Explore the beauty of Madeira
Welcome to our guide for making the most of your stay at Villa Longtail. From local dining gems to thrilling adventures and scenic day trips, discover our favourite recommendations for Calheta and beyond.
Must-do activities in Calheta
We don't want to inundate you with information as there is so much online, but here are a few of our favorites of where to go. If you feel the same way, please leave a comment here or in the guest book!
Where to eat and drink
- Meltons: Just a 3-minute walk up the hill, Meltons serves fantastic food that changes every two weeks. It's run by a lovely couple who are super friendly, and the food is just fantastic.
- Rumbar in Calheta: Serves the best fresh lunches, and if you feel brave, have one of their rum cocktails! 3 miles away in Calheta.
- Palm Green in Ponta do Sol: Does lovely lunches and is vegan friendly.
- Pizzeria Naye: Does great pizzas. The restaurant has quirky decor, but it's classic Italian fare. 5 minute drive, 20 minute steep uphill walk from the house.
- Pukiki - Tikibar: For a late-night rum and something more upbeat, it's really fun and does great drinks with a great vibe. 3 miles away
- Calheta Green: Nearby, it does fantastic local BBQ cuisine with the most amazing views from high up in the hills. 15 minute drive.
- Calheta Beach and Marina: 2 miles away on the water front, this newly created areas has about 10 restaurants along the promenade offering choices from ice cream to classic fish / meat restaurants to sushi and tandoori (our favourite).
- Further afield in Seixal: There is a cafe/butcher on the front that cooks your meat to your liking – meat heaven!
- Or stay close; What we love about our home is the 7 local snack bars within a short walk, either side of Melton's, by the sports centre or down the hill by the church. Make like a local and enjoy a beer or a coffee at one of their pavement tables.
Picture taken from Melton's.
Taste sensation created by chef Tony
Exciting day trips and excursions
- For the Thrill Seekers: Visit adrenalineadventures.pt. It's a 55-minute drive; make a day of it and combine it with lunch in Seixal and a trip to Fanal Forest.
- Take a boat trip: See the island from the water. Our friend Miguel Bello on WhatsApp +351912948716, the captain of Green Storm (greenstorm.pt), can assist you. If he is already booked, he will recommend another boat for you.
- Natural Pools in Porto Moniz and Seixal: These pools are nothing like I have seen before, in my opinion definitely a must to go for a splash.
- A trip to Funchal: For a lovely day shopping and sight seeing with every cuisine possible take a trip to the capital of Madeira.
- Cable car to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden: For the most amazing views, spectacular flora and fauna the Monte Palace gardens cannot be missed. Garden enthusiasts can take a second cable car over to Madeira's botanic gardens which have an impressive cactus collection and flower displays set against a beautiful backdrop.
- Paragliding: Sit on the balcony and look up to your left, on a clear day you will see several paragliders. It's not for me but if it's your thing then www.madeira-paragliding.com
- Gym work out: Stay fit on your holiday by visiting the gym (just beyond the pool down the hill). You can use the facilities for just 6 Euro's per day, or less for a week, the staff are very friendly and there's also a small coffee shop on site. Tabata classes most days 7 p.m. CASH ONLY.
- Walking, walking, and walking: Enough said, there are so many websites with information regarding local walks. Take a trip up to the ridge, park up and enjoy the views and the cows! If it's not a clear day you will be in the clouds. The best times of year for hiking are April to May and September to October. During June to August it can be very busy and hot so we'd recommend opting for shorter strolls and time by the pool / exploring Funchal.
- Note that some trails may be closed (especially during December to February) if the weather has been very wet and stormy so it's worth checking www.vistmaderia.com before setting off.
Picture taken from ER105 above Arco de Calheta