São Martinho

The seafront promenade of the hotel zone, whose first section, opened in August 1993 on the west side, was first called the "Lido gardens". It runs past the marine biology station and the Ponta Gorda bathing complex to Ponta da Cruz, where the Doca do Cavacas tunnel leads on to the continuation towards Câmara de Lobos bay. A continuous view of the coast, date palms along the way and, on the cliffs, herbaceous and climbing plants mixing endemic and exotic species. Flat, ideal for walking or running at any hour.

In the Lido district, on Rua Dr. Pita, the quinta built in the first half of the 19th century by the wealthy merchant J. Howard March has belonged to the Regional Government since 1980 and is open to all. About 35,000 m² of species from around the world that thrive all year in Funchal's subtropical climate. Thoroughly renovated — gardens, main house and sports facilities: tennis courts, squash, three padel courts, a fitness circuit — it also offers a playground, a restaurant-bar and a temporary-exhibition room.

A large public garden opened in 2005 in the Lido district, over about 11,800 m². Sixteen species of palm are planted here, and the space is made as much for sitting as for playing: children's playground, a basketball hoop, two table-tennis tables, a pétanque pitch and three games tables. It is the local garden of the city's hotel district, open daily.

Built in the first half of the sixteenth century and still in the hands of the family that founded it, the Fávilas. French corsairs invaded and ransacked it a few decades after it was built: nothing survives of the original decoration, replaced in the eighteenth century by what is seen today. The architecture kept its shape. Nearly five hundred years on, the chapel is still a weekly meeting point.

One of the island's most recent churches, consecrated in 2002 on Avenida Colégio Militar, in the parish of São Martinho. It took over as the Nazaré parish centre, a role the Nazaré chapel had held since 1960. The architect José Rafael Botelho designed a modern building whose tower rises about 40 m. Inside, the font, the tabernacle and the altar are carved in green marble.

Built in the first half of the nineteenth century by Afonso Anes, near the old São Martinho chapel. Inside, the gilded altar and the frescoes telling the life of the patron saint hold the eye, as do Afonso Costa's ceiling paintings. Every year, in the first fortnight of November, the church hosts the feast of Saint Martin, one of the island's best attended; the parish civic centre doubles as a cultural hall.

A small pebble beach with a sunbathing area in the Lido district, right by the promenade and less than 200 m from the Lido bathing complex; also called Gavinas beach. A cosmopolitan mood, bars, cafés and a big garden a step away: the place for a quick dip all year round after a jog along the promenade, then a drink facing the sunset. Unsupervised beach: take care in and out of the water. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 15 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The south coast's natural pool: a small complex on the seafront promenade between the Lido and Praia Formosa, with a pool of volcanic origin and direct access to the sea — the rare pleasure of swimming in a lava pool in Funchal. From the west side, a view of Cabo Girão and Praia Formosa. Showers, toilets, changing rooms and a bar, open all year. Rua da Ponta da Cruz 66, tel. +351 291 105 158. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 15 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

At 164 m above sea level, west of Funchal, on Rua Estados Unidos da América. The view runs along almost the whole length of the capital, from the coast and its bay up to the ridges. It stands in the parish of São Martinho, whose territory belonged to São Pedro until the late 16th century. Nearby, the church of São Martinho, opened in 1918, holds a triptych of the Annunciation, the Nativity and Saint Anne.

On Estrada Monumental, 800 m² opened in 2021 by the painter Rui Sá, founder and curator, to show more than fifteen years of creation — around 300 works, mostly painting — in fourteen thematic areas around the four elements, fire, water, air and earth, to which he adds the spirit. The venue also hosts concerts of every style, fashion shows and workshops.

Two point two kilometres of pedestrian promenade at the water's edge, between Ponta da Cruz — where the one running towards the Lido begins — and the bay of Câmara de Lobos, with its xavelhas, the coloured fishing boats. The route passes Caminho da Trincheira and ends near the bay car park, among replanted gardens. Part of it rests on piles, which limits its footprint on the cliff.

One of the few sandy beaches on the south coast: small, black, with some pebbles, about 2 km from Câmara de Lobos on the promenade linking the two municipalities. It is one of the four beaches of the Praia Formosa group (with Nova, Namorados and Formosa); you reach it along the promenade or by the stairs next to the Orca Praia hotel, which faces it. All the Praia Formosa facilities are within reach, ten minutes from the centre. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 30 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.