Calheta Village

Calheta is a charming village located between the south and the west end of Madeira Island.

Why does it call ''Calheta''?

The town's toponym comes from the colonization times of the Island, around 1420, when in these places further south, due to the easy access, collection points, called “calhetas”, were established on the rights of the goods that the island it supplied, like sugar, important wood, among others.

TIP:

Rent a car and explore the southwest side of Madeira: Funchal-Ponta do sol-Calheta- Ponta do Pargo- Paúl do Mar- Jardim do Mar- Madalena do Mar

Get to know how to explore Funchal: Is it Funchal worth visiting?

Tours to go to Calheta:

Jeep tour

What are the top attractions to visit in Calheta?

1. PR19- Caminho Real Paul do Mar

Since you are in Prazeres viewpoint and you're an adventurer go down by PR19, from the viewpoint, the path leads to Paul do Mar, it's only 1,8 km and takes about 1h30.

In this route, in addition to the waterfalls and the imposing relationship between those who wind a slope, the geological beauty is one of the attractions given the alternation between basaltic veins and ocher-colored rocks.

Safety:

• As it corresponds to an accentuated path and with frequent traces of the erosion process, it is necessary to have adequate footwear and support staff;
• If you are uncomfortable with heights and show signs of vertigo, keep in mind that this is a route with wide exposure on the slope. Make sure this is the ideal route for you.

Check also this Levada walk near Prazeres: PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar

2. ''Quinta pedagógica dos Prazeres''

This farm is a multifunctional space composed of four areas:

1. Cultivation area (privilege for alternative cultures)
2. Processing area (jams, cakes, and medicinal herbs)
3. Exhibition area (domestic animals from all over the planet) and tea room (teas) of the plants grown on the farm

3. Museum of Contemporary Art of Madeira, "Casa das Mudas Arts Center"

It features a wide cultural offer, showcasing exhibitions of various kinds, plays, musicals, conferences, contemporary art, and many other events.

4. Calheta Beach

5. Sugar Cane Mill and Museum in Calheta

The old steam engine has been in operation since 1894. Funchal and Porto da Cruz also have sugar cane factories.

On the first floor :

• You can see how the Sugar Cane is unloaded and transported
• Following this, workers pull the stems with a large rake into the machine, where it all falls down below upon the conveyor belt to be crushed by gear wheels.
• The air smells of a little alcohol and sweet as it is here that the sugar cane is transformed into “Sugar Cane Rum” and “Sugar Cane Honey”. 

Places to visit nearby Calheta:

• 1. Raposeira viewpoint

• 2. Lombada dos Marinhos viewpoint
• 3. Fonte do Bispo viewpoint

What are the best outdoor activities in Calheta?

1. Risco and 25 fountains Levada walk
2. Levada Nova walk
3. Garganta funda viewpoint
4. Lagoa do vento levada walk
5. Lajeado Levada walk
6. Whale and Dolphin Watching
7. Paragliding

Read all about the 5 best Levada walks in Madeira: Best 5 Levada Walks in Madeira Island

Where to eat Calheta?

• O farolim 
• Bar o ideal
• New era restaurant
• Joe's Bar
• O Rochão
• Sol&Mar