Pestana Churchill Bay

Pestana_Churchill_Bay
Pestana Churchill Bay

Pestana Churchill Bay

Rooftop freshwater pool with sweeping harbour and Atlantic views Modern, comfortable rooms, many with balconies and bay vistas Attentive, welcoming service in a relaxed boutique setting Picture-postcard location in Winston Churchill’s favourite fishing village Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting GSTC-recognised standards Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options Bed and Breakfast, Half Board
Child age guideline up to 12 years for child pricing.

Overview

 
Perched right above the vivid fishing harbour that captured Winston Churchill’s imagination, Pestana Churchill Bay is a small, stylish waterfront hideaway that feels quintessentially Madeiran. Expect a rooftop pool with Atlantic views, modern rooms that frame the colourful bay, and a relaxed, friendly vibe that’s ideal for couples and friends who prefer characterful towns to large resorts.

From its privileged perch above Camara de Lobos’ terracotta rooftops and bobbing fishing boats, Pestana Churchill Bay blends contemporary design with nods to the great statesman who once painted this very bay. Take in the spectacle from the panoramic rooftop pool, linger over regional flavours on the terrace, then wander straight into the historic streets and waterfront bars below. For couples seeking Madeira’s charm in a living, breathing fishing town rather than a purpose-built resort, Pestana Churchill Bay delivers the perfect balance. It’s around 40 minutes from Funchal Airport (FNC) and sits in the heart of Camara de Lobos, with the harbour, local tascas and coastal viewpoints all an easy stroll away. See more Madeira holidays.

Map & location


Camara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal

Camara de Lobos is one of Madeira’s most atmospheric spots – a jumble of whitewashed houses, terracotta tiles and colourful fishing boats backed by steep green hillsides. Pestana Churchill Bay sits right in the resort centre, overlooking the bay that inspired Winston Churchill’s famous paintings.

Step outside and you’re moments from small local bars pouring traditional poncha, seafood restaurants lining the waterfront and pretty harbour viewpoints. Funchal, with its cable car, Old Town and botanical gardens, is just a short taxi or bus ride along the coast, making this an excellent base for both slow days and island exploration.

  • Approx. transfer time from airport 40 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


Although Madeira is more about natural pools and dramatic coastline than classic sandy beaches, Pestana Churchill Bay gives you a relaxing place to cool off just steps from your room.

Rooftop Pool
• Outdoor freshwater pool set on the rooftop terrace
• Sunbathing area with sunbeds and parasols
• Complimentary pool towels
• Baby-changing facilities available nearby

From here you can watch the fishing boats come and go, the light change across the bay and the rugged cliffs glow at sunset – all without leaving your lounger.

There is no direct beach at the hotel; Madeira’s nearest pebbled coves and bathing platforms can be reached by local bus or taxi if you fancy a sea swim.

Spa, sports & wellness


Spa & Wellness
After a day exploring levada walks or Funchal’s cobbled streets, unwind in the small spa area:
• Sauna
• Massage and spa treatments (charges apply)
• Minimum age for spa services: 14 years
• Typical opening hours: 09:00–18:00 (subject to change)

Other Facilities
This is a laid-back, boutique-style base rather than a full-scale resort, but you’ll have the essentials covered:
• 24-hour reception with luggage storage
• Lobby and lounge areas
• Lift access to most floors
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

Entertainment is low-key and focused on the resort’s atmospheric harbour bars and restaurants just outside; you’re staying in the heart of local life rather than a self-contained complex.

Activities


Pestana Churchill Bay is all about soaking up the setting rather than organised entertainment, but it makes an excellent base for exploring Madeira:

• Relax and swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic harbour views
• Stroll the waterfront promenade and Churchill viewpoint in Camara de Lobos
• Use local buses or tours to reach Funchal’s cable car, Monte and botanical gardens
• Join island excursions for levada walks, Cabo Girão skywalk and scenic viewpoints

Most structured activities and excursions are arranged locally and may be bookable through reception or nearby agencies.

Guest services


The hotel team prides itself on warm Madeiran hospitality and efficient, unobtrusive service:

• 24-hour reception and luggage storage
• Assistance with taxis and local excursion information
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Restaurant with highchairs and kids’ menu
• Pool towels provided free of charge
• Spa reception for treatment bookings (charges apply)

Services and opening hours may vary by season and occupancy.

