Casas da Levada

Rooms

Casas da Levada’s 6 houses are lovingly crafted with respect for nature. Handmade birch furniture rests on cool concrete floors, warmed with bright splashes of Madeiran colour and unique framed artwork (much of it by family and friends). The houses are stark yet supremely cheerful.

Each is different in size and layout, with 1-4 bedrooms, but all are welcoming with their own distinct appeal. We stayed in Casa da Cascata (which was our favourite): an open-plan studio for 2, with a grassy terrace on the roof and a tiny wood-burning stove. All houses have heaters, dehumidifiers, and either a fireplace or wood burner.

All of the smaller houses can accommodate a baby cot or extra bed, and the larger houses can be connected to welcome groups of up to 10. Casa dos Pereiros is split into 2 halves; T1, sleeping 2-4, and T2, sleeping 4-6.

Bathrooms have lovely poured concrete squared sinks, but in keeping with the eco theme, all except Vaca have showers rather than baths, and toiletries are provided.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• WiFi

Eating

We loved our bijou kitchen, with its sweet touches (fresh-cut herbs in a jar, hand-knitted coasters), a Nespresso machine and a couple of high-quality pans. Whilst basic, it was perfect for preparing light meals (pasta, salads); the larger houses have more comprehensive kitchens for more complex catering.

Ingredients for a simple but satisfying country breakfast will be placed in your fridge upon check-in (and replaced on request) for you to cook at your lazy leisure. Expect delicious smoked bacon, homemade quince jam, and fresh eggs from the clucking hens in the garden.

For other meals, there are a few simple restaurants in nearby Ponta do Pargo - O Farolim (2km / 4 mins drive or 30 mins walk) is particularly recommended. For self-catering, we'd advise doing a supermarket shop on the way here. Reception has a small honesty grocery shop with pasta, rice, olive oil, canned products, preserves, wine, beer, soft drinks, etc, but bigger stores are a 20+ minute drive away.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Fridge
• Hob or stove
• Kitchenette
• Microwave
• Toaster

Activities

• There are several levada walks and hikes less than 5 minutes from the casitas, and multitudes more a short drive away. A levada is a long channel specific to Madeira, historically used to irrigate and bring domestic water to areas without running water. They often weave through stunning deserted woodlands or along coastal cliffs
  
• A mind-boggling array of excursions and activities can be arranged for you - everything from paragliding and windsurfing to canyoning and rock climbing
  
• Explore the nearby village of Ponta do Pargo, with its famous lighthouse perched precariously on dramatic chartreuse cliffs
  
• Take a scenic drive to the town of Porto Moniz (30 minutes) for a dip in its natural volcanic-rock swimming pools
  
• Day-trip to picture-perfect Funchal, which has a colourful port and cobble-stoned Old Town

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Canyoning
• Climbing
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Mountain biking
• Paragliding
• Plantlife / flora
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Windsurfing

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

Casas da Levada is set on a gently sloping hill outside the village of Ponta do Pargo in Madeira’s westernmost corner, with sweeping sea views. It's just over an hour's drive from Funchal Airport.

By Air:
Funchal (68km) has scheduled, budget and charter flights from airports across the UK and Europe. Click on the links below for a list.

By Car:
You'll need to hire a car to get here and travel around during your stay as public transport is very limited.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Madeira and getting around