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Santa Cruz has to be one of the best locations on the stunning island of Madeira. Located towards the easterly end of the sunny south coast of the island it could not be more convenient for the airport, but is just 15 minutes away from the capital Funchal on the main fast motorway.
Being 200 metres in altitude above Santa Cruz, the Quintinha ao Sol development has dramatic views out to the “picture postcard” Ponto de São Lorenco peninsula at the easternmost end of the island, and the Desertas Islands directly offshore to the south.
As well as having easy access to all points on the south coast of Madeira, the villas are well-placed to provide access to the equally dramatic mountainous interior of the island. Numerous Levadas walks can be found nearby.
Just ten minutes away is the unspoilt fishing village of Machico, with its famous sandy beach and a wide selection of shops, including another supermarket, along with banks, cafes and some very good fish restaurants.
Past Machico the fast road continues to the north coast of the island and the typical north coast towns of Porto da Cruz, Faial, and Santana.
The only two golf courses on the island are positioned very conveniently near to Quintinha ao Sol. Santa do Serra is 15km/20 minutes to the northwest, whilst Palheiro Golf is an indentical distance in the opposite direction. Both are accessed fom the fast Via Rapida motorway.
Faial is essentially an agricultural town located on rugged slopes, named after the local beech tree, and has maintained, over time, its traditional, rural and peaceful character. Here the natural landscapes and its rural environment offer unique moments of tranquillity. It is home to the custard apple, for the promotion of which an exhibition was created in 1990 which later developed into the now famous Festa da Anona which takes place every year in February.
The small angling town of Porto da Cruz is a captivating spot with lots of clamoring bistros and eating spots gathered round a little harbor as well as a working rum refinery. At its western end, there is an attractive amazing seawater pool. Penha d’Águia, an imposing rock that separates Porto da Cruz from Faial. The views from Penha d’Águia are fantastic.
Known for its triangular houses, Santana is a beautiful village on the north coast. These houses, built with natural stone and thatch, have been used as stables and sometimes even as housing for many centuries.
This region essentially lives off agriculture, handicrafts and tradition. The mountainous landscapes are dominated by the exuberant green that characterizes the Laurissilva Forest. In fact, some of its landscapes are classified as world heritage, which is certainly a strong contribution to maintaining its beauty.
Santa do Serra has renowned history and Robert Trent Jones Senior’s spectacular 27-hole course is situated in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes you could ever imagine.
Ranked among the best courses in the world, Santo da Serra offers a first-class club and course, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Clube de Golf Santo da Serra certainly offers one of the most spectacular views on the European Golf Circuit.
The 18-hole, par 72 Palheiro championship golf course is blessed with dramatic views of Madeira Island’s mountainous interior and over the bay of Funchal.
The course has been carved between thick exotic vegetation and a pine forest. This combination has resulted in one of Portugal’s most beautiful courses. The Palheiro Golf clubhouse, perched 500 meters above sea level, boasts a panoramic terrace which offers incredible views.
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Nearby facilities:
The village of Gaula has a church and several small cafes. Just a short distance inland there is another village, Achada do Gaula, which has a well know and highly respected restaurant and a small convenience store as well as other local shops and cafes
Slightly down the hill there are more cafes, a bakery, and a larger convenience store. Major supermarkets can be found a short distance along the motorway in both directions, whilst the town of Santa Cruz boasts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, banks and the municipal council offices. There is a seafront esplanade in Santa Cruz with a popular pebble beach. It is possible to walk along the seafront to the end of the airport runway.