Scenic coastal walking trails and the lava black sand of Formosa Beach characterise São Martinho. The district is a hub of hotels and seafood restaurants just a 10-minute drive from the attractions of Funchal City Centre. Spend leisurely days dipping in and out of the sea between dolphin-spotting boat tours and hiking adventures.
It’s always a good time to visit São Martinho, with the year-round sunshine and warm weather of the Madeira archipelago. To indulge in local wine-making fun, travel at the end of summer for the Madeira Wine Festival. Whale watching is possible all year, however, April to October is the best season.
Things to do in São Martinho
For a bird’s eye view and panoramic photos, visit the 18th-century São Martinho Church crowning the hill above the parish. Below, no less than four beaches make up Formosa Beach. Choose your favourite section for peaceful sunbathing, let the kids loose in the playground or have a game on the football pitch. Beachfront bars and restaurants are particularly atmospheric at sunset.
In town, take a ride on the famous Monte Sledges from Monte to Livramento. Stroll through the Madeira Botanical Gardens and get up high on the Funchal Cable Car. Set aside plenty of time to discover Funchal’s museums. The CRZ Museum showcases football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born on Madeira, while the Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas is a treasure trove of paintings and sculpture.
Outdoor activities in São Martinho
The Garajau Nature Reserve presents thrilling underwater worlds for diving and snorkelling. Visit Funchal Marina to join dive excursions and be on the lookout for giant manta rays and dusky groupers. Otherwise, take your pick from catamaran cruises and glass bottom boat trips to spot dolphins and whales, or set sail at sunset.
On land, tee off at Palheiro Golf Course with views of the ocean. Guided canyoning tours take you deep into the forest to abseil down waterfalls. Hike through the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park among laurel trees and get out your binoculars to spot birds such as the colourful firecrest.
Dining and nightlife in São Martinho
Step from your hotel in São Martinho to Formosa Beach and an array of restaurants serving scrumptious meals with ocean views. While seafood plays a starring role on menus, the espetadais a succulent staple of beef cubes grilled on laurel skewers. Shop for fresh produce among the exotic smells and flavours of Mercado do Lavradores. For a romantic night out, choose a restaurant along the cobbled streets of Zona Velha, Funchal’s charming Old Town.
Stroll along the Funchal Seaside Promenade and Avenida Arriaga to combine shopping, dining and drinking at chic bars. Book tickets to a show at the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias and dance all night long at clubs surrounding Rua da Fontes in Downtown Funchal.
Getting around São Martinho
From Madeira Airport International Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s less than a 30-minute bus, taxi or drive to São Martinho. Settle in at a hotel with the beach, shops and restaurants just steps from your room. To get around the island, use the reliable bus network, rent a car or take boat trips. Tuk-tuks and bikes are fun ways to explore Funchal, along with the city’s cable cars.
