An ideally situated house to rent for those wanting a walking holiday exploring Madeira’s beautiful levadas.The levadas are a vast network of irrigation channels some dating back to the early 15 th century settlers in Madeira. They have been laboriously cut into the rock, skirting along mountain ridges and descending slopes to supply generations of inhabitants with water. Without them Madeira would be not be the fertile, verdant island we see today.Alongside each levada is a footpath which follows the contours of the land – so some are very narrow allowing only single file whilst others are wide enough to allow groups of walkers to walk several abreast. The scenery when walking the levadas is very varied from densely wooded areas, banana plantations, hillsides covered with heather and steep valleys with stunning sea views. Levada walking is the best way to see the real, unspoilt beauty of Madeira with its breathtaking landscapes and abundant flora.The levadas walks vary in difficulty, catering for all levels of experience and fitness.Our nearest levada starts at the hydroelectric power station just above Arco da Calheta (5 mins by car from the house). The levada stretches west a total of 41km, but the most beautiful is the first 10k as far as the aquaduct at Atalhinho. This walk is suitable for any level of walker with no precipices and the path is in good condition.From the same power station you can follow the levada in an easterly direction towards Pau da Serra. The scenery is stunning taking in some more densely wooded areas before opening up to more cultivated areas and small hamlets with panoramic views overlooking the Arco da Calheta valley and Madelena do Mar. This walk is for more experienced walkers with some steep descents which require a good degree of fitness. Some of the paths are quite narrow in places without protective railings. Whilst not particularly dangerous they are not for the faint hearted.There are over 50 different levada walks in Madeira. ‘A Vigia’ offers a central location to access the levadas as well as the many other attractions offered by a holiday in Madeira.
Situated in South West Madeira and just a 40 minute drive from the airport 'A Vigia' (The Lookout) sits in an enviable hillside position overlooking the pretty village of Arco da Calheta with stunning sea views beyond.
The house is just a five minute drive from two sandy beaches and the marina with its beach bars.
There are several good and inexpensive restaurants nearby and for those that fancy more of a night out, Funchal, Madeira's cosmopolitan capital is 30 minutes away by car. Arco da Calheta and the surrounding villages have small mini markets and a bakery, but more extensive supermarket shopping can be found at Calheta Beach and in the town of Ribera Brava, just 15 minutes away.
The Villa
"A Vigia" is a large detached villa set in well tended garden with sun terrace for outdoor eating and sunbathing.
Inside, the house offers spacious accommodation and is furnished to a high, contemporary standard. The master bedroom has a super king size bed and large ensuite bathroom. The two other bedrooms have twin beds. Both bathrooms have baths and showers. The large open-plan living area has two sofas, a fireplace, TV with cable, DVD and CD players, and a large dining table. For the winter months there is a wood burning stove and oil filled radiators for the bedrooms.
Outside there is a sun terrace, a large BBQ area and gazebo. The house's hillside position also means that the summer months are not too hot!
Additional Information
Nearest international airport: Funchal international at 40 kilometres
Nearest beach: 3 kilometres
Nearest ferry port: Funchal at 30 kilometres
Nearest motorway junction: at 10 kilometres
Car: recommended
Property Type: house (detached)
Floor Area: 350 m² (1 sq m aprox. = 10 sq ft)
Accommodation Type: self-catering
Location Type: near the sea, semi rural
Theme: away from it all
General: linen provided, towels provided
Kitchen: 4 ring stove, clothes dryer, freezer, fridge, grill, hob, microwave, oven, washing machine & dishwasher.
Living Room: fireplace, living area seating for 7 people
Dining: dining area, seating for 6 people
Bathrooms: 2 bathrooms, 1 WC
Bathroom - Toilet, Bath with Shower
Bathroom - Toilet, Bath with Shower
Bathroom - Toilet
Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms, sleeps a maximum of 6 people
Bedroom - 1 Extra Lg. Double Bed (can be split to twin beds)
Bedroom - 2 Single Beds
Bedroom - 2 Single Beds
Bedroom notes: 1 double, 2 twins
Entertainment: audio tape player, cd, DVD, radio, satellite or cable, tv
Outside: balcony, barbecue, garden, parking, terrace, large table with seating for 6 peolpe, 4 sun loungers.
