in a single frame.

This hotel is the perfect choice for family vacations and leisure getaways! With a kids' pool, playroom, and mini-golf, your little ones will have endless fun. Adults can unwind with full-service spa treatments, sauna, or hit the fitness center. Enjoy swimming in both indoor and outdoor pools, no matter the weather. Conveniently located just 15 minutes' walk from the CR7 Museum and Madeira Casino, you can also relax with a drink at the bar in the evening. The hotel offers 24-hour room service and babysitting services (surcharge) to cater to all your needs.


This resort is a perfect family getaway! Located right by Funchal's seaside promenade, it's just minutes away from shopping centers and beaches. Kids will love the dedicated children's pool and playground, while adults can unwind at the spa or poolside bar. With both indoor and outdoor pools, plus 177 rooms featuring private balconies and free WiFi, it caters to all. Business travelers appreciate the meeting rooms and business center. Whether for family fun or work trips, this place has it all!

This all-inclusive paradise is nestled by the ocean in Funchal, just minutes from CR7 Museum and shopping centers. With 4 restaurants and a poolside bar, savor local and international flavors, then unwind at the spa or sauna. Sports lovers can enjoy the tennis court and mini-golf, while kids will adore the play area. The 324 cozy rooms are fully equipped, and 24-hour front desk service ensures a seamless stay. Perfect for a carefree getaway where every detail is taken care of!

Located in Funchal, Portugal, this apartment hotel offers stunning ocean views and a range of fantastic amenities. Enjoy the year-round outdoor pool or unwind in the indoor pool and spa. Sports enthusiasts can make use of the tennis court or try some water sports, and the bar is perfect for evening drinks. The rooms are well-equipped with a kitchenette and private balcony, ensuring a comfortable stay. Nearby attractions include the beach and Funchal Marina, making it a great choice for travelers.

Looking for a perfect getaway in Funchal, Portugal? This is the place to be! Nestled alongside the oceanfront promenade, it's just minutes from attractions like the CR7 Museum and shopping centers. Enjoy top-notch amenities including indoor/outdoor pools, sauna, and spa treatments, with a dedicated kids' play area and child-friendly meals—great for families! Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and business center. Rooms are spacious with private balconies, perfect for stargazing with a nightcap. Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet, and enjoy 24/7 concierge service. Pure bliss!

Nestled in the heart of Funchal, this family-friendly hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience, just 15 minutes’ walk from CR7 Museum. With a kids’ club and game room for little ones, adults can unwind at the spa or indoor/outdoor pools. Enjoy amenities like a sauna, Turkish bath, or even watersports! Rooms feature free WiFi, while the restaurant and bar cater to your cravings. Whether for family trips or business stays, its thoughtful services promise a memorable experience.

This luxury beachfront hotel is perfect for family vacations! Just minutes from CR7 Museum and water sports centers, it offers an outdoor pool and sauna for ultimate relaxation. Rooms feature private balconies with sea breezes - ideal for unwinding. With childcare services, parents can enjoy sailing or surfing worry-free. Don’t miss the poolside bar for sunset cocktails or a romantic dinner. Top-notch amenities include 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry services - everything you need for a seamless stay!

This resort is a perfect family getaway! Enjoy the outdoor and indoor pools, unwind in the hot tub or sauna, or try exciting activities like sailing and scuba diving. Kids will love the game room, while parents can relax with babysitting services available. Rooms feature kitchenettes and private balconies for a cozy stay. Dine at any of the 5 restaurants offering international cuisine, or sip cocktails at the poolside bar. With an eco-certified location near the beach and top attractions, it's the ultimate vacation spot!

This all-inclusive beachfront resort in Funchal is a dream for families! With direct access to water sports like snorkeling and parasailing, kids will adore the dedicated pool and play area, while parents unwind in the sauna or Turkish bath. The free shuttle service (up to 5km) makes exploring CR7 Museum a breeze. Enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant or sip cocktails by the infinity pool with ocean views. Rooms feature private balconies and rain showers for ultimate comfort. Plus, 24/7 multilingual staff ensure seamless stays!



