Villa Maravilhosa | 3-Bedroom Villa in Sao Goncalo Sao Goncalo

A luxury villa rental in São Gonçalo puts you 2.8km from Funchal’s bustle but worlds away from its crowds. Villa Maravilhosa sits on Portugal’s southern Madeira coast, where Atlantic vistas dominate every angle and the air carries salt and silence in equal measure. This three-bedroom property sleeps 6 guests across a layout designed for both togetherness and solitude.

Inside Villa Maravilhosa

Villa Maravilhosa sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across two levels. The entrance floor welcomes you through a contemporary space that opens immediately onto views. Here you’ll find a family bathroom serving the ground level, plus a guest toilet for convenience. Two guest bedrooms anchor this floor—one with a super king-size bed and its own private balcony, the second with a king-size bed and matching balcony access. Both catch morning light and ocean breezes without any effort.

Descend to the lower ground floor, where the master suite commands the space with a super king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and a third private balcony. This is where you wake to the sound of the Atlantic if you leave the doors open; the master’s orientation means sunrise arrives as a performance, not an afterthought.

The kitchen equips serious cooks and casual meal-makers alike. Gas cooker, electric oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, coffee machine, kettle, and toaster sit ready. Cooking utensils and cutlery are provided. Large windows frame your meal prep with water views. The living area flows naturally from here, with a Smart TV, wireless internet throughout, and air conditioning for warmer afternoons. Cable and satellite television keeps you connected without forcing you to stay indoors.

Practical touches matter: hairdryer in each bathroom, linen and towels provided fresh, beach towels for the pool area, a safety deposit box for valuables, high chair for young children, cot for infants, and telephone access. Heating ensures comfort during Madeira’s cooler months (November through March). Children’s television networks are available if you’re traveling with teens.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The real life of Villa Maravilhosa happens outside. A heated swimming pool anchors the grounds, ringed by sun loungers where you can read for hours or drift between water and shade. The veranda extends the living space, while a furnished terrace offers multiple zones for different times of day. Morning coffee catches the eastern light here; evening aperitifs face west toward the Atlantic’s sunset gradient.

The barbecue station means grilled fish becomes dinner rather than a restaurant memory. Sun umbrellas provide respite during Madeira’s intense midday hours (May through September especially). Each of the three private balconies creates an intimate outdoor room—a place to watch clouds move across water, or to catch conversations with neighbors on distant hillsides.

The terrace placement means you’re always conscious of the sea’s presence: not aggressive or intrusive, but constant. The property’s elevation gives you perspective without isolation. You can see Funchal’s terracotta rooflines to the east, the church spires of smaller villages inland, and the curvature of the coastline in both directions.

Location: São Gonçalo and the Surrounding Area

São Gonçalo occupies a peculiar geographic advantage on Madeira’s southern coast. The municipality sits approximately 2.8km from Funchal’s urban center, yet retains a distinctly quieter character. The 15-minute drive to Funchal airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport) is straightforward via the coastal ER101 road, making arrivals and departures efficient without the villa feeling remote.

The immediate coastline reveals Praia Formosa (2.4km away), a dark-sand beach favored by locals for its reliable conditions and absence of cruise-ship crowds. Câmara de Lobos, a working fishing village 8km west, offers authentic seafood restaurants like the family-run establishments along its harbor—order the espetada (Madeiran beef skewers) and watch boats return with the day’s catch. The village’s terraced amphitheater of houses, painted in faded yellows and blues, has barely changed since the 1960s.

Head inland 6km to discover the Church of São Gonçalo, a 16th-century whitewashed landmark that anchors the municipality’s cultural identity. The surrounding villages of Curral dos Romeiros and Galeão contain family-run wine bars and farm shops selling local produce—passion fruit, avocados, and homemade cakes that taste nothing like commercial versions. Several marked hiking trails depart from these villages, threading through terraced gardens toward panoramic viewpoints.

Miradouro Pico da Torre (4.2km northeast) offers 360-degree views across Funchal Bay to the neighboring islands of Porto Santo and the Desertas. On clear days, you see 40km across the Atlantic. The drive takes 20 minutes; a guided walk takes twice that, but the silence at the top is worth every step.

For provisions, the Continente supermarket in nearby Funchal (3.2km) stocks international brands alongside local specialties. Traditional markets operate in Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, where fish vendors arrange their catch with artistic precision and flower stalls explode in bougainvillea and bird of paradise. The market opens daily except Sundays and is best visited before 10am.

Water activities concentrate around Funchal’s harbor and nearby marinas. Boat hire for dolphin watching, fishing expeditions, or coastline exploration departs daily; morning trips (6:30-11:30am) offer the calmest sea conditions. Several wineries dot the island interior—Adega de São Francisco and Tinta Negra operate visitor facilities with tastings and restaurant services. Cycling routes follow the island’s network of levadas (ancient irrigation channels), a uniquely Madeiran adventure combining history, engineering, and landscape in 2-4 hour loops.

