Quinta da Penha de Franca
Funchal | Madeira
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tucked between Funchal’s harbourfront and the rising green hills, Quinta da Penha de Franca is a classic Madeiran quinta turned characterful four-star hotel. Split between a historic manor house amid tropical gardens and a more contemporary seafront wing, it blends old-world charm with Atlantic views, saltwater pools and steps-down access to the ocean – all within strolling distance of Funchal’s cafés, shops and restaurants.
Manicured subtropical gardens spilling down towards the Atlantic, traditional tiled terraces and characterful interiors make Quinta da Penha de Franca feel more like a private estate than a city hotel. Base yourself in the original manor for old-world Madeiran charm, or in the modern seafront building for big blue views and easy access to the saltwater pools and ocean platform.
For couples or friends seeking Madeira’s charm with Funchal on your doorstep, Quinta da Penha de Franca delivers the perfect balance. It’s approximately 50 minutes from Funchal (FNC) airport. See more Madeira holidays.
Hotel Overview | Quinta da Penha de Franca
Highlights
🌊 Magnificent Atlantic sea views from terraces and many rooms
🌺 Beautiful, mature gardens wrapped around a traditional quinta manor
🤝 Warm, personalised service with many repeat guests
🏊 Lovely saltwater pool areas plus direct access to the ocean
🍷 Close to Funchal’s shops, bars and restaurants for easy exploring
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout communal areas
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 109 | Blocks: 4 | Floors: 4 | Lifts: 2
Board options: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Half Board Plus, Full Board
Child age guideline: up to 11 years for child pricing
Location | Quinta da Penha de Franca
Location
Quinta da Penha de Franca sits just west of Funchal’s historic heart, perfectly placed for combining slow days by the pool with evenings in town. The upper, manor-house section feels tucked away in terraced gardens above the road, while the modern seafront building drops you right beside the Atlantic with sea views and direct ocean access.
You’re close enough to walk along the promenade into Funchal’s old streets, marina and lido area, yet far enough out for peaceful nights and sunset drinks overlooking the bay.
Distances and Transfers
Direct access to the sea
Bus stop: approx. 20m
Nearest shops, bars & restaurants: approx. 150m
Funchal resort centre: approx. 1km
Approx. transfer time from airport: 50 minutes
Map
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Facilities and Rooms | Quinta da Penha de Franca
Restaurants and Bars
Start the day with breakfast overlooking the gardens or pool, then linger over a long lunch or sunset dinner with Atlantic views. Quinta da Penha de Franca has a relaxed, local feel to dining, with two main restaurants and a friendly cocktail bar.
Rivus
À la carte restaurant by the pool, serving international and Madeiran dishes for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Ideal for lingering over a glass of wine and the ocean backdrop.
The Brothers
Buffet and à la carte restaurant offering a range of international and local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Depending on occupancy, some meals may be served from a set menu.
Joe’s Cocktail Bar
Open roughly 10:00–00:00, Joe’s mixes classic and signature cocktails alongside local wines and spirits in an intimate, old-school setting.
A smart dress code may apply in the evening and some facilities differ between the manor and seafront sections. Reservations may be required and supplements can apply depending on your chosen board basis and season.
Pool Areas and Beach
There’s a strong Atlantic feel to the outdoor spaces here, with saltwater pools and direct sea access rather than a classic sandy beach.
• 3 outdoor saltwater pools including a children’s pool
• Generous sunbathing terraces with sunbeds and parasols
• One pool and the children’s pool are located at the sister, seafront section
• Free pool towels for guests
From the seafront area you can access the ocean directly (weather permitting), giving confident swimmers the chance to dip straight into the Atlantic – a very Madeiran way to cool off on warm days.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
This is a laid-back property where the setting does much of the work. There’s no full spa on site, but you’ll find plenty of gentle ways to unwind.
Relax & leisure
• Ocean swimming from the seafront access (conditions permitting)
• Snorkelling available via an external watersports company (local charge)
• Quiet garden corners and shaded terraces for reading or aperitifs
Conveniences
• 24-hour reception (hours may vary)
• Concierge service for restaurant bookings and local tips
• Luggage storage if you’re arriving early or leaving late
• Free Wi-Fi in communal areas
Madeira’s hiking trails, cable car and botanical gardens are easily reached by taxi or local bus from the nearby stops, making this a great base for exploring the island in your own time.
Rooms
Choose between traditional manor-house rooms wrapped in greenery, or bright seafront rooms closer to the Atlantic. All share a homely, unfussy style with tiled floors and typically Madeiran touches.
Single Room with Sea View and Balcony
Sleeps: 1
Located in the modern seafront part of the property, these singles are ideal for solo travellers wanting space and a sea-facing balcony.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Superior Double or Twin Room with Side Sea View and Balcony or Terrace
Sleeps: 2–3 (plus 1 infant)
Set in the original manor house, these rooms offer a little extra space and partial sea views alongside the lush gardens.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Double or Twin Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace
Sleeps: 2–3
Located in the modern seafront building, these rooms are all about wide Atlantic views from the balcony or terrace.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Double or Twin Room with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace
Sleeps: 2–3
Based in the manor-house section, these rooms look onto the property’s mature gardens – ideal if you prefer greenery to ocean.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Double or Twin Room with Garden View
Sleeps: 2–3
Garden-facing rooms in the manor house without a balcony, but with plenty of character and leafy outlooks.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), bathroom with bath or shower, daily cleaning and towel change.
