Villa Canico

Villa Canico is located on the mountainous hillside in the charming village of Canico and reached via windy roads and one-way streets. The surrounding area is quiet and offers fabulous coastal views, good beaches and plenty of nearby restaurants.

From the villa, it’s a 15-minute walk to Cristo Rei do Garajau, a stunning viewing platform overlooking the Garajau Marine Reserve and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. The statue of Christ, similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil overlooks the area and it’s a charming spot to sit and soak up the sea views. For even better views, carry on to the tip of the peninsula where you’ll be able to see the Bay of Funchal and the city’s red-tiled roofs tucked into the slopes.

In the foothills of Garajau is a lovely pebble beach that can be reached by car or cable car from Cristo Rei. Dip your toes in the sea, or enjoy a swim if the water is calm enough. Afterwards, relax at the beach bar and soak up the sun from its terrace.  

Also worth a visit is Praia dos Reis Magos, a popular pebble beach with safe swimming areas. It’s an 8-minute drive east and has a lovely seaside promenade and a selection of restaurants and bars. It’s also a good spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Canico is full of hiking and levada trails but for a casual stroll head inland, and you’ll find one of Madeira’s finest gardens, the Palheiro Gardens. A private garden and part of an estate owned by the winemaking Blandy family, it’s a serene spot with a bewildering number of tropical flowers, exotic trees and stunning array of plants. While here, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the 18-hole Palheiro golf course. Regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful courses, you may find it hard to decide whether to play golf or simply stop and stare at the spectacular views from the greens.

Ten minutes into the hills above Canico, and you’ll come to the small village of Camacha. Most of the wicker products sold on the island are made here. Watch wicker-weavers at work on their doorsteps and in workshops and afterwards browse the local shops selling everything from wicker bedsteads to baskets and ornaments.  

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 >>