Casa Brilho do Sol

The villa is situated just minutes from the village of Prazeres in the relatively rural southwest region of Madeira. This quaint little village is considered one of the most picturesque on the Island surrounded by majestic mountains, lush green valleys and beautiful nature trails. And with a charming little animal farm, herb garden and tea rooms, you and your family will love to while away the day here. Also, within easy reach, is the alluring Jardim do Mar, quite literally the garden of the sea, a scenic coastal area boasting three pebble beaches backed by spectacular scenery. And with access to the best waves on the Island surf is most definitely up!

Just five minutes-drive down the road you can find the livelier village of Calheta. This pretty area is a very popular spot due to its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, where many activities from snorkelling and canoeing to surfing and windsurfing are all on offer, ensuring the whole family are kept entertained. The area also boasts wonderful historic churches and a variety of shops bars and restaurants. And for something a little different, the sugar cane museum and working factory is well worth a visit, where you’ll enjoy a slice of delicious traditional honey cake and glass of Poncha on your way round.

42km east you’ll discover Madeira’s historic capital Funchal, amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens where flowers bloom all year round in the shelter of the verdant mountains. Funchal is a beautiful city, relaxed by day and exciting by night. You’ll love to amble along its picturesque seafront promenade enjoying a drink in one of its many beachfront bars. From here take the cable car to Monte, where you can visit the world-renowned Monte Palace Tropical Garden. And to get back to the Old Town from Monte don’t miss sliding down the steep hill on a traditional wicker toboggan! Once in the old town, be sure to visit some of the fabulous restaurants serving mouth-watering skewered meats, alongside exquisite tapas and heavenly desserts such as honey cake and passion fruit pudding. Football fans will also enjoy a visit to a museum in honour of Madeira’s best loved son Cristiano Ronaldo here.

There are a wide range of activities on offer on the Island, but one of the most breath-taking has to be a glorious hike along some of the 2,092 kilometres of narrow stone irrigation channels known as levadas, criss-crossing Madeira's lush mountainous countryside into the Laurisilva forest. In fact, three stunning trails can be found within easy reach of your villa. And for the adrenaline junkies amongst you, try your hand at the many mountain-bike trails that plunge and ascend this beautiful landscape, or throw yourself into some canyoning, which will have you sliding over cascades and abseiling down waterfalls.

For the more serene, a wine tasting tour is a must. Head to Camara de Lobos, a lovely traditional fishing village 39km east for a free Madeira wine tasting experience at local producer Henriques & Henriques. Or perhaps the black lava bathing pools of Porto Moniz, 26km north, will provide the perfect trip, where the meeting of Atlantic waves and a prehistoric volcanic eruption has formed spiky rings of black lava rock along the waterfront turning it into one of the world's weirdest and most beautiful swimming baths.

However, you like to spend your holiday, Madeira’s year-round climate and stunning natural scenery, from sublime mountain ranges, rugged cliffs, lush forests and delightful flower gardens, will provide you with everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday experience. 

About Calheta

Calheta, meaning ‘Small Cove’, is where many tourists flock to in order to indulge in beautiful man-made beaches beaches and striking scenery.

This part of Madeira is formed of several municipalities, each with something unique and special to offer. Calheta Village is an ideal place to start especially if you enjoy a stiff drink! An old sugar cane factory still produces one of the world’s most respected white rums – Aguardente…perhaps you want to leave this part of your holiday till late in the evening!

Jardim do Mar is where you will find many of the locals on dawn patrol, taking to the waves and surfing. The waters can both be heavy and flat, making them ideal for abilities of surfer. Akaw!
 
For lovers of seafood, you should look no further than Paul do Mar. This is a village where most of the fisherman work out of, so you know you’ll be able to find the catch of the day here.

For those who have travelled to Madeira for its inland beauty, then look no further than Arco da Calheta and Prazeres. Within these locations you won’t only be able find some stunning hiking trails, but you’re also likely to stumble across some traditionally styled Parishes and unforgettable views.

Local Public Holidays

1st January - New Year's Day
40 Days before Easter - Carnival Tuesday
21st March - Good Friday & Easter Sunday
25th April - Liberty Day
1st May - Worker's Day
10th June - Portugal Day
8 weeks after Easter - Fest of Corpus Christi
1st July - Madeira Day
15th August - Our Lady of Assumption Day
5th October - Day of the Republic
1st November - All Saint's Day
1st December - Restoration of Independence Day
8th December - Immaculate Conception Day
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day

Getting There

Madeira is served by Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo CR7, Funchal.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on Air Portugal, British Airways, easyJet  and many others. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.