Praia da Calheta Madeira
A popular beach with imported golden sand, calm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure sunbeds before crowds.
Praia da Calheta Madeira
Best Time
Secure sunbeds before crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular beach with imported golden sand, calm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming and water sports.
"Praia da Calheta is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear, calm waters – perfect for a relaxing swim."
🎯 Secure Sunbeds Early
Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends for paid sunbeds & umbrellas; free beach space always available. :sun:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking (€0.80/hr) is close; explore nearby streets for free options. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sandy Shores
Praia da Calheta
Enjoy imported golden sand and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
Beach Club Convenience
Praia da Calheta
A laid-back beach club offers affordable drinks and snacks right by the sea.
Lifeguard Supervision
Praia da Calheta
Feel extra safe with lifeguard supervision, making it an ideal spot for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Parking and Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secure Sunbeds Early
Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends for paid sunbeds & umbrellas; free beach space always available. :sun:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking (€0.80/hr) is close; explore nearby streets for free options. :car:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Waters
Calm, shallow waters with lifeguard supervision make it perfect for kids. :child:
🏖️ Imported Golden Sand
Enjoy the unique imported golden sand for a comfortable beach experience. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Sunbeds Early
Arrive by 10:30 AM on weekends for paid sunbeds & umbrellas; free beach space always available. :sun:
🚗 Parking Strategy
Paid parking (€0.80/hr) is close; explore nearby streets for free options. :car:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Waters
Calm, shallow waters with lifeguard supervision make it perfect for kids. :child:
🏖️ Imported Golden Sand
Enjoy the unique imported golden sand for a comfortable beach experience. :sparkles:
🍽️ Convenient Beach Club
Grab affordable drinks and snacks at the laid-back beach club. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Praia da Calheta is praised for its beautiful imported golden sand, calm and safe waters perfect for families, and convenient amenities like a beach club and nearby supermarket. Visitors appreciate the lifeguard supervision and the overall relaxed atmosphere, though securing prime sunbeds requires an early arrival on weekends.
"Been there on a Saturday. We showed up around 10:30 am. At this time we got curbside parking (80 cents per hour) and - most importantly- an umbrella and two sunbeds for 11 Euro. Around noon, all sunbeds were occupied, you only got lucky to get one if somebody leaves. You can also pit your towels on the beach - for free and always a space available. Sand is nice (imported) and sea swimming protected by lifeguard."
Al Hau
"A very lovely sandy beach, with only a few rocks. Paid street parking available until about noon, after that it's gets pretty full, but there is a park garage. The beach itself isn't to crowded, there are options if you want to be more comfortable, like umbrellas and chairs for rent but you can go with a blanket or towel also. P.S. We stayed at the back on the rocks which separate the beach from the ocean, but when tide arrives it can get wet easily."
Robert Adam
"Sheltered place to swim, and lots of lovely bars. Fabulous for sunset.
if you want to snorkle, go to the eastern most beach - many fish in the shelterd cove"
Gen Labram
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Funchal to Calheta, which is a scenic journey. Alternatively, renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring the island. Bolt or taxi services are also available for shorter trips.
Paid parking is available near the beach at €0.80 per hour. If you're willing to walk a bit, you can often find free parking on the surrounding streets.
Yes, public buses connect Funchal to Calheta. It's a good option if you prefer not to drive. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
For local exploration, Bolt and taxis are readily available. For longer day trips around the island, renting a car is highly recommended.
While you can reach Calheta by bus, a rental car provides the most freedom to explore other parts of Madeira and makes getting to the beach more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Praia da Calheta has free entry. You only pay for optional services like sunbeds and umbrellas.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically around 11 Euro for a set. It's advisable to arrive early to secure them.
Praia da Calheta is an open beach and does not have specific opening hours. However, lifeguard services and the beach club operate during daylight hours.
Booking in advance is generally not required, but it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to guarantee a spot with chairs and umbrellas.
Yes, free toilet facilities are available for visitors at Praia da Calheta.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Praia da Calheta is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. The calm waters make it ideal for a relaxed dip.
Absolutely! The calm, shallow waters and lifeguard supervision make it a very safe and enjoyable beach for families with children.
The beach features imported golden sand, which is soft and pleasant underfoot, offering a comfortable sunbathing experience.
Yes, there is lifeguard supervision at Praia da Calheta, adding an extra layer of safety for swimmers.
Amenities include paid sunbeds and umbrellas, free toilets, and a beach club offering drinks and snacks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a beach club right on the beach offering drinks and snacks. You'll also find restaurants and a large supermarket nearby.
Praia da Calheta is a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach or at designated areas.
The beach club offers a selection of drinks and snacks, perfect for a casual bite while enjoying the seaside atmosphere.
While specific menus aren't detailed, beach clubs often have lighter options. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival for current offerings.
The beach club is generally considered affordable, offering a laid-back and reasonably priced option for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday provides bright, clear shots of the turquoise water. 
The area near the Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Madeira offers stunning elevated views of the beach. Drone shots also capture its beauty.
The contrast of the golden sand against the deep blue sea, the modern architecture of the beach club, and the surrounding cliffs make it very photogenic.
Drone photography is popular here, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives of the beach and coastline. Ensure you are aware of any local drone regulations.
Wide shots capturing the expanse of the beach and sea, close-ups of the golden sand, and shots incorporating the beach club's modern design are all effective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's a convenient beach club for snacks and drinks, and a large supermarket nearby for picnic supplies. Parking is manageable, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to spend a full day here without stress.
🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
From Calheta, you can easily access other parts of the island. It's a good launching point for scenic drives and visiting other attractions. Remember to book rental cars in advance, especially during peak season.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For unique perspectives, consider drone photography to capture the beach's layout and surrounding landscape. Views from the nearby Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Madeira also provide excellent vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Imported Sand
The decision to import sand was made to create a more traditional beach experience, catering to those who prefer lighter-colored sands. This has successfully transformed the area into a sought-after destination, offering a different kind of beach environment compared to other parts of the island. The sand is well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience throughout the day.
Family-Friendly Features and Safety
Adding to the peace of mind for families, the beach is equipped with lifeguard supervision. This ensures that trained professionals are on hand to monitor swimmers and respond to any emergencies. Combined with the tranquil waters, this makes Praia da Calheta a worry-free spot for a day of family fun. The presence of a nearby supermarket and a clean beach club further enhances the convenience for families.
Exploring Madeira from Calheta
For local excursions, services like Bolt and taxis are readily available. For more extensive island exploration, such as visiting Funchal or venturing into the mountainous interior, renting a car is highly recommended. This provides the flexibility to discover hidden gems and scenic routes at your own pace. Public buses are also an option for traveling to Funchal, offering a more budget-friendly way to see the capital.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit