Prazeres Holidays

Prazeres Holidays- A quiet haven of tranquility
Located inland in the southwest of Madeira, the little village of Prazeres offers a quiet haven of tranquility. Regarded as perhaps the most picturesque village on the island, Prazeres is located on a flat terrace, offering spectacular views out across the Atlantic and towards the mountains inland. The village takes its' name from the small chapel dedicated to 'Our Lady of Prazeres' (Prazeres meaning 'pleasures').

Holidays in Prazeres - In the fertile southwest, close to the coastal resort of Calheta
A district of Calheta, the unspoilt village of Prazeres lies in the very fertile southwest region of Madeira, an area with a rich history of agriculture, especially sugar cane. Prazeres has a small population, and retains a delightful old-fashioned atmosphere and an unhurried pace of life. Home to several restaurants, a school, one square, the chapel and a few hotels, places of interest to visit in Prazeres include a zoo, a herb garden and a tea-house. Just 5 minutes away lies the coastal resort of Calheta, with its' modern marina lined with shops and restaurants and numerous large hotels. The white beaches of Calheta are of imported sand, and, together with the large lagoon with its' shallow warm waters, create the perfect environment for swimming and sunbathing. Further along the southwest coast lies the coastal town of Jardim do Mar, known as the best place for surfing on Madeira, due to the vast swells of the Atlantic.

Holidays in Prazeres - Unspoilt and tranquil, ideal for walkers and birdwatchers
Peaceful and tranquil, Prazeres offers an authentic village base for holidaymakers interested in walking, hiking and birdwatching. Prazeres features on many organised treks and walks, taking in the abundant lush vegetation, terraces of banana plantations, sugarcane and vineyards, deep valleys and mountain peaks, together with spectacular coastal views. For culture lovers in Prazeres, the new arts centre in Calheta, ' Casa das Mudas', is a must, showing visiting art exhibitions, whilst further west in Porto Moniz the Centro de Ciencia Viva, the 'Living Science Centre' is a modern science and cultural museum worth a visit. Whilst on holiday in Prazeres, the whole of the island of Madeira can be explored, as the islands' small size, just 50km long and 20km wide, means that nothing is too far away. Visit the capital, Funchal, a vibrant city with plenty of opportunity for dining and shopping, or try out the scuba-diving in the the resort of Canico de Baixo, home to a natural marine reserve. Take the precarious one-lane road to the northwest of Madeira, with its' stunning rugged coast, or relax in the remote isolation of the far west of the island.