Out & About

Santa Cruz is a very old coastal fishing village, full of character and charm. The local villagers quiet way of life carries on unchanged alongside the surrounding recent developments. These include a new Hotel, Marina, Lido and Aqua Park, all serving to compliment the old village and it's friendly peoples.

Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Just 20 mins drive from Casa Parsons - The Far East. The perfect place for stunning coastal walks, picnics and scenery. Arid in summer, verdant in winter, always truly spectacular.

Prainha Beach (15 mins) is the only beach on Madeira blessed with some natural yellow sand. Situated on the south coast of "Ponta de SÂO LOURENÇO", it is the perfect place to relax, swim and sunbathe with a cafe, bar, showers, toilets, sun terraces and real sand!

En Route to Prainha Beach is Machico (10 mins) with it's modern open plan sea front promenade, fountains and seating areas. Now complimented by a small new man made sandy beach and modern marina, it is a lovely place for a gentle coastal walk. The spectacular mountain backdrop also invites you to take an invigorating walk along the local Levada, high above the bay, with spectacular views.

After Machico is Canical, it's new harbour dotted with Tuna fishing boats. The Whale museum provides a fascinating insite into the local fishing history.

Travelling further afield to the West, the amazingly level Plateau of Paul do Serra lies some 1,500 mtrs high and is reached via the stunning Encumeada pass. With Levada walks, Mountain trails and Coastal areas easily accessible it is a truly spectacular place to visit.