The Villa Ricardo is located in a beautiful slope above the entrance of the village of Porto da Cruz. A high level comfortable accommodation in quiet location. Property owner valued a stylish and friendly ambiance. The rustical open fireplace in the living room provides a cozy atmosphere. There is also a historical wine cellar with homemade Madeira wine.

Large property (grounds 2000 m²) with several terraces enjoying uninterrupted panoramic sea view, with subtropical gardens of exotic fruit trees and small banana trees. The house has 3 double bedrooms, (chance of extra bed and cradle for baby), all with private bathroom (shower) and television. In the winter all the rooms are heated by a device that recovers the heat released by the fireplace, and automatically distributes to the rooms. The sitting-room is equipped with TVsat, DVD, Stereo System, Safety Deposit Box, WC and the kitchen is fully equipped. Outside you can enjoy the swimming pool and the sunbathing area with comfortable sunbeds and views of the ocean and village. In September, wine is made in Villa Ricardo, by a centennial traditional process.

The Porto da Cruz village, has a Public natural swimming pool (sea water), a black sand beach, mini markets, restaurants equipped with several different kitchens, bars, transport services, health services, able to provide to the visitor, the satisfaction of emerging daily needs.

Twice a week the house is cleaned, linen is changed and the rooms are provided with fresh towels.
 

Porto da Cruz is one of the parishes belonging to the Machico council. Its name came from a cross (cruz) that was placed by the explorers on the bay once used as port (porto). Once you arrive you'll probably think there's nothing much to do around here. Life seems to have stopped or only to be moving very slowly in this place. But, the attractions of this small parish are hidden and you'll have to take a closer look to find them. One of them is the old sugar cane factory, which is still operating the same way, as it was when it started with the sugar production in 1927. It boasts a 26 meter tall tower and when it's working you might even see steam coming out! Also not to be missed is the place known as Penha d'Águia, an imposing rock that separates Porto da Cruz from Faial. Getting up there might be a challenge, as the road is very steep, but the songs of the birds will help you on the way up and once you get there you'll be sure it was definitely worth it. The views from Penha d'Águia are absolutely amazing!

Porto da Cruz is also famous for its wine. Known as 'vinho seco americano' (dry red wine made of a type of grape called americana), this local product is the theme for a celebration usually happening in September (Festa do Vinho). In Porto da Cruz there are another two wonderful religious celebrations, with great beauty. The first occurs on days 15 and 16 of August, and the second, at the following weekend (Saturday and Sunday). They are celebrations that visitors should not miss!!!
 

Madeira's capital, Funchal, is an enchanting town set on a glittering bay against a background of soaring green mountains. Winding cobbled streets meander between elegant colonial-style buildings, nestling into the shelter of the verdant hillside. Funchal's historic core overlooks the harbour and features some fine government buildings and stately 18th-century mansions. Its deep natural harbour attracted early settlers in the 15th century.

What to see. The simple whitewashed Sé Cathedral was built between 1486 and 1514. Inside, its main features are the magnificent mudejar ceiling of Madeira cedar wood and the voluptuous Baroque carving of the golden Sacramento chapel to the right of the main altar. Now a museum, the Quinta das Cruzes on Calçada do Pico is the house where the island's discoverer, João Gonçalves Zarco, once lived. Next door is the pretty 16th century church of Santa Clara where he lies buried. The Old Blandy Wine Lodge occupies part of a former Franciscan friary dating back to the 17th century. Guided visits include a tour of the cellars and a wine-tasting session.

Nearby. Opened to the public in 1960, the Botanical Gardens on the edge of town display plants from all over the world, including desert cacti, rainforest orchids and South African proteas. The famous toboggan ride from Monte to Funchal is an exhilarating experience and takes approximately 20 minutes. Madeiran tobogganing was invented as a form of passenger transport around 1850. Much frequented by Sir Winston Churchill in the 1950s, the pretty fishing village of Câmara de Lobos to the west of Funchal offers spectacular views of the world's second-highest sea cliff, Cabo Girão (589 m). Also within easy reach of Funchal is the deep valley location of Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Refuge) near the centre of the island.
 

Porto the Cruz is on the northeast coast of Madeira and from there you can quickly get to the Airport (12 minutes by car), to the nearest golf course in Santo da Serra (15 minutes by car) and to the neighbouring cities and villages like Machico, Santo da Serra, Santana and Faial, amongst other interesting places you can easily visit.

The villa comprises 3 bedrooms in total; 1 double, 2 twin and 1 cots. The property also has 1 single sofa bed located in the twin bedroom. This gives room for up to 7 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The villa has 3 bathrooms and 1 WCs for your party's use. Central heating keeps you snug and warm.

The villa has television dvd, satellite/cable. The music system will play cassettes, cds, radio.

There is room for 6 in the living room and 6 in the dining room. The open fire can be used to create a comfortable atmosphere. To prepare food you will find a cooker, a microwave, a fridge, a freezer, a toaster. You will also find a washing machine.

This is a non-smoking villa

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The villa is in a quiet area but you may hear occasional noise. It has a private swimming pool, a garden, a patio area, a balcony, sea views, panoramic views, interesting views, a barbeque. If you are driving there is a garage with the outside areas of the house having external lighting.

The villa is right beside a beach, swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, a restaurant, a food shop.

Close to the villa you will find sailing, wind surfing, horse riding, golf, tennis, shopping areas, a themepark.

Within easy reach of the villa you will find water skiing, boat hire, mountain biking, scuba diving, historic sites, a museum, a theatre/cinema.

The villa is....

12 min from Madeira airport.
27 km from Funchal (capital).
10 km from Golfe course in Santo da Serra.
1 km from Levada (trekking path).
5 min from Public natural swimming pool (sea water).

Anthony says: "The reception we received on our arrival was exceptional, and the holiday only improved day by day. The villa is in a fantastic location with uninterupted veiws over the village of Porta de Cruz and the Atlantic. The villa is very well equipped, and the house keeper very helpful, and cleans the villa twice a week with clean towels and linen each time. The people of Madeira are very friendly and the island truely is a paradise, we would recommend the villa and the island to all our friends. The village is a short walk and the restaurants are excellent and welcoming, I can only say try them all. We will certainly be using the villa again,"

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Long stay discount!! 10% discount if booking length is more than 8 days.