Everything you need to know about Coal pier
Hotel Santa Clara is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Cais do Carvao, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic sea cliffs through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel provides complimentary boat transfers to the dock, enhancing accessibility for visitors.
Another excellent option is Pousada da Madeira - Funchal, a historic 19th-century property with modern amenities. Some rooms offer sweeping vistas of Funchal Bay, and guests can easily access Cais do Carvao via a scenic footpath. The on-site restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and local Madeiran cuisine, allowing travelers to savor authentic flavors while enjoying cultural immersion and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Reaching Cais do Carvao from Funchal city center is highly convenient. You can walk in about 15 minutes along Avenida do Infante D. Henrique, enjoying scenic views of the city blending into the coastline. Alternatively, take the local bus (lines 20 or 21), which stops directly at "Cais do Carvao" in just 5 minutes, with frequent departures and affordable fares.
For a unique experience, book a private guided boat tour departing from the harbor, circling the rugged cliffs and sea caves surrounding the site—perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Local car rental services also provide accessible navigation, ideal for independent travelers seeking flexibility. With multiple options available, reaching this iconic landmark is effortless and well-connected.
The must-try experience near Cais do Carvao is a guided sea HopeGoo or boat tour through the dramatic cliffs and hidden sea caves, where natural formations reveal stunning geological history. Many tours offer bilingual commentary, highlighting local ecosystems, seabird habitats, and rare rock formations.
Don’t miss the daily morning seafood market beside the pier, where visitors can select freshly caught fish and shellfish, then have them cooked at nearby restaurants. Try the traditional Madeiran grilled fish (Peixe Assado na Brasa) served with local red wine for an authentic taste of the island.
As dusk approaches, relax on the waterfront terrace, watch the sun set over the Atlantic, and enjoy a glass of Madeira wine—a perfect way to embrace the island’s serene charm and rich cultural ambiance.
Yes, several family-friendly accommodations are available near Cais do Carvao. Hotel Santa Clara offers spacious family suites with dedicated children’s play areas, safety barriers, and a heated swimming pool with kid-friendly zones, ensuring fun and comfort for young travelers.
Another great option is Pousada da Madeira - Funchal, featuring large, airy rooms and garden-style layouts ideal for multi-generation stays. The hotel hosts regular family activities, including marine biology talks and hands-on craft workshops, turning leisure time into educational fun.
The area also features safe walking paths with shaded seating, perfect for parents to stroll with kids while enjoying ocean views. All properties provide baby cots, child-sized meals, and welcoming staff, making it easy for families to enjoy a relaxed, stress-free vacation.
The nighttime view at Cais do Carvao is truly magical, especially during summer months when the harbor lights reflect across the calm sea, creating a shimmering silver glow reminiscent of a dreamlike painting. As darkness falls, the lighthouse atop the cliff gradually illuminates, becoming a striking focal point that draws photographers and stargazers alike.
Outdoor cafés along the pier begin operating, serving aromatic Madeira coffee and handmade pastries. Guests can sit on seaside benches, listen to the rhythmic waves, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Some venues feature live acoustic music, often played on traditional Portuguese guitar, adding cultural depth to the evening.
Cool sea breezes make nightfall ideal for escaping daytime heat. On moonlit nights, the ocean sparkles with radiant ripples, enhancing the poetic beauty of the scene. This spot isn’t just a sightseeing destination—it’s a sanctuary for tranquility and romantic moments.
Hotel Mira-Mar is a top choice located just a 3-minute walk from Cais do Carvao. This boutique hotel features modern Mediterranean-inspired rooms with sea-view terraces, offering stunning vistas of the Atlantic waves crashing against rocky cliffs. The property provides free parking and 24-hour concierge service, making it ideal for exploring nearby hiking trails like the Levada do Norte. Nearby, restaurants such as "O Forno" serve fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes, allowing guests to savor authentic local flavors while enjoying the coastal ambiance.
The most convenient option is taking the local bus (routes 20 or 21) to the "Cais do Carvao" stop, which takes about 15 minutes with frequent departures and low fares. For more flexibility, taxis are readily available, costing around €10–15 from central Funchal and arriving in 8–10 minutes. Additionally, there’s a free bike rental station nearby, perfect for travelers who enjoy cycling along the scenic coastal path. All options provide easy access to this iconic spot, often referred to as the "Eye of Madeira."
Near Cais do Carvao, visitors can take a boat tour to explore cliff faces and sea caves, where sightings of wild dolphins are common. The open-air seaview café adjacent to the pier offers local Madeiran coffee and handmade pastries—perfect for photography and relaxation. Sunset here is especially breathtaking, with golden light reflecting on the Atlantic Ocean, creating a serene atmosphere. Nature lovers can also follow the coastal walking trail extending from the pier to hidden coves, ideal for discovering unique rock formations and marine life.
Cais do Carvao was originally a major coal import port in the late 19th century, serving as a vital hub when coal was the primary fuel source on Madeira. The name reflects its historical function. Though no longer in active use, the site retains its historic stone quay and breakwater, now preserved as a cultural heritage site. Today, it stands as a symbol of the island’s industrial past. During summer months, the area hosts small art exhibitions and community markets, blending history with contemporary culture and inviting visitors to experience the island’s evolution through its architecture and traditions.
Yes, staying near Cais do Carvao offers excellent accessibility for day trips. The area is close to multiple eco-trails leading to Punta de São Miguel and the mountainous interior, as well as short ferry rides to Pico Island, where volcanic landscapes and pristine forests await. Many hotels provide travel concierge services, including guided tours, car rentals, and dinner reservations at local seafood restaurants, ensuring seamless itinerary planning. Whether you're hiking through nature or exploring cultural sites, a full-day adventure can be effortlessly arranged within half a day, showcasing Madeira’s rich diversity.
Near Cais do Carvao, O Forno is renowned for its freshly baked Madeiran bread and seafood stew, made with locally caught fish and bold regional flavors. Another favorite is Café da Ponta, offering outdoor seating with ocean views, serving signature cocktails like the "Madeira Sour" alongside creative Mediterranean tapas. For a quieter, sustainable dining experience, try Terra & Mar Café, which emphasizes organic ingredients and seasonal menus updated daily. These spots not only deliver exceptional taste but also reflect the island’s deep-rooted culinary culture, allowing visitors to savor authentic Madeiran life.
See what other travelers say about Coal pier

