Quinta da Torre - Luxury Two Bedroom Apartment:

Location:

Ah, "Câmara de Lobos", translated as "Chamber of Wolves" in English, has its origins upon the discovery of the plentiful sea lions that were found nesting in an enclosed and protected harbour there. Today the sea lions have gone and have been replaced by a very colourful medley of small and medium size fishing boats. From the beautiful harbour and up through the amphitheatre of the town centre it is quite an atmospheric, charming and typically Portuguese village. That this jewel of Madeira is sometimes neglected in tourist guides is sometimes bewildering. It is just a few kilometers from Funchal and has some of the friendliest and more hard working people on the island.

Indeed, it must be said that Câmara de Lobos is about as much as a suburb of Funchal as anywhere else where two cities lie right next to each other. The majority of people living in Câmara de Lobos commute a short distance by bus or car to Funchal to work at restaurants, hotels, bars, and other establishments in the capital of Madeira. In the mornings, for example, there is an "express" bus service that picks up passengers in Câmara de Lobos and drives direct to Funchal centre - with few stops on the way. Don't be surprised if you have lunch in a restaurant somewhere in Funchal and see your waiter later in the week whilst he is off in Câmara de Lobos.

The municipality authorities have been spending a lot of money resurfacing and establishing new roads and urban centres. A new tunnel that will make rapid access from the centre of Câmara de Lobos to the Funchal motorway is about to open. Perhaps, by the time you read this it will have opened and Funchal city centre would be something like 5-6 minutes away by car!

Câmara de Lobos is both a feast for the eye and the appetite. There are excellent sightseeing points in the area. "Cabo Girão" being the most popular as it is amongst one of the highest sea cliffs in the world! It has the most dramatic views down to a beach where trellised vineyards grow some extraordinary grapes for the even more extraordinary Madeira wine.

The second oldest fisherman's chapel in Madeira, the "Nossa Senhora da Conceição" chapel, is found on the left of the harbour and is worth having a look at.

There is a very good pebbled beach on the north side of the town centre and there is plenty parking close by to the town hall.

Another important place to visit nearby are the world famous "Henriques & Henriques" wine cellars. This is where much of the grapes you see in Câmara de Lobos lands up to be made in Madeira wine.

Some places of interests are:

Pico da Torre, Curral das Freiras (a village that forms part of the municipality of Câmara de Lobos), Boca dos Namorados and Boca da Corrida where you can do levada walks.

Câmara de Lobos is also well known by the locals for its “poncha” which is available at most of the local bars. This is a must! But don't drive back home! Take a taxi! The "poncha" can make you quite tipsy and it is so delicious!

Câmara de Lobos is famous for its fishing of the espada fish. So it is a must to try this delicacy at any of the many fine restaurants in the area! (Why not read an article about the espada fishing done in Madeira? This way you can appreciate how special Câmara de Lobos is.)

About the location of the apartment itself:

(We have provided the map below just to show you how close and easy it is to Funchal).

The apartment is very conveniently located just off the motorway to Funchal and the rest of the island!

It is also opposite the brand new "Modelo" supermarket. This is important as this is an excellent supermarket and you can walk to it. No need to drive to do your shopping for your self-catering holiday!

The apartment block has some shops below it. This is a new building and a bakery is planned to open soon there too. There is a cyber cafe there just in case you do not bring your own lap top to use the free wireless internet in the apartment. There is a hair dresser too. Remember, the beach is only about 750 metres away. So you are always close to the sea and close to everything you might need to have an enjoyable holiday in Madeira!