Casa Justino

Casa Justino is only minutes walk from the old town area, this quaint part of town is soaked in the island’s history.  Many of the beautiful old buildings and churches you will find along the cobbled streets are open for you to visit, they may not all be use for their original purpose, some housing wonderful exhibitions and museums, one of these is Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Blandy’s have been producing Madeira wine for well over 200 years, making this a perfect place to visit to learn about the history of wine production on the island.

From here in the old town you can take a cable car ride up to the small town of Monte sitting some 500m on the hillside above the city. This 20 minute ride is quite special as is Monte itself, home to the fantastic Botanic Garden and the Monte Palace Garden. When you are ready to return you can return by cable car, bus or the maddest way is to come hurtling down in a wicker basket drive by two carreiros.  

Dining out in Funchal is delightful, the Portuguese specialities of locally caught fish and bananas grown on the hillside plantations feature highly, there are many talented chefs offer a very exciting range of cuisine. Should you wish to cook at home making the most of the beautiful terrace, kitchen and BBQ, exotic local produce is widely available, nowhere more so than at the Art Deco fronted Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers market) check out the fish counters, particularly the black scabbard fish, how can something so very very ugly be so very very tasty!

You won’t find any sandy beaches here in the city, however the beautiful new Lido complex with its salt water pools, offers a great place for adults and children to swim safely. There are loungers and parasols to hire while you people watch and dry off. You can actually access the sea under the watchful eyes of lifeguards if you wish to experience swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

Should you take a trip to the west of Funchal before too long you come upon the magnificent Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ on the headland of Ponta do Garajau, well worth a stop over to walk out onto the point, the views along the coast are amazing. Garajau’s pebbled beach is special as it is the centre for Europe’s first underwater nature reserve which was created to protect a very special area of the seabed. No fishing is allowed in this area to conserve existing species and to encourage regeneration of the natural habitat, all of this makes for wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities for all abilities. A little further west is the charming old city of Machico, full of colour, culture and history, the founding fathers of the island landed here in the 14th century.   Here there is one of only two beautiful golden sandy beaches on the island, the sand having been imported from north Africa.

Whether you stay around the city or venture further afield you are assured of a fabulous villa to relax in when you return to Casa Justino at the end of the day.

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

Funchal is the largest city on the island of Madeira and is encapsulated by Pico Ruivo and its neighbouring mountains, which look as if they have been seamlessly carved into the skyline by a Lusitanian God.

There is no better spot to start your holiday than in the Old Town, which illustrates its personality though street art, architecture and busy local businesses. There are many fine eateries, botanical gardens, a cathedral and impressive museums. Perhaps hop on the Madeira Cable Car as one of your first activities, as this will give you a great idea of the islands size.

Many flock Funchal in order to enjoy the Atlantic Coastline. This is home to its prominent harbour, where hundreds of boats and yachts, some of which enable visitors to embark on a magical sea voyage, can be found. Funchal really is a destination for lovers of the sea; as there are renowned surfing points, as well as being a great place to spot some whales.

Madeirans are also notorious for their elaborate festivals. If you’re travelling during the New Year, you will be treated to one of the world’s biggest Firework Festivals…a dazzling sight! During late February & early Mrach, you are able to witness Carnival and the streets of Funchal are lit with parades and festivities. If that’s not enough for you; the Atlantic Festival International Fireworks Competition, Wine Festival and Christmas are all noteworthy dates for anyone visiting Funchal.

There are some incredible villas on the island and we believe that we have done a great job finding them for you. Have a browse and let us know what you think.

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 >>