18 Great Things to do in Calheta, Madeira Island

Looking for things to do in Calheta, Madeira? Nestled along the southwest coast, this cute neighbourhood is a gem waiting to be explored. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on this stunning island, make sure to carve out some time for the charming town of Calheta.

Calheta also features on my 12 day Madeira coastal itinerary and my 7 day Madeira West itinerary.

My last visit to Madeira was in summer 2023 on a solo trip, but Madeira is also ideal for couples and families. I have also visited Madeira in the spring and winter time too. You may also like to check out my main Madeira Travel Guide if you are thinking of travelling to Madeira.

Below is a simple guide to 18 things to do in Calheta.

18 Great things to do in Calheta, Madeira

Let’s proceed with the list of 18 things to do in Calheta.

You will also find a map of Calheta, links for accommodation suggestions, tour suggestions and frequently asked questions about things to do in Calheta at the bottom of the post.

1. Hit the beach at Calheta. 

Calheta is well known for its golden sandy beaches, and you won’t want to miss soaking up the sun by the crystal-clear waters.

Calheta’s beach has yellow sand, blue sea and lots of bars and restaurants. It’s actually one of Madeira’s few sandy beaches, so it’s worth making the most of the sand.

2. Explore the Calheta sugar cane factory.

Here you can learn about Madeira’s sugar production legacy, see the traditional processes firsthand, and (the best bit) sample some local sugar cane products.

📍The Sugar Cane Mill and Museum is located at Av. D. Manuel I 29, Calheta, Madeira, Portugal.

3. Visit the Contemporary Art Museum – Casa das Mudas.

This modern art centre sits above Calheta and has gorgeous views over the ocean and the town’s sandy beach. On a nice day, the terrace is a lovely spot to relax.

The building was designed to blend in with the landscape and was even nominated for a top architecture award.

Inside, there are art exhibitions, live music, theatre, and talks. You’ll also find a café, restaurant, library and shop.

4. Wander through Calheta marina.

Calheta Marina has that easy, breezy kind of charm. Colourful boats swaying gently, hills rising in the background, and just enough activity to keep things interesting without feeling hectic. It’s the sort of place where time slows down a bit.

Maybe you’ll find yourself lingering by the water with a drink in hand, watching the masts sway and the light shift over the hills.

5. Hike the Levada Nova trail.

The Levada Nova trail winds gently through some seriously scenic bits of Madeira. Think sweeping views, tumbling valleys, and that deep green, jungly kind of landscape the island does so well.

It follows one of the old irrigation channels (“levadas”), so it’s mostly flat and easy-going, with the occasional “wow” moment around a bend.

If you’re feeling up for more, the Levada Moinho links up nearby and makes a great companion route.

• Further reading on levada walks:
• 16 of the Best Levada Walks in Madeira.
• My experience walking the Levada Moinho to Levada Nova Waterfall hike (with photos).

6. Enjoy water activities at Calheta beach.

Adventure seekers, rejoice! Calheta Beach offers a range of water activities, from paddleboarding to jet skiing. Dive into the refreshing ocean and add a splash of excitement to your day.

Other outdoor activities include whale and dolphin watching, 4×4 experiences and hiking Madeira’s peaks at sunrise or sunset.

7. Indulge in local cuisine at Calheta restaurants.

Calheta’s a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to food, there are some genuinely great spots tucked away here.

Expect plenty of fresh seafood, sizzling espetada skewers, and that garlicky bolo do caco bread that somehow makes every meal better.

One of the standout places is the restaurant inside the Savoy Saccharum (number 18 on this list) – well worth checking out. And if you’re curious to go a bit deeper into the island’s flavours, there are food tours and wine tours that give you a proper taste of local life.

8. Discover Prazeres market, Calheta.

The Sunday market in Prazeres has that lovely, local feel – fresh fruit stacked high, homemade bits and pieces, and a warm, unhurried atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place where you might end up chatting to a stallholder over a jar of honey or wandering off with something you didn’t plan to buy (but are very glad you did).

Great for a slow morning and a little glimpse into everyday Madeiran life.

📍The Mercado Abastecedor dos Prazeres is located at Caminho da Referta 144 9370, Prazeres, Madeira, and opens at 08:00 on Sundays.

9. Take a scenic drive to Arco da Calheta.

The drive to Arco da Calheta is a beauty. Winding roads, dramatic hillsides, and the kind of views that make you want to keep pulling over for photos.

