Casa Henrique

Close to the small town of Caniço a quiet coastal community and only a 10 minute drive from Funchal the islands capital, Casa Henrique is perfectly situated for easy access across the whole island. 

The villa is only a 5 minute walk from a local supermarket, bakery and cafés. From Garajau you can take a cable car down to the pebbled beach where there is a restaurant, what a cool way to go to eat out! Garajau’s pebbled beach is special as it is the centre for Europe’s first underwater nature reserve which was created to protect a very special area of the seabed. No fishing is allowed in this area to conserve existing species and to encourage regeneration of the natural habitat, all of this makes for wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities for all abilities. 

Although you can see the Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ from your villa it is still worth getting close to appreciate it and enjoy the wonderful view across to Funchal and Caniço de Baxia from a different perspective.

Nearby are the two local beaches, Prainha is that of Madeiran black volcanic sand, hidden in a beautiful cove accessible by coastal path, and Praia de Ribeira Natal most notable for the poems inscribed on the walls of the beach bar.

This southernmost area is much more arid than towards the north, the cliffs not so high and without the hillsides terraced with vineyards and banana plantations.  Leaving here you are not too far from Ponta de São Lourenço, one of the last untouched parts of the Island. a long thin peninsula with spectacular views and a fabulous spot from which to watch the sunset.

If a family day out is on the agenda a visit to a sandy beach is always welcomed. Machico which you will have passed on your drive in from the airport used to be Madeira’s capitol city has one of only two golden sandy beaches on the island. The city itself is very beautiful, legend has it that it dates to 14th century.  Activities here are very much biased towards the sea with pedal boats, SUP’s and snorkeling gear available to hire, the local boat owners offer whale watching cruises. Walking is another great reason to come to Madeira on holiday you can join the many hundred of miles of the Levada starting here in Machico.  Levadas were originally built to carry water down the mountains to irrigate the plantations on the hillsides, now they form the basis for over 800 miles of walking taking in some breathtaking views of the island, incredible when you think Madeira is only 35 miles long.

Read more about Funchal

Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.

THE REGION

Funchal is the largest city on the island of Madeira and is encapsulated by Pico Ruivo and its neighbouring mountains, which look as if they have been seamlessly carved into the skyline by a Lusitanian God.

There is no better spot to start your holiday than in the Old Town, which illustrates its personality though street art, architecture and busy local businesses. There are many fine eateries, botanical gardens, a cathedral and impressive museums. Perhaps hop on the Madeira Cable Car as one of your first activities, as this will give you a great idea of the islands size.

Many flock Funchal in order to enjoy the Atlantic Coastline. This is home to its prominent harbour, where hundreds of boats and yachts, some of which enable visitors to embark on a magical sea voyage, can be found. Funchal really is a destination for lovers of the sea; as there are renowned surfing points, as well as being a great place to spot some whales.

Madeirans are also notorious for their elaborate festivals. If you’re travelling during the New Year, you will be treated to one of the world’s biggest Firework Festivals…a dazzling sight! During late February & early Mrach, you are able to witness Carnival and the streets of Funchal are lit with parades and festivities. If that’s not enough for you; the Atlantic Festival International Fireworks Competition, Wine Festival and Christmas are all noteworthy dates for anyone visiting Funchal.

There are some incredible villas on the island and we believe that we have done a great job finding them for you. Have a browse and let us know what you think.

ABOUT MADEIRA

The island of Madeira can be found south west of mainland Portugal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the island’s location, its is considered to have a Mediterranean climate that serves locals and visitors all year round – making it an ideal escape from reality at any point in the year.

What we love Madeira for is its seemingly ongoing festivals! Madeirans have found an excuse to celebrate most things; including film, their natural surroundings and key patron saints. This means that planning a visit during these days and even weeks of commemoration is well worth it (scroll down to see some key dates).

Madeira is divided into several municipals, each with a special offering to those who visit this island. Our favourite two communities are Funchal and Calheta and these are where you will find most of our beautiful villas.

Madeira’s landscape extends much more than a striking coastline. Make sure you pack some hiking boots and venture inland during your stay. With mountainous trails along Vereda do Arieiro, or more countryside appropriate paths like Levada do Risco and waterfall chasing treks like Levada do Caldeirao Verde – this archipelago has everything a keen outdoors person requires.

For those who enjoy either playing or watching sports, you’ll be happy to know Madeira offers so much selection. Madeira is also home to three notable football clubs, so if you’re visiting during the football season and want to see a good quality of football, you have every chance to. Porto Santo Golfe is the island’s renowned golf course. With an 18-hole course (Par 72) overlooking a Galapagos-like backdrop, golf enthusiasts will certainly want a ‘slice’ of the action! Surfers can access some great beaches like Jardim do Mar, Ponta Pequena, Paul do Mar, and Fajã da Ovelha in order to find some swell. Or, if you’re simply looking to recline on a sun lounger and soak up some rays, whilst listening to crystal clear waves break as they hit the shores, you will find plenty of man-made beaches & Lidos created for your leisure!

With a superb climate, close proximity to the coastline, wonderful cuisine, charming locals and astonishing scenery – this is a fabulous holiday choice for families & friends.

But while you're enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Madeira, you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we've put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Madeira travel guide >>