São Martinho

São Martinho appeals to travellers who want to combine coastal experiences, scenic views and cultural discoveries in one trip. Possible discoveries include natural rock pools, various bathing facilities, a promenade for walks and distinctive churches. When searching for a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on days spent swimming, views, culture or a varied mix of experiences.

Experience the sea: from Praia Formosa to the rock pools

Praia Formosa is a beach complex consisting of four beaches, making it an important point of reference for anyone who wants to spend time by the sea. The promenade along the shore associated with Praia Formosa is used for walking and running in an area reserved exclusively for pedestrians. This makes it possible to combine a stay by the water not only with swimming, but also with exercise.

Several bathing facilities have different focuses. The Lido bathing complex has two saltwater pools, including one for children. It also has lifts, ramps and amphibious chairs for people with reduced mobility. The Ponta Gorda bathing complex has two saltwater pools and a tidal pool. Access to the sea is via stairs. Facilities include first aid, changing rooms, a supervised beach, a beach library, Wi-Fi and assistance for people with reduced mobility.

Doca do Cavacas complements this offering with a natural pool of volcanic origin and direct access to the sea. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in São Martinho can decide, based on their own travel preferences, whether to focus on natural seawater pools, traditional bathing facilities or walks by the water. You should check the specific distances between the accommodation and individual destinations in the respective accommodation description.

Churches and local tradition

The churches also give São Martinho a historical and religious dimension. The Igreja de São Martinho in Funchal was built in the first half of the 19th century. Inside, it has a gilded altar and frescoes depicting the history of its patron saint, São Martinho. An annual festival in honour of Saint Martin takes place there in the first half of November. This period may be of interest to travellers who want to combine their stay with a local tradition.

The Igreja da Nazaré was built as the new parish seat of Nazaré and consecrated in 2002. Together with the older Igreja de São Martinho, it offers a cultural perspective on different histories of church construction and use. When planning your day, you can combine these church-related impressions with time by the sea or at a viewpoint, without limiting your holiday to just one type of experience.

See Funchal from above

The Miradouro da Nazaré is located in the São Martinho parish and offers, at an altitude of 164 metres, panoramic views over almost the entire city of Funchal, from the coast to the mountains. The viewpoint provides a clear contrast to the bathing facilities by the sea: the focus here is not on experiencing the water, but on the expansive view over the city, coast and mountain landscape.

The right accommodation for your travel style

A holiday apartment in São Martinho may be particularly suitable if you want to keep your various holiday days flexible: a walk along Praia Formosa, a look at the history of a church, a swim in a saltwater pool or the view from the Miradouro da Nazaré. When choosing, pay attention to the location information for each accommodation if certain experiences are important for your trip. For further travel planning, you can also look at Monte. This makes São Martinho a versatile choice for travellers who want to include coast, culture and views in their holiday.

To the higher-level travel overview: Funchal.