Discover a hidden paradise in Madeira, where stunning views, a cliffside pool, and a secluded beach await.
Amazing Villa - Amazing location
“We had a wonderful stay here. The villa was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Sleeps 6 but that would mean four people sharing the master bedroom by using the sofa bed.
An indoor BBQ, Washing machine and Dishwasher, with tabs and wood provided...”
“We had a wonderful stay here. The villa was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Sleeps 6 but that would mean four people sharing the master bedroom by using the sofa bed.
An indoor BBQ, Washing machine and Dishwasher, with tabs and wood provided...”
Set off the beaten track, as you arrive at Faja do Mar, a narrow driveway guides you towards this elegant villa. Spilling out across a flat piece of land at the foot of the cliff in sunny Calheta, it is hard to know in which direction to look. With the elegance of the villa, the drama of the cliffs, the vibrant colours of the gardens and the breath-taking blue of the Gulf Stream, every direction offers a new delight!
The colours and aesthetic outside have been emanated throughout the villa interiors, with whites, blues, and orange features throughout, creating a beautiful connection between the indoors and outdoor and setting a completely relaxed atmosphere throughout the entire property. The entirety of the ground floor boasts a beautiful open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Large patio doors make the most of the idyllic sea views, with banana trees framing each vista! Upstairs, both bedrooms boast en-suite shower rooms, and the master also boasts a relaxing balcony with the same stunning views as downstairs. You can wake up each morning, draw open your curtains and fully immerse yourself in this breath-taking setting whilst curling back under the covers.
It is outside that Faja do Mar starts to feel truly magical. The fabulous swimming pool has been built into the cliff, with a wide shelf where you can sit, lay, or even place a sunbed and listen to the water lapping around you. A private zen garden sits to the side, where a trickling waterfall weaves around a working levada; a vine-covered veranda where you can relax in the evening with a glass of chilled wine while watching the sunset.
Thirty metres below the villa, accessed via a winding pathway, is a secluded rocky beach with a lovely little beach hut that is shared by a few of the local villas, Faja do Mar included. A front terrace with sunbeds, an outdoor shower, a built-in barbecue, and a large table, as well as a small kitchen, all create another fantastic spot for relaxing and soaking in the unbeatable atmosphere at this villa.
Whether you are looking to spend all your time at the villa, go hiking in the hills, or to visit the local towns and villages soaking in the culture, then this is the best spot, a small corner of paradise on the emerald isle of Madeira.
What Oliver loves...
Located right on the waterfront, 30-metres up from a secluded beach, Faja do Mar offers a small slice of paradise!
The private swimming pool boasts beautiful views of the sea and can be heated if you desire
Built elegantly into the cliff, the living spaces are modern, yet the colours and taste all merge seamlessly with the luscious surroundings
What you should know
Guests can rent Villa Calcada and Villa Faja do Mar together as sister properties, perfect for larger groups!
The swimming pool can be heated; please request this in advance when booking
The access to the villa is narrow and steep; for your comfort, we would recommend hiring a smaller size car
Meticulously selected. Rigorously approved. Our experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes; only the very best make it into our collection.
4.7/5 Rated Excellent
Voted one of the Best Villa Rental Companies in the World by Condé Nast Traveller readers for nine years running.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Faja do Mar
<1hr to Airport
Seafront
Tourist Towns & Villages
If you have not visited Madeira before, then we are sure that this visit will have you returning year on year! With temperatures that never drop below 19ºC and the warm Gulf stream lapping at the shores of this emerald Isle, it is no surprise that Madeira has become an ever-popular holiday spot for travellers from all over the world!
Located several hundred kilometres west of the African coast, Madeira was the first island to be discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1419 and quickly became an important resting place on the long trip to the new world. From these humble beginnings, this tranquil island has now become a haven for culture, history, and stunning nature, as well as an endless array of sea and land activities, which draw visitors in as a destination for holidays.
Located in the area of its names, the villa is situated in Fajã Do Mar, just a short way along the coast from Madalena do Mar, a small village located on the southwest coast of the island, known for its beautiful sea and cliff views. This quaint fishing village boasts charm and character in abundance, with a beautiful promenade along the pebble beach and an assortment of restaurants for lazy lunches or evenings out. The location and warm climate have helped it to establish the biggest banana plantations on the island, so make sure you try some of the local fruit!
If you are after a sandy beach, then Calheta, with its man-made golden beach, is the perfect stop off. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the marina is alive with activity, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to bars and restaurants, so you can keep yourselves fuelled for a day on the beach. Easily reached within a fifteen-minute drive of the villa, the hardest decision is always beach or pool?! Calheta is also famous for producing the best white rum 'Aguadente', a special ingredient of the typical Madeiran drink 'Poncha'. If you fancy an alternative experience during your stay and are interested in knowing how the white rum is made, we recommend a tour of the 'Engenho da Calheta', the rum distillery where you can wander around and sample the produce.
Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.
The Region
Calheta, meaning ‘Small Cove’, is where many tourists flock to in order to indulge in beautiful man-made 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.
ABOUT MADEIRA
The island of Madeira can be found south west of mainland Portugal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the island’s location, its is considered to have a Mediterranean climate that serves locals and visitors all year round – making it an ideal escape from reality at any point in the year.
What we love Madeira for is its seemingly ongoing festivals! Madeirans have found an excuse to celebrate most things; including film, their natural surroundings and key patron saints. This means that planning a visit during these days and even weeks of commemoration is well worth it (scroll down to see some key dates).
Madeira is divided into several municipals, each with a special offering to those who visit this island. Our favourite two communities are Funchal and Calheta and these are where you will find most of our beautiful villas.
Madeira’s landscape extends much more than a striking coastline. Make sure you pack some hiking boots and venture inland during your stay. With mountainous trails along Vereda do Arieiro, or more countryside appropriate paths like Levada do Risco and waterfall chasing treks like Levada do Caldeirao Verde – this archipelago has everything a keen outdoors person requires.
For those who enjoy either playing or watching sports, you’ll be happy to know Madeira offers so much selection. Madeira is also home to three notable football clubs, so if you’re visiting during the football season and want to see a good quality of football, you have every chance to. Porto Santo Golfe is the island’s renowned golf course. With an 18-hole course (Par 72) overlooking a Galapagos-like backdrop, golf enthusiasts will certainly want a ‘slice’ of the action! Surfers can access some great beaches like Jardim do Mar, Ponta Pequena, Paul do Mar, and Fajã da Ovelha in order to find some swell. Or, if you’re simply looking to recline on a sun lounger and soak up some rays, whilst listening to crystal clear waves break as they hit the shores, you will find plenty of man-made beaches & Lidos created for your leisure!
With a superb climate, close proximity to the coastline, wonderful cuisine, charming locals and astonishing scenery – this is a fabulous holiday choice for families & friends.
But while you're enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Madeira, you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we've put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!
