If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a place where the waves crash against stone walls and the streets are too narrow for cars, this little pocket of Calheta might be calling your name. Jardim do Mar (literally “Garden of the Sea”) is as picturesque as it sounds—think whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, and bougainvillea explosions everywhere you look. It’s remote in that “last stop before the ocean” kind of way, and that’s exactly the draw. Surfers flock here for the big winter waves (they’re no joke), but the rest of the year it’s pretty sleepy, which suits the rest of us just fine.

Now, real talk: it's not the place for anyone who needs quick access to schools, big supermarkets, or... well, anything fast. The drive in is steep and winding, and parking is a challenge unless your place comes with a spot (many don’t). But what you get in return is peace, beauty, and sunsets that feel almost smug in how good they are. FUN FACT: The village used to be completely cut off during storms—until they built a tunnel. It’s still a bit isolated, but in that romantic, “off-the-grid-but-not-totally” kind of way. If you’re okay with a slower pace and the sound of the ocean being your daily soundtrack, this might be your paradise.