🇵🇹 Funchal, Portugal
Porto Mare
📍 21, Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia, Funchal, 9004-565
Your stay — Porto Mare
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Funchal.
The Property — Porto Mare
The Porto Mare is a large, late-90s resort complex set in lush subtropical gardens on Funchal's eastern Lido seafront. Its lobby feels like a spacious, airy atrium with marble floors, a grand piano, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto towering palm trees and the Atlantic. A solid, dependable four-star that suits couples and families who want a full-service base with multiple pools, a spa, and direct access to the Lido promenade, but without much local character or intimacy.
Chronicles of Funchal
Funchal was founded in 1424 by the Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco, who named it after the abundant fennel (funcho) that grew there. Its architecture is a layered mix: whitewashed 15th-century churches, Manueline-style cathedral (Sé), 19th-century Art Deco townhouses, and abrupt 1970s concrete blocks. By the 19th century, Madeira had become a winter resort for European aristocrats and invalid travellers, creating a legacy of grand hotels and botanical gardens. Today, Funchal is a year-round cruise stop and a quiet city that markets itself on its subtropical microclimate, Madeira wine, and New Year's Eve fireworks display — one of the world's largest.
Best Time to Visit
Full Funchal guide →Best months
May, June, September: warm (22-26°C), low rain, the island is green, and crowds are moderate — neither the summer full peak nor the Christmas madness.
Peak / festival surge
August and December/New Year. August brings hot weather and European holidaymakers, pushing hotel rates up 30-50%. December sees a surge for the famous New Year fireworks; prices at Porto Mare can double, and city restaurants book out weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
April, October, and early November: still mild (18-22°C), fewer tourists, and hotel rooms run 20-40% cheaper than peak. You get quieter gardens and the levada walks without queueing.
Weather & packing
Funchal can throw a warm, heavy rain shower even in July — part of its subtropical climate. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a thin jumper for evening breezes; sandals are fine, but walking shoes for cobbled hills are a must.
Live City Briefing — Funchal
- Monte cable car renovation work may cause limited capacity or closures in summer 2026 — check the official site before booking (the current lift was built 2000 and is due for major overhaul).
- A new direct Funchal cruise pier extension opened in late 2025, but visitor numbers in the old town Zona Velha haven't increased noticeably yet; restaurants on Rua de Santa Maria still get quietly busy by 19:00.
- The annual Atlantic Festival runs from late June to July 2026 with fireworks and classical concerts at the Funchal Bay amphitheatre — expect road closures and fuller hotels on your dates.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Porto Mare, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3–5, facing the sea (south side). These floors are high enough to avoid street noise from Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia, while still being accessible via the lift (likely serving all floors). The sea-facing rooms offer direct views over Funchal's harbour and coastline, with less traffic noise than those overlooking the street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 2 or lower, especially those facing Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia (north side). Street-level and low-floor rooms pick up road noise—buses, scooters, and early-morning deliveries—common on this main-ish road in central Funchal. Also avoid rooms directly above the main lobby or restaurant if there's a bar, as these can suffer from music or kitchen clatter until late.
Best views
South-facing rooms (sea side) provide a view over the marina, the Atlantic, and possibly the headland. North-facing rooms overlook the street and nearby buildings—less interesting and potentially noisier. Some rooms on the west end might catch sunset light, but confirm orientation with the hotel.
Quietest floors
Floors 3, 4, and 5 (likely the top floor given typical 6-storey buildings in this area) are the quietest. They’re away from street level, above lobby and restaurant noise, and with enough height to buffer any foot traffic from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia is a secondary road with moderate traffic (cars, taxis, delivery vans) during the day, plus some late-night bar/excursion drop-offs near the marina. Weekends can be busier. The hotel is not on a major artery, but the street is not pedestrianised; low-floor rooms facing it will get audible noise.
Insider tips
1) If you're arriving by car, the hotel likely has a small on-site car park, but spaces are limited in central Funchal—book a parking slot when you reserve, or use the municipal parking near the marina (5 mins walk). 2) Request a room on floors 4–5 for the best balance of quiet and view; if you want more privacy and less foot traffic in the corridor, ask for a room away from the lift (ends of corridors).
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Porto Mare
Free for all guests – 25 Mbps average download, no login password required on first connect
Two lifts serving all 11 floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader app (1000+ newspapers) accessed via hotel Wi-Fi; no printed papers
Check-in from 15:00; early bag-drop from 12:00 if room not ready; late check-out fee of 30 EUR until 17:00 (subject to availability)
Free storage at reception on arrival and departure day
No step at main entrance; ramps to pool and restaurant; two accessible rooms with roll-in showers on ground floor; lift to all floors
No on-site parking. Nearest public garage: Edifício 2000 (Rua dos Ferreiros) – 12 EUR per 24h (2019-2026 rate); no EV charging on-site – public charger 300m away at Parque de Estacionamento do Largo do Chafariz (2.50 EUR per hour)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2.00 EUR per person per night (up to 7 nights, exempt for under 13s)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit at booking; 50 EUR incidental hold per stay at check-in (credit or debit card)
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Igreja da Nazaré (175 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Capela da Nazaré (642 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Capela da Ajuda (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Salão do Reino das Testemunhas de Jeová (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Suite Hotel Eden Mar — 860 m · ~11 min walk
Parque Urbano da Nazaré — 888 m · ~11 min walk
Arquivo e História Adelino Rodrigues — 640 m · ~8 min walk
Cine Teatro de Santo António — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Ilhapark — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 232 m · ~3 min walk
Nazaré — 219 m · ~3 min walk
Meu Super — 303 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist kiosks which charge high fees and poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere; contactless is standard; Amex less common; some smaller cafés and market stalls prefer cash.
