One of the oldest parishes on the Island, the beautiful village of Calheta sits in a picturesque bay on the southwest of the Island of Madeira. This pretty area is a very popular spot due to its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, where many activities from snorkelling and canoeing to surfing and windsurfing are all on offer, ensuring the whole family are kept entertained. The area also boasts wonderful historic churches and access to stunning levada trails. And for something a little different, the sugar cane museum and working factory is well worth a visit, where you’ll enjoy a slice of delicious traditional honey cake and glass of Poncha on your way round.

38km east you’ll discover Madeira’s historic capital Funchal, 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 its 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.

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. In fact there are three stunning trails within easy reach of the villa. 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 24km east for a free Madeira wine tasting experience at local producer Henriques & Henriques. Or perhaps the black lava bathing pools of Porto Moniz, 47km 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.