The best months to visit are April through June and September through November, when temperatures range 18-24°C, rainfall is minimal, and crowds thinner than July-August peaks. December through February brings cooler weather (14-18°C) but occasional rain; the property’s heating system handles this comfortably. Explore our luxury villas in Portugal and our full collection in São Gonçalo. For destination inspiration, read our Portugal travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Maravilhosa works for multi-generational families: grandparents on the master suite’s balcony, adult children in separate guest bedrooms, and young grandchildren using the high chair and cot. The heated pool eliminates cold-water complaints, while the proximity to Funchal means educational visits (museums, the botanical gardens) balance lazy pool days.

Couples seeking privacy find it here—the separated bedrooms mean friends or family visiting simultaneously don’t feel crowded. The master suite’s private orientation makes it genuinely secluded. Two couples traveling together appreciate having three separate sleeping zones and three bathrooms, eliminating morning queues.

The villa accommodates teenage groups better than smaller properties: Smart TV for evening entertainment, Wi-Fi for connection without leaving the terrace, and enough outdoor space that different age groups can occupy different zones without surveillance. The heating pool matters for younger swimmers who find unheated Atlantic water shocking.

Solo travelers or pairs seeking extended stays find the property’s permanent utilities (Wi-Fi, telephone, satellite TV, heating) less isolating than purely seasonal rentals. The kitchen’s completeness means cooking becomes an activity rather than a compromise. The safety deposit box accommodates valuables during exploration.

Practical Information

Villa Maravilhosa accommodates 6 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira Airport) lies 4.8km away with approximately 15-20 minutes driving time via the coastal road. Ground transport from the airport to the villa costs €30-45 depending on time of day and vehicle type.

The nearest supermarket is Continente in Funchal, 3.2km away (5-minute drive). Smaller shops and bakeries operate within 1km. The property includes utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, linen, bath towels, beach towels, pool heating, and basic housekeeping. Additional cleaning costs extra. Check-in typically occurs at 4pm; check-out at 10am, with flexibility subject to guest requests and property availability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Maravilhosa

How many guests does Villa Maravilhosa sleep?

Villa Maravilhosa accommodates 6 guests maximum. The three bedrooms comprise one super king-size bed (master suite), one super king-size bed (guest bedroom), and one king-size bed (second guest bedroom). A cot is available for infants, and a high chair for toddlers, allowing a theoretical 8 occupants with young children, though comfort decreases with more than 6 adults.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Maravilhosa in São Gonçalo?

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (also called Madeira Airport) is the only commercial airport serving the island. It sits 4.8km from Villa Maravilhosa, approximately 15-20 minutes driving time via the ER101 coastal highway. Most international flights arrive from mainland Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) or European hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt). Direct flights from North America are rare; connections through Lisbon are standard.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Maravilhosa?

April through June offers warm temperatures (19-23°C), minimal rainfall, and manageable crowds. September through November repeats this pattern with slightly cooler temperatures (18-22°C) and lower accommodation prices. July and August bring peak heat (24-28°C), maximum tourists, and premium rates. December through February provides solitude and lower prices but unpredictable rain and cooler temperatures (14-18°C). The heated pool becomes essential during winter months. Most guests prioritize April-May or October-November as optimal balance windows.

Is Villa Maravilhosa suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated pool allows safe swimming for children of all ages; younger children benefit from gradual depth transitions and the absence of Atlantic swell. A high chair and cot are provided for infants. Praia Formosa, 2.4km away, offers supervised beach areas gentler than wilder Atlantic exposures. The property includes children’s television networks. Funchal’s Madeira Theme Park and various botanical gardens provide family activities, all within 10km driving distance. Multiple private balconies mean parents can supervise outdoor play from different vantage points. The spacious layout accommodates multi-generational travel without the tension of cramped quarters.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Maravilhosa?

The rental price includes utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property, satellite and cable television, linen, bath towels, beach towels, heating for the swimming pool, and basic housekeeping (typically one cleaning midway through longer stays). Coffee maker, kettle, cooking utensils, and cutlery are provided. Hairdryers, cot, high chair, and beach equipment are available. Additional services like extra cleaning, airport transfers, or restaurant reservations are offered at supplementary cost. Final utility bills are settled on departure.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Maravilhosa?

Continente supermarket operates in Funchal 3.2km away, offering full grocery selection with both international and local products. Mercado dos Lavradores (Funchal Market), 3.5km distant, functions as the island’s primary fresh produce and fish market, open daily 7am-1pm except Sundays. Câmara de Lobos, 8km west, concentrates seafood restaurants along its harbor—establishments like Orca and Gavião Real serve excellent espetada and grilled fish. Funchal’s Zona Velha (Old Town) offers restaurants ranging from casual tascas (traditional eateries) to formal dining at Casa Madeirense or Il Gallo d’Oro. For casual meals, bakeries appear throughout São Gonçalo and surrounding villages, selling pastéis de nata and other Portuguese pastries. Most restaurants are accessible within 5-15 minutes driving.