Villa Maiana

A charming Portuguese island in the Atlantic, Madeira sits to the west of Morocco and south-west of Gibraltar. Wonderfully scenic, the island is rugged and mountainous, making it something of a playground for outdoor pursuits. It is notably good for surfing and diving, providing some great on-land adventures too. Exploring the routes of its unique 'levadas', Madeira's canal-like irrigation channels, is a favourite pastime of visiting walkers.

The capital Funchal is a 20-minute drive from Madeira International Airport, itself located on the eastern coast. The historic Old Town and chilled waterfront make a tempting combo. You can enjoy landmark buildings like the 16th-century cathedral, Sé, known for its impressive wooden ceiling, and a variety of interesting museums. As well as the area's history, specialist museums cover local crafts like embroidery and wine-making. The atmospheric farmers' market, or Mercado dos Lavradores, is a must-see – full of vibrant colour, it's a great photo opportunity, and at its liveliest on a Friday morning.

Another big attraction in Funchal is the cable car which ascends from the Old Town in the direction of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Botanical Gardens of Madeira. Each of these is well worth the trip, which also delivers some amazing views of the area. When you come back down again, the town's excellent restaurants and cool oceanfront bars offer plenty of ways to spend the evening.

If you are looking for beach life, you have many of them around the coast to try. While many are pebbly or filled with black volcanic sand, you will find some with golden sand, such as Calheta, where it has been specially imported. The real jewel in the crown is the 9km beach at Porto Santo – you will need to take a ferry across to this island to visit it, but it's well worth the journey. You will also find a golf course there.

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 >>