Santo António da Serra, Machico, Madeira Island

Following the road from Funchal and continuing on it through Camacha, you will encounter a small parish called Santo António da Serra, which belongs to the municipality of Machico. Curiously, it borders another parish that has the same name but belongs to the municipality of Santa Cruz.

This is the home of the former Blandy Park, currently known as Quinta do Santo da Serra, where the paths are lined with wonderful blooming camellias. Besides having both exotic and indigenous plants, the park has a small variety of animals including deer, horses, ducks and peacocks.

Weekends are a good time to visit the parish, as the local people stage their market stalls along the main road and a surprising assortment of food and other goods can be acquired very cheaply.

About 1500 metres off the centre of the parish, you will find the Santo da Serra Golf course - the official venue for the only PGA tournament taking place every year in Madeira. From this course golf players have incredible views over the island and the Atlantic Ocean.