Calheta Beach

🥂 All Inclusive with an optional All Inclusive Plus upgrade
🏖️ Direct access to Calheta’s sheltered golden sand beach
🌊 Panoramic Atlantic views from pools, terraces and many rooms
🎯 Great range of facilities for couples and families
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised)
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: All Inclusive, All Inclusive Plus
Rooms: 153 | Blocks: 2 | Floors: 5 | Lifts: 4
Child age: up to 12 years (for child pricing and clubs)

Calheta Beach is tucked into Madeira’s south-west coast, in one of the island’s sunniest, most sheltered pockets. Unlike much of Madeira’s rocky shoreline, Calheta boasts a manmade golden sand beach protected by breakwaters, so the sea here is calm and swimmable – ideal for paddling, SUP and gentle family days.

The hotel backs onto the promenade with its cafés, marina and small selection of bars and restaurants, while behind you, terraces of green hills climb towards the island’s dramatic interior. Funchal’s historic centre, cable car and markets are around 34km away, and there’s a shuttle bus service (payable locally) if you fancy a day in the capital.

Direct access to the beach
50m to a small selection of shops, bars and restaurants
600m to Calheta resort centre
34km to Funchal
Shuttle bus to Funchal once per day (pre-booked, payable locally)

Approx. transfer time from airport: 55 minutes

Calheta, Madeira, Portugal

You’re well looked after on the food-and-drink front at Calheta Beach, with a mix of buffet and à la carte venues and a trio of bars covering everything from poolside snacks to sunset cocktails.

Calheta Restaurant
The main buffet restaurant serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live show-cooking stations. Expect salads, grills, pastas and Madeiran touches, alongside a kids’ corner, highchairs and a microwave for families.

Onda Azul Restaurant
A beachfront à la carte restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. It offers international dishes with a local twist – think fresh fish, seafood and Mediterranean-style plates, plus a kids’ menu.

Local Beach Restaurant
Another à la carte choice right by the sand, open for lunch and dinner. It focuses on a range of international and local Madeiran dishes, with highchairs and kids’ options available.

Bars
• Local Beach Bar & Restaurant – casual beach bar serving drinks and food by the sand.
• Pôr do Sol Bar – pool bar serving drinks and light bites through the day.
• Rabaçal Bar – indoor lounge bar open in the evenings (approx. 18:00–00:00), ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

A smart-casual dress code may apply in the evening, and reservations or supplements can vary depending on board. Service times and venue openings may change by season.

All Inclusive
Buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, plus snacks (including pastries) between meals, and a good selection of national and international drinks for at least 12 hours a day. Guests usually receive two à la carte dinners per week (reservation required), and a dining credit towards the à la carte restaurant at nearby Saccharum Resort & Spa (approx. 500m away).

All Inclusive Plus
Everything in the standard All Inclusive, plus smoothies and enhanced snacks at the Local Beach Bar, premium wines with lunch and dinner, an included fine dining experience at Alambique restaurant (at Saccharum, 500m away; once per week, reservation required), access to a dedicated Sun Lounge at the main pool solarium, use of selected loungers and parasols on the beach (subject to weather and availability), a whale and dolphin watching cruise of around 2.5 hours, and an included weekly round trip to Funchal. Room perks include free safe, bathrobes and slippers, premium toiletries, complimentary bottled water daily, free pool-towel exchange and priority early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability).

All Inclusive inclusions can change; check the latest details at check-in. For a general idea of inclusions, see what All Inclusive typically includes.

Calheta Beach makes the most of its oceanfront setting with pools for every mood and direct access to that all-important sand.

Outdoor pools
• Large outdoor freshwater pool with a children’s section, surrounded by a sunbathing area with sunbeds, hammocks, Balinese beds and parasols – perfect for long, lazy days.
• Separate outdoor freshwater children’s pool with its own sunbathing space, again with loungers, hammocks and Balinese beds dotted around.

Indoor pool
• Heated indoor freshwater pool with integrated whirlpool – a great fallback if the weather turns or you fancy a quieter swim.

