Quinta de Santo António da Serra

The little village has what you need and is nice to be in. This place felt like a home away from home, and the fireplace made it just right for December.

The shower worked better than any I think I’ve used on the island, and the big bed was really comfortable. We had a private terrace looking out at the mountains, with a peaceful, nature-filled setting, and our room was just as comfortable. It was pet friendly, too. We were close to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and one of our favorite parks in Madeira was basically across the street. Everyone was kind and gave us great recommendations. The only downside was staying just two days. I wish we’d had longer, and recommend this peaceful, beautiful place to anyone visiting or living in Madeira.

The park across the road is well worth a visit, and the grounds here are beautiful, carefully kept, and really calming. We were surprised by how large the property was. There are several houses, and we learned it had once been used for agriculture. The newer houses feel more like chalets than apartments. Our interior looked a little dated, but everything worked perfectly, and the kitchen had everything we needed. We also had chairs and blankets for sitting behind the house, plus basic board games like chess and dominoes. There was plenty of parking beside each house. We stayed in September, and it got quite cold inside, so bring warmer clothes. The mosquitoes were the unpleasant part. There were loads of them, and the racket mentioned in earlier reviews wasn't working, which made the nights a bit difficult.

We stayed for two days outside the usual holiday season, and it was a charming, relaxing break. The staff were friendly, spoke English fluently, and readily accommodated special needs. Our house felt cozy and peaceful, with a rustic fireplace for warm evenings after hikes. It had a small kitchen, two toilets, and a shower and tub. The decor and furniture could be more modern, but they added to the comfortable, calm atmosphere. A note before booking: prices listed on booking websites include a high commission. Just ask in person.