Step into Villa Samba and feel immediately at ease, as the sunlight pours through vast glass doors, drawing your gaze to sweeping views of Funchal and the Atlantic beyond. Inside, a sense of calm and connection reigns, with thoughtfully curated spaces blending contemporary design and island heritage. Original artworks from local artists punctuate each room, while warm wood tones, organic textures, and a gentle nod to Madeira’s craft traditions add soul to the stylish surroundings.
Three spacious ensuite bedrooms provide quiet retreat, and the open-plan living area—with its baby grand piano, suspended fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows—feels both inviting and inspiring. You’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, games room, private office, and even a karaoke machine tucked into the villa’s playful corners.
Step outside and you're greeted by a saltwater infinity pool that seems to spill into the horizon. A jacuzzi, sun loungers, and a covered terrace invite long afternoons in the sun or dinners beneath the stars. The garden borders a vineyard and banana plantation, adding to the peaceful, local feel.
Perched in the hills just minutes from Funchal’s old town and the island’s wild interiors, Villa Samba is both a peaceful haven and the perfect launchpad for Madeiran adventures.
What Oliver loves...
Panoramic sea and city views from the infinity pool, jacuzzi, and every main living space.
A private art collection featuring over 30 original pieces commissioned from local Madeiran artists.
Walking distance to a charming café, bakery, and grocery store—ideal for daily essentials and local flavour.
A baby grand piano, karaoke machine, games room and more, perfect for entertaining all ages.
What you should know
The saltwater infinity pool is not fenced, so children should be supervised at all times when outdoors.
As Madeira is a growing destination, some construction may take place nearby during your stay.
The third bedroom overlooks the side yard and has a smaller private balcony compared to the others.
Meticulously selected. Rigorously approved. Our experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes; only the very best make it into our collection.
4.7/5 Rated Excellent
Voted one of the Best Villa Rental Companies in the World by Condé Nast Traveller readers for nine years running.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Samba
<1hr to Airport
Walk to Restaurant
Seaview
Tucked into the sun-drenched hills above Funchal, Villa Samba enjoys a prime spot in one of Madeira’s most sought-after residential neighbourhoods. Here, you’ll be surrounded by peaceful pockets of local life—small farms with banana trees and vines, chirping birds, and the occasional echo of folk music drifting through the amphitheatre-shaped valley. A short stroll takes you to a charming café serving warm bolo do caco, while just minutes in the other direction, a bakery and grocery store offer everyday essentials.
For a broader selection, the nearby shopping mall has everything from a cinema and post office to international shops and even an Apple Store. You're also just ten minutes by car from Funchal’s historic Old Town, known for its cobbled streets, painted doors, and lively market. This region is steeped in maritime history and botanical beauty, famous for its terraced hillsides, dramatic viewpoints, and vibrant traditions—making it a delightful blend of the authentic and the accessible.
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!
