Calheta, located on the southwest coast of the Madeira island, is renowned for enjoying more hours of sunshine than other island locations. This charming town is a mix of tradition and modernity, famous for its marina and its unique artificial golden sand beaches, imported from Morocco. Our travel designers consider it the ideal base for those wishing to explore the island's lush nature, particularly the famous levadas and the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to See and Do: Sea, Nature, and Rum

• Praia da Calheta and Praia do Paul do Mar – The artificial beaches with golden sand offer calm waters, ideal for swimming. We also recommend visiting Paul do Mar for an authentic fishing village atmosphere.
• Calheta Contemporary Art Museum (MUDAS) – Housed in an impressive modern building, it combines contemporary art with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Excursions along the Levadas – Starting from Calheta, you can reach several levadas (historic irrigation channels), such as the Levada do Alecrim, for an immersive experience in the Laurisilva forest.
• Engenho da Calheta (Rum Factory) – This is where the unique Madeira Rum (Rhum Agricole) is produced by fermenting fresh sugarcane juice. A visit with tasting is an unmissable sensory experience.

Gastronomy and Flavors of Madeira

• Espetada Madeirense – Beef skewers, grilled on a laurel wood skewer (lauro) which gives a unique aroma. Best enjoyed with Bolo do Caco (Madeira sweet bread).
• Lapas – Grilled limpets with garlic and butter, a simple yet tasty appetizer typical of the island.
• Poncha – Madeira's traditional alcoholic drink, made with aguardente de cana (sugarcane brandy), honey, and lemon or orange juice. Be careful, it's quite strong!

Travel Tips from our Local Experts

Calheta is ideal for those seeking a quiet but well-served base for exploring the island by car. The area is less windy than Funchal and offers an exceptional microclimate. We recommend combining a morning excursion on the levadas with a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Calheta (Madeira)
• Official Madeira Tourism Website

Top 3 Luxury and Design Hotels

• Saccharum Hotel Resort & Spa – A luxurious design hotel by the sea, with an infinity pool and a strong connection to the history of sugarcane.
• Calheta Beach All-Inclusive – Excellent option with direct access to the golden sand beach.
• Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel – Although in Porto Moniz, it represents luxury immersed in the unique nature of the island. For Calheta, we also recommend Calheta Villa's for an exclusive stay.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Restaurante O Litoral – Specialized in fresh fish and Espetada, with a beautiful sea view.
• New Era Bar & Restaurante – Traditional Madeiran cuisine in a modern setting.
• Engenho Velho Restaurante – Restaurant that combines local flavors with a more contemporary touch.