São Vicente is the best base on the island for the green, wild north. The caves are five minutes from the villa, the natural pools of Seixal and Porto Moniz are a short drive away, and the high mountains begin behind the village. This is what we would show a friend.
Driving times are from the villa and approximate.
about 5 min by car
Walk through a lava tube formed by an eruption around 900,000 years ago, then learn how Madeira was born in the interactive volcano exhibition. It is dry, cool and a good plan for a rainy day.
about 15 min by car
Small basins in black volcanic rock, filled by the Atlantic and sheltered from the waves. Go early for calm water, and only swim when the sea is calm.
about 30 min by car
A whole row of natural pools at the north-west tip of the island, with changing rooms and a café. A good lunch stop.
about 15 min by car
One of the walks that start close to the villa: a path beside an old irrigation channel, through ferns and dripping rock. Take a torch if the route has tunnels, and good shoes.
about 25 min by car
The high pass between the north and south coasts, with views of both. A short stretch of the old royal path is an easy first walk in the mountains.
about 50 min by car
Ancient, twisted laurel trees on a high plateau. It is most atmospheric in the mist or late in the day. The roads are narrow and the weather can change quickly, so check the forecast.
about 40 min by car
A white lighthouse on a cliff on the north-east coast, with a steep path down to the sea. The view is the reason to come.
about 45–60 min by car
The capital: the old town, the harbour, the Mercado dos Lavradores with its fruit and flowers, and a long list of restaurants. Allow a full day, and come home before dark if you prefer to avoid mountain roads at night.
Madeira has a mild climate all year, and the north is greener, cooler and rainier than the south. These are general guidelines and the weather varies from day to day.
Everything is in flower, and the hills are at their greenest. Good for walking. Funchal holds its flower festival in this season.
Warm, mostly dry and the best time for the pool and the sea. It is the busiest season, so book early.
The sea is still warm and the crowds are gone. Ideal for walks and for the wine harvest. Heating the pool is useful from now on.
Mild compared with most of Europe, with more rain on the north coast. The pool can be heated for you, and the jacuzzi and sauna are very good on a cool evening. Funchal is famous for its New Year fireworks.
Madeiran food is simple and good. These are the things we would try first.
In São Vicente you will find cafés, bakeries and a supermarket three minutes from the house, and there are restaurants along the coast at Seixal and Porto Moniz. We are happy to share our current favourites when we welcome you at the house.
Tell us when you would like to come and how many of you there are, and we will reply with availability. You can also book straight away on Airbnb.