Due to a flight cancellation, I ended up staying an extra day on the island and naturally chose this hotel again. I booked a smaller family suite—though labeled as compact, it was actually quite spacious. Two queen beds plus a sofa bed easily accommodated four people with room to spare. That unexpected extra day turned into pure relaxation: lounging by the pool, enjoying the sea views, and savoring delicious meals. The hotel restaurant prices are comparable to local dining options across the street, where there’s also a supermarket nearby. I picked up wine and snacks to enjoy back in the room—such a nice touch. The main pool is filled with seawater, perfect for floating with your head just above the surface. There’s also a second pool down a few steps, and if you’re confident in the water, you can even swim out into the open sea. It’s such a unique and peaceful experience—highly recommend for anyone looking to unwind in a beautiful coastal setting.

This hotel exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I arrived, Rita at reception was incredibly welcoming and made check-in so smooth. I was assigned a fantastic room with stunning views, and the nighttime scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The breakfast area overlooks the vast Atlantic Ocean—waking up to that view is pure magic. The breakfast spread was impressive, especially the selection of fresh fruits, which were juicy and delicious. Every detail, from the service to the ambiance, felt exceptional. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and hospitality. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Funchal.

Staying at Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Funchal, Portugal. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, making it a perfect retreat after a day exploring. Breakfast and dinner were both excellent—fresh, well-prepared, and full of local flavors. The location is fantastic: just a short walk from a great shopping center, ideal for picking up souvenirs or grabbing a quick bite. But the real gem is the view—uninterrupted ocean vistas from the windows, with waves crashing in the distance. I also took a day trip to the nearby cliff caves, which offered a stunning blend of natural beauty and adventure. Everything about this resort felt thoughtfully designed, from the service to the ambiance. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a memorable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and breathtaking scenery.

This resort truly exceeded my expectations! Located in Funchal, Portugal, it's super convenient to get to the city center via public transit. The property boasts three beautiful pools—perfect for relaxing or just enjoying the lively atmosphere. The food and drinks were outstanding: a wide variety of fresh options at the buffet, plus unlimited beverages—all included in the all-inclusive package. I was especially impressed by the daily activities and entertainment, particularly the energetic poolside vibe led by Gonçalo. He stood out as one of the most friendly and professional staff members I’ve ever encountered during a vacation—he made every moment feel special. The only minor downside was being assigned a room designed for guests with accessibility needs, which wasn’t what I requested. When I asked to switch rooms, they explained the hotel was fully booked. Still, that small hiccup didn’t ruin the experience at all. From the welcoming staff to the stunning ocean views and top-notch service, this resort delivers on every level. I’ll definitely be returning.