Rounding up the bill in restaurants (5-10% if service was good) is appreciated but not expected. Taxis: round up to nearest euro. Hotel staff: €1-2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple espresso (bica) at a local pastelaria: around €0.80-1.20.
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca: usually €8-10 including drink.
Main course at a casual restaurant (grilled fish or espetada): €12-15.
Try the Mercado dos Lavradores for cheap, fresh local bites; also the area around Rua de João de Deus has several budget-friendly takeaway spots.
Pingo Doce and Continente are the main budget supermarkets in this part of Funchal.
The Rua de João de Deus area has a few affordable chain stores; the Anadia Shopping Centre also has budget options.
A single bus ticket is around €1.95; a Giro card gives you cheaper fares. From the airport, the Aerobus (line 20) costs about €5 one way; a taxi into central Funchal is around €25-30.
Eat lunch out rather than dinner – many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus. Buy a Giro card for bus travel instead of paying cash per ride. Avoid eating or drinking on the main tourist drag of Rua de Santa Maria – walk a block or two inland for better prices.
Good to know — Funchal
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Funchal112 (European emergency number) for general information and assistance
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Funchal, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Porto Mare
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 232 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Nazaré — 219 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal City Centre (near Living Funchal Bloco-III)
💡 A hop-on hop-off service that allows you to get off near your hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal Bus Station (Rodoviária)
💡 Buy tickets on the bus or at the bus station; then take a taxi or walk to the hotel
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Living Funchal Bloco-III
💡 Book in advance to avoid higher prices during peak hours
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport → Funchal Bus Station (Rodoviária)
💡 A cheaper option, but with less frequent departures
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Porto Mare?
Request a room on floors 3–5, facing the sea (south side). These floors are high enough to avoid street noise from Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia, while still being accessible via the lift (likely serving all floors). The sea-facing rooms offer direct views over Funchal's harbour and coastline, with less traffic noise than those overlooking the street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Porto Mare?
Avoid rooms on floor 2 or lower, especially those facing Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia (north side). Street-level and low-floor rooms pick up road noise—buses, scooters, and early-morning deliveries—common on this main-ish road in central Funchal. Also avoid rooms directly above the main lobby or restaurant if there's a bar, as these can suffer from music or kitchen clatter until late.
Is Porto Mare noisy?
Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia is a secondary road with moderate traffic (cars, taxis, delivery vans) during the day, plus some late-night bar/excursion drop-offs near the marina. Weekends can be busier. The hotel is not on a major artery, but the street is not pedestrianised; low-floor rooms facing it will get audible noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Porto Mare?
South-facing rooms (sea side) provide a view over the marina, the Atlantic, and possibly the headland. North-facing rooms overlook the street and nearby buildings—less interesting and potentially noisier. Some rooms on the west end might catch sunset light, but confirm orientation with the hotel.
What are insider tips for staying at Porto Mare?
1) If you're arriving by car, the hotel likely has a small on-site car park, but spaces are limited in central Funchal—book a parking slot when you reserve, or use the municipal parking near the marina (5 mins walk). 2) Request a room on floors 4–5 for the best balance of quiet and view; if you want more privacy and less foot traffic in the corridor, ask for a room away from the lift (ends of corridors).
What time is check-in at Porto Mare?
Check-in at Porto Mare is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Porto Mare have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests – 25 Mbps average download, no login password required on first connect
Is there a city or tourist tax at Porto Mare?
2.00 EUR per person per night (up to 7 nights, exempt for under 13s)
Where can I eat cheaply near Porto Mare?
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca: usually €8-10 including drink.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Porto Mare?
A single bus ticket is around €1.95; a Giro card gives you cheaper fares. From the airport, the Aerobus (line 20) costs about €5 one way; a taxi into central Funchal is around €25-30.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
May, June, September: warm (22-26°C), low rain, the island is green, and crowds are moderate — neither the summer full peak nor the Christmas madness.
Top Attractions in Funchal
💡 Look out for the park's botanical garden, which features a wide range of tropical plants and trees.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn more about Ronaldo's early life and career, and see some of his personal belongings on display.
💡 Look out for the centre's beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
💡 Visit the church's sacristy to see some beautiful azulejo tiles and a collection of ancient relics.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best views and a spectacular sight.