Paragliding from Arco da Calheta
Arco da Calheta is the best-known paragliding site on Madeira. The take-off is high on the slope above the coast between Calheta and Madalena do Mar, next to a viewpoint, and the gliders land on the beach below.
A tandem flight needs no experience: you run a few steps with the pilot, then sit back in the harness for 20 to 30 minutes over the cliffs and banana terraces. Flights depend on the wind, so keep a spare day. Visiting pilots need insurance and an IPPI card, and pay a small day fee at the take-off, which is on private land.
- typical tandem flight
- 20–30 min
- flyable days a year, local pilots say
- ~300
Diving and snorkelling
A dive centre on Calheta beach runs try dives, courses and boat dives along the coast. The water is clear, and the volcanic rock is home to groupers, parrotfish, ornate wrasse and octopus, with rays on lucky days.
For snorkelling, the calm water inside the breakwaters at the sand beach is the easiest place to start. Further west the sea is wilder: only swim where locals do, and only when the sea is flat. The water is about 18 °C in spring and 24 °C in September (sea temperatures by month).
Canyoning near Rabaçal
Streams running off the Paul da Serra plateau cut deep, wet canyons. Ribeira do Alecrim and Ribeira do Lajeado on the plateau, and Ribeira dos Cedros and Ribeira da Água Negra near Rabaçal, are used for canyoning: abseiling down waterfalls, sliding down rock and jumping into pools.
Go only with a licensed guide, who brings the wetsuits, helmets and ropes. Alecrim is the usual first canyon for beginners. Trips are called off after heavy rain, when the water rises fast.
Biking, kayaks and more
- Mountain biking: tracks across the Paul da Serra plateau and long descents to the coast. Local companies rent bikes and e-bikes and guide rides.
- Kayak and paddleboard: on calm days at the sand beach and along the marina.
- Walking: the levadas at Rabaçal are the big draw. Walks and levadas.
- Surfing: for experienced surfers, in winter, at Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar. Surfing.
- On the sea: boat trips and big game fishing from the marina.
Indoors and in town
See contemporary art at the MUDAS museum above the beach (Calheta town), taste rum at the Engenho da Calheta, or visit the churches and chapels of the hill villages (the eight parishes).
A drive away
There is no golf course in Calheta. Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra are in the east of the island, about an hour away, and the gardens of Funchal make a good half day. More ideas in day trips from Calheta.