Moradia Canhas | 3-Bedroom Villa in Calheta Sao Tiago

A heated infinity pool commands the clifftop terrace at Moradia Canhas, this luxury villa rental in Calheta that sleeps eight guests across three bedrooms and three bathrooms. From the southwestern edge of Madeira’s coast, you watch the Atlantic shift between slate and turquoise depending on the hour—the kind of vista that makes afternoon naps feel essential rather than indulgent. Calheta itself sits four kilometres distant, a working fishing village where the light hits differently than in touristy Funchal, and where you can walk narrow streets without encountering tour groups.

Inside Moradia Canhas

Moradia Canhas sleeps 8 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, distributed across ground and first floors with deliberate separation between social and sleeping zones. The ground floor houses the main living areas—a capacious sitting room anchored by a 55-inch smart television and PlayStation 4, adjacent to a dining zone seating six comfortably. White marble runs underfoot; floor-to-ceiling glass slides back completely to blur the boundary between interior and terrace. A dedicated games room occupies its own wing here, furnished with a pool table, table football, another smart television, and the kind of atmosphere that keeps children engaged on rainy afternoons (rare in Calheta, but it happens).

The kitchen commands attention—a fully realised workspace rather than an afterthought. Four-ring induction cooktop, built-in electric oven, integrated American refrigerator, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, handheld juicer, electric kettle, toaster, and sandwich maker occupy strategic positions. This is the kind of kitchen that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty, especially when you’re looking south across the ocean while chopping vegetables. A shower room on this floor services the ground-floor guest bedroom, which contains two single beds and opens directly onto the terrace—ideal for younger guests who want to reach the pool before breakfast.

The first floor contains two additional bedrooms. The master suite features a super king bed, a walk-in wardrobe that accommodates two weeks’ worth of clothing without folding, and an en-suite bathroom with whirlpool bath and walk-in shower. A private balcony extends from this room; at sunset, the light turns the sea copper and gold. The third bedroom holds a king bed, its own en-suite, and a second balcony overlooking rural Madeira’s green interior. Both first-floor bedrooms maintain the villa’s material palette of marble, soft furnishings in neutral tones, and extensive glazing that makes enclosed spaces feel connected to the landscape beyond.

Throughout the property: Wi-Fi connection, climate control (air conditioning and heating), a washing machine, hairdryers in each bathroom, a safe deposit box, and both a cot and highchair for guests traveling with infants. Electricity, heating, and pool maintenance are included in your rental—you pay nothing additional for the heated pool to remain at comfortable temperature throughout your stay.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The terrace extends across the southern and western exposures of the property, a genuinely vast entertaining zone that slopes gently toward the pool. The heated swimming pool measures 9 by 3.5 metres with depths ranging from 1.05 to 1.60 metres—sufficient for laps, comfortable for floating, safe for non-swimmers with confidence. Sun loungers and garden furniture scatter across the terrace; umbrellas provide respite during Calheta’s most intense summer hours (July through September). A covered section of the terrace creates a weather-independent entertaining area.

The barbecue installation occupies the northwestern corner of the terrace: professional-grade grill, built-in counter, prep sink, and bar seating where guests can stand and watch the cook work. This is where you’ll host dinners that run until the stars emerge with astronomical clarity. Behind the villa, a private parking area accommodates two vehicles without visible impact on the architectural presence of the house. The gardens maintain a naturalistic character rather than formal landscaping—Mediterranean plantings that thrive in Calheta’s warmth, with stone pathways leading between levels.

What makes the outdoor experience distinctive is the silence. The Atlantic sounds closer than it actually is—a constant whisper beneath other noises—but the clifftop location means wind patterns carry it differently than at beach level. Morning light arrives from the east, illuminating the gardens before the pool and terrace face full sun. By late afternoon, you’re in shadow again, the air temperature dropping incrementally, inviting you toward the heated pool or the covered terrace with a drink.

