Calheta is on the southwest coast of Madeira. Whilst in Calheta town consider visiting the historic, picturesque fishing villages of Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar which were venues in 2001 for the World Surfing Championships.
Calheta (kuh-LYIH-tuh, /kɐ.ˈʎe.tɐ/) is the administrative centre of the district of the same name and the most important town in southwest Madeira, founded in 1430. It used to be the centre of the sugar industry. The small marina "Calheta Beach" is important for tourism, because sand from the Sahara was poured here in an artificially created bay. This is how the only sandy beach along the south coast was created. In addition to the area around Canico, which is more dedicated to package tourism, Calheta has the largest colony of local Germans from abroad who are often also involved in tourism (rental, excursions, paragliding). The most important German-language online and print magazine is also created here.
Tourist information often does not distinguish the municipality of Calheta with the port from the neighboring municipalities of Arco da Calheta , which stretches up the hills towards Funchal along the coast, and Estreito do Calheta, which grows northwest up into the foothills. All three areas cover areas far into the mountains. Visitors without their own car should therefore carefully check the location information to protect themselves from surprises.
From Madeira's only airport, Santa Cruz, Calheta can be reached within 40 minutes on the coastal motorway.
The operator Rodoeste connects the place quickly and frequently with the capital Funchal, but also with all other places on the island (sometimes only 1-2 times a day).
The ER-101 coastal motorway connects quickly to Funchal via Ribeira Brava, where the motorway under the Encumeada Pass connects the north coast. Winding country roads can also be used to get to the Paúl da Serra plateau and along the west coast to Porto Moniz.
Calheta is approached from Ribeira Brava via the expressway ER-101 in tunnels, at the end of which you can get to Calheta Beach very quickly. However, some areas are better to be reached via the coastal road via Maddalena do Mar. As everywhere in Madeira, it is not easy to decide which of the paths to choose without a local knowledge. A good description of how to get there may be useful when you are arriving.
Parts of the municipality are in the hilly to mountainous hinterland. At least there, it is advisable to have your own vehicle.
At the harbour below the hotel there is a supermarket with an ATM, which is sufficiently equipped for self-catering. Three is a large supermarket and market hall in Ribeira Brava, Sunday farmers' market in Prazeres or Estreito Camara dos Lobos.
Buy and eat lapas the fish in seashells that live on the rocks on the beach of Paul do Mar. Traditionally they are fried in garlic and beer a lager is recommended to be drunk with them
When visiting a historic fishing village such as Paul do Mar eating fresh seafood is a must. Eat 'lapas' the fish in seashells that live on the rocks on the beach of Paul do Mar. Traditionally they are a snack, a starter to a meal fried in garlic and beer, a lager is recommended to be drunk with them. The other favourite fish dish is 'espada' the ugly but, delicious black scabbard fish which lives thousand of metres below the ocean surface.
Whilst in Paul do Mar village the traditional drinks are the soft drink 'Brisa Maracuja' a fizzy drink made only in Madeira from passion fruit. Passion fruits grow in Paul do Mar. The local lager which has won international awards 'Coral', and of course Portuguese and Madeiran red, white and rosé wines, which can generally be bought by the glass or by the bottle with or without a meal. By the way, a 'bica' coffee is a standard expresso and a 'Chinesa' is a Cappuccino coffee.
In Calheta there is a wide range of hotels, apartment complexes, natural facilities (Casas Rurales) and private holiday apartments, some of which are run by German (speaking) owners. Some offers can also be booked as part of package deals. Often booked addresses are (without rating):
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division