NEARBY FUNCHAL:
Madeira’s capital town of Funchal, with its 140,000 inhabitants, sits in a large bowl that rises from a natural deep-water harbour on the south of the island towards an impressive backdrop of high mountains. It is the island’s centre of activity, with something for everyone: an opera house/theatre, chic shops, street stalls, open market, wine lodges, museums, city parks, bars, cafes and restaurants beyond number, multi-screen cinema, cable car, 'Lighter than Air Balloon', an honorary (unpaid!) British consul, a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the 14th century and an English Anglican Church built in 1822 and ministered by the Bishop of Gibraltar. On the other hand, there are no amusement arcades and entertainment areas.
The town is compact and best explored by foot; the cobbled streets are narrow and steep so we recommend comfortable sturdy footwear. For easier and less arduous sightseeing you might like to take an open-topped bus tour.
GARDENS:
Plant lovers are in their element in this area of Madeira. Local gardens include the Botanical Gardens with adjacent Orchid Garden, Palheiro Gardens or Monte Palace.
WALKING:
Madeira is a walker's paradise and Garajau is a good location from which to explore different parts of the island using the 'levadas' (paths running alongside man-built irrigation chanels) which cover the island, extending to over 2000km in total. We recommend a guided walk.
Golf:
Golfers will find two superb golf courses within easy reach - the 18-hole championship Palheiro golf course and the 27-hole Santa da Serra golf course, both with spectacular views. A 3rd course is under construction 45 mins drive to the west at Prazeres and a 4th is planned at São Vicente.
Other Activities:
Mountain and levada walks, water park, boat trips including swimming with dolphins!
Learn more about this vacation rental at the owner's website: