Holidays in Calheta

An introduction to Calheta

If having a sandy beach on tap on your Madeiran escape is a must, you've hit the jackpot with Calheta. Trailing over steep, terraced slopes on the south-western coast, this charming town has two horseshoe-shaped sandy cover that will delight any beach buff. Complete with fun watersports like canoeing and windsurfing, both are man-made with sands imported from Sahara and Portugal, though you'd never know. Lie back and sink into their soft embrace, sifting the powdery grains between your toes as the sun warms your body. And when you need some all-over refreshment, submerge yourself in the bright blue waters, kept calm and child-friendly by the sheltering rock breakwaters. Away from the beach, have a rummage around the shops gracing Calheta marina, which is packed with sleek, sun-kissed yachts. Peep inside the church to see its ornate wooden ceiling. Tour Calheta's sugar cane factory – the town is famous for its production - and see how Madeira's sweet rum is made. Then head to a fish restaurant to dig into a tempting Madeiran 'cataplana', a mouth-watering stew of succulent fresh fish, clams or prawns steamed in a copper pan. Best paired with a glass of ice-cool local wine, of course. When you get itchy feet, climb the streets up past Calheta's flower-festooned houses and explore Madeira's other worldly interior. Drive to the Paul da Serra plateau to stare wide-eyed at the towering Risco waterfall rushing into a magical, fern-green bowl. And at dusk, return to Calheta to witness the jaw-dropping sunsets. Sip a poncha, Madeira's local firewater made with local sugar cane, and marvel at the explosion of colour as the sun melts behind the jagged cliffs. Bliss.

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