Complimentary pool towels are provided, and facilities can vary slightly by pool. Step out from the terraces and bars and you’re moments from Calheta’s manmade golden sand beach, where calm, breakwater-protected waters are ideal for swimming and water sports.

Spa & wellness
The spa area (typically open 10:00–18:00) features a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool, along with a menu of massages and beauty treatments (extra charge; spa services generally from 18+). It’s a soothing space to unwind after levada walks or a day in Funchal.

Fitness & activities
• Air-conditioned gym (minimum age 12 years, usually open 10:00–22:00)
• Instructor-led sessions such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, dance classes, pilates and petanque
• Table tennis and snooker (snooker with extra charge)
• Occasional volleyball and other social sports

Entertainment
The hotel runs a varied entertainment programme year-round.
• May–October: daily evening entertainment including in-house shows, karaoke, live DJ sets, live music, mini-disco and professional performances
• November–April: evening entertainment most days, with in-house shows, karaoke, DJs, live music and professional acts

Programmes and schedules can change by season and occupancy, but you can generally expect family-friendly fun and some livelier evenings.

Double Room with Mountain View
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Compact, comfortable rooms facing the dramatic hillsides behind Calheta. Each includes a balcony, bathroom with shower, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, hairdryer, kettle and coffee-making facilities. A minibar and safe are available at extra charge. Daily cleaning, with towel changes on request.

Double Room with Sea View
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 3
Similar in layout and amenities to the Mountain View rooms but oriented towards the Atlantic, with a balcony looking over the pools and out to sea. Ideal if you love a sunrise or sunset from your room.

Double Room with Mountain View for Sole Use
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 1
A great choice for solo travellers, these rooms mirror the standard Mountain View layout but are priced and configured for single occupancy.

Double Room with Sea View for Sole Use
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 1
Sea-view double room tailored for solo guests, with the same facilities as the other double rooms.

Suite in Main Building with Sea View
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 4
Spacious suites in the main building with separate sleeping and living areas (open-plan or partially divided), a balcony or terrace with sea views, and extra amenities such as a fridge, double cooking rings and a microwave – handy for families or longer stays. Includes shower bathroom, TV, Wi‑Fi, hairdryer, kettle and coffee facilities, plus optional paid minibar and safe.

Suite in Annexe
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 4
Located in the annexe building, reached via a footbridge over the road from the main hotel. These suites offer a balcony or terrace, living space, fridge, cooking rings and microwave, plus standard amenities (TV, Wi‑Fi, air-con, shower bathroom, kettle, coffee-making facilities, hairdryer; safe and minibar at a supplement).

Suite with Side Sea View in Annexe
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 4
As per the annexe suites but with side sea views from the balcony or terrace, combining extra room with a glimpse of the Atlantic.

Superior Suite with Full Sea View
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 4
The top pick for space and views. These suites feature a balcony or terrace with uninterrupted sea views, a bedroom and lounge area, and an upgraded bathroom with bath and separate shower. Extras include bathrobes and slippers, and enhanced toiletries, alongside the usual TV, Wi‑Fi, air-con, kettle, coffee maker and minibar (chargeable).

All rooms benefit from:
• Air conditioning
• Flat-screen TV
• Wi‑Fi
• Balcony or terrace (in most room types)
• Shower or bath and shower combo (room dependent)
• Coffee-making facilities & kettle
• Daily cleaning; towels changed on request

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

🎯 Aerobics and aqua aerobics sessions
💃 Dance and fitness classes
🎱 Snooker and table tennis (snooker at extra charge)
🏐 Social sports including petanque and occasional volleyball
🎤 Evening entertainment with in-house shows, karaoke, DJs, live music and professional performances (programme varies by season)
🛥️ Whale and dolphin watching cruise included once per stay with All Inclusive Plus (approx. 2.5 hours, weather permitting)
🌊 Easy access to the beach for water sports from local providers

🛎️ 24-hour reception and luggage storage
🧸 Children’s club (4–12 yrs) with arts and crafts, small-team games, water and food-based activities, drama, music and games consoles
🏰 Indoor play area (4–12 yrs) with soft play and slides (approx. 10:00–18:00)
🧖 Spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool, massages and beauty treatments (charges apply; spa generally 18+)
💪 Air-conditioned gym (min age 12 yrs)
🧴 Free pool towels
♿ Equipment hire including fan, kettle, motorised scooter, pushchair and wheelchair (some items with local charge)
📰 English newspapers available
🚌 Shuttle bus service to Funchal (payable locally; one trip per day, pre-booking required; a weekly round trip is included for All Inclusive Plus guests)

Services and opening hours can vary seasonally and by occupancy.

