Beaches
Praia da Calheta
One of Madeira's few sand beaches, with sand shipped in from North Africa.
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The place
Calheta built Madeira's most reliable swimming beach by trucking in sand, since the island's native shoreline is almost all basalt and pebble. The result is a sheltered, family-friendly bay with a marina, palm-lined promenade, and some of the calmest water on the south coast.
When to come
Morning before the afternoon crowd arrives; June-September for warmest sea temps.
Worth knowing
- Free entry, lifeguards in bathing season
- Paid parking near the marina
- Showers, changing rooms, cafes on the promenade
- Pairs well with a walk up to Casa das Mudas