Calheta holiday cottage "Casa Da Pedra" in Arco da Calheta

Stayed at this lovely character property in August 2011 with family (2 children 9 and 5). A few myths to dispel - Madeira is not full of old people and it's not expensive - it's not commercial either once you've left Funchal.

This property worked very well for us - it has loads of character and space yet it has the mod cons such as a dishwasher and wi-fi. The pictures and the description are very accurate. The agent who met us was very friendly and took his time to show us everything we needed to know. The view over the village and out to sea is amazing and you get a lovely sunset too.

I would say Arco is the perfect place to get a taste of Madeira. It's an hour from the airport, 35 minutes from Funchal and about 10 minutes down to the 'artificial' beach. Arco itself is a village that is unspoilt. It's very quiet and the property is well away from any main roads. There are probably about 10 shops and 6-8 bars in and around Arco but they are spread out and best discovered via a leisurely walk or two. You can also walk up to one of the Levadas and a day trip by car to Porto Moniz is about an hour away. There is a small supermarket about 3 minutes walk away but better to go to the one by the artificial beach, which is bigger and cheaper.

A few general tips about Madeira we found: cheap flights by Easyjet from Bristol on a Thursday; assuming you're hiring a car, the smaller the better as the roads are narrow and you wont want to go fast anyway (though it would have been nice to have a hire car with a bit more power for the hills); Funchal is worth two day trips at least - the Blandy's wine lodge is fab and like a working museum; and the 'pirate ship' is a must do - it's a replica sailing ship which will take you out to see the dolphins (90% likely) and along the coast where they stop off for anybody wanting a swim in the clear blue waters. In summary, Madeira is easy to enjoy, very good value, courteous people and very predictable fine weather without being too hot. We will definitely return one day.

Probably like so many before us, we had heard so much about Madiera and how nice it was, from friends and relations who had been there on holiday, that we decided it was time that we made the trip and experienced it for ourselves. We were not disappointed. Our 19 year old son and 23 year old daughter came with us and entirely agree with the comments made in this review.
Everything as listed on the Owners Direct website was accurate and we found the Casa da Pedra to be extremely well-kept and exceptionally clean. The beds were among the most comfortable we have ever slept in, really most welcome after a two hour flight delay left us arriving tired and hungry in the early evening. We were also very impressed with the maintenance of the pool during our stay, and with the help given by Ezekiel and Terese. Arco da Calheta is an ideal location on the island, being on the south-facing coast, but far enough away from the much busier tourist and hotel centre of the capital, Funchal. It was also nice to feel that you were living among the "locals", and we frequently used the village shops and small supermarkets. We would certainly recommend hiring a car, (small but with some power, to negotiate the many steep inclines), because you see so much more of the fantastic landscape Madiera has to offer, and can choose your own routes and decide how long you wish to stay in one location.
Highly recommended are any of the "levada" walks, plus those at the two highest peaks, a day in Funchal, and a 2 hour trip we took on a catamaran from the harbour in Funchal, and saw sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Restaurants are generally good and not over-expensive, we really liked the scabberd fish or "espada", a local delicacy.
The flowers in the parks, by the roads, and in the mountains are wonderful, and the many different species never cease to amaze.
Our only disappointment was the visit we made to the Botanical Gardens in Funchal. Parts of it seemed quite neglected, through lack of maintenance/money (?), so not recommended unless it's given a facelift. There is much we have still to see on Madiera, and we hope to return next year. Since returning to England, two friends, having seen our photographs, have already booked an 8 day break and fly out in September.

Having travelled other parts of Europe, Madeira for us has been the most memorable and enjoyable. With two energetic children, we wanted somewhere for us to de-stress from our normal hectic lifestyle while the kids have fun. Casa da Pedra certainly did just that. The property for us was outstanding a true home from home feel with the added bonus of a beautiful outdoor pool – this was well used as the weather was superb. The property was very clean and well maintained and sits within the village of Arco de Calheta amongst local residents and within walking distance to local shops and cafes. While some of the true locals spoke little English they were certainly very friendly and welcoming. Nevertheless, in the main areas such as Calheta itself, it was very easy to converse. Travelling the Madeira roads were challenging on times but it added to the fun of exploring a fabulous island – It would be wise not to drive a big vehicle but it must have plenty of power to handle the steep winding roads (tracks) and get ready to use your breaks on the way down! Navigating around the island for us was easy and enjoyable. The atmosphere generally is very relaxed and easy going and as you head up to the highest peaks particularly through the wooded areas, the smell of eucalyptus trees and flowers are amazing along with the views. If you are looking for a get away from it all holiday but like to soak up local culture as well as enjoying amazing walks, this is definitely the location to do it. The high lights for us were listening to the whales calling in the evening, watching the dolphins show off in front of a crowd, exploring beautifully and scented laveda walks and just taking it easy – just what the Doctor orders!!
We will definately be going back and staying at Casa da Pedra and would recommend it to anyone I see.