A cliffside five-star hotel on the São Martinho headland with a private lift down to a sea-water lido, landscaped gardens and Il Gallo d'Oro, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Benoît Sinthon.
The Cliff Bay - PortoBay sits on the São Martinho headland along Funchal's Estrada Monumental, roughly 3 km west of central Funchal and the cathedral district, on a rocky point above the Atlantic. The property occupies a modern cliffside building surrounded by landscaped gardens, with a private lift descending to a sea-water lido for swimming off the rocks. Rooms span Classic and Superior Ocean View categories through Junior Suites to the Presidential Suite, most with balconies facing the sea. The hotel's signature restaurant, Il Gallo d'Oro, holds two Michelin stars under chef Benoît Sinthon and serves refined Mediterranean-influenced tasting menus, while additional dining options cover casual and poolside meals; breakfast draws on Madeiran produce alongside international choices. Facilities include a cliffside outdoor pool, a spa with a range of treatments, a tennis court and a kids club during peak season, making the hotel workable for both couples seeking fine dining and families wanting resort amenities. Service leans toward attentive, concierge-driven hospitality typical of PortoBay's flagship Madeira property, with staff experienced in arranging levada walks, boat trips and golf outings on the island.
| Price | €300–€900 / $324–$972 per night |
|---|---|
| Address | Estrada Monumental 147, São Martinho, 9004-532 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
Room types
- Classic Room
- Superior Ocean View
- Junior Suite
- Presidential Suite
Amenities
- cliffside pool
- sea-water lido access
- spa
- two-Michelin-star restaurant
- tennis court
- kids club
- concierge
- wifi
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada Monumental 147, São Martinho, 9004-532 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
32.6494, -16.9413 View on map
Highlights
- Il Gallo d'Oro, a two-Michelin-star restaurant led by chef Benoît Sinthon
- Private cliffside lift down to a sea-water lido for ocean swimming
- Landscaped gardens along the São Martinho headland
- Kids club and family-friendly pool areas alongside fine dining
- Spa with sea-view treatment rooms
Tips for visiting
- Reserve Il Gallo d'Oro well in advance, particularly for evening tasting menus
- Use the private lift to reach the sea lido rather than the public coastal path when the tide is high
- Ocean View rooms on upper floors avoid noise from the pool terrace below
- The kids club typically runs seasonally, so confirm dates before booking with children
- A taxi or the hotel shuttle covers the roughly 3 km into central Funchal in about 10 minutes
Accessibility
Public areas and most guest floors are lift-accessible, and accessible rooms are available on request; the cliffside terrain around the lido involves steps and a lift transfer, so guests with limited mobility should confirm access arrangements when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Cliff Bay suitable for a family holiday?
Yes, the hotel has a kids club, family-friendly pool areas and connecting rooms, while also offering fine dining and spa facilities for adults.
Do guests need to book Il Gallo d'Oro separately?
Reservations for the two-Michelin-star restaurant are handled separately from the room booking and should be made as early as possible, especially for dinner.
Is there direct beach access from the hotel?
There is no sand beach, but a private lift leads down to a sea-water lido built into the cliff for swimming and sunbathing on the rocks.