A Singing Sea

This sun-kissed apartment is the perfect spot for unwinding Funchal-style. Out on the private balcony, days begin with a cup of coffee and end with a glass of poncha – simply sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh air. Inside, gather around the circular table for a delicious meal, using fresh-caught seafood and regional produce to give your feast a typically Madeiran flair. Hunker down in the office if you need to catch up on work or sprawl out on the cosy sofa with a holiday read if you fancy some downtime. And after a long day exploring the island, nothing beats tucking yourself into the comfortable beds – dreaming of the next day's adventures, no doubt.

Speaking of, with an on-site parking space and plenty to see within walking distance, this pad is in a prime position for adventures both near and far. Spend an afternoon discovering the island or wander down to the marina to watch the yachts sail in. Funchal's charming old town is about half an hour away on foot – make sure to swing by Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh flowers and delicious bites.

Home truths:
*The third bedroom is an office with a double sofa bed – it may be possible to sleep two extra guests in this room on request
*Your host can provide a free cot and high chair if you're travelling with little ones
*While a car isn't necessary in Funchal, there's a free parking spot in the on-site garage – you may want to hire a car if you're keen to explore the rest of the island
*This apartment is near a daycare, so you may hear noise from the children at times
*Please note it can get warm at night as there isn't any air conditioning
*The entrance to this building is shared with other residents
*There's a dedicated desk in the office if you need to work from home