Villa Cancela

Villa Cancela is based just a few minutes away from the centre of Canico, allowing guests to experience the vibrant nuances of this region with ease. The Funchal Workers’ Market works tirelessly to celebrate the region’s devoted workforce, hosting a bustling market to help showcase their artisan goods. Here, guests can purchase a wealth of quirky handmade goods such as leather products and embroidery pieces. Thus, this is an ideal landmark to visit if you are looking to pick up a few interesting souvenirs to show off back home. The Funchal Workers’ Market is situated just under 15 minutes away from the villa and occurs Monday-Friday from 7 am to 6 pm.
 
Though Canico is not particularly known for its nightlife, it is well recognised for its tremendous collection of mouthwatering cocktails. Poncha is a traditional cocktail found throughout this area and is made with fresh citrus fruits, honey, and lashings of rich rum. Due to its intense flavours, it is often regarded as a home remedy for the common cold. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, Nikita is a sweet drink made with vanilla ice cream, pineapple chunks, and local beer. As such, guests are encouraged to take a stroll into the local town and experience these unusual flavour combinations for themselves. Whilst there, they must also browse through the collection of artisan shops on offer.
 
Alongside its native cocktails, this region also boasts a unique and transformative local food scene. One of the most prominent delicacies within this area is its fresh tuna, which is often grilled to perfection to give it a much more decadent flavour. This dish is also served with a sweet glass of Madeiran rose, helping to elevate the entire meal. Guests must also delve into a wealth of espetadas, which are indulgent skewers that have been crafted with tender pieces of beef and freshly cooked vegetables. These skiers are often cooked over a roaring wood fire for a richer taste and smell. In turn, this is an ideal location to visit if you are looking to take a leap outside of your culinary comfort zone and try a collection of novel menu items.

Read more about Funchal

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 >>