Superior Single Room with Side Sea View and Balcony
Sleeps: 1
In the manor house, these upgraded singles give solo travellers a balcony and a glimpse of the Atlantic.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony or terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Single Room with Sea View and Balcony (First or Second Floor)
Sleeps: 1
Located in the modern seafront building on higher levels for better sea vistas.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Poolside Standard Room on the Ground Floor
Sleeps: 2–3
Ground-floor rooms by the pool in the modern wing, with terrace access and easy access to sunbathing areas.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Poolside Single Standard Room on the Ground Floor
Sleeps: 1
Perfect if you want to step straight from your terrace toward the pool area. Located in the modern section.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Poolside Standard Room
Sleeps: 2–3
Another modern-wing option close to the pool, with terrace access and simple, bright décor.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Single Room with Garden View
Sleeps: 1
Cosy singles in the manor house, surrounded by greenery – a charming option for solo guests.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath or shower, daily cleaning and towel change.
Double Room with Sea View and Balcony (First or Second Floor)
Sleeps: 2–3 (plus 1 infant)
Sea-view doubles in the modern building on higher floors, offering some of the hotel’s best outlooks over the bay.
Facilities include: flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, balcony, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), safety deposit box (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, daily cleaning and towel change.
Economy Twin Room
Sleeps: 2
Located in the manor house, these are the most budget-friendly rooms and a good base if you plan to spend most time in the gardens, by the pool or in town.
Facilities are more limited than other categories and may vary, but you can typically expect simple, comfortable accommodation with access to all main hotel areas.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
While Quinta da Penha de Franca is more about relaxed Madeiran living than full-on resort entertainment, there’s still enough to keep you gently occupied between sightseeing trips.
• Ocean swimming from the hotel’s direct sea access (conditions permitting)
• Snorkelling and selected watersports organised by an external provider (local charge)
• Easy stroll to Funchal’s lido complex and seafront promenade
• Use the hotel as a base for levada walks, jeep tours and cable-car rides up to Monte (bookable locally)
The atmosphere is peaceful, making this a particularly good choice for guests who value conversation, books and views over loud entertainment.
Guest Services
Even as a characterful historic property, Quinta da Penha de Franca offers a helpful range of services to smooth your stay:
• Reception with concierge-style assistance
• Luggage storage for early arrivals/late departures
• Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas
• Pool towels provided free of charge
• Assistance booking taxis, excursions and restaurant reservations in Funchal
Staff are known for being friendly and attentive, contributing to the high number of repeat guests who return year after year.
Practical Info
Key facts
• Country: Portugal (Madeira)
• Resort: Funchal
• Flight time from UK: around 4 hours (direct)
• Transfer time to resort: approx. 50 minutes by road
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Portuguese (English widely understood in tourist areas)
• Time difference: same as UK (GMT/UTC)
Funchal is famed for its lidos, promenades and botanical gardens, with a compact old town that’s easy to explore on foot. The hotel’s position between the seafront and city makes it a convenient base whether you’re here for levada walks, garden-hopping or simply sea views and good food.
Hotel information and facilities may change seasonally and without prior notice; some services depend on occupancy or weather and may incur local charges. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.
Prices and Book | Quinta da Penha de Franca
Quinta da Penha de Franca Prices & Book
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FAQs | Quinta da Penha de Franca
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Quinta da Penha de Franca on the seafront?
Yes. The property is split between a traditional manor house in the gardens and a more modern seafront building. From the lower section you have direct access to the Atlantic via swimming platforms and saltwater pools, giving a very coastal feel even though there is no sandy beach.
2. How far is Quinta da Penha de Franca from Funchal centre?
The hotel is around 1km from Funchal resort centre. You can walk along the promenade into town in around 10–15 minutes, or take a short bus ride from the stop about 20 metres from the property. Taxis are also easy to arrange via reception.
3. What board bases can I book at Quinta da Penha de Franca?
You can choose from Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Half Board Plus and Full Board. Half Board typically includes buffet-style breakfast and dinner, often served at Joe’s Restaurant, with set-menu options during quieter periods. Drinks inclusions and restaurant opening hours may vary by season, so always check current details on arrival.
4. Is Quinta da Penha de Franca suitable for children?
Children are welcome and there is a dedicated children’s saltwater pool plus family-friendly room types that can sleep up to three guests and an infant. That said, the atmosphere is more peaceful and traditional than resort-style, so families looking for kids’ clubs or extensive organised entertainment may prefer a larger resort hotel.
5. Are there many steps at Quinta da Penha de Franca?
As a historic quinta built on a hillside between gardens and seafront, there are various levels and some steps and slopes around the property, particularly when moving between the manor section and the modern seafront building. Guests with reduced mobility should discuss their needs before booking so a suitable room location can be requested.
6. Does the hotel have entertainment or a spa?
Quinta da Penha de Franca focuses on a calm, low-key ambience rather than scheduled entertainment. You can expect relaxed evenings with drinks and conversation rather than shows. There is no full spa on site, but reception can help arrange local treatments or recommend nearby spas in Funchal.
7. What is a ‘quinta’ and how does that shape the stay here?
A “quinta” in Madeira is traditionally a manor house or estate that’s been converted into a small hotel. At Quinta da Penha de Franca this means classic architecture, mature gardens, more personalised service and a boutique feel rather than a large, modern resort. Many guests return year after year for that authentic Madeiran atmosphere.
















