Calheta Beach, Calheta (Madeira)

Beach in Calheta (Madeira)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Petras Gagilas

Calheta Beach is one of the things to do in Calheta for travellers seeking a convenient, sandy, and family-friendly shoreline on Madeira's rugged southwest coast. Unlike the island's natural black-sand or pebble beaches, Calheta Beach features imported golden sand, giving it a mellow, resort-style feel. While it may not rival Madeira's wildest coastal scenery, it's a favourite among tourists, families, and locals thanks to its sheltered waters, soft sand, and easy facilities.

Often visited on walking tours of Calheta and its marina area, the beach is an inviting place to unwind-perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply watching the sun dip behind the Atlantic horizon. With cafés, restaurants, and watersports nearby, it's a comfortable and accessible seaside spot for all ages.

History and Significance of Calheta Beach
Things to See and Do in Calheta Beach
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Calheta Beach
Where to Stay close to Calheta Beach
Is Calheta Beach Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Calheta Beach
Nearby Attractions to Calheta Beach

History and Significance of Calheta Beach

Calheta Beach is a modern creation, developed as part of Calheta's transformation into a popular coastal resort destination. The beach was constructed with imported sand to create a calm bathing area protected by breakwaters, offering safe swimming conditions in contrast to Madeira's typically rougher natural shores.

Its development supported tourism in the region, attracting both international visitors and Madeirans seeking a gentle shoreline. Over the years, Calheta Beach has become an important leisure hub for the local community, complementing the nearby marina, hotels, and cultural attractions such as Casa das Mudas and Engenho da Calheta.

Today, the beach continues to serve as a relaxed, accessible point of entry to Madeira’s sunnier southwest coast, blending resort convenience with scenic ocean views.

Things to See and Do in Calheta Beach

The main appeal of Calheta Beach is its calm, sheltered waters-ideal for swimming, floating, or letting children play safely near the shore. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available to rent, making it easy to settle in for a long, sunny afternoon.

Visitors can stroll along the waterfront promenade, stop by cafés and restaurants overlooking the marina, or book watersports such as paddleboarding or kayaking. The beach's location makes it perfect for combining with other attractions, including a visit to Engenho da Calheta for rum tasting or a cultural stop at Casa das Mudas.

As evening approaches, Calheta often treats visitors to beautiful sunsets that illuminate the breakwaters and boats in the marina.

How to Get There

Calheta Beach is located in the centre of Calheta and is easiest to reach by car via the VE3 or coastal roads leading from Funchal. Paid street parking is available near the beach, and visitors can also park inside the nearby grocery store for a small fee, often redeemable with a purchase. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Regular buses run between Funchal and Calheta, with a short walk from the nearest stop. Travellers arriving by air will use Madeira Airport, about an hour's drive from Calheta. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Calheta (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Calheta Beach

Best time to visit Calheta Beach: Late morning to sunset for warm sun and calmer water.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free; sunbeds and umbrellas available for rental.
Opening hours: Beach accessible year-round.
Official website: Managed under Calheta’s municipal tourism resources.
How long to spend: 1-3 hours depending on activities.
Accessibility: Good paths and level access make it suitable for most visitors.
Facilities: Sunbed rental, restrooms, showers, cafés, nearby shops, and marina facilities.
Photography tip: Capture the sandy shoreline with the marina and mountains behind.
Guided tours: Often included as a stop on western Madeira day excursions.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés, restaurants, and bakeries line the marina and beachfront promenade.

Where to Stay close to Calheta Beach

Calheta offers accommodation right beside the water, making it easy to enjoy the beach at your leisure. A popular option is Savoy Calheta Beach, located directly on the sand. Nearby, Saccharum Resort & Spa offers a stylish stay inspired by Madeira’s sugarcane heritage. For something more peaceful, Calheta Boutique Houses provides hillside tranquillity not far from the shore.

Is Calheta Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes-Calheta Beach is well worth a visit, especially for families or travellers who prefer calm waters and sandy shores. While not one of Madeira's wildest or most dramatic beaches, its comfort, accessibility, and sunny setting make it a pleasant and relaxing stop along the island's southwest coast.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (12,440)

Praia da Calheta beach is a sheltered, sandy spot with imported sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming and water sports; the calm, shallow water is lifeguarded and good for snorkeling in the eastern cove where fish are common. The developed area around the beach offers restaurants, bars and shops and a pleasant marina for evening drinks, plus a nearby supermarket and free public toilets. Visitors can rent umbrellas, sunbeds and chairs or bring a towel to find space on the sand; street parking is available (paid near the beach, some free on more remote streets) and a parking garage is nearby for busier times.

Al Hau

4 months ago

"Been there on a Saturday. We showed up around 10:30 am. At this time we got curbside parking (80 cents per hour) and - most importantly- an umbrellaand two sunbeds for 11 Euro. Around noon, all sunbeds were occupied, you only got lucky to get one if somebody leaves. You can also pit your towels on the beach - for free and always a space available. Sand is nice (imported) and sea swimming protected by lifeguard...."

See More See Less

SHARLENE VAN DER SLIKKE

a month ago

"Great restaurants 👌 shops nearby, we self catered, good place to do your own thing. Marina is so so nice to be by especially sundowners time"

A a Lusta

3 months ago

"Calm beach in a developed area. There is a restaurant and a big supermarket close to it. Has paid beach chairs, umbrellas, free toilets. Water iscalm and not too deep. Parking on a nearby street is paid, 0.8€/h, some more remote streets have free parking...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Calheta Beach

No, the golden sand is imported to create a safe and comfortable beach area.

Yes, the sheltered bay and gentle waters make it ideal for families.

Lifeguards are often present during the main holiday season.

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for a small fee.

Parking is usually manageable, with both street and grocery-store options available. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Nearby Attractions to Calheta Beach

Engenho da Calheta: A historic working sugarcane mill with rum and honey tastings.
Casa das Mudas: Madeira’s acclaimed contemporary art museum.
Calheta Marina: A lively waterfront with cafés, boat tours, and sea views.
Jardim do Mar: A coastal village known for surfing and scenic walks.
Levada do Paul do Mar: A beautiful levada trail offering ocean and valley vistas.

The Calheta Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Calheta (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!