Location: Calheta and the Surrounding Area

Calheta occupies the southwestern coast of Madeira, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and 30 minutes’ drive from Funchal, the island’s capital, via the expressway. The town exists in an intermediate state—substantial enough to contain a supermarket, pharmacies, cafes, and a pizzeria within 2 kilometres of Moradia Canhas, yet small enough that you won’t feel swallowed by tourism infrastructure.

The nearest named beach, Calheta Beach, spreads 3.5 kilometres south and features dark volcanic sand, calm waters protected by natural barriers, and a long season of swimmability from March through November. Ponta do Sol, sitting 4 kilometres west, holds the distinction of being Madeira’s sunniest location—meteorologically verified—where pedestrianised streets thread between centuries-old buildings and contemporary wine bars serve local vintages. The village of Câmara de Lobos, 18 kilometres northeast, retains working fishing traditions and provides restaurant authenticity that outpaces nearby tourist centers.

For cultural engagement: Funchal’s Madeira Wine Company Museum (30km) documents four centuries of fortified wine production; the Levada walking trails originating from nearby villages provide moderate-intensity hiking through subtropical forest and farmland; and the Pico do Arieiro mountain road (45km) climbs to Madeira’s third-highest peak with views extending to the neighboring island of Porto Santo on clear days. The island’s interior contains seventeen protected nature reserves, with Rocha do Navio, a dramatic sea cliff formation 35 kilometres northeast, accessible via marked walking routes.

Seasonal considerations: December through February brings rainfall and sea temperatures of 17–18°C, but hotel prices drop significantly and walking conditions remain excellent. March through May features perfect Mediterranean warmth, fewer visitors than summer, and reliable sunshine. June through September delivers peak warmth and pool conditions, with July and August attracting maximum tourist traffic and corresponding pricing premiums. September through November returns to uncrowded conditions while maintaining excellent weather through October. For luxury villa experiences in the region, explore our luxury villas in Calheta and our full collection across Portugal. For destination inspiration and detailed activity planning, read our Calheta travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational family groups benefit from Moradia Canhas’s spatial separation and amenity diversity—grandparents enjoy quiet reading on the first-floor balcony while adults and children occupy the games room and pool simultaneously without interaction or noise pollution. Families with primary-school-aged children specifically appreciate the safe pool perimeter, the games room entertainment, and Calheta’s beaches accessible by 15-minute drives without the developer-density of southern European coastal resort areas.

Professional couples escaping corporate calendars find the heated pool, heated interiors, and comprehensive kitchen create the conditions for restorative retreat. The master suite’s balance between spa-quality bathroom facilities and private balcony privacy supports this use pattern specifically. Groups of friends traveling together value the 8-person capacity distributed across three distinct bedrooms, the games entertainment, and the barbecue entertaining setup that creates natural gathering points without forcing constant proximity.

Guests seeking Madeira as a walking destination—levada trails, mountain hiking, coastal paths—use Moradia Canhas as a comfortable base for activity-heavy days rather than a destination unto itself. The villa’s driveway parking, laundry facilities, and heating support this activity pattern effectively. Couples specifically interested in wine tourism appreciate proximity to Ponta do Sol’s wine establishments and the road connectivity to Madeira Wine Company Museum and emerging artisanal producers across the island’s interior.

Practical Information

Moradia Canhas accommodates 8 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Bedroom configuration comprises: one ground-floor bedroom with twin beds, one first-floor bedroom with super king bed, and one first-floor bedroom with king bed. All bedrooms feature en-suite or adjoining shower facilities.

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira’s primary commercial airport) sits 40 kilometres northeast; transfer time by private car runs approximately 50 minutes depending on traffic patterns and specific airport location (parking return adds 10 minutes). The nearest supermarket (Supermercado Pingo Doce) operates 2.5 kilometres away in central Calheta and remains open six days weekly, closed Sundays.

