Villa Calhau

The Villa is situated in the quiet hillside village of Faja de Ovelhua, just outside Calheta on the relatively rural southwest coast of Madeira. A quaint village set high amongst lush banana plantations, dotted with traditional houses and criss-crossed with narrow sleepy tracks, you will enjoy wonderful vistas uncompromised by hordes of tourists. Some of the most awe-inspiring hiking trails can be found in this beautiful area so make sure you pack the right footwear to enjoy these unique journeys.

A few minutes’ drive away, you’ll find the more vibrant village of Calheta. A variety of shops, some delicious seafood restaurants, pretty churches to amble round and a lovely modern marina with its own selection of bars and restaurants awaits. Families will love the beautiful sandy beach here, with sand imported from Morocco and azure crystal-clear waters that are calm enough for kids to enjoy. Activities range from surfing, canoeing, whale watching and even paragliding, so the whole family will find something they love.

There are 2092km of hiking trails that Madeira is renowned for, and you are ideally located to explore some of the most breath-taking right on your doorstep. These narrow stone irrigation channels run across the Island through lush mountain countryside to deep into the Laurislilva forest. Spectacular scenery awaits, from awe-inspiring Ocean panoramas to glorious hidden waterfalls.

For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, this dynamic landscape can also be traversed by mountain bike or even on a 4x4 tour.  For the more serene however, perhaps try a wine tasting tour on the south coast of the Island, a day trip to the historic Capital of Funchal with its charming old town, or a relaxing afternoon in the black lava bathing pools of the north.  With a fantastic year-round climate and a diverse landscape from majestic mountain ranges, to beautiful beaches and lush forest, you and your family or group of friends will love the very special Island of Madeira

Read more about Calheta

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!

Download our Madeira travel guide >>