Villa Goncalo

Situated in a quiet family friendly neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from the country’s vibrant capital Funchal, you’ll love the plethora of activities on your doorstep. From surfing and whale watching, to breath-taking hikes and a round or two of golf, you have plenty to keep the whole family amused.

On Madeira’s sunniest coast, amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens where flowers bloom all year round in the shelter of the verdant mountains, Funchal is a beautiful city, relaxed by day and exciting by night. You’ll love to amble along Funchal’s picturesque seafront promenade enjoying a drink in one of its many beachfront bars. From here take the cable car to Monte, where you can visit the world-renowned Monte Palace Tropical Garden. And to get back to the Old Town from Monte don’t miss sliding down the steep hill on a traditional wicker toboggan! Once in the old town, be sure to visit some of the fabulous restaurants serving mouth-watering skewered meats, alongside exquisite tapas and heavenly desserts such as honey cake and passion fruit pudding. Football fans will also enjoy a visit to a museum in honour of Madeira’s best loved son Cristiano Ronaldo here.

If it’s a golden sandy beach you desire, then head to Machico on the south east coast, where the sand has been imported from Morocco and you can enjoy fantastic swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Situated in Santa Cruz, you’re also in prime position to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding pine landscapes. And with a stunning backdrop of orange houses nestled in green rolling hills, with the largest mountain on the island Pico Ruivo, inviting you to climb its peaks, you’ll love its scenic beauty. Santa Cruz is also home to many wonderful 16th century monuments as well as some delicious fine dining restaurants.

There are a wide range of activities on offer on the Island, but one of the most breath-taking has to be a glorious hike along some of the 2,092 kilometres of narrow stone irrigation channels known as levadas, criss-crossing Madeira's lush mountainous countryside into the Laurisilva forest. One of the most scenic is the Levada do Caldeirao Verde, which meanders four miles past leafy glades and plunging ocean views before emerging into a picturesque clearing sprinkled by a 91-meter waterfall. Just spectacular! And for the adrenaline junkies amongst you, try your hand at the many mountain-bike trails that plunge and ascend this beautiful landscape, or throw yourself into some canyoning, which will have you sliding over cascades and abseiling down waterfalls.

For the more serene, a wine tasting tour is a must. Head to Camara de Lobos, a lovely traditional fishing village 14km west for a free Madeira wine tasting experience at local producer Henriques & Henriques. Or perhaps the black lava bathing pools of Porto Moniz, 53km north, will provide the perfect day trip, where the meeting of Atlantic waves and a prehistoric volcanic eruption has formed spiky rings of black lava rock along the waterfront turning it into one of the world's weirdest and most beautiful swimming baths.

However, you like to spend your holiday, Madeira’s year-round climate and stunning natural scenery, from majestic mountains, rugged cliffs, lush forests and delightful flower gardens, will provide you with everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday experience. 

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 >>