Qué ver en Calheta

Calheta Essentials

Calheta represents the dramatic geography of Madeira's southwest, ranging from coastal sugar cane mills to the high-altitude Paul da Serra plateau. The region is centered on Rabaçal, a gateway to the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest where the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall originate. Historical sites like the Engenho da Calheta showcase the island's sugar heritage, while 15th-century chapels and high-altitude viewpoints like Pico dos Bodes offer insight into the local architecture and panoramic landscape.

Calheta Essentials — Mapa

Unukorno / CC BY 3.0

A

25 Fontes Falls

The 25 Fontes is a group of waterfalls located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra on Madeira Island.

Fátima Rocha / CC0

B

Paul da Serra

Paul da Serra in the municipal county of Ponta do Sol, Madeira, is the largest and most extensive plateau of Madeira, at about 24 km2, with…

GanMed64 / CC BY 2.0

C

Risco

A towering waterfall cascading into a pool from the Risco cliff. It is accessible via the Levada do Risco trail starting from the Rabaçal forest station.

anagh / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Rabaçal

A major hiking hub located within the Paul da Serra plateau. It serves as the starting point for several primary levada walks through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest.

E

Calheta Rum Factory

A distillery producing white rum Aguardente out of sugar cane is still working. You can visit the factory and buy their products.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

F

Lagoa do Vento

A high waterfall that drops into a large natural lagoon. The site is reached via a trail from Rabaçal that descends through dense laurel forest.

G

Igreja Paroquial de São João Baptista

A 16th-century parish church featuring a Manueline-style portal and a Moorish-inspired ceiling. It houses a silver processional cross donated by King Manuel I.

H

Capela de Nossa Senhora do Loreto

One of Madeira's oldest religious buildings, this 15th-century chapel features Manueline architectural details and is associated with the island's early noble families.

I

Pico dos Bodes

A mountain viewpoint offering a 360-degree panorama of the Calheta coastline and the surrounding agricultural terraces. It includes a modern observation platform.