This is our third visit to this hotel, and it just keeps getting better. We upgraded to a junior suite with a private balcony overlooking the pool—huge room, amazing amenities including a jacuzzi bath, multi-head shower, double vanity sinks, and a bidet. Three small private balconies made our stay even more special, offering perfect spots to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The property has several swimming pools (saltwater), a spa room, steam rooms, and small shops for convenience. Breakfast is a generous buffet with something for everyone—adding a glass of bubbly in the morning is an absolute treat! Poolside bars and a lively pub-style lounge are easy to access for a quick bite or evening drink. The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Funchal’s city center, where there’s no shortage of restaurants and dining options. This is part of the Pestana group, and if all their properties are this well-run, they’re definitely worth checking out. Staff are consistently friendly, professional, and always ready to help. While the guest mix leans toward an older crowd, it suits us perfectly—we’re here for peace and quiet. Overall, this place delivers a true five-star experience. Well done to the team—highly recommended!

The stay at this resort was absolutely delightful. The staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The room was spacious and immaculately clean, with thoughtful touches like a mini-fridge, slippers, and robes—small details that made a big difference. They even provided pool towels, which was super convenient. Daily housekeeping ensured all linens, including pool towels, were refreshed, so everything stayed fresh and hygienic throughout our visit. The indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna were perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the area—especially nice during cooler evenings. We only had time to enjoy the outdoor pool in the evening, but it’s beautifully lit and offers a peaceful vibe. Breakfast was excellent—plenty of variety and great quality. While the bed was on the firmer side due to the spring mattress, it didn’t take away from the overall positive experience. With its lovely amenities, friendly staff, and serene atmosphere, I’d definitely return. A truly relaxing getaway.

We had an absolutely wonderful week at Pestana Miramar Garden & Ocean Hotel. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the surrounding area was spotlessly clean—perfect for relaxing. What truly made our stay special was the amazing activities led by Abdula! His energy and creativity turned every session into a memorable experience for both kids and adults. From fun games to engaging workshops, everything was well-organized and full of joy. The beachfront location is unbeatable, with easy access to scenic walks and beautiful views. We left feeling refreshed and already planning our next visit. This hotel is not just a place to stay—it’s a destination worth returning to.

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and even closer to the beach, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views right from your room. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, friendly service, making us feel truly welcome. Our room was spotless, spacious, and beautifully designed, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. What stood out most was the incredible value—luxury amenities at a surprisingly affordable price. Breakfast was delicious and well-balanced, and the nearby restaurants offered authentic local flavors without having to go far. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, this place delivers on every level. I’d definitely return and recommend it to anyone visiting Funchal.

We just returned from our stay at Pestana Village Garden Hotel in Funchal, and honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. If you're expecting sleek designer furniture or ultra-modern lobbies, this isn’t the place — but that’s part of its charm. The hotel has a classic, solid feel, nothing flashy or trendy, yet it’s clean, well-kept, and genuinely cozy. What really stands out is the value for money — for what you pay, you get so much more in return. The service was warm, simple, and personal; staff even greeted us by name, which made the whole experience feel thoughtful and human. It reminded me of old-school hospitality where guests are truly valued, not just another booking. To be honest, I didn’t have sky-high expectations given the price point, but they were easily exceeded. If you’re not looking for a luxury resort, but instead want a reliable, friendly, and comfortable hotel where you can relax without spending a fortune, this is an excellent choice. We’d book again in a heartbeat.

This place truly exceeded my expectations! The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, always smiling and going the extra mile to make us feel at home. The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, well-prepared, and varied across meals. What stood out most was the serene atmosphere; it's so peaceful here, with the sound of waves lulling you into relaxation. Every detail, from the spacious rooms to the beautiful pool area, felt thoughtfully designed. I could easily spend days just lounging by the sea or enjoying a good book on the balcony. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, service, and tranquility. I’m already counting down the days to come back—this is one of those places that stays in your heart long after you leave.

Staying in the sea view room was an absolute highlight—the views were breathtaking, with endless ocean vistas from the window. Every corner of the hotel is infused with CR7 touches, from the lobby to the rooms, making it a true fan’s dream destination. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, perfect for a quick visit. What truly stood out was the staff: warm, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was smooth. This stay exceeded all expectations—great value, exceptional service, and unforgettable atmosphere. I’d definitely come back again.

Staying at this hotel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Funchal! The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-designed—perfect for a relaxing getaway. What really stood out was the location: everything I wanted to see was within walking distance, so I didn’t need to worry about transportation. The breakfast at the nearby hotel was fantastic—plenty of options, fresh ingredients, and great quality. There are tons of restaurants right around the area, making dining easy and enjoyable. Being just steps from the casino added a fun, lively vibe, especially in the evenings. And the best part? It’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. I loved taking sunset strolls along the shore—it was peaceful and magical. This place offers incredible value and convenience without sacrificing comfort or charm. Definitely coming back.
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