Villa Gaula

Villa Gaula is situated in the historic village of Santa Cruz - one of the oldest on the island. It is home to some beautiful rocky and black sandy beaches, including the Praia das Palmeiras, which offers fantastic sunset views and is a great place to spend a relaxing day, with its seafront promenade lined with palm trees and restaurants.

Nearby Funchal is the island’s capital and is one of the most popular areas with visitors to Madeira, thanks to its mild year-round temperatures, stunning landscapes, and variety of things to see and do. Whatever outdoor pursuits you are into, you’re sure to find them here in Funchal, whether it’s hiking or cycling, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, paragliding, surfing or even golf. Boat trips are popular here, as are whale-watching tours - and you’ll find plenty of places in the region offering such excursions, so Oliver highly recommends booking up if you want the chance to do something really unique during your stay.

If it’s nightlife you’re after, you won’t be disappointed either, as Funchal comes alive after dark while still retaining the calm and laid-back atmosphere that tourists love. Guests who come here like to spend the evenings and earlier parts of the night dining in one of the many restaurants and bars - perhaps sampling some Poncha, a delicious local sugar cane rum! - and then heading home for a few hours before setting out again around midnight, with bars and clubs in the area offering good music and a friendly ambience right through until 7 am!

Funchal is a fantastic place to visit all year round, with lots of exciting attractions and festivals to experience. The city’s Carnival and Flower Festival is celebrated during the summer months, where you can enjoy samba beats and colourful costumed parades, as well as June’s Atlantic Festival’s International Fireworks Competition and the region’s famous wine festival. One of Funchal’s best-known celebrations is its New Year’s Eve firework display, which is one of the largest in the world, and if you happen to be visiting Funchal during the Christmas period, you’ll be treated to a twinkling wonderland as the whole city comes alive with lights.

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 >>