Calheta: Levadas, Coast and Cultural Heritage

Calheta offers a wide range of reasons to visit: long levada routes, shorter marked hiking trails, viewpoints, cultural sites and coastal villages each have their own appeal. When planning a hotel stay, it is worth first deciding whether hiking landscapes, cultural heritage or the coast should take centre stage. The experiences range from Laurissilva forest and the network of trails in Rabaçal to Jardim do Mar’s historic features and international surfing competitions held there in the past, and the fishing centre of Paul do Mar, whose visible chimney is a reminder of its former fishing activity.

From Funchal, the municipal access route follows the Via Rápida VR 1 towards Ribeira Brava, then the Via Expresso VE 3 towards Calheta. Along this route, the drive to the centre of Calheta takes about 30 minutes. Traffic and road conditions can affect journey times, so this is an estimate.

Rabaçal: Levada, Laurissilva and viewpoints

The Levada Nova da Calheta is about 40 kilometres long, with only slight elevation changes between 600 and 700 metres. Its route passes through damp areas with species of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest and crosses numerous streams and tributaries. Water levels can vary seasonally. This route brings together levadas, forest and waterways as distinct features of the landscape.

At the Centro de Receção do Rabaçal, permanent exhibitions cover the history of Rabaçal, Madeira’s native Laurissilva forest, the levadas, the network of trails in Rabaçal and Madeira’s network of recommended hiking trails. The Miradouro do Rabaçal offers an unobstructed view of the island’s largest valley covered in Laurissilva. Rabaçal is part of the Natura 2000 network and is within the Parque Natural da Madeira, where the area is classified as a quiet and peaceful zone.

Hiking trails by length and destination

The PR 19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar is a 1.8-kilometre route of moderate difficulty from Prazeres to Paul do Mar. The PR 20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar is also rated as moderate and is 1.9 kilometres long, running from Prazeres to Jardim do Mar. The two routes are similar in length, but have different destinations. Check the current trail status before making firm plans for a hike.

A short, easy walking path of about 600 metres one way leads to the viewpoint at Cascata da Garganta Funda. Conditions on the path may change. The waterfall is approximately 140 metres high.

Culture, churches and the history of sugar cane

MUDAS – Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Madeira is a contemporary art museum in Calheta. Churches and chapels also give the region a distinctive historic character: the Igreja do Espírito Santo features Manueline and Mannerist stylistic elements. Three religious celebrations are held there each year: the Feast of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament and the Feast of Nossa Senhora dos Bons Caminhos on the last Sunday in September. Check the exact dates before your trip.

The Capela de Nossa Senhora do Loreto in Arco da Calheta and the Capela dos Reis Magos in Estreito da Calheta both date from the 16th century and are classified as Monuments of Public Interest. The Engenho da Calheta is one of Madeira’s oldest sugar cane mills. Madeira rum is produced there through controlled fermentation and careful distillation.

Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar

In Jardim do Mar, narrow streets, low houses around the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the ruins of an old sugar cane mill shape the village landscape. These features are regarded as symbols of its centuries-old past. The swell is suitable for experienced surfers; suitability depends on current sea conditions. Several international surfing competitions have been held in Jardim do Mar.

Paul do Mar is an important fishing centre on Madeira. A chimney from the former factory, still visible today, is a reminder of past fishing activity. Surfers also appreciate the waves at Paul do Mar; their suitability varies with sea conditions. The two villages therefore have different points of interest: historic features and past competitions in Jardim do Mar, and fishing and traces of its former industry in Paul do Mar.

Viewpoints and beaches

The Miradouro da Achada de Santo Antão offers panoramic views of Vila Arco da Calheta. At Madeira’s western end, the Miradouro do Farol da Ponta do Pargo sits on a cliff at an elevation of 290 metres; from there, panoramic views stretch across the Atlantic and the surrounding rock formations. The lighthouse began operating in June 1922. Nearby is a small museum centre with exhibits, photographs and documentation about Madeira’s lighthouses.

Praia do Calhau is a pebble beach near the centre of the municipality of Calheta. The beach has a large sunbathing area, changing rooms, toilets and a bar with a terrace. As facilities may change, check their availability in advance if they are important to your plans. Praia de Areia da Calheta is 100 metres long and has a sunbathing area of about 7,300 square metres; the measurements may change slightly due to maintenance or coastal works. The beach is used for activities including canoeing and windsurfing. Take sea conditions and local safety advice into account.

Discover more destinations: Caniço, Ponta Do Sol, Jardim Do Mar, Vila Baleira, Madeira, Porto Santo, Arco De Sao Jorge, Curral Das Freiras.

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