We had an amazing holiday, due mainly to the property and it's location. The owner Niara has arranged everything so thoughtfully-the accommodation is perfect, from all the kitchen essentials and more,to the comfortable living space and the spacious balcony taking in the incredible views.The private apartment is in an aparthotel,with a swimming pool and plenty of sun loungers-not crowded,very clean,a lovely space.There is a gate down onto the gently shelving beach Praia Formosa,a mix of black sand and large pebbles and has to be one of the cleanest beaches I've come across!There are cafes/restaurants along the beach to the right-the promenade is rocky to begin with-and also through the tunnel (more like a grotto, a little wet but clean and it closes around 11pm) where the promenade is more extensive and makes for a pretty evening walk too.The lido, doca do cavacas, is brilliant,excellent value for money (2€ each!) and has the loveliest of seawater pools. For shops,there is a bakery and greengrocers up on the road (out of the hotel entrance, past the bar,up the steps to the right and across the road-about 8mins walk) The large Pingo Doce supermarket is in the excellent Forum shopping centre, about 15-20 minutes walk but taxis are easily available.There is a regular bus service, the easiest being the No.2 which takes you right through the centre (bus stop 5mins through the tunnel,up the steps and on the right- €1.95 a trip or buy giro card €0.50 from tobacconists/pay shop and top up at €1.35 a trip) and brings you back either near the tunnel or further along up the road. How to spend your days..we walked to the centre for sightseeing (took about 80mins) but also took the bus to get to the Painted Doors in Zona Velha; cable car up to Monte,tropical gardens and toboggan down; walk to Camara dos Lobos (40 mins along the beach, but you can get a bus) then a tour bus up to Cabo Girao for the skywalk; and the absolute best...a jeep tour with Miguel!! Amazing day out-arrange through Niara once you book the accommodation- that avoids the crowds but still finds the best views and the most authentic of experiences (Facebook-Miguel Laginha,Funchal). We could have done much more,walks and tours, but the opportunity to just sit on the beach or swim in the pool and sea and just chill was too much to ignore!! Best nearby restaurants-The Beer Garden and Espettus.Thoroughly recommend this holiday,thank you Niara and Miguel-we love Madeira❤️