Calheta holiday cottage: Arco da Calheta

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.

We stayed in this cottage for New Year 2008/9. The cottage is in a lovely position overlooking the sea and away from all the crowds whilst in a residential area. Funchal is less than 45 minutes away by car and Calhetta Beach is delightful. Madeira is a beautiful island so a car is necessary to really explore it. I agree with the other review that a small car makes life easier with regards the last part of the journey to the house. The bedrooms are very comfortable with lots of bedlinen and towels available. The terrace and patio were fabulous even though we didn't have the best weather and the downstairs area was nicely set out and the kitchen well resourced. The pool was glorious! The whole house is very clean. There are local shops and a pharmacy within walking distance. Ezeikel was extremely helpful even though we arrived late on a Saturday night. I hope that we will be able to return for another visit in the near future.
Also if you are in Madeira at New Year go to Funchal on New Year's Eve for the fireworks -they were superb, even my father who we'd dragged along with us was stunned and amzed by them, I would highly recommend this cottage to my family and friends (and have). The cottage was great value compared to a hotel and having your own pool is a total luxury.

Once we arrived at the property and shown in by the Rep, the views from the bedrooms were stunning. You go into the property at the top level and then use the spiral staircase to go down into the living/kitchen area. There is a dishwasher which is great so you don't have to even wash up. The property is ideal for an away from it all break. We had 10 days at the beginning of August and it was great, the neighbours Teresa and family are lovely and helpful. The shower in the ensuite is a bit like stepping into a spaceship but great after a day in the sun. You will need a car but try to hirer a small car ie a clio or micra as we had a focus and it was a bit tight to get in and out our the drive way. Don't be afraid of the ants or cockroaches as a good spray of "dum dum" finishes them off in no time. The TV is in English and we even managed to get Sky Sports to watch the cricket.

Calhetta is the local beach but can tend to get busy and remember that the tide does come in a little otherwise you will be constantly moving your towels back. We found the supermarket in Calhetta provided all we needed to allow for lunches and eating out was relatively cheap. The children liked the Pizza restaurant on the roundabout at Ponta do Sol, good food, good service and around 40 Euros for a meal for 4. Madelena De Mar restaurant was expensive, dirty and poor service so would avoid if possible.

Definitely take a trip to Funchal and park near the port / harbour. The sea front restuarants are good and reasonably priced. Take a drive up to Monte and experience the toboggan rides (25 Euros), then walk down to the harbour and get a bus back (2 Euros each). The cable car will cost 30 Euros for a family of 4 and a taxi will cost around 18 Euros.

You must sample the Maderian bread from the harbour or up in Monte with either Chirizo or bacon in and garlic butter. Great as a stop gap but remember that you will get full on just 2 Euros.

The island is very picturesque and very mountainous, don't let this put you off as there is a very good motorway from Funchal out to the west coast and through the mountains to Sao Vincete. There are a lot of tunnels we counted 27 from the airport to the cottage.

Highly recommend as a relaxing holiday and the weather is fairly constant and not too hot but you will still get a good colour whilst sitting out in the sun.

Barry, Maureen and Boys