The village itself has a peaceful, tucked-away vibe, with traditional houses and glimpses of daily life that feel miles away from the busier parts of the island.

If you’re thinking of hiring a car in Madeira, Discover Cars is a good shout. It compares different companies so you can find a decent deal. You can pick up your car at the airport or in a few other spots around the island.

10. Unwind at Calhau Beach Club.

Calhau Beach Club is one of those spots where everything just feels easy – sun loungers, chilled music, and cocktails that seem to taste even better with a sea view.

It’s got a bit of a tucked-away, laid-back vibe, perfect for an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing (except maybe watching the sun dip into the ocean later on – Madeira does a good sunset, and this place nails the view). The menu’s solid too, in case you feel peckish between swims.

📍This beach club is located right opposite the Savoy Saccharum hotel (read my review here) and the address is: Rua da Serra D’Água, 1 9370-087 Arco da Calheta.

11. Sample local rums at Engenho da Calheta. 

Engenho da Calheta is a rum distillery in the centre of town. It’s one of those places where history and a good drink come together nicely.

The old sugar cane mill has been around for decades and still springs to life each year after Easter, when the machinery gets going again. Even when it’s not running, you can pop in for a wander around.

In the distillery, you can get a real sense of the island’s sugar trade past, and the tasting room and wine bar are open year-round.

12. Join a whale and dolphin watching tour from Calheta Marina. 

If you’re anywhere near Calheta Marina, heading out on a whale and dolphin watching trip is pretty much a must.

The waters just off this stretch of coast drop to crazy depths (around 3000 metres) which makes them a perfect playground for all sorts of marine life.

We’re talking dolphins (from bottlenose to the rather more mysterious rough-toothed ones) and a surprising number of whales, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and even the occasional blue or humpback.

Sightings happen on over 90% of trips, so chances are good you’ll spot something special.

There are lots of tour companies based right at the marina, and if you want something a bit more personal, private guided trips are also an option.

13. Hike the Rabacal – 25 Fontes trail. 

The 25 Fontes trail in Rabaçal winds through lush, storybook forest – the kind where everything feels a bit ancient and enchanted – and leads to a hidden lagoon fed by dozens of natural springs.

The route itself is about 4.3 km each way, with a few ups and downs that make it feel satisfyingly adventurous without being too tough.

Along the way, you’ll get sweeping views over the Ribeira da Janela valley and the dense Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO-listed patch of greenery that looks like something out of a fairytale.

If you want to make the most of it, guided tours are also available – great for learning more about what you’re seeing (and avoiding the risk of getting lost in the moss).

14. Attend the Festas de São João in Calheta.

The Festas de São João in Calheta is when the town really comes alive. Think street parties, colourful processions, and a whole lot of local energy.

What started as a pagan celebration of the summer solstice has evolved into a vibrant tribute to three saints: St. Anthony, St. John, and St. Peter.

Calheta joins the fun with its own celebrations on the 16th, 23rd, and 24th of June, with music, dancing, and those classic festive touches you only find in Madeira.

There are similar celebrations all across the island – Porto Santo and Funchal go big too – but Calheta’s version has its own charm, especially with the locals getting involved in the marches and street festivities.

15. Experience local flavour: Poncha tasting.

Trying Poncha in Calheta is almost a rite of passage.

This punchy little drink – made with aguardente, honey, and citrus juice – packs a bit of a kick, but it’s all part of the fun.

You’ll find it in laid-back taverns and breezy beach bars around town, often served with a smile and maybe a warning that it’s stronger than it looks.

Each place tends to have its own twist on the recipe, so it’s worth sampling a few (responsibly, of course) to see which one hits the spot.

16. Capture sunset views at Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse. 

Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse feels a bit like the edge of the world, perched high above the Atlantic on Madeira’s western tip, with nothing but ocean stretching out in front of it.

It’s a brilliant spot for sunset, when the sky puts on a show and the cliffs glow gold in the fading light.

The views are pretty spectacular even before the sun goes down, with dramatic rock formations and endless sea in every direction.

If you’ve got a camera (or just your phone), you’ll definitely want it with you for this one.

17. Try the local Lapas. 

Tucking into a plate of lapas at Calhau Beach Club is a bit of a Madeira must-try. These little limpets are a local favourite. They are grilled fresh and usually served with garlic and butter until they’re sizzling and packed with flavour.

