Calheta was one of the first areas in Madeira to be farmed. The municipality was once linked to the primary sector, and “industry” used to be important here. There were once as many as eight sugar cane processing factories, though only one of them still works today.
Its sea front has been refurbished with the construction of a marina, surrounded by spacious gardens, and an artificial white-sanded beach.
Two of its parishes, Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar, challenge surfers to ride their spectacular waves, considered among the best in Europe.
There are several restaurants in these fishing villages, where you can taste a variety of fish dishes.
The atmosphere in Prazeres is of one incomparable peace and charm, where time stands still and no-one is ever in a hurry.
From Calheta you can go up to Paul da Serra a 1,500-metre-high plateau, where there is a view of both Madeira’s coasts. You can get to from Rabaçal from there. Here the untouched Madeiran forest covers the mountains with a green mantle.
You can start out from Rabaçal to walk along some of the most beautiful, impressive paths into the depths of the island, until you find yourself surrounded by the Laurissilva Forest.
Miradouro da Fonte do Bispo
This belvedere is on the Paul da Serra plateau and nature lovers will feel the sensation of being enveloped by the exuberant vegetation of the Laurissilva Forest.
Miradouro do Farol da Ponta do Pargo
This belvedere is at the island’s westernmost point and from here we can see the rugged landscape from the lighthouse to Sítio das Achadas da Cruz.
Casa das Mudas Art Centre
This cultural facility in Calheta is divided into two parts, a mansion built in the 16th century that belonged to a granddaughter of João Gonçalves Zarco, the discoverer of Madeira, and a new, modern wing that blends in perfectly with the surrounding scenery.
This cultural centre is designed to house a variety of exhibitions, musical performances, plays, conferences and many other events.
Until 28 February, the Casa das Mudas Art Centre put on a fantastic art exhibition where visitors were able to admire works by such famous artists as Francis Bacon, David Salle, Eric Fischl, Picasso and Dali.
Vale de Amores, Calheta
Phone: 
291 822 808
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Entrance fee: EUR 5.00
Pensioners: EUR 2.50
Population: 11,946
Bathing areas: Calheta’s white sandy beach and pebble beaches at Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar.