Local Guide:
Caniço

Property market

Caniço (postcode 9125) is a highly privileged area, both for its proximity to Funchal and Madeira Airport and for the stunning landscapes that captivate residents and visitors alike.

The tourist hub of Caniço de Baixo is the second largest concentration of hotels in the archipelago, and the area is much sought after by buyers looking for detached villas with beautiful gardens and superb views.

Caniço has become the alternative of choice for people who work in Funchal but want a calmer place to live, with more accessible prices per m². There is strong demand for apartments and family homes from those currently living in Funchal who are looking for more space.

The lifestyle

People in Caniço make the most of everything the island has to offer — its natural wonders and its food in equal measure.

There's a calm here you can almost breathe — and a warm social side too, with friendships that come easily among the locals.

What to love

• The safety
• The mild climate
• The calm and intimacy of a small town
• The closeness to the sea, with its crystal-clear waters
• The closeness to the mountains

Things to do

• Stroll along the Caniço Promenade, enjoying the sea and the views.
• Visit Reis Magos beach, with its translucent waters, a pebble area and easy access to the sea.
• Go scuba diving or freediving and discover the wonders of the coastline — crowned by the Garajau marine reserve, the country's only fully protected marine reserve, sought out by divers from all over the world.
• Visit the Cristo Rei statue and its clifftop viewpoint at Garajau point, with a unique perspective over the island.

Eating out, entertainment and shopping

Caniço has fantastic restaurants with a great diversity of flavours.

• A Traineira: the best the sea has to offer, in a serene setting that invites you to enjoy a glass from its wine cellar.
• A'Gosto: gourmet cooking that highlights each flavour and its pairings; Francisco, the owner, welcomes guests with the warmth of someone who loves what he does.
• Talho do Caniço: the regional espetada experience in a festive atmosphere — meat bought at the in-house butcher is grilled over an ever-burning fire, with bread and wine enjoyed wherever you find a seat.
• A Central: where barbecue is king, offering a calmer, more intimate experience of perfectly prepared meats.

The bar O Reguilha is the ideal place to join friends for a poncha or a glass of wine with a snack. The relaxed atmosphere and the smile of Carlos, the owner, invite you to stay for the evening. Religious festivals, the food festival and the onion festival fill the town with music, and the food stalls always call for a drink with the famous local "dentinho".