MADEIRA:
Most tour operators offer accommodation in the Funchal hotel zone. That is the place to be if you want to stay close to the little night life which Madeira offers and if you wish to avoid driving.
If you prefer to escape the urban environment, hiring a car at the airport will give you the freedom to explore the island and stay in the beautiful scenery of the Madeiran countryside.
Many self catering properties are situated in rural locations where a car journey is necessary to find food, drink or anything else. A location in a village where you can easily walk to the shop, bar or restaurant (often all the same ) is a major advantage.
The villages outside Funchal are mostly located high on hillsides with views out over the distant Atlantic. Above 500m low cloud often closes in except in high summer. The north coast of the island is rugged and picturesque but the prevailing winds bring most of the island's rain from the north. The south facing coastal villages are generally sunnier
The small village of Jardim do Mar looks out to sea at the foot of spectacular cliffs on the south west facing coast 5 minutes drive from Calheta where there is a busy marina, a sandy bathing beach, shops and several more restaurants. Whale and dolphin watching or fishing excursions can be arranged from Calheta. Some of the island's finest scenery and walking are within a 20 minute drive into the mountains
WHERE IS CALHETA?
Calheta is an administrative region in the South West of Madeira. It covers an area of 115 sq K it includes several villages and several areas of new residential development. Calheta Beach is situated on a narrow coastal strip and consists of the Calheta Beach Hotel, the imported sandy beach and the Marina. With the exception of the hotel there is very little accommodation within walking distance of Calheta Beach. Most self catering holiday accommodation is located much higher up the hillside in the recent development around Arco da Calheta and Estreto da Calheta. The nearby old fishing villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are at sea level with their own pebble beaches. All of these locations are within 5/10 min. drive of Calheta Beach.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
