Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 metres is the third highest peak on Madeira and the most accessible, reached by a scenic road from Funchal that rises above the cloud layer to a viewpoint of extraordinary drama — a sea of clouds below and the jagged basalt peaks above, with the islands of Porto Santo and the Desertas visible in the distance on clear days. The sunrise from Pico do Arieiro is one of the great natural spectacles of the Atlantic. Hotels in Funchal arrange early morning Pico do Arieiro sunrise excursions.
Our Picks — Madeira
Hotel Zone
The most famous hotel address in the Atlantic, Reid's Palace has welcomed Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw, and generations of discriminating travellers from its clifftop position above Funchal since 1891. The famous afternoon tea service on the terrace, multiple pools descending to the sea, and immaculately preserved Edwardian grandeur make it Europe's finest island hotel.
Hotel Zone
Consistently rated among Portugal's finest hotels, The Cliff Bay delivers sophisticated five-star luxury on the edge of the Funchal cliffs — a massive seawater pool complex descending to the Atlantic, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an exceptional spa. The preferred alternative to Reid's for travellers who want contemporary luxury over Edwardian grandeur.
Funchal Centre
The most dramatic hotel in Funchal, the Savoy Palace occupies a landmark Art Deco tower above the city centre with a rooftop infinity pool that has become Madeira's most-photographed hotel view. The scale and facilities — multiple restaurants, a beach club, a full-service spa — make it the best option for extended stays with complete on-site infrastructure.
Funchal Centre
Cristiano Ronaldo's signature hotel occupies a prime position on Funchal's Avenida Sá Carneiro, delivering a playful, sport-themed four-star experience with a rooftop pool and rooftop bar that commands one of the city's best sea views. A memorable stay for football fans and a solid choice for anyone who wants a modern, central Funchal address.
Hotel Zone
A 19th-century quinta (estate) preserved within a private botanical garden on the Funchal hillside, Casa Branca offers one of Madeira's most distinctive stays — 44 rooms set within a lush garden paradise, with a garden restaurant, pool, and the sense of staying in a private country house rather than a hotel.
Old Town
Funchal's best hotel in the historic Old Town, Castanheiro occupies a lovingly restored 16th-century building in the cobbled streets of the Zona Velha. The pool carved into the volcanic rock, the excellent spa, and the location amid the painted-door street art and traditional taberna culture make it Madeira's best boutique address.
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