A Casa Estrelícia-Dourada Garcês

Fantastic location. Kind generous warm host. Very local experience. We had a truly exceptional experience with Leonel and family, eating fruit from their yard and doing long levada walks up to the chapel. It was perfect to drive to the other northern towns for day trips, and we were blown away by the high quality roadways and tunnels. Be aware that last week of August is the town’s annual festival - we loved it! But parking may be a challenge for some people and music goes all night (so fun but good to be aware!)

Not a complaint, but bed was very firm which may not be comfortable for some people

Perfect location: quiet, near the supermarket, near the coast. Great hosts, kind and informative. Fully equipped kitchen. Great outdoor space.

Dark lighting. Uncomfortable bed/pillows.

Leonel and his family were wonderful. No matter what you need, they’ll always be there to listen and make sure you’re happy. Plus, if you need any information about the island, activities, or the history and culture of Madeira, Leonel will be delighted to answer your questions. They are by far the best hosts we’ve ever had—I highly recommend staying here. Plus, the place where you stay is quiet and pleasant, the view is magnificent, and the garden is very well-maintained. I could make a long list of everything we enjoyed during our stay thanks to Leonel, but I’ll let you discover it for yourself. Thank you so much.

What a unique property and wonderful host in the picturesque village of São Vicente! The beautiful property is high atop the village, offering stunning views of the massive volcanic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You feel like you’re in a truly special place, and you are! There’s a large terraced grape vineyard, a lovely pool, chickens roaming free, two black cats, fruit trees, outdoor seating areas, and Leo, the owner. What a special host Leo is. Full of life and ideas for you to do, he’s so connected to the area. He’s a true Renaissance man! He tends to his property joyfully and always does his best to make it better for everyone who comes. He makes Madeira wine (delicious! Buy a bottle from him), red wine, and rum. He even makes rum from grapes! Google it—they say it’s impossible, but it tastes exactly like rum! He has a real secret to that rum from grapes. I know the secret, and if you get to taste it with him, maybe, just maybe, he’ll let you know as well… On our arrival, he greeted us, gave us a little tour of the grounds, and then led us on a long and lovely, grapevine-covered walk to our beautiful old stone cottage. Inside, there were a few fresh-laid eggs, a European coffee/espresso set up, milk for the coffee, and a small carafe and glasses for tasting his magical Madeira elixir! We shared a glass and a toast with Leo and felt so grateful we landed here! Don’t miss the levada trail walk up to the chapel high on the hill you can see from the property, it’s a special hike. We also took in the local vineyard tour, tasting and lunch package they offer from their perch high upon a ridge overlooking São Vicente. Lovely experience. I’m sure Leo will give you all that details plus much more. Leaving after 3 days, I was a little sad we had not booked more days there. Maybe we will be back….

We loved the seclusion of the stone cottage, but be sure you can handle steep stairs to the bedroom and bathroom.