The beach club itself has an easygoing, summery vibe with sunbeds, good tunes, and a rocky stretch of beach just steps away.

A glass of local wine or a cold beer pairs perfectly, especially with the sea right in front of you.

You’ll find lapas on the menu at loads of restaurants around Calheta, but if you fancy this particular spot, it’s just across from the Savoy Saccharum hotel on Rua da Serra D’Água.

18. Experience culinary delights at Alambique restaurant.

Alambique is a restaurant that you will remember long after your holiday ends. It’s got that welcoming, slightly upscale feel without being stuffy, and the menu is packed with dishes that really celebrate Madeiran flavours.

Think fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and well-thought-out veggie options too.

The kitchen puts real care into what comes out on the plate, and it shows. If you’re looking for a meal that feels a bit special while still keeping that local charm, this spot is a solid choice.

Calheta also features in my 7 day itinerary for the West of Madeira and my 12 day coastal Madeira itinerary.

Where I stayed in Calheta, Madeira.

I stayed at the Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa Madeira in July 2023, and you can read my review here. The hotel far exceeded my expectations in every way. From its beautiful location and luxurious amenities to its outstanding service and exceptional dining options, it’s a perfect choice for a relaxing and indulgent escape (this post is not sponsored).

Check availability and prices of the Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa Madeira on Booking.com.

Where else to stay in Calheta.

• I stayed in Savoy Saccharum resort & Spa.
• Also in Calheta is the Quinta Alegre hotel with an outdoor swimming pool.
• The Hotel Jardim Atlantico is situated just outside Calheta (in Prazeres).
• See all accommodation in Calheta on Booking.com.

Hotel booking links:

You can book the Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa Madeira here, but I have also included some booking links for different parts of Madeira below. There is also a map showing accommodation by location. Clicking on the map will take you straight through to Booking.com.

Hotels in Funchal | Hotels in Calheta | Hotels in São Vicente | Hotels in Porto Moniz | Hotels in Machico | Hotels in Santana | Hotels in Ponta do Sol | Hotels in Câmara de Lobos | Hotels in Ribeira Brava | Hotels in Ponta Delgada | All hotels in Madeira.

Accommodation in Madeira

Here is a map from Booking.com showing hotels by location. You can zoom in, zoom out, drag and move the map. If you click the map, it will take you to Booking.com where you can look more closely at your options.

I recommend reserving your room immediately to get the best price. It’s usually free to reserve, and you can always cancel later on.

See the main Madeira page from Booking.com.

FAQs about things to do in Calheta, Madeira.

Below are some frequently asked questions about things to do in Calheta Madeira.

Q: What are some of the top things to do in Calheta, Madeira? 

A: Calheta offers a range of activities, including relaxing on its golden sandy beaches, exploring historical sites like the Calheta Sugar Cane Factory, and enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking the Levada Nova Trail.

Q: Are there cultural experiences in Calheta? 

A: Absolutely! Dive into the local culture by visiting Casa das Mudas, a contemporary art museum, and attending local festivals such as the Festas de São João.

Map showing things to do in Calheta, Madeira.

The Google map below shows the things to do in Calheta as listed in this post. Click the blue icons to see more information about each place, or click the star to add to your own Google Maps.

Tours in Calheta.

Below are some of the top-rated tours in Madeira, from my preferred tour operator Viator (I also use Get Your Guide as well, but Viator is my go-to).

1. Sunrise Self-Guided Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: To save you the hassle of organising transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

2. Full-Day Madeira North West Coast Safari from Funchal: Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, Veu da Noiva waterfall, and the Paul da Serra plateau.

3. East of Madeira | Full Day 4×4 Tour: Travelling by 4WD, venture off-road and escape the crowds as you drive the Pico do Areiro mountain roads, stop in villages such as Ribeiro Frio and Faial, and visit a traditional A-frame house in Santana.

4. Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: Wonderful wine trail through the Laurissilva forest with wine and tapas included.

5. Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira: 2- to 4-hour private charter by motor yacht. Snorkel and spot marine life including whales and dolphins. Light refreshments and a glass of sparkling wine included.

View all Madeira tours on Viator here. You can reserve tours immediately without paying anything up front, and cancel for free. Viator is a TripAdvisor company, so you know you will get a good service.