Calheta Madeira Portugal

Calheta is a resort situated on the south western shores of Madeira and offers the island's only significant golden sandy beaches. However, Calheta beaches are not natural beaches as the sand is imported from Morocco. In fact the whole set-up is man made as a horseshoe shaped by boulders encases the two beaches, buffering the water from the ocean. Watersports such as windsurfing and canoeing are available from Calheta beaches. The town also offers a Marina with a number of water sports available.

For surfers if worth pointing out that in 2001 the World Surfing Championship was held not far from Calheta at Jardim do Mar, which translates to 'garden of the sea'. This is a beautiful small village with some enormous waves pounding the shingle of the nearby shores. However it's unlikely that the site will again host the event as, in more recent years, coastal sea walls have been errected which have disturbed the wave's natural formation, reducing it's appeal to surfers. For show stunning shots of the area surf watch the video below...

Restaurants in Calheta

There are a number of very good seafood restaurants in the town, some serving seafood cataplanas - a traditional Portuguese recipe which is named after the vessel it's cooked in which is a large copper dish.

Calheta's Sweet History

The sugar industry was once very lucrative for Madeira in the long distant past and Calheta is home to one of only two working sugar mills on the island. Tours are available where you can sample some of the mill's aguardente and molasses.

Calheta is one of the oldest parishes on the island with some of it's oldest surviving buildings dating back to the 15th century.

Casa das Mudas Art Centre

Calheta is home to the Casa das Mudas Art Centre which is Madeira's largest cultural venue and the third largest in Portugal. The centre was opened in 2004 and features works by Dali and Sir Francis Bacon. The centre also holds regular theatre, dance and artistic performances within it's auditorium which holds over 200 people. The art centre is worthy of a visit not just for art but also for the architecture of the building and the views it offers.

Paul da Serra plateau Calheta

As with practically anywhere on the island, when in Calheta, you're not far away from some high beauty spots offering amazing vistas. The Paul da Serra plateau is not far from Calheta and offer great views and great trekking.

Airport transfers from Funchal

Calheta resort is not far along the coast from the islands capital Funchal. Transfers from the airport to Calheta should take in the region of 30 minutes when travelling by car.