The approach is not for fainthearted! Leave your car up top, descend the 250m vertical cliff face in a panoramic, glass-fronted cable car and admire the gorgeous sea view. Once you’re at the bottom your house is just a short walk away. This fertile volcanic terrace between cliff and sea, farmed by Patricia’s family for many generations, is filled with the vines from which they produce madeira wine; mangoes, bananas, papaya and avocados find their way into juices, jams and meals in the restaurant. Little houses are quite spread out and all vary in size and style but are comfortable retreats with clean as a whistle bathrooms and kitchen areas; all have patios and wooden loungers facing the sea; you may spot a whale or a dolphin in the super-clear waters off the bathing jetty and beach. Lunch is served with a smile, but no evening meals so stock up and eat on your terrace watching the waves rolling onto the rocky foreshore. For sightseeing and supplies, you can go back up the steps and the lift or catch the sea taxi to Funchal and Ribeira Brava. Bliss for adventurers.
This is a very special place, wonderfully quiet and peaceful. Simple but comfortable cottages. Perfect for those who want to be cut off from the real world for a short while.