Calheta Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
municipality and town of Madeira, Portugal
About Calheta
Calheta (kuh-LYIH-tuh, /kɐ.ˈʎe.tɐ/) is the administrative centre of the district of the same name and the most important town in southwest Madeira, founded in 1430. It used to be the centre of the sugar industry. The small marina "Calheta Beach" is important for tourism, because sand from the Sahara was poured here in an artificially created bay. This is how the only sandy beach along the south coast was created. In addition to the area around Canico, which is more dedicated to package tourism, Calheta has the largest colony of local Germans from abroad who are often also involved in tourism (rental, excursions, paragliding). The most important German-language online and print magazine is also created here. Tourist information often does not distinguish the municipality of Calheta with the
Top Attractions in Calheta
Explore the best things to see and do in Calheta:
- ★Bathing and water sports at the recreation harbor
- ★Casa da Misericórdia
- ★Casa das Mudas
- ★Engenho da Calheta
- ★Paragliding Madeira Airbase Airadventours
- ★Parish Church of Igreja Matriz do Espírito Santo
- ★Whale watching trips
Where to Eat in Calheta
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Restaurante Beira Mar
Where to Stay in Calheta
- 🏨Calheta Beach Hotel
- 🏨Hotel Atrio
- 🏨Sunny House East & Sunny House West, Paul do Mar
Calheta Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: