Hotels in Calheta

Book your cheap hotel in Calheta

Located on the Southwest Coast of Madeira, the sunny Portuguese island of Calheta is a popular destination for summer holidays. Calheta was first founded in 1430 as a port for sugar and wood and is one of the island's oldest settlements. Meaning "small bay" in Portuguese, Calheta has a standing population of 11,500+ that swells with tourists in the summer. One of the main attractions of Calheta is its lovely sandy beach. The beaches were interestingly built with golden sand imported from Morocco, which replaced the beach's original dark volcanic rocks and rough sand.

As a holiday destination, there are plenty of hotels and accommodation in and around Calheta. Visitors can choose from room grades of all types, ranging from humble B&Bs to budget hotels and five-star resorts.

Neighbourhoods of Calheta

The town covers 111.5 square kilometres, with its busiest and most built-up areas located around the harbour and beachfront. It is bound by cliffs and the island's highest plateau, Paul da Serra, which peaks at 1,640 metres. The town is divided into eight parishes: Arco da Calheta, Calheta, Estreito da Calheta, Fajã da Ovelha, Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar, Ponta do Pargo and Prazeres.

What to see and do in Calheta

Tourists have plenty of things to see, do and enjoy in Calheta and the surrounding area. Since the town is situated in a convenient location, it is easy to explore Madeira's other parts. It is a very family-friendly destination, and families happen to make up the majority of the visitors to the island. Some of the major highlights include:

  • The Main Beach: The Main Beach is one of the island's two beaches. This beach has golden sand and sits next to the marina. It is one of the few sandy beaches in Madeira and sheltered by sea walls. It offers good facilities and plenty of water sports to enjoy.
  • Praia do Calhau is the second beach in Madeira. It's a pebble beach with a sundeck, changing rooms and an esplanade.
  • Calheta Marina: Home to the Calheta Yacht Club and bordered by greenery, the marina offers plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll.
  • Surfing: The villages of Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar are very close to the town. Both areas are known for having strong surf.
  • Casa das Mudas Arts Centre: Housed in a structure on a cliff above the town of Calheta, you can view a collection of contemporary art and enjoy spectacular views at this popular centre.
  • Engenho da Calheta: Dating back to 1901, this working sugar-cane mill is also a historical museum.
  • Funchal: Just a 20-minute drive from Calheta, Madeira's capital city, Funchal, is well worth visiting. The bustling area is brimming with cultural, historical and architectural attractions. You can also participate in fun and unique basket-sledge rides.

What to eat in Calheta

Madeiran cuisine has the same ethos as its Portuguese parent but tempered with unique island qualities, including its climate, ocean location and agriculture. Some essential dishes to try in Calheta include:

  • Bolo da Caco: A circular cake-shaped flatbread traditionally cooked on a flat slab of basalt stone and served hot with garlic butter.
  • Espetada: Skewered beef that's usually served with bolo da caco and seasoned with bay leaves, salt and garlic.
  • Black Scabbard Fish: An ugly deep-water fish that's native to the area of Madeira. The fillets are seasoned and fried, then served with a side of fried bananas.
  • Lapas: Limpets cooked face-up in a frying pan, then splashed with lemon and served with melted butter.
  • Sopa de Trigo: A densely packed wheat soup filled with root vegetables.
  • Passion Fruit Pudding: As the island's most valued fruit, passion fruit is served in a variety of ways. One of the most popular favourites is a pudding made with fruit pulp, jelly, cream and condensed milk.
  • Ginjinhas: Strong cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup.

Typical events and festivals in Calheta

It may be a small town, but there are still many interesting events to attend, including the:

  • Calheta Apple Festival: An annual event that takes place in the rural village of Ponta do Pargo every September.
  • Limpet Festival: Held yearly in the nearby town of Paul do Mar during July.
  • Maktub Soundsgood: Held every year in Paul do Mar on 1 May, this reggae music festival signifies the start of the bathing season.
  • Madeira Carnival: As one of Europe’s biggest street parties, it’s definitely worth travelling to Funchal in February/March to experience local culture.

How to move around in Calheta

The main way to transport around Calheta is by private taxi. There’s a number of firms servicing trips in, around and beyond the town. Taxis can also be booked for tours. There are no direct bus routes to the airport, but there is a bus service that goes directly to Funchal, which takes between 100 and 150 minutes, depending on the time of day.

The Climate in Calheta

At 165 metres above sea level, the island's climate in this area is classed as warm and temperate. There is more rainfall during winter than summer, with around 25 inches of rain each year. December brings in the most rain, while July is the driest month of the year. The average annual temperature is 16.9° C (62.5° F). August records the highest average temperature of 21.2° C (70.2 °F), with February being the coldest month in Calheta.

Calheta today 70°F
70°F | 57°F

In Calheta we will have soft rain, light clothing is advised as the temperatures will be warm throughout the day.

    • Wednesday
    • 66°F | 55°F
    • Thursday
    • 64°F | 55°F
    • Friday
    • 64°F | 61°F
    • Saturday
    • 70°F | 63°F

25 Accommodations in Calheta

Filters

Filters
Property type
Stars

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Calheta

It depends on the category of the hotel. If you want to stay at a 4-star hotel in Calheta, the average price per night is 37 , while you will pay an average of 36 for a 3-star hotel, and in a more luxurious 5-star hotel, you'll pay around 72 .

According to our clients, the best hotel in Calheta to go to with children is Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature.

The best hotel with a pool in Calheta is Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature.

At Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature, you can enjoy non-smoking rooms.

In Calheta, Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature offers 24-hour front desk service.

The best-rated hotel in Calheta with a gym is Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature.

The hotel in Calheta with luggage storage is: Hotel Calheta Beach Allinclusive Savoy Signature.