Calheta is a Madeira resort town and one of the island's main tourist destinations. There are sandy beaches here, and the area is known for its beautiful landscapes, which can be admired from numerous viewpoints.
The village has a typical tourist character, with guesthouses, apartments for rent and hotels. There is Calheta Beach, which was the first artificial beach in Madeira. The golden sand that covers it was brought from Morocco, and the place to rest is separated from the open sea by breakwaters. There is also a second beach in Calheta, Saccharum Beach with slightly darker sand brought from the Sahara desert.
Next to the beach is Calheta's second major seaside attraction. This is Calheta Marina, a port where boats and yachts can moor. This is where the Madeira Whale Watching water safari excursions depart. During the cruise, passengers have the chance to watch whales in their natural environment.
Calheta is also a good base for people who like active recreation. In addition to boat or boat trips, you can go diving, paragliding, and go on a hiking trip, e.g. along the famous hiking route. The PR6 Lewada 25 springs route - Lewada do Risk, where you can find many beautiful viewpoints.
The town itself has a modern, rather low-rise buildings. The main tourist traffic is concentrated around the main Avenida D. Manuel I. In the town, you can visit a small museum, which presents ways of obtaining sugar from sugar cane and surprisingly modern, raw lump of Mudas. Madeira Museum of Contemporary Art.
