Nestled in the cliffside near the town of Ponta do Sol sits Casa Damita. This stylish villa enjoys breathtaking views of the coastline and the sea beyond thanks to its unique position.

Ponta do Sol, or ‘Sun Point’, is a small town located on the south coast of Madeira. As the name suggests, it is rumoured that the town sees more sun throughout the year than anywhere else of the island. The town’s main beach has largely pebble shores, and thanks to the volcanic rock of Madeira, the black shores are a unique experience for many. A number of oceanfront restaurants are also found in Ponta do Sol. A town known for its seafood, there is a range to choose from, from muscles to Madeira’s famed Espada or black scabbardfish, this is a seafood lovers paradise. If seafood isn’t to your liking, then a selection of restaurants do have more familiar flavours available.

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is around a 30-minute drive away and offers a great selection of activities, amenities, bars and restaurants. The Old Town is always a popular haunt and has a number of sights, restaurants and shops to visit. The main shopping streets of Rua do Aljube, Rua da Carreira and Rua Dr Fernao Ornelas are great for a bit of retail therapy. And if you are after a bit of culture, the Cathedral of Funchal does not disappoint. Dating back to the 16th century, during the peak of Portuguese power, the Cathedral was built as a symbol of Portuguese power and prosperity. The altarpiece at the Cathedral is quite exceptional; with gilt woodwork, small sculptures and oil painting, it is simply stunning.

The cable car running up Funchal’s hillside is always great fun and offers a unique perspective on the city from above. And once you reach the top and have admired the stunning views, you can visit the Monte Gardens with its gorgeous ornamental gardens. You can, of course, take the cable car back down, but if you are after a more exhilarating experience then take a toboggan ride back down the hill! Guided by two men, these rides offer a fast way to fly down the hillside and certainly gets the adrenaline pumping!

A stay on Madeira is not complete without visiting the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo. Sitting at 1,862 metres tall, the mountain is an extinct volcano and offers beautiful views of across the island and is a lovely place for hiking. One of the hiking trails starts at Achada do Teixeira. Hikers taking this path will have to climb 300m up to reach the top, taking around an hour and a half, but when you reach the top, the views are definitely worth it!

About Calheta

Calheta, meaning ‘Small Cove’, is where many tourists flock to in order to indulge in beautiful man-made beaches beaches and striking scenery.

This part of Madeira is formed of several municipalities, each with something unique and special to offer. Calheta Village is an ideal place to start especially if you enjoy a stiff drink! An old sugar cane factory still produces one of the world’s most respected white rums – Aguardente…perhaps you want to leave this part of your holiday till late in the evening!

Jardim do Mar is where you will find many of the locals on dawn patrol, taking to the waves and surfing. The waters can both be heavy and flat, making them ideal for abilities of surfer. Akaw!

For lovers of seafood, you should look no further than Paul do Mar. This is a village where most of the fisherman work out of, so you know you’ll be able to find the catch of the day here.

For those who have travelled to Madeira for its inland beauty, then look no further than Arco da Calheta and Prazeres. Within these locations you won’t only be able find some stunning hiking trails, but you’re also likely to stumble across some traditionally styled Parishes and unforgettable views.

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that Madeira is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the North Atlantic Ocean. This sub-tropical rainforest type climate can result in the island experiencing erratic weather patterns. When thinking about booking your holiday to Madeira, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa and upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Getting There

Madeira is served by Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo CR7, Funchal.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on Air Portugal, British Airways, easyJet  and many others. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.