Food & drink

The culinary focus at Pestana Churchill Bay is firmly local, with menus that make the most of Madeira’s fresh seafood and regional flavours.

Pier One Restaurant
Situated on the rooftop terrace, Pier One is the hotel’s à la carte restaurant, serving Madeiran and Portuguese dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect bay views with your morning coffee, grilled catch of the day, espetada-style skewers, and thoughtful options for vegetarians. Highchairs and a kids’ menu are available.

Dock Poncha & Tapas
This snack bar is ideal for light bites, sharing plates and something cold to sip between swims. Try traditional poncha, local wines or a craft cocktail alongside tapas-style snacks.

A smart casual dress code may apply for dinner, and reservations or supplements can vary depending on your board basis. Facilities and opening times are based on the previous season and may change.

Rooms
Classic Double Room


Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 2 (+ infant)
Classic Double rooms are located on the first floor and work well as a comfortable base if you’ll be out exploring.
Typical amenities include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Kettle
• USB charging port
• Hairdryer
• Minibar (charges apply)
• Bathroom with shower
• Air conditioning
• Daily room cleaning
• Towels changed on request

Deluxe Room with Bay View


Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 2 (+ infant)
Set on the ground floor, these rooms offer direct views of Camara de Lobos Bay. Wake up to colourful fishing boats and evening lights twinkling on the water.
Includes all Classic room amenities, plus:
• Balcony or terrace with bay view

Superior Deluxe Room with Bay View


Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 2 (+ infant)
Located on the first floor, Superior Deluxe rooms combine height for even better panoramas with the comfort of a modern bay-view space.
Includes all Deluxe room amenities, typically with an elevated balcony and enhanced outlook.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary. Specific room layout, size and exact view can differ within the same category.

More info

Good to know
• Official rating: 4-star boutique hotel
• 2 blocks, 4 floors, 2 lifts
• Typical UK–Madeira flight time: around 4 hours
• Time difference: GMT (no time difference with the UK for most of the year)
• Local language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Camara de Lobos is a traditional working fishing town – expect character, church bells and local life on your doorstep rather than a closed-off resort.

Hotel details and facilities are based on the most recent information supplied to us and may change. Some services are seasonal or weather dependent and may incur extra charges on site. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

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FAQs
Is Pestana Churchill Bay a beachfront hotel?
Pestana Churchill Bay is set directly on Camara de Lobos’ harbourfront, overlooking the bay rather than a traditional sandy beach. You’ll enjoy sea and harbour views from many areas of the hotel, including the rooftop pool, but any sea swimming is via local coves, bathing platforms or excursions elsewhere on the island.
What meal plans can I book at Pestana Churchill Bay?
You can book Pestana Churchill Bay on Bed and Breakfast or Half Board. Breakfast is usually buffet or à la carte in the main restaurant, while Half Board adds dinner. Drinks, snacks and any à la carte items not included in your board basis are payable locally.
Is Pestana Churchill Bay suitable for families with children?
Yes, children can stay at Pestana Churchill Bay and there are highchairs and a kids’ menu in the restaurant. However, the atmosphere is quiet and boutique, with no dedicated kids’ club or extensive children’s facilities, so it tends to appeal most to couples, solo travellers and friends who value a peaceful base.
Does Pestana Churchill Bay have a spa or wellness facilities?
The hotel has a compact spa area offering a sauna and a range of massage and beauty treatments for guests aged 14 and over. Treatments are payable locally and opening hours are typically from 09:00 to 18:00, though these may change by season.
How far is Pestana Churchill Bay from Funchal?
Pestana Churchill Bay is approximately 8km from Funchal. You can reach the capital by local bus, taxi or on an organised excursion, making it easy to combine peaceful harbourfront stays with time in the city’s Old Town, markets and gardens.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
The property has lifts serving most floors and level access in several public areas, but as a boutique hotel built into an existing harbourfront setting, it may not have full step-free access to all rooms and facilities. If you have specific mobility needs, please speak to a Travelisto advisor so we can check suitability and request an appropriate room.
What makes Pestana Churchill Bay a Certified Sustainable Hotel?
Being a Certified Sustainable Hotel means Pestana Churchill Bay has met a GSTC-recognised sustainability standard at the time of assessment. This typically involves responsible energy and water use, waste reduction, support for local communities and protection of cultural and natural heritage on Madeira.