Suitability: children 12 years and over, non smoking only, pets not allowed, unsuitable for elderly or infirm, wheelchair inaccessible
Notes: 'A Vigia' was built along the lines of a traditional Madeiran 2 storey house with 3 bedrooms that sleep 6 adults in comfort. It is newly furnished to a high standard. The living area has two highly comfortable sofas with views out over the terrace and straight out to sea. The beds are all firm orthopaedic and have hypo-allergenic duvets with all cotton bedding. There are plenty of towels. Each bedroom has ample hanging/storage space. The kitchen is well equipped and has an electric ceramic hob and oven with grill. There is also a washer/dryer and microwave. Outside is a BBQ area and gazebo which is perfect for chilling out with a good book and a glass of wine.
Prices
2 persons
- £500.00
3-4 persons - £600.00
5-6 persons - £700.00
Testimonials
"From the moment we turned off the 'highway' into the village of Arco de Calheta, we were transported into a different world. We never failed to be exhilarated by the remarkable zig-zag climb through the village to A Vigia, whose views are truly magnificent over the whole of Arco de Calheta and the ocean far below. And the sunsets, wow… The villa exceeded our expectations in terms of accommodation and finish and is great value for money. And we were knocked out by the new beach and marina just a short drive away and the local restaurants which offer good inexpensive food. We are absolutely convinced that A Vigia is THE perfect location for a vacation in Madeira – there’s no better place to be based. One of our best holidays ever.
Thank you! "
Paul and Diana Haynes
Rural retreat in lovely location
Simply Sweet Cheshire, UK.
Date Submitted: August 19, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
Our second stay in this beautiful property. Tasteful modern decor, well appointed, spacious rooms, restful & peaceful, a real delight to return to. Wonderful open views towards the sea from all main rooms and spacious garden. Feeling of light and space throughout the property and garden. Beautifully maintained and very clean. Good communication from owners, friendly and helpful service. Good centre for exploring the western part of this spectacular island. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone seeking a high quality, peaceful base with spectacular views for their holiday. We intend to return again!
Recommended for: Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Age 55+, Romantic Getaway
The Perfect Get Away!
Freshee Stony Stratford, Bucks, UK.
Date Submitted: June 02, 2008
Date of Stay: April 2008
A Vigia is located with in a mountainside village in the unspoilt and sunny western end of the beautiful garden island of Madeira.
A car is essential, but boy are you rewarded with the most stunning of locations. The house has been lovingly furnished and has all mod cons to enhance your stay. Along with a wonderful garden and terrace with views you just cannot stop looking at.
We took our two sons aged 21 & 23 with us and they were able to relax, it certainly isn't a clubbing destination but the Marina down at Calheta has a couple of good beaches and a variety of eateries can be enjoyed whilst you lunch over looking the impressive yachts.
In all if you are looking for a quality break at affordable price look no further than A Vigia.
We had a wonderful time, thank you Clare we look forward to returing in the future.
Recommended for: Sightseeing
Our holiday Experience at 'A Vigia'
G I and G West Midlands.
Date Submitted: August 20, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
This was our first visit to Madeira and we certainly weren't disappointed. 'A Vigia' exceeded our expectations, it was very well equipped and kept beautifully clean by Fernando and his cleaner (bedding/towels changed weekly and general cleaning done weekly.) We encountered a small problem during our stay and having Fernando on site was a real help. He also advised us on places to visit, Levada walks to take and those to avoid, he even took us sight seeing on his boat.Clare and Paul provided an excellent booking service and provided advice on activities we were interested in prior to our visit.
We plan to return.
Many thanks again to Fernando.
Recommended for: Sightseeing, Adventure Seekers
