Calheta
The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and far west of Madeira island. The municipality is bordered on northwest by the municipality of Porto Moniz, on northeast by São Vicente and to the west by Ponta do Sol, being bathed by the Atlantic Ocean on its southern and western area. Its name comes from the island's settlement period, during which the rights on sugar and woods deposits points were here created – these points were called calhetas. It is believed that the name Calheta was used for the first time by João Gonçalves Zarco, the discoverer of Madeira, who chose this area to donate vast lands to his children João Gonçalves da Câmara and Dona Beatriz Gonçalves. Being a primarily rural municipality, to the east we find rich cultivations, like wine, banana and sugarcane, while, to the west, there are more fruits and vegetables. We can find a vast built heritage throughout the territory, ranging from churches, chapels and hermitages to manor houses and fountains. On a gastronomic level, beyond the great fish and fresh seafood, another delicacy not to be missed is the famous bolo do caco (traditional Madeira bread made with sweet potatoes), which is perfect to accompany the also known Madeira kebabs, or that can simply be tasted with garlic butter.
What to do in Calheta
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
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Where to eat in Calheta
Portuguese
16.00 €
A typical, rustic ans welcoming house, that serves national and regional dishes.
Regional
12.00 €
A large and very pleasant space that serves Portuguese traditional dishes. It organizes marriages a…
Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
7.50 €
A rustic and welcoming space that functions as a restaurant, a bar and a gaming salon, that serves …
International, Mediterranean
10.00 €
Espaço rústico e acolhedor, muito agradável, a servir pratos imaginativos e deliciosos apenas por e…
Regional
12.00 €
A rustic and welcoming tea house with a small flowery terrace that serves Madeira dishes.
Regional, Vegetarian
12.00 €
A restaurant that belongs to the O Farol inn. It has typical Madeira dishes and some vegetarian dis…
Where to sleep in Calheta
5 star
O enquadramento natural e paisagístico é único e deslumbrante, a aproveitar o melhor do mar e também da montanha. Um dos locais onde imponência da vista mais i…
4 star
A hotel located on the top of a cliff, in a landscape that is in touch with nature and lovely views of the mountain and of the sea. It has 61 T0 apartments, 26…
A restored house located in a peaceful area in touch with nature. Besides the main house, there is also a newer construction by it with a room and wc.
Near Calheta
São Vicente
Located in the North of the island of Madeira, the municipality of São Vicente occupies an area of about 80 square miles and consists of the parishes…
Ponta do Sol
The municipality of Ponta do Sol, based in the city of the same name, is located 18 kilometres from Funchal, on the South coast of Madeira Island. It…
Santa Cruz
The municipality of Santa Cruz, whose area of 95.5 km2 covers also the Desertas Islands, visible from the coast, lies on the South coast of Madeira I…
Ribeira Brava
Created May 6, 1914, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has an area of 65 km2 and is formed by the parishes of Belfry, Ribeira Brava, Serra de Água an…