Madeira Islands, Portugal

Calheta Beaches

Overview

Calheta, on Madeira's sunny southwest coast, offers a delightful beach experience. Madeira is a volcanic island, but Calheta is known for its inviting golden sand. These beaches were created with imported sand, providing calm waters ideal for family-friendly swimming. This makes Calheta a sought-after destination for a relaxed seaside escape.

The star attraction is Praia da Calheta, with its twin golden sand stretches perfect for sunbathing and gentle swims. For a truly iconic golden sand experience, consider a trip to the nearby island to visit Porto Santo Beach, renowned for its beauty. Another notable golden sand option on Madeira is Praia de Machico, found in a charming historic town.

Beyond the popular golden shores, Madeira also offers the unique charm of natural black sand beaches. Editor's picks like the secluded Prainha do Caniçal offer an authentic experience. The dramatically scenic Praia do Porto do Seixal also showcases the island's volcanic origins. For a comprehensive look at all coastal gems, explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

FAQ

Is the sand at Calheta beach real or artificial?

The sand at Praia da Calheta is real golden sand, but it was imported from Morocco and mainland Portugal. Madeira is a volcanic island, so most of its natural beaches are pebbly or have black volcanic sand. Calheta's beaches were man-made to provide a traditional sandy beach experience.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

Are Calheta beaches good for families and swimming?

Yes, Calheta's main beaches are excellent for families and swimming. They are man-made with imported golden sand and are protected by breakwaters, which create calm, shallow waters ideal for children. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the main bathing season.

What is the water temperature like at Calheta beach? Can you swim year-round?

Water temperatures in Calheta generally range from around 18°C (64°F) in winter (February/March) to about 23-24°C (73-75°F) in summer (August/September). Many people find it suitable for swimming from late spring to autumn. Year-round swimming is possible, especially on sunny days, though it can be quite brisk in winter.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

What facilities are available at Praia da Calheta?

Praia da Calheta is well-equipped with facilities. These include sunbed and umbrella rentals, public toilets, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards during bathing season, first-aid services, and a children's playground. There are also several bars, cafes, and restaurants along the promenade and near the marina.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

Are there hotels in Calheta with direct beach access?

Yes, Calheta has hotels and apartments situated very close to the beach and marina, offering convenient access. For example, the Calheta Beach All-inclusive (Savoy Signature) and Saccharum Resort & Spa are located right by the beach area.
See the full list of accommodation options here.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

How crowded does Calheta beach get and when is the best time to visit?

Being one of Madeira's few sandy beaches, Calheta can get quite crowded, particularly during the peak summer months (July and August) and on weekends. For fewer crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning. The best weather is typically from May to September.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

How does Calheta beach compare to Machico beach?

Both Calheta and Machico feature imported golden sand beaches and are protected by breakwaters, offering calm swimming conditions. Calheta has two separate sandy areas, while Machico has one larger stretch. Calheta is on the sunnier southwest coast. Both have good facilities. Your choice might depend on location preference and overall atmosphere.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta
Praia de Machico
Praia de Machico

Is there parking available near Calheta beach and is it easy to access?

Yes, there is paid parking available. There's an underground car park directly beneath the Pingo Doce supermarket adjacent to the beach, and also some street-level paid parking along the road. These can fill up quickly, especially in summer. The beach itself is easily accessible from the main road and promenade.

People Also Ask

Are there any other swimming spots near Calheta besides the main sandy beach?

While Praia da Calheta is the primary sandy beach, the coastline around Calheta offers some access points to the sea from rocks for those who prefer more natural swimming. For a different experience, you could drive to the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz or Seixal. Nearby villages like Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar are more known for surfing.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta
Praia de Seixal
Praia de Seixal

Are there any specific safety concerns at Calheta beaches, like strong currents or jellyfish?

The main beach areas in Calheta are protected by breakwaters, which generally ensure calm waters and minimal currents, making them safe for swimming. While jellyfish, including the Portuguese Man-of-War, can occasionally appear in Madeiran waters, particularly after storms or with certain currents, they are not a constant problem at Calheta. Lifeguards are present during the main season, and there are flag systems to warn of any dangers.

What's the general vibe in Calheta? Is it a party town or more relaxed?

Calheta is generally known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, particularly around the beach and marina. It's not considered a party destination. It's more suited for visitors seeking sunshine, calm swimming, water sports, and a peaceful base to explore the scenic west of Madeira.

Is Calheta a good year-round beach destination in Madeira?

Calheta, located on Madeira's sunnier southwest coast, enjoys favorable weather for a large part of the year, making it one of the best year-round beach spots on the island. While winters (December-February) are cooler with average air temperatures around 17-19°C, sunny days are still common. The peak beach season with the warmest sea temperatures is from late spring to early autumn (May-October).

How much does it typically cost to rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Praia da Calheta?

The cost for renting a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella at Praia da Calheta is usually around €10 to €15 for the day. Individual sun loungers might be around €2-€3 and parasols €1.50-€2. Prices can vary slightly and are subject to change, so it's always best to check on arrival.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

Does it get very windy on Calheta beaches?

Calheta's beaches are relatively sheltered due to the surrounding landscape and the man-made breakwaters. This generally results in calmer conditions compared to more exposed coastal areas in Madeira. However, as with any island location, breezy days can still occur.

What can you do if Praia da Calheta is too crowded?

If Praia da Calheta is very busy, you could try visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Alternatively, explore the Calheta Marina, visit the Engenho da Calheta (the old sugar cane factory), or check out the Casa das Mudas Arts Center. For other swimming options, you might consider the nearby pebble beach 'Praia do Calhau' or take a drive to explore other coastal areas.
Praia da Calheta
Praia da Calheta

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The fastest way to find the best Calheta Beaches

Calheta Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Calheta: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 25, 2025
It's a fairly good day to be at the beach in Calheta. The sun will be out, so remember your sunscreen, as the UV index will reach 8.7. The air temperature will be around 25.3 °C, and the sea temperature is 24.1 °C, ideal for swimming. Be aware that it will be breezy, with strong gusts of wind, and the waves might be higher than usual at 1.8 m; consider this if you plan to swim.
🌬️

Air

Low / High22.5°C/25.3°C
Feels Like (High)25.9°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature24.1 °C
Wave Height1.8 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:18/21:12
Sunshine Hours12.9 hrs
UV Index8.7
Cloud Cover18%
💨

Wind

Speed26.2 km/h
Gusts81.7 km/h
DirectionNE

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