We are 72 an 70 years old so it was a bit ambitious to rent up in the hills, the cottage is lovely with large outside patio area and good parking, windows in all directions with wonderful views around the hills and down the valley to the village and sea. the walk down to the village was steep but we did manage most days as the restaurant A Pipa was really fantastic. The bakery close to it was also excellent. Sietske (Dutch) and her husband Aurelio (Portuguese) were wonderful, Aurelio picked us up from the airport and took us to a large suprmarket, where he was on hand to advise what to purchase including the best wines and local spirit. He took up up into the hills a few days later to show us the start to a Lavada which we walked in amazement, but do not try the return on the other side of the valley it is dangerous and made the walk around 16 kilometers or 6 hours plus. a car would be sensible if you don't mind bendy narrow roads although the road to Funchal and the Airport is excellent. Looking forward to our next trip to Madeira