Sao Tiago Fort
Sao Tiago Fort
3.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Sao Tiago Fort and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
885 within 3 miles
Attractions
252 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
432 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
142
Average
151
Poor
42
Terrible
8
The Gluten Free Wanderer
Surrey, UK352 contributions
Jan 2020
Our guidebook listed this fort as a 'free place for families to enjoy' so we were very surprised when we were accosted at the gate and asked to pay admission.
We declined (as it seems to be just a fort with restaurants inside) it, and instead walked around to see more of the surrounding areas, which are very pretty. There's a nice promenade outside a little church on top a cliff right at the back of the fort which is nicer.
We declined (as it seems to be just a fort with restaurants inside) it, and instead walked around to see more of the surrounding areas, which are very pretty. There's a nice promenade outside a little church on top a cliff right at the back of the fort which is nicer.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roontevez
Southampton, UK5 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We booked a golden package deal at the Fort to be picked up in the Plymouth vintage car, taken to the restaurant, wined and dined and then returned to our hotel in the same car.
It was booked on the Sunday to go later in the week and to be picked up at 19:00 for a 19:30 reservation.
On the day we were ready by 18:50 for the pick up and waited outside as instructed. By 19:15 nothing had arrived so I asked at reception and was told that the car was delayed in traffic.
19:30 came and went still nothing. Reception called the restaurant and was told the car was on its way.
At about 19:40 we saw a different car go past with clients in. Shortly afterwards the same car came back and parked across the road (extremely busy) and the driver beckoned us over. By then we were pretty cheesed off and told him to come over.
When he did he told us that the car we had requested had a broken engine and this had been the case for the last two weeks.
By now nearly an hour late we told him to forget it and we would not be going.
We also reported this situation to our hotel reception who agreed that that this was an unacceptable incident.
We are unable to comment on the food as we never got there
It was booked on the Sunday to go later in the week and to be picked up at 19:00 for a 19:30 reservation.
On the day we were ready by 18:50 for the pick up and waited outside as instructed. By 19:15 nothing had arrived so I asked at reception and was told that the car was delayed in traffic.
19:30 came and went still nothing. Reception called the restaurant and was told the car was on its way.
At about 19:40 we saw a different car go past with clients in. Shortly afterwards the same car came back and parked across the road (extremely busy) and the driver beckoned us over. By then we were pretty cheesed off and told him to come over.
When he did he told us that the car we had requested had a broken engine and this had been the case for the last two weeks.
By now nearly an hour late we told him to forget it and we would not be going.
We also reported this situation to our hotel reception who agreed that that this was an unacceptable incident.
We are unable to comment on the food as we never got there
Written May 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relax537238
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
What has happened???
Lovely friendly staff,
Lots of flowing wine but the food!!!
No vegetarian starters had to choose a pasta dish/
Tiniest piece of chicken on a squirt of mayonnaise compliments of the chef!! Really?
Spinach gnocchi i can only describe as battle ship grey and totally and utterly tasteless !!
Such a shame has really gone down hill from our last visit can’t recommend and wont be returning!
Lovely friendly staff,
Lots of flowing wine but the food!!!
No vegetarian starters had to choose a pasta dish/
Tiniest piece of chicken on a squirt of mayonnaise compliments of the chef!! Really?
Spinach gnocchi i can only describe as battle ship grey and totally and utterly tasteless !!
Such a shame has really gone down hill from our last visit can’t recommend and wont be returning!
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK26,789 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Saturday 26th June and we walked along the promenade, in Funchal, to visit this old Fort.
It is known as Fort of São Tiago ( Fort of Saint James). A definite landmark along the seafront and the mustard coloured walls and minarets make it more obvious.
When we got to the Fort we were surprised to find, assuming locals, using the space in front of the Fort as a place for sunbathing. There were a large number of people with their towels spread out over the concrete. Some were jumping off into the sea.
We did walk around trying to find the entrance, all we found was a locked gate. The Fort itself looked a bit grotty, in places the walls were covered in something resembling a black mildew.
Did not really like this part of the City found it a bit run down.
Having said that the other side of the Fort was a very nice area with Praia da Barreirinha and Igreja de Santiago Menor
It is known as Fort of São Tiago ( Fort of Saint James). A definite landmark along the seafront and the mustard coloured walls and minarets make it more obvious.
When we got to the Fort we were surprised to find, assuming locals, using the space in front of the Fort as a place for sunbathing. There were a large number of people with their towels spread out over the concrete. Some were jumping off into the sea.
We did walk around trying to find the entrance, all we found was a locked gate. The Fort itself looked a bit grotty, in places the walls were covered in something resembling a black mildew.
Did not really like this part of the City found it a bit run down.
Having said that the other side of the Fort was a very nice area with Praia da Barreirinha and Igreja de Santiago Menor
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sellest
Bushey, UK4,926 contributions
Sep 2021
We were in Funchal last week so took a little walk to Sao Tiago Fort. It’s mustard coloured walls are certainly different and it is worth having a quick wander round and to take some photos – but literally only spent about 15 minutes here. I would not go out of my way to visit but worth having a wander round if you are passing.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack B
8 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Picked up in a classic car and driven round town. 5 courses with bottomless wine - great selection of dishes. Really friendly waiters and stunning location. A truly special and memorable night.
Only area to improve was to have alcohol free wine for my pregnant wife but we were given a premium dish to make up for this.
I don't know how there are negative reviews. All boxes ticked: food, location, service, ambience!
Only area to improve was to have alcohol free wine for my pregnant wife but we were given a premium dish to make up for this.
I don't know how there are negative reviews. All boxes ticked: food, location, service, ambience!
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway32679904494
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
The location is amazing. The service is good. We chose the gastronomic tour. Mostly v good. Lots of good wine with the food. I enjoyed most of it but my husband struggled with some dishes. I think the other menu was better value . The food was interesting but not great. Dessert on menu was not available and we selected from main menu. Average. Petit fours was not worth mentioning. Service good but there was no one who seemed interested in what we thought of the food. All a bit blasé. That said, we had a good night but could have been great .
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimplyErica
London, UK27 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
The fort is lovely and easy to find as right on the front. You can walk around very easily to explore. There is also an amazing restaurant within its walls and you can have a meal inside, or on the turrets or in courtyard. Good value and excellent service.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shart7
Bedford, UK319 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
This is at the far end of the Prom and is a lovely old building well worth a view and a wander and to look out to sea from the Fort. Its free if you just want to wander around the fort but you need to pay if your going to go in to the exibitions, Well worth a wander.
Written February 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter E
Wirral, UK155 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
An extensive,impressive building dating back hundreds of years. Wonderful sea views from the ramparts and lots of steps,nooks and crannies etc. there's a museum to visit and a very good quality restaurant within the walls. Located at Eastern end of promenade,ie opposite end to marina.
When we visited,there was a lovely 60s Opel on display and a fabulous 1930s open top Austin(12,I think).
Totally recommended.
When we visited,there was a lovely 60s Opel on display and a fabulous 1930s open top Austin(12,I think).
Totally recommended.
Written February 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is there to see at the fort and how long do I need to allow for a visit?
Written May 1, 2019
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing