Calheta (Madeira), Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Xaviernunes

Calheta is a charming village nestled in a steep valley just above Madeira’s coast. It is the principal town of the sun-drenched, fertile southwestern coast of the island. Constructed in a bay at the stream’s mouth, Calheta enjoys constant sunshine, and its modern artificial sand beach and marina have transformed it into a leisure destination.

As one of Madeira’s oldest parishes and a site of early exploration by the island’s first settlers, Calheta holds historical significance. Established on June 1, 1502, by a Royal Decree from Dom Manuel the Virtuous, its foundation day is celebrated on June 24th, aligning with the festive St. John’s Day. Annually, the village near the beach buzzes with music, food stalls, and lively parades.

It hosts the historic Engenho da Calheta, a sugar cane factory founded in 1901, still producing sugar cane honey and ‘aguardente’ or rum. The area is also renowned for its rich variety of fish in its coastal waters.

A highlight for visitors is the Mudas Contemporary Art Museum of Madeira, an architecturally ambitious project that blends seamlessly with its environment. Known for its quality exhibitions and cultural events, it offers an iconic view of the sandy beach, the Savoy Calheta Beach hotel, and the marina. Nearby, overlooking a small pebble beach, the Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa, a hotel harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape, is situated close to the marina.

Top Tip: One of the easiest ways to get to Calheta is by going on a Madeira South Coast Full-Day Tour, where you will alos visit a sugar cane factory and see the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse. Coming by cruise ship – no problem they even have a harbour pick up.

History of Calheta (Madeira)

The name “Calheta” has dual origins related to its toponymy; it means “small bay” in Portuguese and also relates to “cal” meaning lime, linking to limestone. Founded in 1430, Calheta is one of Madeira’s oldest parishes and among the first explored by early settlers. It was granted to João Gonçalves Zarco’s son and his wife as a land grant.

Calheta evolved from a village to a town in 1502, following a royal charter by King Manuel I. Initially settled by noblemen and knights, this influenced the naming of localities such as Lombo do Doutor and Lombo do Atouguia. Important early establishments included the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça, founded in 1502, and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia in 1535, serving healthcare needs.

Prazeres parish, initially part of Estreito da Calheta, became autonomous in 1733, with its church founded in 1751. The Liberal revolution in 1835 led to Calheta’s incorporation as a municipality. Ponta do Pargo, initially under Porto Moniz, was incorporated into Calheta, but later returned to Porto Moniz in 1855, and was reintegrated into Ponta do Pargo in 1871.

Tristão Vaz Teixeira Bettencourt da Câmara, titled Baron of Jardim do Mar, was a significant figure, owning properties and directing the Diário de Notícias in Funchal. King Carlos I and Queen Amélie of Portugal visited Calheta, marking one of the monarchy’s last events affecting the area. Notable developments include the 1922 inauguration of the Ponta da Vigia lighthouse and the 1944 establishment of the Bairro Piscatório do Paul do Mar for the fishing community.

Visiting Calheta (Madeira) for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Calheta (Madeira) on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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