Your rental price includes: all utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi connection, pool heating and maintenance, bed linens and towels, end-of-stay cleaning, and access to all amenities (games room, entertainment systems, kitchen equipment, outdoor furniture). Check-in occurs at 16:00; check-out at 11:00. Flexibility around these times may be negotiable during low-occupancy periods; contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly to discuss your specific arrival and departure requirements. Registration number for this property: 108279/AL.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moradia Canhas

How many guests does Moradia Canhas sleep?

Moradia Canhas accommodates 8 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Bedroom breakdown: one ground-floor bedroom with two single beds, one first-floor bedroom with super king bed (or configureable as two single beds upon request), and one first-floor bedroom with king bed. An infant cot and highchair are provided at no additional charge, suitable for guests traveling with children under age 3.

What is the nearest airport to Moradia Canhas in Calheta?

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (airport code FNC) operates as Madeira’s primary commercial gateway, located 40 kilometres northeast of Moradia Canhas. Transfer time by private car typically requires 45–55 minutes depending on traffic conditions and specific drop-off location (parking return adds an additional 10 minutes to journey time). Shuttle services and rental car companies operate from airport ground level; private car hire represents the most flexible option for exploring Madeira’s interior during your stay.

What is the best time of year to rent Moradia Canhas?

September through October combines warm water temperatures (22–23°C), reliable daily sunshine, uncrowded conditions, and moderate pricing—representing optimal conditions for most guests. March through May offers similar weather advantages with slightly cooler water (19–20°C) and notably fewer visitors. December through February brings reduced accommodation costs and excellent walking conditions, though water temperatures drop to 17–18°C and rainfall becomes frequent (typically 3–5 rainy days weekly). July and August deliver peak warmth and pool conditions but coincide with maximum tourist traffic and premium pricing. November retains good weather while transitioning toward quieter season conditions.

Is Moradia Canhas suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific considerations. The heated pool features depths suitable for children (1.05–1.60 metres throughout), and the terrace configuration provides perimeter visibility for responsible supervision. Calheta Beach (3.5km distant) provides calm, shallow swimming with lifeguard presence during summer months. The villa includes a cot and highchair for guests with infants, and the games room (pool table, table football, television with PlayStation 4) provides activity options during inclement weather or quieter indoor periods. Nearby Ponta do Sol (4km) contains child-friendly cafes, and Funchal’s Madeira Wildlife Park (30km) offers outdoor animal encounters suitable for primary-school-aged children. Water safety gates and pool alarms are not installed, requiring parental vigilance appropriate to child age and swimming ability.

What is included in the rental price at Moradia Canhas?

Your rental price includes: all utilities (electricity, mains water, heating), Wi-Fi broadband connection, heated pool maintenance and temperature control, bed linens and bathroom towels, kitchen equipment and cookware, end-of-stay cleaning (departure cleaning only; mid-stay cleaning available for additional fee), and access to all amenities including games room entertainment systems, outdoor furniture, barbecue facilities, and parking. Consumables (toiletries, dishwasher tablets, tea/coffee, cooking oils) are not included, though a Nespresso machine and basic coffee selection typically remain from previous guests. Pool towels for daily use may be provided; verify availability at time of booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Moradia Canhas?

Supermercado Pingo Doce (2.5km, Calheta center) operates as the primary grocery option with extensive Portuguese and international products, fresh produce, local wines, and prepared foods. Cafes and casual restaurants cluster within Calheta town center (3–5 kilometres depending on specific establishment). Ponta do Sol (4 kilometres west) contains several wine-focused bars and contemporary restaurants emphasizing local seafood, with establishments like Orca and Fogo de Chao drawing attention from Portuguese food media. Câmara de Lobos (18 kilometres northeast) maintains working fishermen’s restaurants serving espada (scabbardfish) and other daily catches. Funchal (30 kilometres northeast via expressway) contains Michelin-recommended restaurants, fine-dining establishments, and casual family venues spanning Mediterranean, international, and fusion cuisines. Local specialities include espetada (grilled meat skewers), tuna preparations, passion fruit desserts, and fortified Madeira wines ranging from dry aperitif styles to rich dessert varieties.