Santa Maria Maior

Travel Guide

A botanical garden with colorful flower beds, a palm tree, and a cityscape in the background.
A landscaped garden with geometric flower beds, a coastal town in the background, and a clear blue sky.
A landscaped garden with a geometric flower bed design, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A coastal view with a building and purple flowers in the foreground.
A person arranging flowers in a room with a television displaying the word "Tim."
Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal

Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal

4 out of 5
Rua Conde Carvalhal, 53 Funchal
$159 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$171 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (363 reviews)
"The staff were very welcoming and attentive, we even got a small welcome and leaving gift. The hotel is set in lovely maintained grounds. The outside breakfast area and view to Funchal centre is brilliant. The location is excellent close enough to walk to the promenade and main food and shopping ..."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2026

Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal
PortoBay Santa Maria, Adults Only

PortoBay Santa Maria, Adults Only

4 out of 5
Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Funchal
$331 nightly
The price is $351 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$351 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (506 reviews)
"The hotel was spotlessly clean, the breakfast was lovely, it has a very calm peaceful feel to it even though it is right next to the Old Town."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

PortoBay Santa Maria, Adults Only
Three House Hotel

Three House Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot 2 Funchal Madeira
$192 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$204 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Funchal Marina and Funchal Farmers Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Lovely place central in Funchal. Great rooftop with pool and bar!"

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Three House Hotel
See all 5,124 properties in Santa Maria Maior
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Three House Hotel

Three House Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot 2 Funchal Madeira
Stay at this aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Funchal Marina and Funchal Farmers Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"Lovely place central in Funchal. Great rooftop with pool and bar!"

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Three House Hotel
Zarco Apartments by Mercado Funchal

Zarco Apartments by Mercado Funchal

4 out of 5
Praça de Tenerife Funchal Madeira
Stay at this apartment in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Funchal Marina and Embroidery Museum are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (36 reviews)
"Good property"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

Zarco Apartments by Mercado Funchal
Apartamentos Taberna

Apartamentos Taberna

3 out of 5
Rua de Santa Maria 123 Funchal Madeira
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Funchal ...
8/10 Very Good! (43 reviews)
"The apartment was huge and beautiful. It had everything one would need. A full kitchen with all the wine and beer glasses. Two bedrooms with lovely decor. A large bathroom and a separate laundry room. The check-in was on me. We arrived early and the apartment wasn't ready. We left our bags safely ..."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Apartamentos Taberna
See all properties in Santa Maria Maior
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Santa Maria Maior attractions

A fruit market with various fruits like mangoes, bananas, and oranges displayed in baskets.
Photo by Sylwia Olejnik-Antkowiak
Open Photo by Sylwia Olejnik-Antkowiak

Funchal Farmers Market

8.6/10 (1,393 reviews)
During your trip to Santa Maria Maior, you can do some window-shopping at Funchal Farmers Market. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
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Things to do

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

$39
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

$29
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

$74
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour
From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour

$48
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour
From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour

$35
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Funchal: West Madeira Waterfalls and Fanal Forest Tour
Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

$79
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour
See all activities in Santa Maria Maior

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria Maior worth visiting?
Santa Maria Maior is worth visiting for its unique attractions, including the Funchal Farmers Market and the Madeira Botanical Garden. Travelers can also explore distinct areas like Old Town Funchal, which offers a rich local experience. These highlights provide a diverse range of activities and sights for travelers.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Santa Maria Maior?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Santa Maria Maior depend on what you want to see:


What is Santa Maria Maior known for?
Santa Maria Maior is known for its prominent institutions, including the Funchal Farmers Market and the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden. Travelers can also visit the Madeira Stadium. This area is part of a city in Portugal, offering neighborhoods like Old Town Funchal to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for Santa Maria Maior?
A good itinerary length for Santa Maria Maior is two to three days to explore Old Town Funchal, visit the Funchal Farmers Market, and see the Madeira Botanical Garden. For a longer trip of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy activities like the Funchal City & Madeira Wine Experience or a food tour.
What are the top things to do in and around Santa Maria Maior?
In and around Santa Maria Maior, travelers can discover Funchal's unique markets, beautiful gardens, and engaging experiences:

  • Explore the "From Market to Plate" culinary experience, including a visit to Funchal market.
  • Tour the Funchal Botanical Garden and Old Town with a Tuk Tuk Experience.
  • Ride the Funchal-Monte Teleferico for scenic views.
  • Enjoy a Funchal City & Madeira Wine Experience.
  • Solve a Funchal Murder Mystery with a self-guided detective game.

How do I plan a trip to Santa Maria Maior?
To plan your trip to Santa Maria Maior, consider exploring Old Town Funchal, where you can visit the Funchal Farmers Market or take the Funchal-Monte Teleferico. Book flights, hotels, and activities like the 2-Hour Funchal City & Madeira Wine Experience in advance. You can also enjoy experiences such as the Madeira Botanical Garden and Madeira Stadium.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santa Maria Maior?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santa Maria Maior by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santa Maria Maior with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santa Maria Maior trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santa Maria Maior?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santa Maria Maior can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santa Maria Maior trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santa Maria Maior trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santa Maria Maior trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santa Maria Maior trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santa Maria Maior?
If it's your first trip to Santa Maria Maior, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santa Maria Maior hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santa Maria Maior hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Santa Maria Maior

A pebble beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a white building with a red roof, and a rocky coastline with houses on a hillside in the background.

Santa Cruz

A densely packed urban area with a mix of colorful buildings, including a prominent white church with a bell tower.

Funchal

A lush garden with various plants and trees, a neatly trimmed hedge, and a mountainous backdrop.

Sao Goncalo

A historic church with a bell tower and a statue in front.

Sé

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