When planning a trip with São Martinho in mind, it’s worth balancing time by the water with views and visits to churches. The bathing complexes differ in their types of pools and access to the sea; there is also a panorama over Funchal and churches with their own historical points of interest. You can choose your focus based on whether you’re interested in natural pools, different bathing facilities, a walk or church history.

Swimming: Pools, Sea Access and Promenade

Doca do Cavacas has a natural pool of volcanic origin and offers direct access to the sea. It therefore combines a natural pool with immediate access to the sea. The Lido bathing complex offers something different: it has two saltwater pools, including one for children. Elevators, ramps and amphibious chairs complement the facilities for people with reduced mobility. If you’re comparing bathing facilities, you can take the number and types of pools into account alongside the access aids mentioned here.

Ponta Gorda bathing complex also has two saltwater pools, as well as a tidal pool. Access to the sea is via stairs. Facilities include first aid, changing rooms, a supervised beach, a beach library and Wi-Fi, as well as assistance for people with reduced mobility. The tidal pool sets it apart from Lido; the stairs are a specific detail about access to the sea. This makes it possible to distinguish between the three bathing options by pool type and the features mentioned for each, without treating them as equivalent choices.

Praia Formosa comprises four beaches. The promenade associated with Praia Formosa offers a different way to spend time by the water: it is reserved exclusively for pedestrians to walk and run. If you’d like to include some walking alongside swimming, this difference from the pool complexes may help you decide.

Views and Churches

The Miradouro da Nazaré is located in the São Martinho parish. At an altitude of 164 metres, the viewpoint offers a panorama over almost the entire city of Funchal, from the coast to the mountains. This expansive city view offers a contrast to a visit focused more on individual pools or a stretch of the waterfront. The view also spans a clearly defined range, from the coast to the mountain landscape.

The Igreja de São Martinho in Funchal was built in the first half of the 19th century. Its features include a gilded altar and frescoes depicting the story of its patron saint, São Martinho. The festival in honour of Saint Martin takes place annually in the first half of November; individual programme items may vary. If the festival is important to your travel plans, take the timing into account and check the current programme.

The Igreja da Nazaré is another historical point of interest: it was built as the new parish church of Nazaré and consecrated in 2002. The Igreja de São Martinho is dated to the first half of the 19th century, while the Igreja da Nazaré was consecrated in 2002. This distinction helps place the two churches in their historical context without conflating their respective dates. Together with the altar, frescoes and annual festival, these details offer a specific cultural counterpoint to the bathing complexes and the view over Funchal.

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