Moradia Furnas

If you want to spend your island holiday located near a sandy beach, Calheta, on the west side of the island, is a fantastic choice. This pretty and historic town features an atmospheric marina where you’ll find plenty on offer in the way of companies selling fishing trips and whale-watching tours, as well as some fabulous restaurants. Calheta is a popular destination for those who enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, surfing and paragliding, as well as for lovers of architecture and art.

The town’s Mudas Museum houses a stunning collection of contemporary Portuguese art dating from the 1960s to the present, although it’s worth knowing before you make the trip that the museum is only open from Tuesday to Sunday. Another small yet interesting museum that is well worth a visit when you visit Calheta is the Sugar Cane Mill and museum - especially as entry is free! The museum houses machinery that was once used to process sugar cane, as well as a working mill which is still used to produce sugar cane honey today. Once you’ve taken in some of the island’s history at this fascinating attraction, be sure to visit the museum’s cafe, where you can try what claims to be the best honey cake in Madeira.

Madeira is home to some beautiful beaches, and although most of them are pebbled or rocky, Calheta beach is the first imported sandy beach on the island. Located on the south coast, visitors here can enjoy the sunniest parts of the island, and the soft golden sands offer the perfect place to relax. The beach is split into two areas, with walls protecting the swimming area from high waves and strong currents, making it a safe place to enjoy the ocean with the children. Calheta beach has all the ingredients you need for spending a memorable day, with public showers and toilets for your convenience, a nearby supermarket, and restaurants and bars just a short walk up the promenade, including a fantastic beachside cafe that serves fruit platters and great coffee at very reasonable prices. The cafe plays music during the day and even has WiFi that reaches down to the beach, so be sure to get the password when you’re in there buying refreshments! 

Read more about Calheta

Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.

THE REGION

Calheta, meaning ‘Small Cove’, is where many tourists flock to in order to indulge in beautiful man-made beaches and striking scenery.

This part of Madeira is formed of several municipalities, each with something unique and special to offer. Calheta Village is an ideal place to start especially if you enjoy a stiff drink! An old sugar cane factory still produces one of the world’s most respected white rums – Aguardente…perhaps you want to leave this part of your holiday till late in the evening!

Jardim do Mar is where you will find many of the locals on dawn patrol, taking to the waves and surfing. The waters can both be heavy and flat, making them ideal for abilities of surfer. Akaw!
 
For lovers of seafood, you should look no further than Paul do Mar. This is a village where most of the fisherman work out of, so you know you’ll be able to find the catch of the day here.

For those who have travelled to Madeira for its inland beauty, then look no further than Arco da Calheta and Prazeres. Within these locations you won’t only be able find some stunning hiking trails, but you’re also likely to stumble across some traditionally styled Parishes and unforgettable views.

ABOUT MADEIRA

The island of Madeira can be found south west of mainland Portugal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the island’s location, its is considered to have a Mediterranean climate that serves locals and visitors all year round – making it an ideal escape from reality at any point in the year.

What we love Madeira for is its seemingly ongoing festivals! Madeirans have found an excuse to celebrate most things; including film, their natural surroundings and key patron saints. This means that planning a visit during these days and even weeks of commemoration is well worth it (scroll down to see some key dates).

Madeira is divided into several municipals, each with a special offering to those who visit this island. Our favourite two communities are Funchal and Calheta and these are where you will find most of our beautiful villas.

Madeira’s landscape extends much more than a striking coastline. Make sure you pack some hiking boots and venture inland during your stay. With mountainous trails along Vereda do Arieiro, or more countryside appropriate paths like Levada do Risco and waterfall chasing treks like Levada do Caldeirao Verde – this archipelago has everything a keen outdoors person requires.

For those who enjoy either playing or watching sports, you’ll be happy to know Madeira offers so much selection. Madeira is also home to three notable football clubs, so if you’re visiting during the football season and want to see a good quality of football, you have every chance to. Porto Santo Golfe is the island’s renowned golf course. With an 18-hole course (Par 72) overlooking a Galapagos-like backdrop, golf enthusiasts will certainly want a ‘slice’ of the action! Surfers can access some great beaches like Jardim do Mar, Ponta Pequena, Paul do Mar, and Fajã da Ovelha in order to find some swell. Or, if you’re simply looking to recline on a sun lounger and soak up some rays, whilst listening to crystal clear waves break as they hit the shores, you will find plenty of man-made beaches & Lidos created for your leisure!

With a superb climate, close proximity to the coastline, wonderful cuisine, charming locals and astonishing scenery – this is a fabulous holiday choice for families & friends.

But while you're enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Madeira, you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we've put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Madeira travel guide >>