Calheta is one of Madeira’s most relaxing corners, combining a rare sandy beach with a working marina, sugar mill and easy access to levada walking trails and UNESCO-protected landscapes inland. You’re around 4 hours’ flight from the UK, with little or no time difference, making this a comfortable year-round escape.

Good to know
• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT±0 (no difference from the UK most of the year)
• Flight time from UK: approx. 4 hours
• Beach: manmade golden sand with calm, breakwater-protected waters
• Many facilities, entertainment options and outdoor services are seasonal or weather-dependent and may change without notice.

*Hotel information is based on the latest supplier details available and may be subject to change. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.

Calheta Beach Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Enjoy All Inclusive value, upgrade to All Inclusive Plus for extra perks, and book with low deposits. All packages are ATOL Protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Calheta Beach fully All Inclusive?
Yes. Calheta Beach offers All Inclusive as standard, covering buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, snacks (such as pastries) at selected times between meals, and a range of national and international drinks served for at least 12 hours per day. You’ll also usually have a set number of à la carte dinners included each week (reservation required). For added extras such as premium wines, upgraded beach services and a whale and dolphin watching trip, you can opt for All Inclusive Plus.

2. What is the difference between All Inclusive and All Inclusive Plus at Calheta Beach?
All Inclusive Plus includes everything in the standard All Inclusive plan, but adds extra benefits: smoothies and enhanced snacks at the beach bar, premium wines with lunch and dinner, a weekly fine-dining experience at Alambique restaurant (at the nearby Saccharum hotel, reservation required), access to a dedicated Sun Lounge by the main pool, use of sun loungers and parasols on the beach (subject to availability), an included whale and dolphin watching cruise of around 2.5 hours, and a weekly round trip to Funchal. In-room perks include free safe, bathrobes and slippers, upgraded amenities, complimentary bottled water and complimentary early check-in/late check-out when available.

3. Is Calheta Beach good for children?
Very much so. The hotel has a children’s pool, a main pool with kids’ section, a kids’ club for 4–12-year-olds, and an indoor play area with soft play and slides. Restaurants provide kids’ menus and highchairs, and the calm, sheltered waters at Calheta’s manmade beach are excellent for paddling and beginner swimming. The official child age for pricing is up to 12 years.

4. Are there indoor facilities if the weather is bad?
Yes. As well as two outdoor pools, Calheta Beach offers a heated indoor pool with a whirlpool, plus a spa area with sauna, steam room and Turkish bath (charges apply for treatments). There’s also an indoor lounge bar and an indoor play area for children, so you can still relax even if the weather is less cooperative.

5. How do I get from the airport to Calheta Beach, and is there a shuttle to Funchal?
The drive from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) to Calheta Beach takes around 55 minutes. Transfers can be pre-booked as part of your Travelisto holiday. From the hotel, there is also a shuttle bus to Funchal’s resort centre once per day, which must be pre-booked and is payable locally (a weekly round trip is typically included with All Inclusive Plus). This makes it easy to explore the island’s capital without hiring a car.

6. Is Calheta Beach accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
The hotel is spread across two blocks with multiple lifts, and offers equipment such as wheelchairs and motorised scooters for hire (subject to availability and local charge). As with many properties built into a hillside, some areas may have slopes or steps, so if you have specific mobility needs, speak to our Travelisto team before booking so we can check a room and resort combination that suits you.

7. Does Calheta Beach have Wi‑Fi?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout Calheta Beach, including rooms and public areas, so you can stay connected, share photos or stream on your own devices.